Seeking Insight on Unexplained Symptoms in My 67-Year-Old Dad
Hello everyone, I'm sharing the health concerns my father is currently facing after undergoing an extensive series of tests over the past three weeks, yet we still have no definitive answers. At 67 years old and standing at about 6'1" with a normal weight, my dad has been diagnosed with celiac disease. For the last 18 years, he has adhered to a very strict and healthy diet as a consequence of this condition. Recently, he began to exhibit several alarming symptoms, including swollen hands and fingers, severe night sweats, and intense pain in his hips that escalated suddenly. This pain has persisted, making mobility extremely difficult for him; he struggles to rise from the couch without assistance. Although his hands are swollen—often described as resembling 'sausage fingers'—they are neither itchy nor discolored. For about a year, he has experienced mild aching in his hands, which he attributed to the natural aging process. Despite numerous blood tests, an MRI, a CT scan, X-rays, and consultations with various doctors, they remain uncertain about what is causing his symptoms. The initial results from a blood culture came back normal. He is scheduled to meet with an infectious disease specialist on Monday, as we are exploring all possible options. Both his ANA results came back normal, and according to the doctors, lupus has been ruled out. I would greatly appreciate any recommendations on potential questions to ask or insights into what might be going on, including any suggestions for specialists. Thank you for your help!
Answers (1)
9/3/2025, 10:20:40 PM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like your father is experiencing very concerning symptoms, and I understand how challenging this situation must be for both him and your family. His issues, including swollen hands, night sweats, and severe hip pain, deserve careful attention.
Key Points:
- Persistent symptoms like those your dad is experiencing warrant thorough investigation for potential underlying conditions.
- Swelling, pain, and night sweats could suggest inflammatory or autoimmune processes, possibly related to celiac disease or other factors.
- Engaging the right specialists and staying proactive in discussions with his healthcare team is crucial.
Explanation:
Celiac disease can lead to certain complications, including autoimmune disorders and inflammation, which might explain some of your father's symptoms. The involvement of an infectious disease specialist is a positive step, as they can help rule out infections that may not have shown up in standard tests. Additionally, the MRI and blood tests need careful interpretation in the context of his symptoms.
Given the complexity of his situation, here are recommended steps you can take:
Actionable Next Steps:
-
Compile a Symptom History:
- Document the timeline of his symptoms, any changes that coincide with his dietary intake, and any other relevant health history (medications, family history of autoimmune diseases, etc.). This will provide valuable context for the specialists.
-
Prepare Questions for the Infectious Disease Specialist:
- Ask about conditions that could present with swelling and pain, even if blood tests appear normal (e.g., certain viral infections, reactive arthritis).
- Inquire whether conducting more specific tests related to autoimmune or inflammatory diseases could be beneficial, considering the normal ANA results.
-
Consider Rheumatological Input:
- Given the joint pain and swelling, consulting a rheumatologist may be advisable. They specialize in autoimmune and inflammatory conditions and might provide insight into whether his symptoms could be related to arthritis or another rheumatological condition.
-
Monitor Symptoms Closely:
- Continue to monitor any changes or new symptoms. If he experiences worsening pain, changes in mobility, or new systemic symptoms (like fevers), prompt follow-up is necessary.
-
Explore Dietary Involvement:
- Since your father has celiac disease, consider discussing with a dietitian if any specific dietary factors could be contributing, or if there are necessary adjustments given his current symptoms.
Your father's health is a priority, and taking these proactive steps can help direct the medical team toward a clearer understanding of his condition. Please feel free to reach out if you have more questions or need further clarification!
Related Questions
Understanding My Symptoms: Seeking Insight
Hello, fellow medical professionals, I would be grateful for your insights regarding an unusual condition I’ve been experiencing. I am a 17-year-old male, and I have noticed a peculiar pattern reminiscent of rabies symptoms, though thankfully much less severe. Occasionally, without any prior warning, I encounter a visual disturbance. Specifically, when I attempt to concentrate on a single object, that object seems to vanish from my sight. I can perceive my surroundings, but the target of my focus disappears entirely. Approximately 15 to 20 minutes after this initial visual symptom surfaces, I develop a headache that gradually intensifies. Shortly after, typically around another 20 minutes later, I begin to feel nauseous. The act of vomiting is particularly distressing, as it feels as though I’m forcing myself to do so, and the amount is considerably less than what I would ordinarily expect during vomiting episodes. I’ve discovered two methods that provide some relief: one is taking a 4 to 5-hour nap after the headache starts, which seems effective about half of the time. The other is to induce vomiting, which I find quite unpleasant. My concern is understanding why this sequence occurs, as once the first symptom arises, the subsequent ones invariably follow; this pattern occurs every two to three months. Is there a way to intervene after the onset of the initial symptom to prevent the progression of these episodes?
Concerns Regarding My Daughter's Health
I’m deeply worried about my four-year-old daughter, who is currently not on any medications and has no fever. Her health issues began in mid-July when she started experiencing frequent abdominal pain, specifically pointing to her belly button to indicate discomfort. She mentions this pain several times each day. As time progressed, additional symptoms have emerged. She often claims the urgent need to urinate, yet struggles to do so, resulting in only small drops of urine in her underwear. This is particularly concerning as she has been potty trained for the past two years without any accidents. Two weeks ago, I consulted her doctor and we provided a urine sample. He diagnosed her with constipation and recommended a laxative called Lax-a-Day. Since that visit, her appetite has diminished significantly. She is now expressing that food tastes strange and has been reluctant to eat, even questioning whether she feels hungry—this change has persisted for the last five or six days. This morning was particularly alarming as she vomited twice within a short timeframe. We requested both urine and blood tests; however, the clinic has informed us that these tests cannot be performed until next Thursday. I plan to inquire if it's possible to expedite that process. What could be causing these issues? Is it possible that a stomach virus might manifest in such a manner? Could she be dealing with a urinary tract infection?
Spinal Concerns
My mother, who is 40 years old, has been dealing with spinal problems for as long as I can remember, including a herniated disc. Lately, her back pain has intensified to the point where she likens it to the pain of childbirth, accompanied by nerve issues that deeply worry me. She has reported experiencing an unusual feeling as if the entire side of her leg were wet, sharp nerve pain radiating to her toe, intermittent dizziness, a sensation of pressure in her ears along with a faint, strange sound like a "chainsaw," and just this evening, she experienced what she described as the most intense pain in both of her shoulders that she has ever felt, particularly in her acromioclavicular joint. While it's been clear for a while that she requires spinal surgery, our state insurance policy won't approve it until she completes a specified amount of physical therapy first. Given that we live an hour away from the nearest city and have only one vehicle, we face considerable challenges. I would be extremely grateful for any guidance or suggestions, as I feel powerless to make her visit a doctor.
Concerns About a Toe Blister
I'm a 16-year-old girl and I've recently discovered what seems to be a small blister on the underside of one of my toes. It hasn't increased in size or disappeared over the few days since I first noticed it. To me, it appears blister-like, although it lacks any fluid. The only time it causes discomfort is when pressure is applied to it, but walking doesn't trigger any pain. What steps can I take to address this issue?
Concerns About Neck Pain After Incident
I’m a 30-year-old male with no prior health complications and the only medication I take is Adderall for managing ADHD. I want to clarify that I’ll be reaching out to a healthcare professional first thing tomorrow. Three weeks back, while I was working in an underground mine, I encountered an unexpected situation. I inadvertently collided with a large rock protruding from the ceiling of the tunnel. The impact was significant enough to knock me down briefly and leave me somewhat disoriented for a moment. Thankfully, I was wearing a hard hat that shielded my head. However, I did experience a peculiar sensation—a noticeable pop on the left side of my neck akin to what one feels when performing neck stretches. In that moment, I feared that I might have inflicted a severe injury on my neck, yet to my relief, I got back on my feet within seconds and noticed no immediate pain or adverse effects. Despite the initial shock, I carried on without any discomfort for the rest of the day. Recently, however, approximately a week ago, I awoke to find my neck stiff and sore. Initially, I dismissed it as a result of a poor night's sleep. However, the pain has lingered and seems out of the ordinary compared to my typical experiences with neck soreness, which usually subsides within a day or two. I’ve attempted to alleviate the discomfort using ice and heat remedies, but the soreness persists particularly on the right side of my neck. It becomes noticeably painful if I turn my head too far to the right or attempt to tilt my head upwards. Could this discomfort be a delayed reaction from the previous incident when I hit my head? Or is it more plausible that my current neck pain is entirely separate and simply a byproduct of inadequate rest? I’ll be consulting a medical professional tomorrow, but I am feeling anxious about this situation.