Category: ask-the-expert

My 50-year old son has developed bulging eyes over the last few months. It makes him look different, and I would like to know what may cause this.

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?

Every time I eat dairy, I get diarrhea and have to run to the bathroom almost the whole day. But when I use products such as Lactaid, I get constipated. What is wrong here? Are there vitamins I need to take to obtain a healthy and normal bowel movement?

I’m afflicted with lupus. Do you have any dietary suggestions pertaining to my condition?

I get itchy rashes on my belly, arms, and legs. They look like mosquito bites at first, but after some time, the itch becomes less intense, and the color turns dark, leaving little dark dots on my skin. Sometimes a bit of fluid comes out of them. I have tried different kinds of medicines and ointments, but they never really solve the problem. What can these rashes possibly be? What can I do to get rid of them?

Are there any home remedies that I can use for eczema?

I was diagnosed with RLS 10 years ago and have been taking the common medications (Requip, etc.) for this condition, which seems to control my symptoms most of the time. Lately, though, I?ve noticed that the medications aren?t working the way they once did. Am I building up a tolerance to the drugs? Will switching drugs help? Going off the medication is impossible. Without it, the ache and tingling in my legs keep me up all night.

According to my massage therapist, I may have over-stretched ligaments in my lower back that run from my lower lumbar spine onto my gluteus maximus. Can this be corrected through deep-tissue massage or would it require surgery?

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?

My fingers swell quite a bit when I am walking or jogging. In fact, I often can’t get my ring off, and sometimes my ring feels very tight on my finger. Also, my face gets very red and doesn’t return to normal for about an hour afterwards. I do not push myself to the point of feeling lightheaded, so I can’t figure out why this happens.