What could these symptoms be?

[chubb4]

Not asking for a diagnosis, just some opinions. It’s regarding dh and I have told him he should ring 111 but he’s adamant he’s not doing that and he will go to GP when it opens tomorrow.

A week or so ago he had a temperature, lethargy and high heart rate. Seemed very much like he was battling some sort of infection. He woke up the next day feeling ok again and has been fine all week so we left it.

However over the past few days these symptoms have returned. Heart rate goes up and down and has been at 120 at one point according to his Apple Watch. He has been cold, lethargic and achey and just today he has noticed dark urine and some pain while peeing. He is still functioning and is cooking a meal right now which doesn’t suggest an emergency but he is clearly not right. As I said, he has agreed to go to the doctors tomorrow but he is a stubborn bugger and won’t entertain the idea of 111 or a&e tonight even though the heart rate is worrying (it’s back down to below 100 at the
moment).

Any ideas?

I would phone 111 for him. Does the urine get lighter if he drinks lots of water? Could be a kidney infection or stones maybe.

It’s not something that I really often advocate, but would ChatGPT have any useful ideas?

Sounds like UTI. Don’t mess around with them in men. Both my DH and BIL ended up in hospital with UTIs as they tend to be complex in men. Urge him to get it sorted. My DH is fine after IV of the correct antibiotics, but my BIL is still suffering the after-effects 4 months later.

What have his temperatures actually been?

Does his urine lighten if he drinks more?
Any flank pain (either side of lower back)?
Any kidney issues or other health problems?
I agree its possibly a UTI which isn't common in men and needs to be checked.

Dark urine could be inflammation of the gall bladder or liver. He needs to ring 111.

Good point. What colour are the whites of his eyes? Either way, he needs medical attention OP x

He says he’s been drinking quite a lot so don’t think it’s dehydration. He’s been off his food though. I have really tried to get him to call 111 but he won’t. He is adamant he will go to the doctors tomorrow though. I find it odd that the symptoms started last week then went away then came back with the added dark urine (which only just started today). He is functioning and doing normal tasks but clearly something is amiss somewhere.

I wouldn't indulge his stubborness.

Tell him you are worried about his heart especially and that you are ringing 111 as you want him around long term and that you need to for reassurance and do you can sleep tonight without worrying about him.

Tell him if he is right, he has nothing to be concerned about as 111 will confirm it.

Good plan. Go upstairs and call them.

Agree with possible blocked bile duct. He needs to go to A and E as this can lead to sepsis, especially as he is showing signs of infection.

I would trust the watch. Can you buy a finger obs monitor from a chemist?

Sounds like a UTI which can be serious in men, he could see the pharmacist but they'll probably say see the GP.

Have you checked his blood pressure? Any shaking or tremors - my DHs were really violent, like I would expect a recovering alcoholic to 'rattle'. Has he appeared at all confused? Has his speech seemed slow or slurred at all? Please educate yourself about the signs of sepsis. Infection would be my thought too and sepsis can take hold fast, the symptoms can initially come and go, and not all medical professionals recognise the symptoms unbelievably. My DH almost died when he went in to septic shock following a perianal abscess and was resuscitated twice. It was the fast action of our GP and the hospital who admitted him that meant he was going into surgery as he needed to be resuscitated, if he had been anywhere else he would have died I am certain. He was lucky.

Pharmacists don’t treat UTI in men (only women 16-64 ).
It may or may not be UTI.
Take advice from 111
It may escalate into sepsis or other complications otherwise.

It could be anything but fever, low urine output and high fever defiently looking at sooner rather then later. I would call 111 as if it is an infection it could get worse quickly.

No tremors or shakes. No confusion. He has just cooked a meal. He is getting really cross when I try and insist on 111. He’s a grown adult and while I’m frustrated I don’t think there’s much else I can do at this point other than keep a close eye. Doesn’t feel like an emergency right now but I know these things can change quickly.

Phone 111 to put your own mind at rest - he doesn’t need to know. I wouldn’t sleep!

Hope your DH went to GP today amd all is well.

He woke up feeling fine and despite my protests said he didn’t need to go. He did phone up and was told no appointments so just gave up.
However this evening he has started with really bad pain while weeing again and has taken himself up to a&e. I’m pleased he’s seen sense but wish he’d gone sooner as it looks like it’ll be a long night for him. I’m wondering if it could be kidney stones. Bloody men.

Edited as just seen your update - hope he gets some advice soon.

Probably not helpful now but 111 has an online assessment which will guide you through questions and get you the right help. If he's stubborn like this again I'd do that and hand he the phone when the nurse calls back.

I hope he's okay.