I had a colonoscopy in 04/2015 where two tiny benign hyperplastic polyps were removed. Since last September, I've been experiencing pain on both sides near the bottom ribs. My doctor diagnosed mild GERD and mild chronic inactive gastritis. I've taken Pantoprazole (Protonix) and had various tests (CT, MRI, small bowel follow through, blood tests, X-ray) which all came back normal. My gall bladder has a low ejection fraction (14%) for about two years. I've also had loose stools since November. My question is, do I need another colonoscopy, and is it possible that something developed in my colon to cause the pain in the last 18 months?

May 26th, 2024

I have abnormalities in my urine test, including turbid appearance, 2+ occult blood, abnormal squamous epithelial cells (6-10/HPF), many amorphous sediment/HPF, high hemoglobin (16.0g/dL), and high hematocrit (48.6). Additionally, my blood work shows high total cholesterol (290mg/dL), high LDL cholesterol (206mg/dL), high glucose (107mg/dL), and high ALT (33 U/L). What do these results indicate, and what should I do?

September 22nd, 2023

A person with osteomyelitis and potentially MRSA in their finger touched my arm for less than 5 seconds. I immediately washed my arm for at least a minute. What are the chances of contracting MRSA or being colonized, especially considering the person may have had a sore and I have some dry skin from frequent hand washing?

February 25th, 2024

I noticed a soft, painless lump in my anus today. It doesn't bother me, and I have no blood in my stool nor is it painful to go to the restroom. How long have I had the lump? Is it hard or soft? Anything else in my medical history the doctor should know? I was recently diagnosed with gastritis.

March 28th, 2024

Do medications and high anxiety affect the result of an HIV 4th generation test result? I took two tests over the last two weeks and they both came back negative. I am concerned about a false negative. I take lisinopril, gabapentin, and pentoxifylline.

December 27th, 2023