Urgent Help Needed for My Friend's Brother in the ER Once Again
Hello everyone. I’m reaching out on behalf of a friend. My friend’s brother, a 35-year-old man, is currently facing serious health concerns and has returned to the emergency room for the fourth time in just four days. Unfortunately, the doctors have not yet determined what is causing his distress. Initially, he was treated at one hospital, but after finding little resolution, he has transferred to another facility. He has been suffering from intense stomach pain and persistent vomiting, going without food since last Tuesday. One hospital suggested he might be experiencing cyclical vomiting syndrome. On Tuesday, August 19th, he felt extreme gas and had an episode that resembled a vasovagal syncope, where he felt faint and experienced a near-death sensation, although he did not actually lose consciousness. However, the doctors at the first hospital dismissed this diagnosis. Here is a summary provided by his wife regarding his condition: - Since Tuesday evening, he has been unable to keep down any food or beverages. The oral treatments have not brought any relief. Only the IV medications he received during his three previous ER visits for the same "cyclical vomiting" offered him momentary respite, but he was ultimately sent home again. - He does not use any recreational drugs apart from occasional marijuana use. - Alcohol consumption is not part of his lifestyle, with his last drink occurring around May or June. - He is allergic to penicillin and azithromycin. - There have been no new lifestyle changes that could have caused this sudden onset of symptoms. - Recently, he was prescribed ropinirole, which he took for a week until this past Tuesday night, and has been on Zoloft for about a month. He also uses a CPAP machine and inhalers due to worsening shortness of breath. Today, alarmingly, he started coughing up blood, which prompted him to visit a different emergency room. Additionally, he has been experiencing numbness in his arms, legs, and face, trouble falling asleep, and difficulty maintaining sleep. To my knowledge, he has contracted COVID-19 once or possibly twice but has no known recent infections. We appreciate any assistance or insight that can help the doctors understand what might be going on with him. Thank you for your support.
Answers (1)
8/23/2025, 12:41:04 AM
OpenHealth AI
I'm really sorry to hear about your friend's brother and the severity of his situation. It sounds like he is undergoing a very difficult time, and your concern for him is clear. Here are the main points regarding his condition and some actionable steps to consider:
Main Points:
- Severe Symptoms: His symptoms, including intense stomach pain, persistent vomiting, new onset of coughing up blood, and numbness, are concerning and require urgent evaluation.
- Previous Diagnoses and Treatments: The mention of cyclical vomiting syndrome and his recent medications (ropinirole and Zoloft) could be relevant to his symptoms, but also need careful review by medical professionals.
- Potential Underlying Causes: His previous conditions (e.g., history with COVID-19, allergies, and respiratory issues) could also be contributing.
Explanation:
Given his current symptoms and the fact that he has returned to the ER multiple times, it highlights the need for thorough investigations. Symptoms such as coughing up blood and numbness should be evaluated immediately, as they could indicate serious conditions that require prompt medical attention.
Next Steps:
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Immediate Evaluation: Insist that the emergency medical team conduct a full evaluation, including imaging studies (like a CT scan) and lab tests. This should rule out serious causes like gastrointestinal bleeding or neurological issues.
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Document Everything: Keeping a detailed log of his symptoms, medication history, and any previous treatments can help doctors see the full picture. This should include the timeline of symptoms and responses to medical interventions.
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Discuss All Medications: Ensure the medical team is aware of all medications he is taking, including the recent prescription of ropinirole and Zoloft, as interactions or side effects could be pertinent to his symptoms.
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Assess for Complications: Given his respiratory issues, a thorough check for possible complications like aspiration pneumonia (from vomiting) or other respiratory issues could be necessary, especially with his history of using a CPAP machine.
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Involve Specialists: If he continues to struggle, it might be beneficial to request consultations with specialists such as a gastroenterologist for the vomiting and an neurologist for the numbness and fainting episodes.
Your friend's brother is in a fragile state, and it’s crucial that the healthcare team at the ER takes every symptom seriously. Advocate for thorough testing and don’t hesitate to seek second opinions or insist on specialty consultations if needed. Please keep us updated on any developments; our thoughts are with you and your friend's brother during this challenging time.
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