Desperate for Answers: My Father's Ongoing Health Crisis
At the age of 63, my father has been grappling with a myriad of alarming health problems for several years. His symptoms manifest in several troubling ways: sudden instances of diarrhea, severe abdominal discomfort that can reach excruciating levels, bouts of vomiting, temporary loss of vision concurrent with these digestive issues, as well as diagnosed conditions like Macular Telangiectasia—though it’s uncertain how these are interconnected. He also experiences hallucinations and delirium, alongside skin rashes. My father suffers from diverticulitis and diverticulosis, and had his gallbladder surgically removed around two decades ago. His diet has become increasingly restricted, as he struggles to consume many types of food, including fruits and vegetables; most meals result in debilitating diarrhea and intense abdominal pain. These distressing episodes can last anywhere from a full day to two weeks, with the most recent episode just concluding yesterday after an exhausting fortnight. Despite numerous visits to specialists, answers have remained elusive. He's undergone colonoscopy procedures and even swallowed a capsule equipped with a camera for further investigation. The findings showed mild intestinal inflammation, which seemed unsurprising given his symptoms. Doctors noted some narrowing in his intestinal area, yet they concluded it shouldn't be the source of all his issues. He was also tested for Multiple Sclerosis; while four indicators suggested the possibility, a follow-up examination is required for definitive conclusions. The onset of these episodes is often abrupt, forcing him to confine himself to the bathroom to avoid uncomfortable accidents. During the latest crisis, in which I was present for several days, he unexpectedly fainted on two occasions. Additionally, he displayed strange tremors—similar to light seizures—where his body became tense but without locking of the jaw, if that makes sense. In a worrying turn, he lost nearly all vision during this episode. Despite his macular condition causing some visual blurriness, it was alarming to see him unable to see at all. He became engulfed in hallucinations linked to past traumas, vividly recalling the trauma of witnessing his father's shooting, then spiraling further into delusions of being a monstrous figure responsible for numerous deaths in a war—despite never having been involved in any conflict. I can't help but wonder if, in such a state of distress, his mind tried to shield him from past memories by conjuring up scenes reminiscent of action films, although this remains purely speculative on my part. Today, I paid him a visit, and he expressed gratitude for my support while gifting me something special. Yet, in a deeply poignant moment, he voiced his fears about how much longer he might endure, convinced that these escalating health episodes could ultimately prove fatal. Given the deteriorating nature of his situation, I’m growing increasingly concerned and desperate for answers. With all of his healthcare providers stumped, I turned to this community in search of insight and guidance.
Answers (1)
7/29/2025, 3:31:19 AM
OpenHealth AI
I'm truly sorry to hear about your father's ongoing health struggles. It’s understandable to feel overwhelmed and desperate for clarity amid such complex and distressing health issues. His symptoms are indeed troublesome, and I want to provide you with some supportive and actionable suggestions to navigate this situation.
Main Points
Your father's health issues may involve multiple factors, including gastrointestinal conditions and possible neurological concerns. It is crucial to prioritize comprehensive management, lifestyle adjustments, and further diagnostic considerations.
Explanation
Your father’s combination of symptoms—such as severe abdominal pain, diarrhea, visual disturbances, and hallucinations—suggests several interrelated health challenges. The fact that he has diverticulitis and diverticulosis, along with a history of gallbladder removal, indicates that his digestive system may have increased vulnerability. Additionally, the temporary loss of vision and episodes of delirium could imply neurological involvement that warrants thorough evaluation.
The narrowing of his intestinal area may contribute to his symptoms, especially combined with inflammation. If digestive issues are causing severe discomfort and frequent episodes of diarrhea, a registered dietitian specializing in gastrointestinal disorders might be helpful to tailor an appropriate diet. This can greatly improve his quality of life and reduce complications.
Next Steps
-
Dietary Management: Aim for a diet tailored to his gastrointestinal needs. Start by considering a low-residue diet (which limits fiber) during flare-ups to reduce stool bulk, easing abdominal discomfort. Gradually introduce easy-to-digest foods and keep a food diary to identify triggers.
-
Symptom Tracking: Keep a detailed diary of symptoms—including timing, duration, and severity—along with any dietary intake and episodes of hallucination or delirium. This could help identify any patterns and provide valuable information for his healthcare team.
-
Neurological Assessment: Given his hallucinations and fainting spells, consider working with a neurologist for a thorough evaluation. They may recommend brain imaging (like an MRI) or additional testing to assess for neurological disorders, including Multiple Sclerosis.
-
Medication Review: Ensure that all medications he is taking are reviewed by his healthcare provider. Some medications can cause side effects like gastrointestinal distress or neurological symptoms.
-
Mental Health Support: The psychological aspect of his health is equally significant, especially with underlying trauma potentially influencing his condition. Seeking support from a mental health professional experienced in working with patients with chronic illness may help him cope with his experiences and reduce the severity of his distressing symptoms.
-
Emergency Plan: Given the risk of his fainting and hallucinations, establish a clear action plan for when he experiences severe symptoms. Ensure he and anyone caring for him know when it's critical to seek immediate medical help.
Conclusion
It’s essential to maintain a supportive environment for your father, encouraging open communication about his symptoms and fears. Balancing between managing physical symptoms and providing emotional support can significantly impact his well-being. Please don’t hesitate to ask for any further assistance or clarification; your father's health is paramount, and exploring every avenue for care is important.
Related Questions
Concerns After Gallbladder Surgery (Three Weeks Post-Op) - Is It an Infection?
Profile: - Age: 35 - Gender: Female - Height: 5 feet 4 inches - Weight: 160 pounds - Ethnicity: Asian Duration of Symptoms: Last Three Weeks Location: United States Recent Medical History: Nearly three weeks have passed since my gallbladder removal surgery. Over the last few days, I've noticed a small amount of unclear fluid coming from the incision. I just observed what seems to be pus oozing from the surgical site. Although there is slight tenderness when I move or touch the area, it isn't painful. Thankfully, I haven’t experienced any fever or chills, and there’s no unpleasant odor emanating from the wound. Should I continue to clean it with soap and water, or is it necessary for me to visit the emergency room for further evaluation?
Exploring Inositol and CoQ10 for Managing PCOS Symptoms
As a 28-year-old female, I have faced the challenges of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) since my teenage years. Starting from the age of 16, I have dealt with highly irregular menstrual cycles, occurring anywhere from three to eight months apart. My diagnosis has been substantiated through two ultrasounds and blood tests revealing elevated androgen levels. Despite maintaining a healthy diet and leading an active lifestyle—balancing my work as an environmental biologist with gym sessions alongside my husband—I continue to wrestle with weight management. Other symptoms impacting my daily life include significant hair loss, unwanted facial hair, and persistent fatigue. In my journey to manage PCOS, I previously sought counsel from a gynaecologist, who primarily suggested hormonal birth control as the main approach to alleviate my symptoms. Although I adhered to this recommendation for several years, the hormonal changes negatively impacted my mood, leading me to discontinue its use. Another alternative proposed by my gynaecologist involved androgen blockers, but these are not suitable for me since my husband and I plan to start a family in the next two to three years. Recently, my research led me to discover that supplements like Inositol and CoQ10 might effectively combat insulin resistance and lower androgen levels. They are purported to improve various symptoms associated with PCOS, including the regulation of ovulation, all while boasting minimal adverse effects. I am curious about the viability of these supplements as alternatives to hormonal birth control or androgen blockers in managing my PCOS symptoms.
Seeking Clarity on My Spinal Tap Results: A Bit Anxious
I am a 31-year-old woman experiencing a continuous headache for the past four months, accompanied by feelings of nausea and exhaustion. I take Lexapro each day to manage my mental health. I have a history of migraines and headaches, but this recent episode doesn't align with my previous experiences. Here are the findings from my spinal tap: - **Opening Pressure of Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF)**: 9 cm H₂O - **Presence of Red Blood Cells (RBCs) in CSF**: 2,570 - **Total Protein Level in CSF**: 107 mg/dL - **ACE Level in CSF**: 4.4 - **Other Tests on CSF**: Results were normal. - **Brain MRI and MR Venography**: Both tests yielded normal results. - **Blood Test Results**: Normal results were obtained. Given these results, I'm feeling a bit uneasy and I’m hoping to better understand what they might indicate about my health.
Navigating Ear Infections While Traveling in Thailand
**Age:** 23 **Height:** 6'3" **Weight:** 88 kg **Medication Taken:** 1000mg Bactoclav - Amoxicillin with Potassium Clavulanate, along with pain relief and antihistamines. **Summary:** I’m hesitant to consult a doctor overseas only to receive a prescription for the same antibiotics available at a local pharmacy for a fraction of the price. What strategies can I employ to effectively manage this persistent ear infection? Am I being too hasty in my expectations? I have a long history of ear infections, often triggered by exposure to water or any activity impacting my ears. I regularly use a specialized oil before showering to prevent water from entering my ears. While backpacking in Thailand, I've developed a particularly severe ear infection over the last several days. Initially, a course of 500mg amoxicillin seemed effective, but significantly, just yesterday my condition took a downturn, shifting from nearly healed to painfully inflamed. Now, my ear is not only swollen but also incredibly sore. In an attempt to combat this, I’ve been taking 1000mg Bactoclav - Amoxicillin and Potassium Clavulanate, having consumed seven tablets in the last two days; unfortunately, there's been no noticeable improvement. I’m reluctant to seek medical attention, fearing I would be prescribed the same medication I could acquire from a pharmacy, albeit at a much higher cost. Yet, I’m also starting to question the efficacy of the pharmacy’s medication. I’ve only recently begun the stronger treatment since my symptoms returned. Any advice would be greatly valued! In addition, I’d like to share that just a week into my four-month journey, I feel as though my ongoing ear issues are gradually dominating my life. I am incredibly grateful for this travel opportunity, and while my health isn’t at risk in a serious way, these ear complications are becoming quite overwhelming. Could there be surgical options available? Might there be an underlying health concern that I’m unaware of? It doesn’t seem normal to be plagued by constant ringing, popping sounds, and wax buildup in my ears. Moreover, it feels excessive to have to apply products in my ears every time I shower.
Navigating Health Concerns: A Young Woman's Plight with Chronic Migraines and Stress
To summarize a very complex situation, last spring in 2025 was exceptionally challenging for me. I faced overwhelming stressors, including family deaths, eviction, and my parents splitting up. This turmoil led to chest pains so severe that I had to visit the emergency room because I couldn’t breathe deeply without experiencing intense pain. The doctors attributed the issue to psychological causes, but I continued to suffer from pain and instances of fainting due to the stress, which worsened as yet another family member was diagnosed with cancer. My psychiatrist suggested medication, and I started on Lexapro and Concerta, which improved my condition somewhat, even though I remained fatigued and felt like I was merely surviving. By the end of August, I contracted a severe case of bronchitis that caused me to experience fevers even while doing laundry. It seemed I was verging on pneumonia, prompting the prescription of prednisone and other steroid medications. Thankfully, I began to recover quickly, but soon after, I was plagued by persistent headaches and an overwhelming sense of paranoia that someone was out to get me. After another emergency room visit, the physicians informed me that, although my symptoms—such as fever, intense pain, night sweats, sensitivity to light, ear pressure, and a stiff neck—were alarming, they were likely just severe migraines that should eventually fade. Unfortunately, they didn’t. I returned to urgent care for further treatment, received antibiotics, and was advised to consult a neurologist. While the antibiotics provided some relief, my symptoms intensified. My primary care physician eventually prescribed sumatriptan, a medication intended to alleviate migraine pain, but instead, it exacerbated the headache. For the next two to four weeks, I endured an exceptionally difficult time, facing numerous strange symptoms that felt worthy of immediate attention, yet each visit concluded with a migraine diagnosis and a waiting period for my neurology appointment. My frustrations pushed me to contemplate risky alternatives for relief, but I resisted, feeling utterly hopeless and unable to cope. I sought an ear, nose, and throat specialist to rule out sinus issues, which turned out to be fine. A painful spot under my jaw led me to suspect nerve involvement, and I visited the emergency room again due to experiencing stroke-like symptoms (including mild left arm weakness, extreme headache, and minor speech issues). Sadly, I was again told it was merely a headache, and the IV medications were ineffective. During my annual check-up, my primary care provider was unfamiliar with my ongoing issues but discovered an enlarged lymph node in the lower left side of my neck and a cyst on my thymus after conducting a soft tissue scan. She reassured me that there was no need for concern and suggested waiting for my neurology visit or getting my eyesight checked. Despite my yellower complexion, increasing stiffness, and joint pain, I accepted her recommendation. While I mentally adapted to the chronic pain, which was always present, it affected my ability to concentrate and engage in daily life. I tried consuming plenty of lemon juice and engaging in lymphatic drainage massages, which provided transient relief and halted my yellowing skin. Now, in the present, I've noticed a peculiar, raised red bump on the side of my foot. It’s hard, tender, and smaller than a dime, without any accompanying rash. It has persisted for a couple of weeks without causing pain while walking. Additionally, more lymph nodes in my neck have become swollen, I have experienced difficulty swallowing, and I occasionally choke on air. My lungs feel heavier with a diminished sense of smell, though I don't have the thick mucus typical of a cold. The headaches, however, are reemerging, sharper than before, which is a concerning development. Throughout all of this, my blood pressure has remained within a low yet stable range, and my blood tests and CT scans have shown no significant issues. I haven’t consumed anything excessively that might raise concern, including food or drugs. Am I truly facing a serious health crisis? Should I prioritize getting another appointment, or do I need to rush to urgent care? I'm scheduled to see the neurologist in about a month, and I'm wondering if I should ask my primary care provider for some preliminary tests like blood work or an MRI beforehand. If so, what specific questions should I prepare for my neurology visit? I believe the pain has a genuine physical basis, although my anxiety definitely amplifies the experience.