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My Wife Just Returned Home From An Emergency Procedure To
Question: My wife just returned home from an emergency procedure to fix bleeding esophageal varices. On admission to the ER she had lost a lot of blood and was going into shock. She spent three days in ICU, and the problem seems to have been fixed with banding: no recurring bleeding or symptoms. However, she is complaining of disorientation, hallucinations (like still feeling lines connected to her), confusion, more forgetfulness and clumsiness than usual. Could it be just medication side effects, residual ICU delirium, or more seriously something like anoxic or hepatic encephalopathy? Maybe something else?
Brief Answer:
Anemia to consider.
Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome to 'Ask a Doctor' service.
I have read your query and here is my advice.
In my opinion, your wife's symptoms related to cognition, are caused by anemia, since there was a significant blood loss.
This possibility is easily assessed with blood tests.
Encephalopathy also may justify these symptoms, but confirmation from blood tests results is necessary at first.
So, it is important to evaluate your wife's actual condition by medical examination and by detailed blood tests.
Hope you found the answer helpful.
Let me know if I can assist you further.
Anemia to consider.
Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome to 'Ask a Doctor' service.
I have read your query and here is my advice.
In my opinion, your wife's symptoms related to cognition, are caused by anemia, since there was a significant blood loss.
This possibility is easily assessed with blood tests.
Encephalopathy also may justify these symptoms, but confirmation from blood tests results is necessary at first.
So, it is important to evaluate your wife's actual condition by medical examination and by detailed blood tests.
Hope you found the answer helpful.
Let me know if I can assist you further.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Arnab Banerjee
Thank you Dr. Spaho. I had forgotten to add anemia to her medical history. In total she was transfused with 5 units of blood a week ago, and already had some anemia. She is lethargic and sleepy here at home, and upset she cannot do what she normally does. Would the lethargy and sleepiness fit for anemia?
Also, in your opinion, are we fine to wait until the scheduled follow-up with her Dr. next Friday, or might medical attention/tests be necessary before then?
I told her that her number one job is to rest and recuperate. I am observing closely.
Also, in your opinion, are we fine to wait until the scheduled follow-up with her Dr. next Friday, or might medical attention/tests be necessary before then?
I told her that her number one job is to rest and recuperate. I am observing closely.
Brief Answer:
Anemia may explain those symptoms.
Detailed Answer:
Welcome back.
Anemia is actually a possible condition that may cause these symptoms.
I think you can wait until the scheduled appointment with the Doctor, only in case of any deterioration of your wife's condition you should seek medical attention.
Hope this helps.
Feel free to discuss with me if you have further questions.
Anemia may explain those symptoms.
Detailed Answer:
Welcome back.
Anemia is actually a possible condition that may cause these symptoms.
I think you can wait until the scheduled appointment with the Doctor, only in case of any deterioration of your wife's condition you should seek medical attention.
Hope this helps.
Feel free to discuss with me if you have further questions.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Prasad
Answered by
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