Seeking Answers for Unexplained Medical Symptoms in My Husband
My husband, who is 52 years old, maintains a healthy lifestyle—he neither smokes nor consumes alcohol, and prior to a recent health crisis, he had always been in excellent health. Approximately nine months ago, he experienced a severe nosebleed that required hospitalization. During this visit, doctors discovered both his liver and spleen were enlarged, which led us on a challenging journey. Since that incident, we have consulted numerous healthcare professionals, yet none have provided clarity on the cause of his organ enlargement. Here are the symptoms he is currently facing: - Enlarged liver - Enlarged spleen - Unintentional weight loss of 25 pounds over the past nine months - Presence of protein in his urine - Elevated levels of C-reactive protein - Persistent fatigue - No tumors detected via CAT scan or MRI - Blood tests returning normal results, ruling out lymphoma and leukemia - Lymph nodes appearing normal - A healthy heart with no indications of heart disease, as confirmed by normal EKG and stress tests - No abnormalities found in the structure of his liver, aside from it being enlarged - Occasional swelling in one foot that fluctuates in severity His physician has excluded lupus, as well as any bacterial or viral infections as potential causes. Recently, he underwent a PET scan, and we are currently awaiting the results, which we hope will illuminate the issue. However, the prolonged wait is causing me significant anxiety, especially since his condition seems to be deteriorating. I am reaching out to see if anyone has insights or suggestions. Upon researching his symptoms online, the term 'Amyloidosis' surfaced, but I lack any knowledge about this condition. Thank you for your help.
Answers (1)
9/5/2025, 3:20:44 AM
OpenHealth AI
I'm sorry to hear about your husband's health challenges. Your concerns are completely understandable, given the complexity and seriousness of his symptoms. Here’s a structured response to address your inquiry about his condition and to provide some actionable next steps:
Key Points
- Your husband's symptoms, especially the enlarged liver and spleen, unintentional weight loss, and fatigue, are significant and warrant careful investigation.
- While the term "Amyloidosis" has come up in your research, it’s crucial to understand this condition in context and ensure all options are explored with his healthcare team.
- Awaiting results from the recent PET scan can be anxiety-inducing, but staying informed and prepared to discuss next steps is important.
Explanation
Amyloidosis is a condition where abnormal protein deposits build up in organs and tissues, affecting their function. It can impact various organs, including the liver and spleen, potentially leading to enlargement and symptoms like fatigue and weight loss. However, a thorough diagnosis usually requires specific tests, often including biopsies, to confirm amyloid deposits.
Given that his medical team has ruled out several potential causes, it's good to continue pursuing clarity. The PET scan results will be crucial in helping to narrow down the cause of his symptoms.
Next Steps
-
Prepare for PET Scan Results:
- Make a list of all symptoms and questions to discuss with the healthcare provider during the follow-up appointment. Include concerns about Amyloidosis and other possible conditions that may fit his symptoms.
-
Monitor Symptoms:
- Keep a daily log of any new or changing symptoms, including fatigue levels, weight fluctuations, and any discomfort (like foot swelling). This information can be valuable for healthcare discussions.
-
Consider a Specialist Consultation:
- If there is still no clarity after the PET scan results, consider seeking a referral to a hematologist or a specialist in rare diseases, as they may provide further insights or testing options.
-
Lifestyle Adjustments:
- Ensure he is eating nutrient-dense foods to support his overall health and combat weight loss. Focus on high-protein options, whole grains, fruits, and vegetables.
- Encourage him to stay hydrated and manage any stress through relaxation techniques you can practice together.
-
Emotional Support:
- Acknowledge your own feelings and seek support from friends, family, or professional counselors to help you cope with the anxiety of this situation.
Please remember to keep communication open with your husband's healthcare team and express your concerns. Their awareness of your husband's situation will help them provide the best care moving forward. Don’t hesitate to reach out if you have more questions or need support during this process.
Related Questions
Unusual Heart Sensation
I’m an 18-year-old, weighing 50 kilograms and standing at 170 centimeters (and yes, I’m aware that I’m quite slender). For the past couple of years, I’ve developed a habit of smoking about half a pack of cigarettes each day. So, the other day I was lying on my left side, relaxing, when I stumbled upon an unusual sensation. It felt as though my heart was pulsating so intensely that it was almost outside my body. Out of curiosity, I pressed a bit on the area and was instantly hit with a rush; my head started to tingle, my vision momentarily blurred, and it felt as though my heart dropped. It was as if my entire system had malfunctioned. Just for context, I’ve experienced something similar before after a ketamine overdose, and it persisted for about a month afterward, occurring occasionally while trying to sleep or during random moments in bed. This current episode has me quite anxious, especially since it hasn’t happened in a while, but this time felt particularly alarming.
Post-Gallbladder Surgery Concerns: Potential Infection Three Weeks Later?
Subject's Age: 35 Gender: Female Height: 5 feet 4 inches Weight: 160 pounds Ethnicity: Asian Duration of Symptoms: Last Three Weeks Geographic Location: United States Relevant Medical History: Almost three weeks ago, I underwent gallbladder removal surgery. In the last few days, I have observed a small amount of cloudy discharge emerging from my incision site. Recently, I noticed what appears to be pus leaking from the area. While there is no significant pain, I do feel a mild soreness when I touch or move the site. I have not experienced any fever or chills, and there’s no unpleasant odor coming from the wound. Should I continue to clean the area with soap and water, or is it advisable to seek medical attention at the emergency room for further evaluation?
Understanding My Experiences with Dissociation and Physical Symptoms
Hello everyone! I'm 15 years old and I’ve been grappling with intense feelings of dissociation recently. About two years back, I experienced what I now refer to as a "silent seizure" for the first time. It happened around 2 PM while I was at school in the band hall. Suddenly, I found myself zoning out completely; I was just sitting there, disassociated from reality, until it dawned on me that I couldn’t seem to reconnect with my surroundings. Feeling lost, I turned to a friend and anxiously asked, "Where am I?" She chuckled, unaware of the seriousness of my situation, but I stood up and wandered out of the classroom, aimlessly walking towards the bathrooms. The sensation was akin to being in a dream—you know you’re somewhere, yet you can’t fully engage with the moment for what felt like 5 to 10 minutes. Strangely, I even had the feeling of observing myself from above as I moved through the halls, like a scene from a dream. In a state of panic, I contacted my mom. By the time I managed to leave school, my mind was clearing. She took me to her workplace where a colleague checked my blood sugar levels, revealing it was low. I had eaten that day, so this was unexpected (especially since my mother also faces issues with low blood sugar). This occurrence was unprecedented for me; thankfully, I haven’t faced such low levels since then. In the following weeks, I experienced intermittent dissociative episodes, prompting me to visit a doctor. I underwent blood tests, an electrocardiogram (EKG), and a routine examination. Everything appeared normal, except I was diagnosed with anemia—something my mother and sister also deal with. I walked away from that appointment without any real explanations, and after a while, the episodes subsided—thankfully, a relief. FAST FORWARD TO NOW: (15 years old) (Potentially relevant context) Recently, I’ve been enduring severe heart and chest discomfort. I’ve been noticing irregular heartbeats, sporadic strong pulsations, and sharp pain localized in my heart region and upper right chest. Lying on my side can be quite painful, and sometimes I struggle to take deep breaths. I make it a priority to get a full eight hours of sleep each night, I take daily vitamins, and I’m actively involved in competitive cheerleading, maintaining a healthy fitness level for my height and weight. We sought medical advice again, underwent numerous tests, and, once more, everything checked out fine. My heart was deemed healthy, and all other measurements were satisfactory. Initially, we suspected anxiety might be a factor, but my mom is hesitant to consider antidepressants, believing that my age may limit treatment options. She has recommended that I hydrate more and practice breathing exercises (which is somewhat ironic since I struggle to breathe when these pains occur, yet I don’t argue). UPDATE: During practice today, I unexpectedly experienced my first "silent seizure" episode in two years. It was more disconcerting than I recalled. I lost track of my location again and couldn’t re-engage with reality. It felt as if I was observing those around me from a dream-like vantage point. This realization frightened me, thinking that I had moved past these episodes. It took about ten minutes for me to regain my awareness of my environment. Additionally, this week, I noticed moments of dissociation, albeit not as intense as previous episodes. I found myself vacantly staring, and my vision felt oddly lazy, frequently. It's worth noting that I do not have a lazy eye. I plan to document these occurrences meticulously, and if they persist, I will consult my doctor again. Meanwhile, if anyone has suggestions about what might be happening to me, I would greatly appreciate it. Is this potentially linked to anxiety? I’m genuinely confused about my condition!
Identifying a Mysterious Brown Circle on My Scalp
Age: 21 Gender: Female Height: 5'4" Weight: 175 lbs Ethnicity: White (Scottish/Irish) Location: California Current Medication: Testosterone injection administered subcutaneously in the thigh While I was having my hair dyed blue, my girlfriend noticed a perfectly circular brown mark on my scalp. It resembles a circle that appears to have been made with a brown marker. The size of the ring is similar to my thumb’s tip and contrasts sharply with the lighter shade of my scalp. There is no evidence of hair thinning or loss around this circle; we only discovered it because we were parting my hair. I’m curious if this could be connected to the brain fog or headaches I’ve been experiencing lately. I looked online, and while ringworm was suggested, it doesn’t match my symptoms since there are no bald patches or flaky skin. I’m open to answering any additional questions to help clarify this situation, as it's causing me some concern.
Seeking Insight on Abnormal Neuroimaging Results
A 42-year-old female, standing 6 feet tall and weighing 194 pounds, has been grappling with cognitive challenges for over three years. She has a clinical history that includes a diagnosis of Bipolar II disorder coupled with generalized anxiety, which she manages effectively through a regimen of an antidepressant, a mood stabilizer, and medications for anxiety. Currently, she is under the care of her fifth neurologist in the Boston region. An FDG-PET scan revealed a significant decline in metabolic functions, showing a 30-40% reduction within the left parietal lobe and a 20% decrease in both mesial temporal lobes. As part of her evaluation, a lumbar puncture was performed to assess amyloid and tau protein levels, with results coming back negative. Although a radiologist recommended pursuing an amyloid PET scan to gain further insights, her neurologist has declined this option. Despite the neurologist's suggestion that her indications might fit into the Functional Neurological Disorder (FND) category, she remains unconvinced and believes there must be an identifiable underlying cause for her symptoms and the irregularities observed in her scans. She is seeking advice on the next steps to take in pursuing a clearer diagnosis or understanding of her condition.