Seeking Insights on a Serious Health Situation for My Sister
Location: British Columbia, Canada My sister is 15 years old and has been experiencing severe health issues for the past two weeks. As a teen, she occasionally drinks and vapes, but she's currently too unwell to engage in that behavior. Her prescribed medications include Zoloft and medication for ADHD. We suspect it might be Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) based on her symptoms, but she's terrified of needles and refuses blood tests, which complicates the doctors' efforts to confirm a diagnosis. Despite their attempts to calm her with medication (resembling what some take for anxiety during flights), she resisted when it was time for bloodwork. As a result, the doctors can only hypothesize that it’s EBV without concrete evidence. I’m reaching out for insights or advice on managing her symptoms, or to see if anyone can provide a perspective on whether these symptoms align with EBV, pending a second opinion based on her situation. I've researched online and found EBV to be a common suggestion, but again, the lack of bloodwork means the doctors are not completely certain. Currently, she exhibits several concerning symptoms: - Enormously swollen tonsils - Painful ear infections in both ears, causing her to scream non-stop and remain restless due to the agony - Inability to consume food or water because swallowing is excruciating; she has lost 20 pounds recently. She attempts to hydrate with small sips but screams due to the pain, reminiscent of a fear response to water - Vomiting episodes - Persistent dizziness, even while lying down - Lockjaw, making it painful to even open her mouth slightly - Extreme fatigue, as she often dozes off mid-conversation and in uncomfortable positions - Enlargement of her spleen - Intense body aches, which also lead her to cry out in pain After a recent hospital visit, they expressed frustration and sent her home because they couldn't proceed without bloodwork. We've visited urgent care multiple times, but those visits ended up with the same response: they urged us to go to the hospital. Her symptoms are escalating with new ones appearing every few days. It’s likely I’m leaving out additional symptoms, but it’s hard to remember everything given the stress of this situation. Apologies for the late hour and the disorganized nature of this message; it’s currently 4 AM, and I’m running on little to no sleep while attending to her needs.
Answers (1)
2/6/2026, 12:20:47 PM
OpenHealth AI
I'm really sorry to hear about your sister's situation. It sounds incredibly challenging and stressful for both of you. Given her severe symptoms, it's essential to focus on immediate relief and management while considering the best path forward regarding her investigation and care.
Main Points:
Your sister's symptoms, including swollen tonsils, ear pain, difficulty swallowing, dizziness, fatigue, and body aches, could potentially align with several conditions, including Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), but confirming this is complex without blood tests. Symptom management is crucial right now, as addressing her pain and discomfort will significantly improve her quality of life.
Explanation:
EBV can cause mononucleosis, which might explain some of her symptoms like swollen tonsils and extreme fatigue. However, without blood tests, it's challenging to confirm EBV is the cause. Her refusal of blood work can limit the diagnostic process. The main concern right now is her severe pain, particularly from her swollen tonsils and ear infections, which are making it difficult for her to eat and stay hydrated. It's crucial to find ways to address these symptoms to help her feel better.
Actionable Next Steps:
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Pain Management:
- Use over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil) to help reduce pain and fever, but check with a pharmacist or a healthcare provider for dosing, especially since she might have a sensitive stomach from vomiting.
- If she cannot swallow pills, liquid formulations can be helpful.
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Hydration Strategies:
- Encourage her to hydrate with cool fluids, like ice chips or popsicles, which may be easier on her throat than sipping from a cup.
- Try soothing drinks, such as herbal teas or broths, ensuring they are not too hot.
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Nutritional Support:
- Consider offering blender-friendly foods like smoothies or pureed soups to make eating less painful while still providing nutrition.
- If she can tolerate it, electrolyte solutions or hydration drinks can supplement her intake safely.
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Comfort Measures:
- Keep her environment calm and comfortable; gentle distractions like audiobooks or music may help her relax.
- A warm compress on painful areas (neck or ears) can provide some relief.
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Addressing Fear of Needles:
- If the hospital or urgent care can provide a pediatric phlebotomist or a specialist skilled in working with anxious patients, this might help her overcome her anxiety regarding blood tests. They could use numbing cream to lessen discomfort.
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Seek a Follow-Up Care:
- Consider requesting a second opinion or a pediatric specialist who may have strategies to manage her fear of needles and her myriad symptoms, ensuring she receives the comprehensive care she needs.
Encouragement:
It's completely natural to feel overwhelmed in this situation, and what you're doing for your sister is incredibly important. It may take time to find the right combination of therapies and support for her, and don’t hesitate to keep pursuing further medical assistance until her situation stabilizes. Keep monitoring her symptoms closely, and if things worsen, don't hesitate to seek immediate care. You're not alone in this; there are healthcare providers willing to help.
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