Navigating My Mother's Hospital Stay for Gallstones and Pancreatic Concerns
Hello everyone, As a newcomer to this community, I find myself anxious and seeking guidance. I appreciate your understanding if I inadvertently overlook any community guidelines. I'm reaching out from Glasgow, Scotland, where my mum has recently been admitted to a public hospital. Here's a bit about her health background: She's a 64-year-old woman with a history of type 2 diabetes, which has been under control through her prescribed medication for over 16 years. Of Indian Punjabi descent, she is currently dealing with obesity, standing at approximately 5 feet 1 inch tall and weighing around 200 pounds. Her medication regimen includes: - 2 x 500 mg Metformin in the morning and another 2 in the evening. - 1 x 10 mg Propranolol twice daily. - 1 x 30 mg Pioglitazone each day. She has not been taking any additional medications. Previously, she worked as a carer, but her employment ended after our family contracted COVID-19 in 2021, which led to some respiratory complications, although she was never hospitalized. Tragically, my father passed away in a COVID ward during that time. Recent imaging such as MRIs and X-rays revealed some lung scarring, which the respiratory team is monitoring. They've provided her with asthma inhalers (a blue inhaler for salbutamol and a brown one for severe coughing during winters). Just last month, blood tests indicated that she has a fatty liver, and she has faced recurring thrush, managed using Canesten cream as necessary. Last Monday, she experienced what she initially thought to be a hiatal hernia, a condition she has dealt with previously by doing stretching exercises. Unfortunately, this time around, she was unable to eat or drink anything due to persistent vomiting. Upon visiting a general practitioner that afternoon, she was instructed to go to the local hospital immediately. She was subsequently admitted to the surgical assessment unit on the same evening where she received IV saline and anti-sickness medication due to severe dehydration. A CT scan performed on Wednesday revealed that she has a gallstone as well as another stone located in her pancreas and her condition included signs of jaundice along with indications of a pancreatic infection. Her blood sugar level has spiked to 11.3, which the doctors attribute to the infection. Initially, she was given paracetamol and dihydrocodeine for pain management, but due to inadequate relief, she was switched to oral morphine, which significantly alleviated her discomfort. Following the scan, she was started on an antibiotic IV drip (not flucloxacillin due to her allergy, but a different antibiotic that I can't recall the name of). The medical team intends to control the infection before proceeding with further interventions such as a follow-up scan or an endoscopic procedure to address the gallstone and any pancreatic stones. It's been indicated that the pancreatic issue poses a higher risk compared to the gallstone, which is why it has taken priority. Initially, they anticipated a week's stay, but now it seems she may require at least two weeks in the hospital. I’m reaching out to understand what to expect regarding the infection, the gallstones, and the potential for pancreatitis. Is there a risk to her life in this situation? How soon might we learn whether the treatment is proving effective? I'd deeply appreciate any insights or advice you could share. Thank you kindly for your support!
Answers (1)
9/4/2025, 11:51:00 AM
OpenHealth AI
Thank you for sharing your mother's situation; it sounds very challenging for both of you. It’s understandable to feel anxious given her health complexities and the current hospital stay. Here’s an overview of her condition and what to expect moving forward.
Main Points:
- Your mother is currently being treated for gallstones and potential pancreatitis, which can be serious but is manageable with proper care.
- The medical team is focusing on controlling the infection before proceeding with further interventions.
- Close monitoring of her condition and symptoms is essential.
Explanation:
- Gallstones and Pancreatitis: Gallstones can lead to the development of pancreatitis if a stone blocks the pancreatic duct. Since your mother has been diagnosed with stones in both the gallbladder and pancreas, the risk of pancreatitis is elevated, particularly given her symptoms of jaundice and elevated blood sugar levels.
- Infection Management: The infection the doctors are treating is a priority because it can complicate recovery. The IV antibiotics will help control this.
- Monitoring: Regular blood tests and scans will help the doctors determine how well the treatment is working. Look for signs of improvement or worsening symptoms during her stay; these will guide the medical team’s decisions.
Next Steps:
- Ask Questions: Don’t hesitate to communicate with her healthcare team. Ensure you understand her treatment plan, including the antibiotics she’s receiving and the rationale behind it.
- Monitor Symptoms: Keep an eye on any changes in her symptoms, such as improvement in nausea, vomiting, or pain. Additionally, track her blood sugar levels if possible.
- Expect Regular Updates: The medical team should provide updates on her progress. Typically, improvements are monitored over a few days to a week, so you might start getting a clearer picture by then.
- Emotional Support: Ensure she has emotional support; being in the hospital can be lonely and stressful. Consider bringing familiar items from home that can offer comfort.
Concerns About Risk:
While pancreatitis can have serious complications, many patients recover with proper treatment. The medical team will decide on the best course of action based on her stability and response to current treatments. It's vital to stay informed but also to remain hopeful as many patients do well after similar interventions.
Please know you are not alone in this situation; reaching out to support networks and following her health updates will empower you during this journey. If you have more specific concerns or new developments, feel free to ask!
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