I know this one! Adolescence!
(Reads further) Hmm. Doesn’t seem to apply here.
Pretty much.
He’s home now, and feeling much better. The doctor believes the problem is a variety of unrelated things - hypertension, maybe some alcohol withdrawal, maybe sleep apnea.
We’re not particularly happy with this diagnosis, primarily because none of it explains the massive personality change which is one of the most troubling aspects. We’re also concerned about the alcohol issue; I won’t claim that my Dad doesn’t drink, but it seems like some of his bloodwork should indicate alcohol problems if they’re this bad. They don’t, and they never have (he had a full physical in October). He also has not been cutting back lately, although he has been slowly cutting back over the last few years. As far as we can tell he has one big glass of brandy a day. The doctor told him yesterday to not drink more than two “official” drinks a day, which is about what he’s been drinking. Very confusing. I suppose it’s possible that he’s been “sneaking” drinks when people aren’t looking, but that’s not like my Dad at all. If he wanted a drink and he knew someone wouldn’t approve, he’s much more the type to say “bug off, I’ll do what I want” than sneak into the bathroom to indulge.
Just to be clear - if it is alcohol, we’re actually thrilled about it. He has no problem cutting down or quitting drinking, and it would be a nice easy solution to the problems. We’ve been scared it was something much more serious.
The fatigue was explained away by sleep apnea, another diagnosis we don’t much like. He’s been tested for apnea in the past, and has never had it. He falls asleep on his recliner at night, and nobody - including my RN sister-in-law who is familiar with the signs of apnea - has noticed any apnea symptoms. Still, he will go in for an apnea test in the next couple weeks to rule it out.
So the two biggest issues - personality change, and fatigue - have no clear diagnosis. I guess I just feel like the doctor is grasping at straws in order to tell us something. My Dad will do what the doctor says, including limiting his drinking and getting whatever tests done. Overall, he’s stable for now, but my gut tells me that eventually this will turn out to be something more than what the doctors are telling us at this time.
It’s lupus!
Sending good wishes your way…