Ask the Doctor

What causes leg and ankle swelling?

BY PAUL G. DONOHUE, M.D.

Comments | Recommend

DEAR DR. DONOHUE: My legs, ankles and feet get really swollen, and I mean really. During the day, if I slip my shoes off, I can't get them back on. What can I do to take down the swelling? I'm not on any medicine, and my health is good. I haven't... Full story

'Prolapse' means an organ has fallen

BY PAUL G. DONOHUE, M.D.

Comments | Recommend

DEAR DR. DONOHUE: I recently developed a prolapsed bladder. While I know it is not life-threatening, I want to take care of it ASAP. I am 74 and very active. My gynecologist wants me to do Kegel exercises and be fitted with a pessary. He doesn't... Full story

Bronchiectasis is a cough that won't stop

BY PAUL G. DONOHUE, M.D.

Comments | Recommend

DEAR DR. DONOHUE: For two years, I had a cough that was constant. I didn't feel all that sick, and I saw a number of doctors without getting an answer. I also tried numerous medicines, without any relief. I just changed doctors, and the new doctor... Full story

Herpes is not the end of life

BY PAUL G. DONOHUE, M.D.

Comments | Recommend

DEAR DR. DONOHUE: I am a 32-year-old woman who just learned that she has genital herpes. As I understand it, this means I should not have sex and cannot have children. I also understand that there is no treatment and that I'll have it for life. Can... Full story

Vitamin D deficiency is common

BY PAUL G. DONOHUE, M.D.

Comments | Recommend

DEAR DR. DONOHUE: My doctor told me that my vitamin D level is low, and put me on high-dose replacement for eight weeks. The count was slightly lower after I took the treatment. She has me on the same high dose for another eight weeks. What causes... Full story

Treatments for a common cause of heel pain

BY PAUL G. DONOHUE, M.D.

Comments | Recommend

DEAR DR. DONOHUE: I started a running program about two months ago, but I have had to put an end to it. My right heel has become so painful that I can't walk, let alone run. It hurts most in the morning when I get out of bed and take some steps. The... Full story

Endometriosis is transplantation of uterine lining to ther sites

BY PAUL G. DONOHUE, M.D.

Comments | Recommend

DEAR DR. DONOHUE: I am 36 and have been married for four years. My menstrual periods are very painful, and have been so for at least seven years. My husband and I have been trying to have a family. We haven't been successful. Could these two things... Full story

Hemorrhoid treatments are many

BY PAUL G. DONOHUE, M.D.

Comments | Recommend

DEAR DR. DONOHUE: What kind of doctor removes hemorrhoids? Mine are very irritating. Can they be removed in ways other than surgery? -- D.E.       ANSWER: Regular surgeons and proctologists remove hemorrhoids. Proctologists... Full story

The signs and symptoms of heart attacks are diverse

BY PAUL G. DONOHUE, M.D.

Comments | Recommend

DEAR DR. DONOHUE: My father died of a heart attack when he was 47. His brother died of one at 45. Naturally, I am concerned. I am only 37, and I have four children and would like to be around when they graduate from high school. I have a simple... Full story

Gallbladder pain can happen without gallstones

BY PAUL G. DONOHUE, M.D.

Comments | Recommend

DEAR DR. DONOHUE: After six months of off-and-on abdominal pain and ultrasounds of liver, spleen, gallbladder, kidneys and lungs plus a colonoscopy and gastroscopy (all negative), I have been diagnosed with sphincter of Oddi dysfunction. My doctor... Full story

See Archives