asked
I have had stomach pain on and off for months, recently tested positive for occult blood on a home FIT test. I have noted fatigue for one month, lower stomach pain, and upper left quadrant pain intermittently with a history of moderate GERD. Bloodwork today shows RBC 5.14, Hgb 16.1, HCT 46%. I have a GI appointment in May 2023 but would like to know the possibilities of occult blood reasonings -- could a hemorrhoid cause this (I have lower external ones and maybe internal ones)? What else could cause this FIT test positive? Is 15.6-16.1 Hgb ok? Is occult bleeding less or more serious typically versus overt bleeds such as black stools? What should I do prior to my appointment? Medications to take? Dietary changes?
April 2nd, 2023
My daughter has been diagnosed with strep throat and has been taking penicillin capsules for 48 hours, but she is still in a lot of pain. Should I take her to the ER?
April 22nd, 2024
I have psoriatic arthritis and recently had to stop methotrexate due to possible gastritis. I also take Cosentyx, but my pain in my hands, knees, and wrists continues to be unbearable. Can you help?
March 12th, 2023
I have been taking 20 mg of benazepril for 20 years to manage my borderline blood pressure. Recently, I experienced lightheadedness, dizziness, and weakness in my legs, which led my doctor to reduce my dosage to 10 mg. Despite the reduction, I still have these side effects. Should I consider a lower dosage, and did my 20-pound weight loss two years ago help my blood pressure?
November 23rd, 2023
I had a chest CT scan today and it noted that my liver and spleen were enlarged. Should I be concerned, and what additional tests might be necessary to further investigate this?
September 21st, 2023
I’m a fit, active 71-year-old male taking 75 mg irbesartan for occasional elevated systolics and controlled chronic kidney disease. Can you tell me if the corresponding dosages of 80 mg Valsartan, 25 mg Losartan, and 10 mg Olmesartan are considered as effective in treating both hypertension and protecting the kidneys as my current 75 mg irbesartan? If these medications are deemed suitable as irbesartan substitutes and if my irbesartan medication were to be changed due to a side effect, is there a certain order of trial among these three others that you would suggest?
February 16th, 2023