Conflicting Medical Records: Am I Going Crazy?
At 47 years old, standing 5'10" and weighing 180 pounds, I reside in the Midwest and typically take Miralax on a daily basis. Recently, I found myself hospitalized for a fainting spell, which led to an overnight stay for observation. During my time there, medical professionals performed a myriad of tests, including CT scans both with and without contrast, MRIs, blood analyses, as well as EEGs and EKGs. To my relief, all results returned normal. Throughout my stay, I was continuously monitored with a blood pressure cuff that took readings every thirty minutes. Throughout this monitoring, my blood pressure remained notably low, persistently hovering around 90/60. Both a couple of nurses and the cardiologist informed me that such low readings can be typical after a fainting episode. A nurse even recommended that I continue to check my blood pressure at home, keep a record of it, and bring those logs for my follow-up appointment with the cardiologist. My husband, who was present, remembers this guidance clearly. Interestingly, a second nurse reiterated this advice regarding home monitoring before I was discharged, assuring me it was a common occurrence and that action is generally only warranted if blood pressure falls below approximately 80/50. However, when I later consulted my primary care physician (PCP), he referred to my hospital records, which showed normal blood pressure readings—asserting that they indicated figures averaging around 118/68 from the moment I was admitted until my departure. Curiously, this is not the first occurrence of such discrepancies. A similar situation unfolded during a routine colonoscopy, where the gastroenterologist expressed that I had diverticulitis and instructed me to follow up with another specialist for management, as well as recommending annual colonoscopies. Yet, when I spoke with my PCP about the results, he confidently stated that my colonoscopy showed no issues whatsoever, leaving both my husband and me bewildered by the conflicting information. Given that all my medical professionals operate within the same healthcare network and are privy to my records, I can’t help but feel puzzled by these inconsistencies. Although my husband reassures me that I am not losing my grip on reality, I can’t help but feel anxious and paranoid, fearing that my PCP might question my truthfulness about these experiences.
Answers (1)
9/11/2025, 2:50:49 PM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds very frustrating and confusing to encounter such conflicting information from various healthcare providers, especially when it relates to your health. Let's break this down to clarify your situation and find some actionable steps.
Key Points:
- Conflicting Medical Records: Discrepancies in information between different providers can happen for various reasons, including communication errors or variations in monitoring and reporting.
- Low Blood Pressure Post-Fainting: Low blood pressure can indeed be a common occurrence after fainting, but it's essential to monitor it accurately.
- Addressing Discrepancies: Keeping organized records and asking the right questions can help clarify your health status.
Explanation:
Medical discrepancies may arise from different interpretations of tests or communication lapses within the healthcare system. It's important to remember that you are not "going crazy" – these situations can happen and are often a result of human error rather than any fault of yours.
Given your recent fainting spell and the resulting low blood pressure, it's wise to continue monitoring your blood pressure at home if that's what was advised by the nurses. Low blood pressure can sometimes lead to fainting spells, so tracking these readings may provide valuable information for your healthcare team.
Next Steps:
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Continue Home Monitoring: Start tracking your blood pressure daily as advised, noting the time of day and any symptoms you experience alongside the readings. This documentation can provide clarity when discussing with your healthcare providers.
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Prepare for Follow-Up Appointments: Bring your blood pressure logs and any notes about your symptoms to your next appointment. This will help your provider understand your situation better and address concerns regarding any discrepancies in your medical history.
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Request Clarifications: If you haven't already, consider reaching out to your PCP's office to clarify the conflicting information about your blood pressure readings and the results from your colonoscopy. Ensure they review your hospitalization records or any notes from the specialists to get a clearer picture.
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Stay Informed and Engaged: You could request copies of your medical records from both the hospital and your PCP. This allows you to see the exact information each provider is basing their opinions on.
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Emotional Support: It can also be beneficial to talk about your feelings of anxiety with a trusted friend, family member, or therapist as needed. They can provide support and reassurance as you navigate through this situation.
Please remember you have the right to be informed and to seek clarity regarding your health. You're advocating for your well-being, which is an essential part of managing your health effectively. If you have further questions or need additional guidance, don't hesitate to reach out.
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