I experience dizziness when I drink coffee and eat sugary foods, despite having no previous issues with these. I have spoken with my doctor, take Paxil, cholesterol medication, and 80mg aspirin daily, and have a family history of heart disease. My health is generally good, but I had several concussions growing up. How can caffeine and sugar be causing dizziness, and what should I do about it?

August 12th, 2024

I have neck pain that has been going on for days and have had shooting pain up into my head. I saw my doctor, who said I probably slept on it wrong. I also have a cow valve installed 2 years ago, severe plaque psoriasis, suspected arthritis in my hands, and a torn shoulder muscle. I'm 56 years old and have been taking Tylenol for the past 3 days, which gives some relief. What should I do to address this neck pain and associated symptoms?

November 24th, 2023

I had a possible exposure between February 17-21. 28 days after the exposure, I took a 4th generation HIV antibody/antigen test in the United States and the result was negative. What is the reliability and conclusiveness of this test? Additionally, one week after the exposure, I noticed a painless blister on my penis, suspected to be molluscum contagiosum. I asked the person I had sex with to take an HIV test, which also came back negative. What are the chances that my negative 4th generation test after 4 weeks is a false negative and will turn out positive later? If my blister was due to HIV, would the test have come up positive after 4 weeks? Could the symptoms I experienced (body weakness, loss of appetite, stuffy nose, and diarrhea) be related to HIV? Have you heard of any negative 4th gen test after 4 weeks that turned out positive at 6 or 12 weeks later? Why is it recommended to take the test after 4 weeks if it's officially only conclusive at 3 months?

November 2nd, 2024

I have been experiencing unpredictable stomach cramping after eating, which seems to be more related to how fast I eat rather than the type of food. If I eat very slowly and only a little, it usually is okay, but food always seems to immediately start making gas. If I can burp enough, it stays calm, but if I can't, severe pain develops, and I have to vomit up the whole meal. The pain can last for hours. This has been happening off and on for about 4 months. I have had arthritis for years and have used pain meds constantly at times, but switched to turmeric a couple of years ago. My bowel movements are generally a bit loose but have been more formed lately. I go 4-5 times a day. I have been to see a doctor, who ordered tests that eliminated H pylori and various other possibilities. She wanted me to try antacids, but that felt wrong. I am a 72-year-old woman. What could be causing these symptoms, and what further tests or treatments should I consider?

May 13th, 2023

Does a VA doctor have the right to discharge me as a patient, and if so, what should I do to get another doctor?

December 24th, 2024