Concerns About My Grandfather's Health
Over the past few months, my grandfather has encountered some serious health challenges. At 74 years old, standing at 6 feet and weighing 250 pounds, he experiences episodes of intense shaking and chills accompanied by a high fever. Remarkably, he remains fully conscious during these episodes, which can last anywhere from 20 to 30 minutes. Following these incidents, he often feels breathless and unusually tired for the next day or so. More recently, these occurrences have increased in frequency, particularly during the night, yet they seem to happen without any consistent pattern. His blood pressure has been measured at 94/68, and his hemoglobin levels are within normal ranges. He has a history of kidney stones and has undergone gallbladder removal in the past. Although he has been diagnosed with a fatty liver, he has abstained from alcohol for several years. Despite undergoing various medical evaluations—including blood tests, MRI and CT scans, as well as a sleep study—all results have returned normal. I feel quite helpless and am seeking ways to support him during this difficult time.
Answers (1)
7/15/2025, 4:20:43 PM
OpenHealth AI
I'm sorry to hear about your grandfather's health challenges. His symptoms are concerning, and I understand why you're feeling helpless. Based on what you’ve described, it sounds like he is experiencing episodes that need careful evaluation, especially given his age and medical history.
Main Points:
- Symptoms of Concern: Intense shaking, chills, high fever, breathlessness, and fatigue could suggest several medical conditions that require further exploration.
- Potential Causes: Given that previous tests have returned normal, conditions like infections (including recurrent urinary tract infections), metabolic issues, or other underlying conditions such as autonomic dysfunction might be worth considering.
Explanation:
The episodes of shaking and chills with high fever, along with breathlessness and fatigue afterward, could indicate various issues. These might range from infections (even if tests are normal), metabolic problems possibly related to kidney health or liver function, to other rare conditions that may not readily show on standard scans or blood tests. The fact that they occur more frequently at night may suggest a connection to circadian rhythm or other physiological changes.
Next Steps:
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Symptom Tracking: Keep a detailed diary of his episodes, noting the time, duration, related activities, and any other symptoms he experiences. This can help in identifying patterns or triggers.
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Infection Checks: Consider asking about a urinalysis to rule out a urinary tract infection, especially since these can present with shaking and fever without localized pain. Also, monitoring for any signs of respiratory infections could be valuable.
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Hydration and Nutrition: Ensure he stays well-hydrated and maintains a balanced diet to support his overall health, especially considering his history of kidney stones and fatty liver.
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Follow-Up: Regular follow-ups with his healthcare provider are essential for managing his symptoms. If he has not already seen a specialist such as a neurologist or infectious disease expert, encourage exploring those options given the complexity of his symptoms.
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Support and Reassurance: Emotional and physical support from family can be very beneficial. Encourage him to talk about his experiences, and ensure he feels supported during these episodes.
If new symptoms arise — such as changes in mental status, worsening breathlessness, or persistent fevers — seek immediate medical attention. Remember, you're doing an important job advocating for your grandfather's health. Let me know if you have any more specific questions or concerns!
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