I've had watery bowel movements for a week that are light tan and gray, and I've been having pain in my right lower back and side for the last month or so. The pain seems to be worse at night and comes and goes as a dull pain. I have had no recent injuries and have always been healthy. I am a 30-year-old male and have not changed my diet. Are these symptoms related, and what could be causing them?

February 22nd, 2024

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