Navigating My Mother’s Health Decline
I’m reaching out for guidance on how to engage with my mother’s primary care physician (PCP) and what information to seek out. My mother is on a managed care plan, yet her symptoms continue to deteriorate, rendering her nearly unable to consume food. **Current Challenges:** My mom has recently experienced a significant increase in numbness in both her arms and legs, along with severe pain in the muscles of her inner thighs. She is plagued by persistent coughing spells and has lost her appetite drastically, averaging fewer than 600 calories daily. Notably, she struggles even with rice, which sometimes leads to vomiting. Additionally, her water intake has significantly decreased. Despite regular visits to her PCP, she feels dismissed, as her recent blood tests showed no concerning issues, and she was advised to return home. This lack of nourishment has resulted in a weight loss of over 20 pounds in less than three months, dropping from a starting weight of 120 pounds. Movement is now limited for her; she can barely walk from one end of the living room to the other due to weakness and continuous coughing episodes throughout the day. **Medications:** Currently, she is prescribed sodium chloride tablets to address a previous sodium deficiency, Zoloft at a 25mg dosage to assist with sleep, and Gabapentin at 100mg for the numbness in her extremities. She also has a medication for bowel issues, though I can’t recall its name, which she takes only when she has not had a bowel movement for three days. **Duration of Symptoms:** These health concerns have persisted since May 15, 2025, spanning approximately four months. **Upcoming Specialist Appointment:** Next week, she has an appointment with a pulmonologist to go over the results of a PET scan related to a nodule found in her right lung. **Background Information:** In May, my mother was diagnosed with SIADH. She fainted twice post-hospital discharge, likely due to her low sodium levels. The incidents occurred on June 19 and again in August. Both times resulted in hospital visits, yet fortunately, CT scans revealed no fractures or significant head trauma. Prior to May 2025, her health issues were limited to knee pain. In early May, she sought medical attention due to a sizable abscess located at the back of her neck, just beneath her hairline. After failing to improve, it was drained at the hospital. Following this procedure, she was prescribed sulfamethoxazole for antibiotics and wound care. However, a week later, she had a reaction and was treated with banophen for the rash, along with Keflex and methylprednisolone. A day later, she drove herself back to the hospital due to neurological distress, experiencing nerve pain that prevented her from finding comfort. After leaving against medical advice, she appeared disoriented the following morning and was subsequently readmitted for more than a week. During that time, doctors noted elevated troponin levels, indicating possible cardiac issues, alongside low sodium and high blood pressure. Upon my insistence regarding her numbness and dietary struggles, they conducted several imaging tests, but no clear diagnosis was established. Only a nephrologist addressed her low sodium concerns. Ultimately, after being treated for SIADH with tolvaptan, which she could not tolerate due to severe nausea causing further fainting episodes, she was switched to sodium chloride pills after a subsequent hospitalization in August. A concerning nodule (2.1 cm) was discovered in her upper right lung lobe during that stay, leading to a referral for a PET scan. The results hinted at possible neoplastic changes, but we await the pulmonologist's review next week for clarification on whether this indicates cancer or a benign growth. Since her hospital discharge following the second fainting episode, her ability to eat has rapidly declined, with her being unable to tolerate even simple foods like bananas and rice. She relies on Ensure for nutrition, as she does retain some hunger yet continues to struggle with sleep due to persistent pain and numbness in her limbs.
Answers (1)
9/11/2025, 9:21:11 AM
OpenHealth AI
I'm sorry to hear about your mother's health challenges; it sounds incredibly stressful for both of you. Given the complexity of her symptoms and her declining health, it’s essential to approach her care with a clear strategy when engaging with her primary care physician (PCP) and any specialists.
Key Points:
- Persistent Symptoms: Your mother is experiencing significant health issues, including severe numbness, pain, persistent coughing, and drastic weight loss.
- Nutrition Crisis: The low calorie intake (averaging fewer than 600 calories daily) is alarming and needs immediate attention.
- Upcoming Appointments: The appointment with the pulmonologist is crucial for understanding the potential impact of the lung nodule on her overall health.
Explanation:
Your mother’s combination of symptoms—numbness in extremities, muscle pain, severe coughing, and loss of appetite—raise concerns. These conditions suggest a potential neurological issue, respiratory problems, or medication side effects, particularly given her history with SIADH and the recent changes in her care plan. Her weight loss and inadequate nutrient intake are also concerning and need prioritization.
Next Steps:
-
Gather Information:
- Before the upcoming pulmonologist appointment, prepare a list of all her symptoms, including the severity and duration. Document any side effects from her medications, and note how these have affected her daily life.
- Collect and organize medical records that detail her health history and recent test results. This will help the pulmonologist provide a comprehensive assessment.
-
Communicate with Her PCP:
- Schedule a dedicated meeting with her PCP if possible to discuss her ongoing nutritional struggles and weight loss. Clearly express your concerns about her low caloric intake and ask about potential causes and solutions.
- Inquire about the appropriateness of current medications and whether alternative treatments or additional therapies could improve her symptoms.
-
Consider Nutritional Support:
- Since she’s currently having difficulty eating, explore high-calorie nutritional supplements like Ensure or consider discussing with her doctor the need for a referral to a dietitian who specializes in managing complex dietary needs. This can help tailor her intake for better nutrition while managing her symptoms.
-
Monitor Symptoms:
- Keep a daily log of her symptoms, appetite, and any side effects from her current medications. This data can be vital for her PCP and specialists to adjust treatment effectively.
-
Follow-Up on Specialist Appointments:
- Ensure to address any findings from the PET scan with the pulmonologist, especially given the potential implications of the lung nodule. Ask the doctor to clarify whether further diagnostic tests or immediate interventions are required based on the results.
In these situations, constant communication between you, your mother, and her healthcare team is critical for addressing her needs effectively. It can also help to inquire about support services, such as counseling or community health resources, that might offer additional assistance through these challenging times. Remember, your mother's comfort and quality of life are paramount; don't hesitate to advocate strongly for her needs.
Related Questions
Ongoing Symptoms Post-Concussion: Seeking Insights
Hello everyone, I’m a 25-year-old male and experienced a significant car accident about two and a half years ago. Although I didn't black out during the incident, I felt disoriented and unsettled immediately afterward. Since that day, my health has noticeably deteriorated, and I'm attempting to discern whether my current struggles are commonplace or if something more serious might be overlooked. Here’s what I've been grappling with: I endure daily headaches that typically originate in the back of my head or neck, gradually migrating towards my temples or eyes. Conditions that intensify these headaches include bright screens, excessive light, noise, and bustling surroundings. When I attempt to power through the discomfort, I sometimes see halos around lights or experience visual static. Mentally, I find myself exhausted very quickly. Concentrating becomes a challenge, and I frequently lose track of my thoughts or encounter difficulty finding the right words. Engaging in conversations or attending meetings can drain me significantly. Additionally, I become easily overwhelmed, especially in loud or crowded situations. Tinnitus is another issue I face, as the ringing in my ears is a constant presence. Since the incident, I’ve noticed weakness in my left hand; my ring and pinky fingers often curl up like claws. An electromyography (EMG) test revealed damage to the ulnar nerve, which accounts for some of this phenomenon. Unfortunately, it hasn't improved, impacting my ability to type, grip objects, and carry out everyday tasks. I also experience occasional facial twitching, jaw tightness, and short bouts where different parts of my body feel weak or tremble, but these symptoms are temporary. Fatigue is a significant battle for me. I struggle with poor sleep quality, waking up feeling unrested, and sometimes experiencing anxiety first thing in the morning. Even on days when the pain level is tolerable, my energy depletion restricts my activities. Here’s a summary of what medical evaluations have revealed: • My brain scans returned normal results, revealing only minor, nonspecific findings like white matter changes in certain regions. • The blood vessels in my brain appeared healthy. • EEG results indicated some slowing but no evidence of seizures. • More invasive tests ruled out any major health concerns. • Mild sleep apnea was detected. • Cognitive assessments showed deficits in attention, processing speed, and memory. • Eye examinations indicated challenges with tracking and focusing post-injury. What has proven somewhat beneficial includes: • Migraine medication has helped lessen the severity of my headaches. • Telecommuting allows me to take frequent breaks. • Engaging in occupational, speech, and vision therapy whenever possible has been somewhat advantageous. I maintain a full-time job, but managing it drains a considerable amount of my energy, leaving little for family interactions, social engagements, or time for recovery. I’m at a stage where I’m seeking clarification on several points: 1. Is it common for post-concussion symptoms to persist for such an extended period despite normal scan results? 2. When is it appropriate to seek an alternative explanation rather than accepting a diagnosis of merely post-concussion syndrome, stress, or anxiety? 3. Is it typical for fatigue to be the most pronounced and debilitating symptom? 4. Are there often overlooked aspects, such as sleep quality, visual processing, nerve health, or nervous system function, that should be reevaluated? I’m not seeking a diagnosis—just some insight. I want to determine whether I’m on a reasonable track or if I should be considering different inquiries. Thank you to all who have taken the time to read my message.
Excruciating Nerve Sensitivity
Greetings, everyone. I recently underwent surgery to address a cervical rib issue on the left side, utilizing the transaxillary method. Today marks ten days since the procedure was performed last Wednesday. I was discharged from the hospital Saturday morning and felt fine initially, aside from the typical discomfort associated with surgery such as pain, numbness, and some swelling in my left arm, which limited mobility. My surgeon assured me this was normal. However, come Monday morning, I experienced a sudden sensation that I initially thought was pain in my left hand, predominantly affecting my pinky, ring, and middle fingers, extending to my arm and shoulder. A visit to the doctor clarified that this was not just pain—I was experiencing hypersensitivity, specifically involving the ulnar nerve. A week has passed, and the intensity of the hypersensitivity is unmanageable. It feels as if my hand is simultaneously being burned, stabbed, and electrocuted. I have been prescribed medication like pregabalin, yet it only provides temporary relief lasting no more than an hour or two. While the swelling in my arm has subsided, the hypersensitivity and numbness continue unabated. Although I can move my arm and hand to a degree, my strength is noticeably reduced, which may be a lingering effect from the surgery. I was concerned there might be a hematoma at the incision site irritating the brachial plexus, but an ultrasound revealed no signs of blood accumulation. I'm currently in a challenging predicament and would deeply appreciate any suggestions or remedies you might offer, as the discomfort has become unbearable; at this point, I'd even consider amputation of my arm over enduring this agony.
[30M] Intermittent Crackling Noise from Chest Area
Hello everyone, I've been experiencing a crackling sound that occurs occasionally when I laugh heartily or cough. It seems to originate from my chest, but I'm not entirely sure if it might also be related to my throat. Interestingly, there’s no mucus or phlegm that surfaces when this happens. Despite my attempts, I can’t reproduce the sound by quickly exhaling or taking deep breaths. I don't struggle with wheezing or experience shortness of breath. There’s a persistent cough I’ve had since dealing with the flu last December, but I can recall having these sounds before that incident. Additionally, I suffered from asthma as a child, which I suspect could be a contributing factor. I'm planning to schedule an appointment with my primary care physician for a comprehensive evaluation, ideally including an X-ray. Meanwhile, I would greatly appreciate any advice or insights you might have. Thank you in advance!
Understanding Post-Surgical Pain After Ganglion Cyst Removal
I’m 17 years old (female, though I prefer He/him pronouns) and I have Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS) along with Dysautonomia. Currently, I’m not taking any medications that might impact my situation apart from an SNRI and birth control to manage cramping. Around a month ago, I underwent surgery to remove a ganglion cyst located on my dominant wrist (the right one). This cyst had been present for roughly three years, and despite my doctor attempting to aspirate it, the procedure was unsuccessful due to its firmness, leading to surgical intervention. This cyst significantly limited my wrist mobility. Now, after approximately four weeks post-surgery, I can say that my wrist is mostly improved. The scar is healing fairly well, and I’ve regained about half of my wrist’s mobility compared to the left one. Yet, I still experience significant pain when I move or apply pressure on the area that housed the cyst. Is this pain considered normal? Additionally, my fingers are in constant discomfort, and my wrist seems to dislocate frequently. Due to my EDS, I am accustomed to joint pain and dislocations, but this particular pain feels more severe than what I usually endure. When I brought this up with my surgeon, he dismissed my concerns, stating that such dislocations are common for individuals my age. However, I experience dislocations at least twice daily, and the process of resetting them creates such a loud sound that I've been asked to leave classes to avoid disturbing others. Is this normal? Could it be related to the cyst? Moreover, about four days ago, I noticed a small lump forming on my wrist just above the surgical area. When I consulted my doctor about it, he informed me that it was a benign fatty tumor and assured me it wasn't a serious issue. However, I've never encountered anything like this before, and while the lump is not painful, soft, and relatively small, I’m puzzled about its sudden appearance. Why did this occur, and what could explain my doctor’s nonchalant attitude towards my symptoms? I understand that experiencing pain and limited mobility after surgery is not unusual, but given my doctor’s dismissive approach towards my concerns, I felt compelled to seek insight here as well. He often seems skeptical about the symptoms I report, making it difficult for me to fully trust his evaluations.
Seeking Answers: Unexplained Symptoms
Profile Information: - **Age**: 15 - **Gender**: Female - **Height**: 5'3 - **Ethnicity**: Caucasian **Medication Regimen**: - Lisdexamfetamine: 40 mg daily - Famotidine: 20 mg, twice daily - Cetirizine: 40 mg daily I have been experiencing persistent pain for as long as I can recall, even before I started taking any medication, so I am skeptical about the drugs affecting my condition. Below is a compilation of my symptoms that I can remember offhand. My family has been advised on multiple occasions to consider testing for Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS) due to the alignment of my symptoms with the condition. My latest physician conducted laboratory tests to evaluate my tryptase levels without an initial baseline measurement. This was taken roughly 1.5 hours post-flare-up, which came back low. Consequently, she concluded that I do not have MCAS, but after researching further, I found that low levels do not definitively rule it out. I am reaching out for guidance—can anyone assist me in understanding my situation? **Presented Symptoms**: - Persistent hives - Facial flushing - Cognitive fog - Recurring headaches - Abdominal discomfort - Irregular bowel movements (ranging from diarrhea to constipation) - Anxiety attacks - Low blood pressure - Episodes of dizziness - Rapid heartbeat - Chronic fatigue - Episodes of fever - Severe joint pain - Night sweats - Bloating - Elevated sensitivity to sunlight - Intolerance to heat I frequently experience multiple symptoms together during flare-ups, with at least one flare occurring daily. The hives tend to emerge 1 to 3 times each day, primarily triggered by sun exposure and heightened emotional states, although at times they arise with no apparent cause. These flare-ups can occur abruptly, lasting anywhere from 15 minutes to several hours.