ask-the-expert
A male friend has confided in me that he has a small lump in his left breast. I know he is very worried about breast cancer. Could these symptoms be caused by other conditions?
When I got a splinter last year, I didn't think too much of the situation at first. But a couple of weeks later, my elbow started to swell up. I went to the hospital and was told I had a Methicillin-resistant Staph aureus (MRSA) infection. After a month of taking Zyvox (linezolid), I was told I no longer had MRSA. Recently, I stepped on a bathroom rug that still had a staple in it and a red pimple started to appear. I went to a foot doctor who said it was the beginning of staph infection. Once you have had MRSA does it always stay in your body — or am I just having a bunch of bad luck?
I'm 48 years old and have suddenly started suffering from lactose intolerance. I am avoiding all kinds of dairy to prevent the bloating and pain. I thought that was the end of it, but other foods are bothering me now, like peanuts and meats. The list of foods I can eat is shrinking by the day. Do you think I might have a serious problem in my digestive system? Should I go for intensive testing?
I have been suffering from a skin rash for about 10 years. A large patch of my skin constantly itches, and the skin is thick and feels like leather. I have gone through almost every ointment on the market, and none works. I went to a new doctor and he said that my rash was neurodermatitis, and the best treatment would be an antidepressant to stop the scratching. I am a little skeptical. Have you ever heard of using a mood-altering medication to treat a skin rash?
Are all erectile dysfunction medications the same and have the same side effects? My husband says they are and that all of them will give you headaches, stomach upset, and blurred vision. I think they are like any other medications — you might have to try a few before you find the right one for you. What do you think?
Is there a difference between the prescription Zoloft and the generic version? I started taking Zoloft in 1994, but switched to the generic version over a year ago because it's free with my prescription coverage. I think I've gained weight since the switch. Is it possible that the generic version causes me to gain weight when Zoloft didn't?
I have been struggling with a persistent pain on the right side of my belly. More recently, it feels like it originates in my back and wraps around to the front. My doctor ordered a bunch of blood tests and a CAT scan of my abdomen. Everything appears to be normal. My doctor is quite sure that this is a pinched nerve. Can you get this much pain from a pinched nerve? And the medications my doctor prescribed to treat the pain are so expensive. Any suggestions?
I have had acid reflux off and on in the past, but it has been much better recently. About one year ago, a doctor looked down my esophagus and into my stomach (a test he called an upper endoscopy). My esophagus was inflamed and I was told to take the medication Aciphex indefinitely. I rarely have heartburn and never need antacids. I certainly don't want to take this medicine forever. If I eat less acidic foods and don't experience heartburn, is it necessary to take this drug to keep my esophagus healthy?
I have recently started having a problem with swallowing foods. It seems like my throat muscles just stopped working. What could this be? It is really starting to bother me.
I understand that many of the antidepressants on the market are used to treat both depression and anxiety. I have tried three different antidepressants to treat my depression (Celexa, Zoloft, and Effexor) and they all cause me to experience anxiety as a side effect. Since these drugs are also used to treat anxiety, can you explain how this is possible?