What Could Be Causing These Symptoms?
Greetings! My mother, who is 59 years old, has been experiencing some troubling symptoms such as persistent central abdominal pain and discomfort in her lower back. She has type 1 diabetes, which she manages effectively. About a month ago, she was discharged from the hospital following a CT scan that identified a blood clot in her lungs. They prescribed her Eliquis and recommended a follow-up with a pulmonary specialist. However, she continues to suffer from significant shortness of breath. Additionally, she has been having intermittent fevers, reaching up to 103 degrees Fahrenheit every few days. Recently, she has been complaining about a peculiar, dull ache in both her central abdomen and lower back. In 2017, she went to the hospital with similar symptoms, except for the blood clot, which is a new development this time. At that time, the doctors conducted a PET scan that indicated slightly enlarged lymph nodes in her abdominal region, along with numerous small nodules in her back area. The medical team concluded that there wasn't much to be concerned about since the lymph nodes were only marginally enlarged (measuring 1.3 cm), and the nodules were also quite small. A bone marrow biopsy was performed, but the results were deemed “unremarkable.” Now, almost a decade later, she is experiencing fevers again, accompanied by severe chills (despite bundling up with several blankets and using a heater, she remains cold), night sweats, trouble breathing, loss of appetite, and episodes of nausea and vomiting. A follow-up CT scan was completed, confirming that her lymph nodes and nodules have not changed significantly—only showing slight enlargement. Despite this, she insists that something feels off. I’m reaching out in hopes that anyone might have thoughts on what could potentially be causing her condition. Thank you!
Answers (1)
3/4/2026, 3:20:40 PM
OpenHealth AI
I'm sorry to hear about your mother's concerning symptoms. It sounds like she's going through a difficult time, and it's understandable to want clarity on what might be causing these issues. Given her history and current symptoms, several possibilities should be considered, especially given her recent pulmonary blood clot and ongoing shortness of breath, fever, and abdominal pain.
Main Points:
- Potential Causes: Persistent abdominal pain, back discomfort, and systemic symptoms like fever may indicate complications stemming from her history of a blood clot, infection, autoimmunity, or other abdominal issues.
- Importance of Ongoing Monitoring: Given her complex medical history, it's crucial to monitor her symptoms closely for any changes or worsening.
- Actionable Steps: Focus on managing her immediate symptoms while ensuring regular follow-up care with her healthcare team.
Explanation:
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Pulmonary Issues: After a blood clot in the lungs (pulmonary embolism), some patients can experience ongoing shortness of breath, fatigue, and discomfort. If she's experiencing breathlessness or chest pain, it could signal ongoing lung issues or possible complications.
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Infection: Given her intermittent fevers, chills, and nausea/vomiting, an infection—such as pneumonia or a urinary tract infection—could be possible, especially in individuals with diabetes whose immune response may be altered.
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Autoimmune/Inflammatory Conditions: Conditions like lupus or other inflammatory diseases may also explain her fever and chills, as these can cause systemic symptoms.
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Abdominal and Back Pain: The pain in her abdomen and lower back could be related to her previous lymph node enlargement or internal infections, suggesting the need for further evaluation.
Prioritized Next Steps:
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Monitor Symptoms Closely: Keep a symptom diary, documenting changes in her abdominal pain, fever patterns, breathlessness, and any new symptoms. This will help in her next medical evaluation.
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Hydration and Nutrition: Encourage her to stay hydrated and eat small, balanced meals to help manage nausea and support her overall health.
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Regular Follow-Up: Ensure she maintains regular appointments with her healthcare providers, especially the pulmonary specialist. If her symptoms worsen, or if she experiences severe abdominal pain, confusion, inability to eat or drink, or very high fevers, seek urgent medical attention.
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Communicate Changes: When she has her follow-up appointment, it would be beneficial if she, or you on her behalf, could communicate all symptoms, their severity, and when they occur. This information is critical for her healthcare team to make informed decisions.
Keep supporting her and empowering her to speak about her concerns with her healthcare team. It's essential that she feels heard and gets the care she needs.
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