OpenHealth Q&A

Get answered by medical professionals

Concern for Dad's Mysterious Episodes at the Airport

7/11/2025, 2:40:22 AMMale25-34

I just finished a phone conversation with my father, who is 73 years old. Upon answering his call, I was greeted with unsettling news that he was at the hospital, which naturally sent me into a panic, fearing the worst. Thankfully, he reassured me that he was in good spirits and his condition was stable. While he isn’t in the best health—struggling with type 2 diabetes, being overweight, and the challenges that come with aging—he still enjoys a decent level of activity, particularly traveling. However, he does neglect both diet and exercise. Here’s what transpired during his recent flight to Portland, Oregon: After disembarking, he felt fine for about ten minutes. Then, inexplicably, he began to increase his walking pace until he ended up collapsing. This incident occurred not once, but three times. He emphasized that he did not experience dizziness or fatigue, which he found quite strange. It was as if he was caught in a cycle of accelerating his pace until he fainted. The airport staff intervened promptly, and he was taken to the hospital. According to him, all results from his medical tests appeared normal, except that the doctors suspect a gallbladder complication which he’ll need to address upon returning home. He mentioned that there is additional fluid surrounding it, indicating a possible infection. Has anyone encountered similar situations or symptoms that could provide some insight? I'm eager to understand what might be happening and to suggest any specific concerns to his doctors. I truly appreciate any advice you can offer!

DiabetesInternal MedicineRheumatology

Answers (1)

Cony

7/11/2025, 2:40:37 AM

OpenHealth AI

It’s understandable to feel anxious about your father's situation, especially with his history of health issues and the unusual episodes he experienced. Based on what you've shared, your father's episodes of increasing walking pace followed by collapsing could relate to several factors regarding his health, especially given his age and conditions like diabetes.

Main Points:

  1. Unexplained Collapses: These episodes might be due to various reasons, such as blood sugar fluctuations, dehydration, or cardiovascular issues.
  2. Gallbladder Concerns: The suspected gallbladder complications could also be a factor, particularly if there’s an associated infection.
  3. Immediate Actions: It’s essential to keep track of his symptoms and lifestyle choices before his follow-up medical appointments.

Explanation:

Your father’s episodes of hastening his pace until he collapses are concerning, especially since he lacks typical warning signs like dizziness or fatigue. In someone with diabetes, low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) could cause sudden weakness or fainting, especially if he hasn’t eaten enough or has had changes in his activity levels. Additionally, the stress of travel and the potential gallbladder issue could contribute to his overall condition.

Next Steps:

  1. Monitor Blood Sugar Levels: Encourage him to check his blood sugar regularly, especially around the times he feels physically exerted. Keeping a log may help identify patterns.

  2. Stay Hydrated: Make sure he is drinking enough fluids, especially during travel. Dehydration can exacerbate dizziness and fatigue.

  3. Balanced Diet: Urge him to maintain a balanced diet, focusing on consistent meals with carbohydrates, proteins, and fats. This can help stabilize his blood sugar levels, especially during physical activity.

  4. Follow Up on Gallbladder Issues: When he sees his doctor, ensure he discusses the potential gallbladder complications and any related symptoms. Asking specifically about how this could affect his overall health and activity levels is important.

  5. Emergency Plan: If he experiences similar episodes again, having a clear plan for how to respond can be reassuring for both of you. Knowing when to call for help or how to manage the situation can reduce anxiety.

It may also be worthwhile to evaluate his medications and any other underlying factors, such as heart health, that his doctors might consider during his follow-up appointments. Keeping open communication with his healthcare providers will be crucial in managing his condition effectively.

If you have ongoing concerns or notice a change in symptoms, don’t hesitate to seek immediate medical advice.

Related Questions

Strange Blisters After Cellulitis Treatment

I’m a 22-year-old female, standing at 5'3", and I recently completed a course of antibiotics for cellulitis just yesterday. A couple of days into the treatment, I discovered unusual blisters filled with clear fluid on the leg that was infected. Surprisingly, these blisters have also started to manifest on the opposite leg. They’re not painful, just a bit itchy. Additionally, I experienced a significant sunburn three days before my cellulitis diagnosis. Could this be a lingering effect of the sunburn, or might it indicate a more serious issue? Further details are available in the comments section.

Multiple SclerosisFibromyalgiaInternal Medicine
Male25-34
21 seconds ago

Changes in a Puncture Hematoma: From Injury to New Concerns

Summary: An injury caused by a tack remover resulted in a large internal bruise that has since left a hard lump in my leg. Recently, after bumping it, the lump shifted position and became smaller. Last year, while trying to clear out screw holes on my metal roof in a rushed manner, I improperly wielded a tack remover. The tool slipped, resulting in a painful stab just below my knee. I quickly removed it and descended from the roof, reassured to find the bleeding ceased almost instantly. After carefully cleaning and bandaging the wound, I went about my day. However, after about two hours of activity, I noticed that the bandage was feeling unusually tight. Upon inspection, I discovered that the wound had been bleeding internally, causing a sizeable hematoma which began to grow significantly. I sought help from an EMT, concerned it might lead to compartment syndrome, and was advised to head to the emergency room. An X-ray confirmed extensive internal bleeding, with the hematoma nearly reaching the size of my knee. Fortunately, the wound eventually healed, albeit leaving a hard, immobile lump that felt like bone. Some months later, I accidentally fell on that area. To my surprise, the lump appeared to be smaller than before. A couple of weeks later, two identical lumps emerged overnight on every distal joint of my fingers. Just two weeks after that, the same phenomenon occurred on all ten toes. X-rays of my hands showed no abnormalities, leading me to consider the possibility of reactive arthritis, for which I have an appointment scheduled with a rheumatologist in September. Each time I discuss my knee lump with different doctors, they examine it briefly before expressing mild concern. This morning, I accidentally hit my leg against a drawer. An hour later, I squatted down and experienced familiar pain, noticing that the lump had shifted again—it was now smaller and seemed to have moved closer to my kneecap, rather than being located an inch below as it used to be. I am filled with questions regarding this unusual development. What exactly is this lump? Could it consist of metal fragments my body has surrounded? Is there a possibility of having it surgically removed? Moreover, could this lump be linked to the recent appearances of similar lumps on my fingers and toes? How can I seek further assistance if my primary care physicians dismiss these concerns?

ArthritisThyroid DisordersRheumatology
Male25-34
20 minutes ago

Is This Epilepsy?

**Age Group:** 20s **Concerned Area:** Brain **Duration of Issues:** Over the past few years During the last four years, I’ve experienced multiple concerning incidents related to my head. It all began after an unfortunate encounter on a train where a homeless individual coughed directly on me. Subsequently, I developed pneumonia, and eventually, meningitis. I owe my recovery to the use of a steroid inhaler and antibiotics; without them, I genuinely believe I wouldn’t have survived. One morning, I woke up with a painfully stiff neck, icy hands, sensitivity to light, and an overwhelming sense of fatigue. At first, I assumed I must have slept awkwardly, so I decided to use my cold hands to ease the discomfort in my neck. In a surprising turn, my body tensed up suddenly, and I lost consciousness, falling off the bed—an event that I suspect was a seizure. The aftermath left me feeling quite disoriented. On another occasion, I was randomly assaulted when someone struck me in the back of my head. Following that, I found myself under significant stress during which my right eye experienced a strange malfunction, leading to a stroke-like episode that doctors later identified as a hemiplegic migraine. Shortly after visiting the emergency room, I caught COVID-19 while waiting, and post-recovery, I noticed that every cough caused my head to spin to an alarming degree, almost causing me to lose my balance. Coupled with this, I had clear fluid incessantly leaking from my nose, which was identified as cerebrospinal fluid. I've undergone an MRI and various other medical tests. Lately, I've been plagued by feelings of confusion and occasional déjà vu. It often feels like I’m disconnected from my own body. Just today, I felt particularly out of touch. In moments of high stress, I often feel dazed and unable to grasp what’s happening around me. Despite consulting several doctors, their responses have left me feeling frustrated and without clarity on the situation.

Multiple SclerosisThyroid DisordersRheumatology
Male25-34
40 minutes ago

Is It Possible to Retain a Mark from an IV?

A 38-year-old woman, standing 5 feet tall and weighing 175 pounds, who is menopausal due to a hysterectomy and is on estrogen therapy, shares her experience. On May 6th, I visited the emergency room (ER) where an IV was inserted into my forearm. The process was quite painful. I ended up in a side waiting area, separate from the larger main area. Previously, I had worked in this ER and knew that this particular zone was designated for overflow or those needing IVs but without a room available. IVs can often be a source of discomfort, and I usually take the chance to rest when I can, laying in bed to nap. However, on this occasion, I opted for a standard chair, and any slight shift in position caused significant pain. After some time, the nurse came over and promptly removed the IV, and I felt a sharp pang as she did. She instructed me to press a gauze pad against the site. On my journey home, I noticed more bleeding than usual—while it wasn't excessive, it was still above my norm. The following day, I discovered that the area was significantly bruised, a deep purple hue extending about 2-3 inches in diameter. Over the next few weeks, it gradually healed, but as of today, I am left with a faint brownish mark. It's subtle enough that others might not notice it, yet it's visible to me when I extend my arm. Is this a common occurrence? Might the abrupt removal of the IV be the cause of this lingering mark? Thank you in advance for your insights!

Multiple SclerosisInternal MedicineEndocrinology
Male25-34
50 minutes ago

Concerns About Abnormal Blood Test Results in a 54-Year-Old Non-Drinker

I’m a 54-year-old woman who recently underwent routine blood testing for the first time in many years. Typically, I’ve enjoyed good health, maintaining a healthy weight and stable blood pressure, which is why I hadn’t felt the need for regular check-ups. My doctor expressed some concerns regarding my results and has referred me for both a colonoscopy and an endoscopy. I would appreciate any insights into the following abnormal blood work results: - Hemoglobin: 9.9 - Iron: 16 - Percentage Saturation: 4% - Hematocrit: 32.3 - MCV: 67.3 - MCH: 20.6 - MCHC: 30.7 - RDW: 17 - ALT: 102 - Bilirubin: 0.2 - Hemoglobin A1C: 6 - Vitamin B12: 1469 All other tests returned results within the normal range. In addition to these lab findings, I’ve been experiencing: - Occasional bright red blood in my stool, often described as clots, which I have been advised in the past is due to internal hemorrhoids and not to worry about. - Unintentional weight loss over the last year, approximately 6-8% of my body weight. - Persistent fatigue. I want to add that I do not consume alcohol, and I’ve had an IUD for two decades prior to reaching menopause, resulting in no menstrual periods for many years. What could be potential explanations for these lab findings? While I understand that the colonoscopy scheduled for next week will provide more information, I’m looking for some reassurance to help me cope until then. Thank you!

ArthritisThyroid DisordersInternal Medicine
Male25-34
50 minutes ago