Category: ask-the-doctor

I am a 55-year-old woman. Since 2001, I have been on warfarin (Coumadin) for mitral valve replacement. Could taking warfarin be the reason I still have monthly periods?

I have been diagnosed with an enlarged bladder that is leaking a little bit. What are my treatment options? What should I do next?

My doctor says I have endometrial polyps. What are they? Are there any treatments besides surgery?

I have had laryngitis for 6 weeks. I do not drink or smoke. I have had a normal GI test and a normal CT scan. What possible conditions could I have?

My 10-year-old daughter suffers from chronic itching in her inner ears and has for years. Cortisone cream does not help. What could this be?

My total iron binding capacity, measured on a blood test, is below normal. What is this test? What causes a low iron binding capacity?

What can cause a cyst on your kidney? Can this be a serious condition?

I am a 43-year-old woman with osteopenia. What is your opinion regarding calcium supplements made from algae and other vegetables?

Because of back pain above my waist and my urine test results, I had an ultrasound to determine if I have kidney stones. The technician said I had a duplex kidney on the left side. This was the first time I’d heard of it. Can you explain what a duplex kidney is? Does it need to be treated? If so, what is the appropriate treatment?

I have a circular area of small blisters on my right buttock. I had this about four months ago, but now it’s painful, not only where the blisters are, but also all around the area. Any ideas?