Dr Le Fanu's online health clinic, Friday 17th January 2014 - dentist recommended electric toothbrush

Welcome to the latest 2014 online clinic, which is usually mixed with intriguing and enlightening. To Dr.
For more than four months, Le Fanu has had a rash all the time, starting with the legs and developing to the arms, chest and back. (
May be psoriasis.
I am 80 years old and have no such thing before.
I use Epaderm ointment in the evening and Diprobase cream in the morning, neither of which leaves any impression on spots and red spots.
Can you make any suggestions that might help with this situation?
Thank you.
Dear Anon, thank you for your inquiry.
First of all, it seems wise to determine whether this rash is indeed "late" psoriasis --
While this is certainly the most likely diagnosis.
At least initially, the drug Dovobet is the best treatment, but there is also a good response to UV treatment that requires referral to a skin specialist.
Dear Dr. Le Fanu, I had a mild stroke in November 4, 2013 but did not have a lasting problem.
I was diagnosed with atrial fibrillation and was taking warfarin and Bisol.
I was told I could fly in 3 months, but since I'm 81, would it be wise to fly to Canary for 4 hours?
I appreciate your opinion.
I read your article with great interest every Monday.
Thank you, your sincere Joyce R Dear Joyce R, thank you for your contact and I thank you for your attention.
The current recommendation is still that as long as atrial fibrillation is well controlled and you are taking warfarin as a preventive measure, flying does not pose an additional risk to patients with atrial fibrillation.
There is no doubt that you will know the CoaguChek device used to self-monitor the dilution effect of warfarin drugs.
Have a good time in the Canary!
I am a woman. I am 76 years old and in good health.
I often exercise.
I did an MRI of my heart about a year ago because I was tired and had a tight uncomfortable feeling in my chest.
There was no problem with the scan.
But I have some palpitations, especially on the left hand side.
I can feel the extra heartbeat and the faster heartbeatrate.
This is very uncomfortable.
Do you have any suggestions?
Dear Jean S, thank you for your contact.
It is very reassuring that the MRI heart scan "did not find any problems", is still the most recent episodes of these palpitations, and the discomfort they cause seems to be worth investigating, to clarify if you have some heart to treat
I'm a 68-year-old male (
12 stone 4 lbs, 5ft high 10, waist 36)
He has been in good health all the time.
I swim 1000 m a week, take regular walks, ride my bike occasionally and take care of 10 bass.
When I was 65, I started eating healthy MOT with my GP.
I was put (reluctantly)
Taking Ripley two years ago to treat blood pressure
I took 5 mg and they had no adverse effects but reduced the incidence and severity of occasional headaches.
They usually reduce my blood pressure from 150/90 to 130/80 and I am also advised to take statins because I am at about 20% risk of stroke (
The ratio of good cholesterol to bad cholesterol).
Total cholesterol is 5.
I finally gave in at the end of 2013.
10 mg of alvartin)
I have noticed the following points since then: 1)
Foot pain, especially heel pain, most obvious after sleeping or sitting
Shoulder pain, which seems to run into the neck, leads to a cluster headache that does not respond to painkillers/sleep (
Different from my "normal" headache)3)
Even moderate alcohol consumption (
One pint of wine)
It seems to cause headaches. 4)
My blood pressure is up to 150/90-it's going to be checked in two weeks and they may raise Ripley to offset it.
I just did a blood test to see how statins work (Waiting for results).
The intern nurse advised me to take statins in the morning instead of at night (
I'm trying)
Depending on the results of the blood test, it may take a few days.
My doctor said that we were all dead without these pills and thought that alcohol was only meant to be reduced --
Not more than 2 cups-
3 Units/week anyway
Given the above risk factors, what do you think of me continuing to take statins?
I know that headaches and general pain can be side effects, but is the sore sole a recognized effect?
Are there any reports of alcohol effects?
Will statins adversely affect blood pressure?
The most worrying thing for me is the headache.
Dear Reg D, thank you for your inquiry, reflecting the experience of many people. Where to start!
For people who have cholesterol at the age of 5, the benefits of taking statins.
There is no history of heart disease in the range between almost undetectable and non-existent.
At the same time, their adverse side effects on foot and shoulder pain damage your enjoyment of all activities that remain healthy!
Your doctor insists on eating (
Like in the absurd observation, you will die without them)
Can be sincere (if misguided)
But it is more likely that he was given financial rewards for prescribing.
As for your specific question: 1 and 2 are definitely side effects of statins.
Third: I have not encountered a headache caused by alcohol caused by statins.
Fourth: statins do not raise high blood pressure, but they can lead to diabetes.
You should give them one. permanent)rest.
Dear Dr. James, about 8 years ago, I had surgery on my right index finger to remove the mucus cyst/section (
I am handed right).
It rested on the nail bed and prevented the growth of the nail.
I had been using an ultrasonic electric toothbrush at the time, and since it seemed to irritate my fingers, I went back to using a normal toothbrush.
I changed my dentist last year and the new dentist nagged me to use a brush so I bought another one.
Now that I have another cyst, this time on the middle finger of my right hand, it also destroys the growth of nails on my fingers.
The dermatologist tried to freeze the cyst but has not been successful so far, so I may have to have surgery again.
Have you ever heard that high frequency vibration is the cause of these cysts, or is this just a coincidence?
I would be interested if you know anything like that.
Thanks for the column, it's always interesting and challenging a lot of traditional medical thinking.
Dear Janet H, thank you for your inquiry, the reason for the mucus cyst of the finger is still blurred --
But anyway, having one will increase the likelihood of having another. That is all.
Your electric toothbrush is innocent.
First of all, I would like to say what kind of first class column you have and I look forward to reading it every week.
My question is as follows, I have from time to time a spread and chest infection.
Sometimes I can't tell whether a cough is my branch extension or a chest infection.
Is there an easy way to record this difference?
What is the best antibiotic for chest infection?
Should steroids be taken with antibiotics?
My consultant advised my GP to take antibiotics and steroids for chest infections.
My GP won't give me steroids. Why not?
Is there a good reason for this?
Dear Anon, thank you for your contact and friendly comments on the column.
As we all know, structural damage to the lungs can be the focus of repeated chest infections, preferably controlled by a wise combination of antibiotics and chest physiotherapy.
When it is very serious, it can guarantee the removal of the damaged lung part.
Steroids are not necessary unless you also have breathing and chest tightness that are characteristic of the chest of asthma.
Dear Dr. James.
Emma, her nearly eight-year-old daughter, has been plagued by skin problems, body eczema and dry cheeks since birth.
She just doesn't like how water cream feels about her body, etc, and I was wondering if you or any of your readers have any suggestions for alternatives.
Thank you very much dear Anon for your inquiry.
The water cream is good as a substitute for soap, but contains chemical Laurel sodium sulfate (SLS)
When used as a moisturizer, the symptoms of eczema are aggravated.
Your granddaughter may benefit from switching to another moisturizer such as Diprobase.
Dear Dr. Le Fanu, I would like to know if you can make any suggestions regarding my daughter's symptoms.
She was 25 years old and had no previous health problems before she suddenly got sick.
She has learned to live with them, but she wants to feel healthy again.
These symptoms begin on December 2011, a week after returning from a backpacking trip in West Africa.
She felt numb on the left and was taken to hospital with a suspected stroke.
Initially, numbness was accompanied by high temperatures and very painful headaches (
Headache lasts 5 months but slowly decreases).
At that time, 6 days of admission, MRI scan, CT scan, left side ultrasound scan of the neck, lumbar puncture and blood test-all clear. Vertigo-
Sustained slow feeling of the ship
Like movement, wall breathing, etc.
When lying horizontally and in the dark, the feeling increases and it feels worse to wake up and get up.
When in mobile transport, the feeling will drop.
Headache-
After getting up every morning, the left side of the head usually disappears in 30 minutes to 1 hour.
The tingling sensation of the scalp lasts for a few seconds, sometimes 20 times a day, and sometimes not for a few days.
Press the left side of the head behind the left ear (
Special place, very painful).
Numbness-
The left side of the face feels lost, may not be noticed for a few days, other days are very obvious (
Itchy, itchy, etc).
Facial activities such as eyebrows are limited. Ear-
The Left Ear continues to plump and clicks every time it is swallowed.
She has seen neurologists, ENT specialists, skull osteopath, dentists (
For the possible mandibular joint)
And the physical therapist.
No one can find a solution and I would really appreciate it if you could make any suggestions we haven't tried.
You sincerely thank Barbara dear Barbara for your inquiry and deepest sympathy for your daughter's unfortunate encounter.
The pattern of symptoms you describe does not "sound any alarm bells", but I will show it in the column in the near future, optimistically hoping that it will cause some useful advice. Dear Dr.
Le Fanu, Mr Re NA, my husband went through the terrible symptoms you described, although I don't think it might be as serious as your unfortunate journalist.
He took 200 mg of Carbamazepine twice a day, which helped him, and although the symptoms did not disappear completely, he found that the symptoms were more suitable for life.
I hope it helps.
Best regards Dear Jean S, thank you for your contact.
I'm glad to hear that Carbamazepine seems to have improved the painful symptoms of your husband.
Several readers commented on the unusual syndrome, which will be published in the column next week (27 Jan).
I have been itching around my anus for a long time.
It became very troublesome two or three years ago, so I went to the doctor and the doctor did not give me an examination, but prescribed me Betnovate cream when my condition deteriorated.
I have been using it for years when it is very itchy, but recently a friend told me that it is not a good idea to use this cream regularly.
So I 've been trying to use diaper rash cream or Sudafed cream, but sometimes the itching can be severe, especially on the night I think I get hot, or when I wipe it myself after I run out of the toilet
It feels dry and sore if I don't cream the area.
Can you recommend a treatment that I should use? Dear Mrs. D, thank you for your contact and my sympathy for these painful "itching" symptoms.
It is, as you will understand, a particularly sensitive part of the body, so it is prone to such complaints.
Standard treatment is steroid cream as your family doctor prescribed and took steps to keep the area clean and dry
As outlined in a booklet published by the British Association of Dermatologists on this situation, it can be downloaded from the Internet.
There are also claims that certain foods can increase itching.
Especially tomatoes, tea and coffee, nuts and cheese.
I was 50 years old four years ago, Dear Dr. Le Fanu, and I asked for a PSA test.
I have no identifiable symptoms, no family history of the disease, and no other risk factors.
The first result is 4. 8 -
For people of my age, this is much higher than normal.
Sadly, my GP submitted the report without telling me, but an unrelated trip to find another doctor during the same operation revealed the missing test
0, five months after the first.
Here is the first useful data.
The annual growth rate is over 50%.
This is important given that I have no signs of prostatitis.
The anal finger diagnosis done in the hospital is nothing remarkable, but it is clear that the rise of PSA has caused attention, so I did a biopsy.
The result is really amazing.
Nine out of ten samples are 65%-
There are 70% tumor cells.
Prostate biopsy is often called looking for cherries in a fruit cake, so the registrar who does the biopsy is a very lucky person, or I have a huge bilateral tumor.
Thorough surgery is the only way out. The post-
Op pathology shows that the tumor is 20mm long and 6mm in diameter, and is small in an organ equal to Walnut when it is healthy.
From the day the catheter was taken out, I was on the mainland.
I have ED but I also have a PSA which is less than 0 now. 003. Over-treated? Clearly not.
Of course, the PSA test was saved.
My surgeon estimated that I am now facing a cancer transfer.
According to an average person with metastatic prostate cancer, I may die before the age of 65 and maybe sooner.
I buried a 51-year-old friend whose metastatic prostate cancer was diagnosed as 48.
A urologist must use a PSA before a better examination is performed.
I hope GPs is the same as mine, not perfect, but it's all we have.
It saved my life.
Dear Anon, best wishes, thank you for staying in touch with PSA testing and for providing the most extensive description of your experience with PSA testing.
I will discuss this further in next week's column.
But agree with you.
PSA is really a very useful test in identifying prostate cancer patients, and of course can save the lives of people like you who have large tumors and grow tumors.
The difficulty is that 60% of the people currently undergoing major surgery and other radical treatments have only "low risk" cancer, and there is little chance of injury.
Dear Dr. Le Fanu, following the recent observations in your column, you may want to know that last year I was on holiday for a few weeks and forgot to bring the amino glucose label.
My thin legs and shoulders gave me little trouble when I left, so I decided to see if I would still feel good if I didn't take them anymore.
Of course, I'm still not that painful, but the other benefit is that I don't have any more diarrhea for two or three nights a week.
After never finding a common reason for eating, I put this down to being old and putting up with it.
I can't think of any other changes in my daily life that would lead to this very popular outcome.
I thank you so much for your wise column and have benefited a lot from learning to stop suffering from thigh cramps due to the squeeze between the nose and the lips, which, by the way, also helps with my foot cramps at night
Thank you very much, Sheila J Dear Sheila J, for your interesting review of the amino glucose, and the possibility that it may cause "unexplained" diarrhea.
For the benefit of others, I will mention this in the column.
Of course, I'm glad to hear that the "pinching" treatment for night cramps is very effective for you.
Dear Dr. Le Fanu, I am in my 70 s and I have a long history of intermittent depression even though I am fine now.
For almost 17 years I have been taking ventara new and I have found that due to the terrible side effects, the "electric shock" on my head, it is not possible for me to stop the drug and overall it feels very uncomfortable.
I really didn't get any useful advice from a GP or psychiatrist on how to get myself out of this medication, but I 've tried a lot of ways to slowly reduce, until a few days after the complete withdrawal was found, all the terrible side effects began.
If someone explained what the drug could do, I would never agree to take it.
I know that after such a long time, I may never be able to get the drug out of my system.
I really appreciate any suggestions or comments from you as I always find your diary interesting and helpful.
I currently take 1x75 mg tablets every morning.
Dear AC, thank you for your contact.
It would be surprising if you didn't have these disturbing withdrawal effects, and you describe the length of time it took to take avantaxine.
As you know, there is a lot of information about this on the Internet (
For example, please refer to the website of the Royal College of Psychiatry on "withdraw from the Psychiatric Hospital).
In addition to the slow weaning method you have tried several times, it is impossible for me to know that this drug will be available.
The only other option is to take the drug indefinitely, which seems undesirable, but there is no reason in principle not to do so.
Dear Mr. Chairman, as the head PSA test for a 68-year-old man found 158 last year, I am not a little frustrated to see your project's interest in the telegram on Monday.
If there is no PSA blood test, how is it possible to know that a man has a "low risk" prostate cancer?
How many untested men suffer from asymptomatic prostate cancer?
It's impossible to know.
My own case shows that early testing is essential.
I have locally advanced grade 8 tumors outside the prostate, and my oncologist estimates that I may have had prostate cancer for up to 15 years until this state is reached.
At first, my tumor was too big to receive radiation treatment and I didn't receive radiation treatment until 6 months after hormone treatment.
I transferred to a new surgical procedure in 2003 and registered at their "health clinic" where I was examined every year for cholesterol, body mass index, etc.
The PSA test was not mentioned in this operation;
The reason given is "too many false positives ".
My rebuttal argument, as mentioned above, is that prostate cancer without symptoms is like this.
If the PSA test (
It only takes a few pennies to combine with other tests)
If I were included in my "Well Man Clinic" I would be much better than I am now.
I have minor illnesses in my body and although no doctor would promise to estimate my life expectancy, my research leads me to believe about 5 or a year or two.
Jim P. S.
In Wales, a person over 60 years old gets a colon cancer test kit through a post every two years.
If colon cancer can be screened, why can't prostate cancer be screened?
Dear Jim P, thank you for your contact and interesting comments.
Please see my reply to "anon" above about the same topic.
It is encouraging that your cancer is currently being treated with hormones --
It can last for a long time.
Dear Dr. Le Fanu, January 13, in your column on prostate cancer, this is not so much an issue as an observation based on my own experience.
In 1995, when I was 60 years old, I was diagnosed with prostate cancer and received radiation treatment at the Notting Heights Hospital.
During this period, I performed bone density and CT scans, and injected zorlede and prohormone at a 12-week interval, and the results were monitored by my GP.
My oncologist has actually approved me and now I only hope to see me if my PSA level goes up to 4 or more. 0.
This has stabilized between 0 in the last 3 years. 1 and 0. 5.
In addition to the incompetence since early radiotherapy and hot flashes, I have not encountered any adverse side effects.
I suspect Prostap has replaced Zoladex for cost reasons, but I have to admit that it is less painful and seems to be equally effective in achieving its goals.
However, I am concerned about the long-term impact of this drug.
Meanwhile, 3 years ago, after a bone marrow biopsy, I was diagnosed with bone marrow dysplasia, and now I receive 6 blood transfusion times a week in a local hospital to relieve anemia symptoms.
The reason I mention this is because I suspect there is a link between radiation therapy and radiation poisoning after bone scans, the number of X-rays. CT scans etc.
In the past 18 years
However, my hematology is not
There is no evidence to support my theory.
I don't want to sound ungrateful, and sometimes I do want to know if it is necessary to receive the treatment process prescribed by the professionals responsible for my case, although I know if it is in the early stages of prostate cancer.
I hope you will be interested in this.
Dear L. S. B, thank you for your contact.
As far as I know, about 10% of cases of bone marrow dysplasia occur after cancer chemotherapy or radiotherapy, and you may fall into this category.
Your cancer definitely needs some kind of treatment, and radiotherapy obviously has a considerable advantage over radical surgery. Dear Dr.
Le Fanu, there have been a lot of articles about aspirin recently, which has bothered me a bit.
I am 83 years old but I want to stress that I am quite healthy and I am able to do a lot of what young people should do.
My blood pressure hovers around 140/70 and is taken about once a week.
I did a scan of another issue about four years ago and the issue has been corrected.
This scan shows that at some point I have a small stroke and they don't know when.
I take an aspirin every day, but I find it easy to get hurt and often form very large black marks.
I realized that these marks were internal bleeding and caused my concern because it was easy to happen.
In the article I mentioned above, they suggest that internal bleeding is a huge danger.
I also read that anyone with a stroke should take aspirin for up to a year in case of another stroke.
As I said, my little stroke was four years ago.
I was wondering if you felt it was necessary for me to continue taking aspirin because there was a possibility of internal bleeding.
I am just asking for your personal opinion and will not consider submitting your opinion to my own GP.
The reason for this email is to help me make up my mind to continue taking the dose and its effects before meeting him.
I'm sorry it was such a long email, but I feel like I have to tell you when I see the facts.
Thank you in expectation.
Robert M dear Robert M is really yours, thank you for your contact.
There has been a minor stroke in the past and it seems sensible to take some form of medication to prevent it from happening again. I understand your concern about aspirin, especially if it causes what you describe
You can discuss with your doctor to take some alternatives, such
Amount of anti-platelet drugs;
I am interested in your report on the amino glucose.
I read a possible taboo a few years ago.
This is related to Dupuytren finger contraction.
This has made progress on both sides.
I immediately stopped taking glucose/cartilage and my fingers didn't get worse either, on the one hand I was able to straighten my fingers through exercise.
I am sure it is beneficial to stop taking the pills.
I couldn't find any modern research on this at the time, but I see that there are other similar comments on the internet now.
Barbara T dear Barbara T, thank you for your contact and your description of the amino glucose experience
Although it is not clear why this will aggravate the contracture contraction of your Dupuytren fingers.
I have Diffuse Cervical Spondylosis: Is acupuncture helpful?
I have tried physiotherapy but it seems to make the situation worse. e. Neck pain. From Mrs. A.
Dear Mrs. a c. , I am very sad to hear that physiotherapy has aggravated your symptoms of cervical spondylosis.
Acupuncture may indeed help.
My husband, 76, had a minor surgery about 18 months ago to relieve the symptoms of prostate enlargement (
No cancer found).
He has suffered from prostatitis intermittently since then.
At present the pain and discomfort is very serious and he has to urinate frequently in order to relieve the pressure.
As a result, his way of life has been greatly affected, leaving him almost completely at home and in a low mood.
His urologist opened it.
I think it's promethamine (
Stopped now because it doesn't seem to help).
He is currently taking the antibiotic Cefalexin.
He has been taking the drug for the past week but has not improved significantly.
He took a lot of medicine for other problems.
Type 2 diabetes, so metformin, simtin, tablet lowering, aspirin, gout, op alcohol and another antibiotic-erythromycin (permanently)
After a long outbreak of honeycomb inflammation on his leg
Overall, my husband is usually busy, happy, in good health and stable despite his medical problems.
But prostatitis really upset him.
We tried barley water and cranberry juice.
My husband also drinks whiskey.
Too much in my opinion)
But he said it made him happier.
Can you provide other helpful suggestions?
Thank you very much. -
Dear Winifred C, thank you for your contact with me and express great sympathy for your husband's current medical problems.
My impression is that prostatitis is unusual according to the prostate surgery you described.
As you know, this can be a difficult disease to treat, although there are two possibilities, first, taking a small amount of dixiam, the effect of muscle relaxation is said to be beneficial, or take a second reaction.
Inflammatory drugs such as Voltarol.
Dear Dr. Le Fanu, I have been reading the article in your telegram yesterday, especially the inquiry from Mr. NA.
I have repeated the same symptoms as him, and my GP has given me all the drugs mentioned and some others, all without any beneficial effects.
The only thing that calms my feelings is the old --
Old-fashioned Hearthstone emulsion;
The effect of calm is quite direct and usually lasts for several hours.
I hope this will help your reporter.
Dear Anon, you sincerely thank me for the most helpful observations that I will mention in my column on January 27.