I have been experiencing upper left abdominal pain for five days, which has worsened today and is accompanied by a low-grade fever and a burning sensation wrapping around my back. I have been treating it as muscle strain with ibuprofen and hot/cold therapy, but I am also feeling constipated. I am concerned this could be pancreatitis. What could be causing this pain and what should I do?

April 25th, 2023

I awoke during the night with great discomfort in my neck and upper chest, feeling similar to swallowing a cough drop getting caught at the collarbone area and radiating outwards. There was also some discomfort in my back between my shoulder blades. I am a 61-year-old female in generally good health, with a history of slightly elevated blood pressure, being somewhat overweight, and under stress as a tax preparer.

June 22nd, 2024

My son, age 20, has had multiple injuries and surgeries, including sports hernia and bilateral hip surgery for labral tears. He is a carrier for thalassemia, and recently had a bout of gastritis with abnormal blood work. He takes various supplements like vitamin D, C, joint soother, fish oil, and men's sport vitamins. Should he have an extensive blood workup, and should I take him to a hematologist?

November 12th, 2024

My 74-year-old husband has experienced severe shaking chills with fevers around 101.2-101.7°F, leg bone and muscle aches, and difficulty finding a comfortable position when lying down. These attacks last about an hour or more, followed by a decrease in fever and leg pain. He has had these attacks 2-3 times in the last couple of months. What could be causing these symptoms, and what tests or treatments should be considered?

February 6th, 2024

I have been taking Plavix, Toprol XL, Aspirin, and Lovaza, and have stopped taking Zocor, replacing it with a red yeast rice caplet. Is this a good switch to help keep my cholesterol down?

June 11th, 2024