I have a dull ache/pain in my back to the right near the waist, extending up and around at times, and it is not constant. I sit a lot during the day at my desk, and I have had lower back issues for twenty years; degenerative discs, bulging discs, etc. I am used to that frequent discomfort. Can the muscles in my lower back extend around to the front of my abdomen? Every once in a while I feel slight discomfort there. I am on 20 mg omeprozole (GERD), 10 mg Prozac (anxiety), and just started 40 mg of Prevastatin two weeks ago (high cholesterol/tris). Since August I have lost 26 pounds and I'm still going. I had an ultrasound in August that showed 'echogenic' liver, but everything else was normal. I also take vitamin supplements (Multivitamin, Calcium with Vit D, Vitamin E, and a Probiotic. I don't exercise but I am embarking on a new exercise regime this week. Can you offer me any insight?

December 27th, 2023

I have had severe sciatica for the last two months on my left side, and I hear it could be accompanied by blown, bulging, or herniated disks in my lower lumbar. My chiropractor says I need an MRI but it could be weeks to months before my insurance kicks in. I had this same issue 5 years ago (car accident) and somehow within a year it got better to where I could work out and be active again. I haven't been for months now. Also, my right toes are lightly tingling sometimes. What is going on with me?

August 24th, 2024

I am a 26-year-old female concerned about possible renal/kidney failure due to long-term IV antibiotic use, experiencing severe side cramping, minimal urine output, uremia symptoms (yellow/reddish skin, uremia frost), highly acidic urine (pH 4-4.5), nausea, lack of appetite, vertigo, and PNS symptoms. Should I go to the ER, and how serious is uremia frost, especially in relation to potential toxic shock from acidity and uric buildup?

September 23rd, 2023

I recently had elevated liver enzyme numbers (AST and ALT) which returned to normal after I quit drinking alcohol. I want to know if I can keep my numbers healthy by drinking moderately, with a glass or two a few times a week.

April 6th, 2024

Can you have a gluten intolerance even if your blood work for it is negative? I have had severe ongoing health issues for almost a year, including GI symptoms and symptoms that mimic reactive hypoglycemia (but my blood sugar is always normal). I stopped eating gluten for a while and felt a little better, but now I feel worse after eating it again. I haven't eaten it today but ate some yesterday, and today I feel extremely faint, tense/jittery, my eyes have trouble focusing, I'm a little nauseous, and I feel sick all over. I started feeling like my blood sugar was low and ate a little, but I'm still lightheaded and my heart is racing. What could be causing these symptoms, and what tests or treatments should I consider?

January 29th, 2024