I have had soft swelling between my right ankle and the bone up the back of my leg for nearly two months. It sometimes spreads across the back of my lower leg in the ankle area. I elevate it, wear support hose, and use ice, but it remains. I am waiting for an ultrasound but am concerned it is not getting better. I don't recall injuring it, but my arch itches sometimes, and there is slight pain down the bone at the side of my foot. I have varicose spider veins in patches on that leg but have had ultrasounds for veins twice, the latest being a year ago. Should I be concerned about a blood clot, and is it safe for me to fly to Florida for vacation?

March 2nd, 2024

I was diagnosed with a bicuspid aortic valve by two out of three doctors, but one doctor disagrees. I have a valve area of 1.8, mild regurgitation in both the aortic and mitral valves, and I'm concerned about the risk of infective endocarditis. Which doctor is correct, what caused the valve damage, and what are my chances of getting infective endocarditis?

April 29th, 2023

My eyelids open and close involuntarily, and I experience difficulty keeping them open, especially when relaxing or doing certain activities. Drinking water, playing the piano, and concentrating on tasks can help temporarily, but eyelids close again when I stop. Botox has no effect, and doctors are unsure of the exact condition, only mentioning blepharospasm.

April 13th, 2024

Is it possible to repair a hip socket (now bone on bone) without surgery?

July 4th, 2024

I am 50 years old and I have been seeing someone who is 47. She has genital herpes, which she contracted from her husband and led to their divorce 10 years ago. I want to build a relationship with her but need to know how to protect myself from getting herpes, especially regarding oral sex and other sexual activities.

April 27th, 2024