What could make my mom sick so long?

Definitely get a second opinion.

The doctor should do blood work.

A buddy of mine had the flu back in Dec. or Jan. and he JUST got completely over it!

@kritiper how bad was it? Any of the symptoms I mentioned?

Also my mom has severe insomnia where she can’t sleep at all. So we are trying to see what else it could be.

Severe insomnia and not being able to get out of the bed could be indicative of depression.

Not being able to eat much food could be due to an extended sickness (and laying in bed)...your stomach shrinks. (Happens to many people after a hospitalization. Personal experience on this one several times for me. Couldn’t hold food down, couldn’t eat much.)

Flu, depending on the age of the person and it’s severity can hang on for months. But, typically this is in the case of people with suppressed immune systems. One blood panel to run would be to determine if she has a poor immune system. There are a lot of Immunodeficiency diseases – I have IgAD (google it if you want the details – but basically means whenever I get sick I get really sick. Common cold goes to Bronchitis or Pneumonia nearly everytime without fail.)...and most people don’t even know why they get “sicker than the average bear” until something like the flu throws them for a loop.

Anyways, you’re on the right course taking her to another doctor. Not sure what country you’re located in – but if you’re in the U.S. I would strongly suggest having a full workup with an Internist. Internists can co-ordinate care between multiple other specialists and make sure that your mom is tested for everything potentially causing her to feel unwell.

Thanks everyone. She is 62. She was freaking me out thinking the worst and trying to give us goodbye gifts. My heart never hurted so much with the thought of it being possible. We are waiting ultrasound results and working on also seeing a sleep specialist, whatever it takes. Yes we are in USA.
I don’t think it’s the flu anymore. She just throws up and can’t hold down food but tries to eat. Headaches and she just rests. My brother in laws mom is a family dr and said she’s very dehydrated. Tried pedialyte but not sure if it’s helping.

She needs an IV.

@chelle21689 Don’t know about the insomnia, but all of the others seem to fit.

At this point she definitely needs to be seen by another Doctor, preferably a specialist.

Someone suggested an Internist (not to be confused with an Intern) or since whatever she has is still of unknown origin, the super detectives of the medical profession are Infectious Disease Specialists.

The reason I suggest that is because Infectious Disease Specialists have so much more experience with a wide variety of things which a regular Doctor rarely or never sees.

Whoever is treating her should have done IV fluids as soon as the dehydration became apparent. Why the foot dragging?

Get her to a competent SPECIALIST ASAP.

Exactly WHY aren’t you taking her to a doctor? If she’s dehydrated she could DIE.
WHY are you all still sitting around watching her SUFFER??

Did you not read my post? We took her to a doctor, hospital to check everything before she wasn’t able to keep food down. Took her to get an ultrasound and tomorrow she’s getting to see another doctor and referral for a specialist. She requested a doctor that speaks her native tongue thinking she can communicate better than English. Either way, we are trying to get everything checked and do what we can. Hopefully we can help her get better asap

Oh sorry, I read the last comment Buttontc above mine.
I was concerned with your coment that pedialyte isn’t working, and no it won’t at this point.
Like Dutchess said, she Needs an IV.
You Stay Positive & don’t let this shake you.

Some viruses can last 8+ weeks. I just got better from one that lasted 5 weeks. (with similar symptoms)

if she has insurance I would so seriously take her to the ER, now.

The reason I wrote what I did is because all you mentioned was a sleep specialist.

I hate to state the obvious here, but that would be pretty far down the list of specialists to address her problems.

She is in URGENT need of IV fluids and a proper DIAGNOSIS of exactly why she is this sick for this long.

Once that gets adddressed, and if the insomnia persists, a sleep specialist MIGHT be necessary.

But first things first. SHE NEEDS FLUIDS and a thorough medical workup to diagnose the primary problem.

Once she’s on the mend and getting better, THEN worry about her sleeping problem.

I’ll mention that to my sis as she takes her to the doctor

Please keep us posted on how she is doing. It could be gallbladder issues or kidney stones which she will get over with the right treatment. All tne best! Just tell us how things go.

I’ll try to remember, thank you everyone.

Best wishes @chelle21689 I have nothing significant to add.

@talljasperman Pine Sol poisoning? lol That’s imaginative for sure.

@Jewel10 Careful, I love Buddhist philosophy and I can assure I am far from “evil”, you might want to keep your religious convictions toned down a little to avoid offending others. We strive to be tolerant here but, I can tell you, most of us are not christians, or people of faith. That said, welcome and I hope you enjoy your time here.

I have been hit twice by viruses which lasted over four weeks. I was miserable, and weak for some time after. Given her age, I would consider dehydration strongly. Could she take ibuprofin okay in the past? It makes my stomach turn. There are a number of ailments which resemble flu. I am on the second opinion bandwagon.

FYI. Ibuprophen should always be taken with food; never on an empty stomach as it can have a very corrosive effect on the stomach lining.

I’m surprised that a Dr. would advise this drug if he knows that one of the patients PRIMARY complaints is not being able to keep food down.

Either he wasn’t listening or doesn’t know what he’s doing.

She really needs to be under the care of someone competent who takes her complaints seriously and isn’t just handing out generalized perfunctory advice.

If you can’t find a Dr. who is fluent in her language, then the hospital should be able to provide a translator. But you must specifically request that. They aren’t mind readers. Give them adequate time to find one.

She speaks English fine but thinks she can communicate better in her language her symptoms. She has an appt in a few hours so hopefully we get somewhere. Her cat scan, chest X-ray, and blood work turned out ok, Last night she was able to hold down half a sleeve of crackers so that’s a start. She said she already drank more than enough water to keep hydrated.

The thing that bothers me most is she was talking as if she’s going to die and lost hope because it’s been a month. My older sister already said well she’s preparing for the worst and putting her game face on and just try to find out what’s wrong. I hate that everyone seems like they don’t have that much hope.