I have been experiencing weight loss, occasional bright red blood and mucus in my stool, and changes in stool consistency over the past few months. I am scheduled for a colonoscopy and am concerned about the possibility of bowel cancer. My diet has changed significantly, I have been using a CPAP machine, and I have been under stress. My blood tests and fecal calprotectin test were normal. Could these symptoms be related to stress or dietary changes rather than cancer?

July 29th, 2023

I am scheduled to get the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine, which uses mRNA technology. I am very scared due to reports of over 3000 people having bad reactions and 35 people dying in Norway. I am high-risk due to obesity, hypertension, and age. I know I need to get the vaccine but am terrified. Is the vaccine truly helping society to eliminate COVID-19 or at least reduce case numbers? Are the cases of allergic reactions real or a rumor? Can I take Xanax before the vaccine to ease my anxiety, and will it interfere with the vaccine? I am also concerned about potential allergies to fetal tissue used in the vaccine, as I am RH- and had a bad miscarriage.

August 7th, 2024

I have a hard, fixed immovable lump at the very corner of my jaw joint. It feels like part of the bone, is not visible, and is about the size of a grain of rice. I have had it for months and it doesn't hurt unless I poke and squeeze it. My jaw joint stiffens and clicks when I open my mouth after poking at the area. I also have osteoarthritis in my knees. Should I be worried about this lump, and what could it be?

May 27th, 2024

I have red, raised, itchy eruptions on my back, arms, and hands, occasionally on my hands. They are about the size of a dime, raised, bright pink, and itchy. I have been dealing with skin irritations for several months, and the latest manifestation is different from the first and is getting worse. I have tried hydrocortisone and cetirizine hydrochloride 20 mg daily since January 15, but it hasn't helped much. I am 73 years old, healthy, and active. What could be causing these eruptions, and what can I do to alleviate the symptoms?

January 24th, 2023

I noticed a burning sensation in the upper area between my buttocks today, especially when I wipe. The area is red and there's a white spot. I use wipes regularly. Should I be worried, and is there anything I can do to alleviate the discomfort?

September 16th, 2024