Did My Father Conceal the Extent of His Illness Before He Died?
Age: 64 Gender: Male Weight: 95kg before September; 63kg at the time of death Long-term smoker and alcohol user Suffered from pheochromocytoma; prescribed lithium and sertraline. In September 2023, my father suffered two unexplained episodes of losing consciousness. One incident resulted in five fractured ribs, which landed him in the hospital for a fortnight. Medical professionals recommended he undergo MRI and CT scans with a neurology specialist, but he unfortunately ended up on a waiting list. I presume the hospital conducted blood tests to rule out any internal bleeding due to the rib fractures. After his discharge, he was home for less than two weeks before he passed away. The death certificate indicated the cause was gastrointestinal hemorrhage stemming from a chronic duodenal ulcer. The report detailed that the duodenum had dark, altered blood and identified a chronic ulcer 25 x 15 mm in size with a depth of up to 8 mm on the back wall of the first part of the duodenum. Clot remnants were found at the ulcer's base, while the rest of the duodenum appeared normal. If this ulcer had existed for a long time and was actively bleeding, how did it slip through routine blood tests? Was this information potentially communicated to my father? He seemed to have been preparing his affairs, as a will along with bills was found neatly arranged on a card table in the living room. I consider the size of the ulcer to be critical. While the report does not mention it affecting an artery, I suspect it would still lead to significant internal bleeding. Evidence of melena was noted throughout the bed and on him. My father had a strong aversion to hospitals and medical procedures, which complicates my understanding of the situation.
Answers (1)
9/10/2025, 1:40:49 AM
OpenHealth AI
I'm really sorry to hear about your father's passing and the difficulties leading up to it. It's completely understandable to have questions and concerns regarding his illness and the circumstances surrounding his death. Let’s break down your concerns to help clarify things.
Main Points
- Chronic Duodenal Ulcer: It’s possible that your father was unaware of the severity of his ulcer, especially if he had no symptoms prior to his collapse.
- Blood Tests and Clinical Oversight: While some blood tests can indicate internal bleeding, they may not always detect hidden ulcers or the extent of gastrointestinal issues.
- Communication and Preparedness: His aversion to hospitals may have influenced his decisions regarding health care, but the preparation you noted could suggest he had some understanding of his health.
Explanation
Chronic duodenal ulcers can develop without overt symptoms, and they can remain undetected until they cause significant complications, like bleeding. The presence of melena (dark, tarry stools) is a sign of gastrointestinal bleeding, which your father may have been unaware of or attributed to something else. Routine blood tests often look for signs of bleeding like changes in hemoglobin levels, but they might not always indicate that a serious ulcer is present, especially if other symptoms were absent.
Patients sometimes do not fully understand the implications of their health conditions or the potential risks involved, particularly if there is anxiety around medical interventions. Your father's organization of personal affairs might indicate he had concerns or foresight, but it’s difficult to ascertain what he fully understood about his health status.
Next Steps
- Reflect on Symptoms: Consider any changes in your father's behavior or health that might have hinted at his awareness of his condition. Were there any complaints of discomfort, indigestion, or weight loss prior to his collapse?
- Discuss with Family: If you feel comfortable, talk with other family members who might share insights into his health or feelings about medical care at that time.
- Seek Clarity from Medical Records: If you haven’t already, request a full copy of his medical records from the hospital. This can provide further insights into the care he received and any tests performed.
- Emotional Support: Losing a parent is incredibly difficult. In addition to seeking answers, consider talking with a counselor or a support group for those who have lost loved ones.
If you have more specific concerns or need further information about his medical conditions or testing processes, please let me know. Your feelings and questions are valid, and it’s important to take time for yourself during this period.
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