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69 year old male, otherwise healthy, for last 6 weeks has ...
Sent to Health Experts October 06 02:51 PM

69 year old male, otherwise healthy, for last 6 weeks has had recurrent fever, night sweats, fatigue...blood tests all came back neg. for lyme's disease, endocarditis, hepatitis, etc....he has a cough too...also, he has a back neck pain that comes and goes as well...no improvement with antiobiotics...please help...this is my dad

Customer (name blocked for privacy)
Status:  Closed   Value: $5
Info Request
October 6 3:00 PM (8 minutes and 29 seconds later)
         
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Has he been out of this country in the past 6 months?

Does or did he have any rash or sores on his body?

Any hair or weight loss?

Is he on any medications and how long has he been on them?


Edited by BarbaraTaylor on October 6 2005 at 3:18 PM

BarbaraTaylor, ARNP, CAP

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BarbaraTaylor -- Nurse Practitioner -- 98% Positive Feedback on 101 Health Accepts
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Reply
October 6 5:13 PM (2 hours and 13 minutes and 3 seconds later)
         
Reply to BarbaraTaylor's Post: The only place he was to was Bermuda in May '05. No rash or sores. No hair loss or weight loss really. He was on 3 different types of antiobiotics during this first phase of fever (the first 3 weeks). The last batch was the strongest antibiotic the dr. could give him. They are leaning towards something with this liver (?)
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October 6 5:53 PM (39 minutes and 46 seconds later)
         
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They think this problem has something to do with his liver because his liver enzymes are elevated? Is he a regular drinker? Did the doctor say any more than that?

And he is on no regular medications? Does he take a lot of OTC meds?

While I was waiting on your reply I researched your dad's symptoms. First off, I think this process is more likely to be viral...so antibiotics won't help and the three antibiotic courses demonstrated that.

There were two possiblities that kept coming up during my research. The first was HIV. Elder populations are testing positive more and more. Many were exposed years ago and now symptoms are appearing. Current treatment allows for many years of productive living in most. The other was Tuberculosis. Both test are simple to do. Do you know if they were done?

I know how frightening it is when our parents are ill and no one can seem to get to the bottom of it. Maybe in this case, he has an unknown/undiagnosed virus that will run its course and he will be no worse for the wear. I hope it turns out that way for you , him and the family.

Please let me know if there is anything else I may be able to do for you.


BarbaraTaylor, ARNP, CAP

My suggestions are not intended to replace consultation with your physician.

Please click the green accept button if you find this answer helpful. A bonus and positive ratings are always appreciated.
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BarbaraTaylor -- Nurse Practitioner -- 98% Positive Feedback on 101 Health Accepts
Mental Health/ Critical Care/ Emergency experience with national certification
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