asked
I have been under extreme emotional stress/anxiety for the past several months. I need to know if prolonged stress causes deficiencies in the vitamin B family (B12, B6, etc.), folic acid, iron, and vitamin D. My blood tests, although mostly normal, show lower values than in the past. My WBC count is unusually around 4.8 with a drop to 4.2, and the MCV and MCH are higher than my norms. Does this point to vitamin deficiencies? Additionally, I had my blood tested twice, with my WBC dropping from 6.6 to 4.2. Can you explain if this is normal? Finally, what blood results would indicate leukemia or bone marrow issues?
August 4th, 2023
I have symptoms of a cold or flu, such as a normal temperature, occasional coughing with light phlegm, and no fever except for a brief episode of 100.2°F a few days ago. I am unsure if I am contagious and whether I should reschedule my doctor's appointment. Can I have the flu with a normal temperature, and do I need a flu swab test or antibiotics?
April 20th, 2024
I have been experiencing severe, sudden physical symptoms such as hot flashes, lightheadedness, shortness of breath, muscle twitching, tingling, and weakness, with no identifiable triggers or provocation. These symptoms have been ongoing for a couple of weeks and have not responded to multiple medical evaluations, including ECGs, chest X-rays, lab tests, and an MRI. I am concerned that these symptoms might indicate a serious underlying condition, despite being told it could be anxiety. What could be causing these symptoms, and are they consistent with anxiety?
December 17th, 2023
If you test positive for cocaine on a fingernail test after stopping use for several months, will the levels of cocaine in the nails decrease over time, even if subsequent tests continue to show positive results?
July 18th, 2024
Can an untreated UTI cause numbness starting in the legs and gradually moving up to the stomach and chest area?
June 4th, 2024
What should I do if I think I got food poisoning from Chipotle on Thursday? I was nauseated and vomited two hours after eating. I'm feeling a bit weak today. I drank some Kefir and Ginger Ale all day Friday and today I had Lentil soup. I am kind of pre-diabetic and taking Metformin. I haven't seen a doctor yet and am taking Lisinipril and Metformin. I just had a complete physical with lab work and everything was okay. I am concerned because I am having guests tomorrow, one of whom just finished chemotherapy and I don't want to compromise her system.
March 15th, 2024