Running

Running takes a toll on the digestive tract

DEAR DR. DONOHUE: I've been preparing for a 10K (6-mile) run, and my digestive tract is rebelling. A couple of times I felt like throwing up. On two other occasions, I started to get diarrhea, and it's a good thing there were public restrooms nearby. Is there something wrong with my digestive tract? — B.K.

Leg and ankle swelling

What causes leg and ankle swelling?

DEAR DR. DONOHUE: My legs, ankles and feet get really swollen, and I mean really. During the day, if I slip my shoes off, I can't get them back on. What can I do to take down the swelling? I'm not on any medicine, and my health is good. I haven't seen a doctor in quite a while. — M.M.

'Prolapse'

'Prolapse' means an organ has fallen

DEAR DR. DONOHUE: I recently developed a prolapsed bladder. While I know it is not life-threatening, I want to take care of it ASAP. I am 74 and very active. My gynecologist wants me to do Kegel exercises and be fitted with a pessary. He doesn't want to do surgery. I would like the surgery while I am healthy enough to recover in a timely manner and get it over with. Please give me your opinion. — B.C.

Cough

Bronchiectasis is a cough that won't stop

DEAR DR. DONOHUE: For two years, I had a cough that was constant. I didn't feel all that sick, and I saw a number of doctors without getting an answer. I also tried numerous medicines, without any relief. I just changed doctors, and the new doctor started from square one with a chest X-ray. The results suggest bronchiectasis, and I am scheduled for a lung scan. I am not familiar with this. Will you fill me in? — R.K.

Herpes

Herpes is not the end of life

DEAR DR. DONOHUE: I am a 32-year-old woman who just learned that she has genital herpes. As I understand it, this means I should not have sex and cannot have children. I also understand that there is no treatment and that I'll have it for life. Can you paint a brighter picture for me? — K.M.

Vitamin D

Vitamin D deficiency is common

DEAR DR. DONOHUE: My doctor told me that my vitamin D level is low, and put me on high-dose replacement for eight weeks. The count was slightly lower after I took the treatment. She has me on the same high dose for another eight weeks. What causes vitamin D deficiency? Can a tumor drain you of this vitamin? My mother was losing her bone density, and one doctor found that she had a brain tumor. After it was removed, she recovered, but she had to take vitamin D for a long time. — J.S.

Treatments for a common cause of heel pain

Treatments for a common cause of heel pain
DEAR DR. DONOHUE: I started a running program about two months ago, but I have had to put an end to it. My right heel has become so painful that I can't walk, let alone run. It hurts most in the morning when I get out of bed and take some steps. The pain lessens but comes back later in the day. What might this be, and how can I treat it? — W.D.
ANSWER: My bet is that you have plantar fasciitis, a common heel problem. I can give you a few tips, but, if the pain persists, see a doctor. Many other things cause similar pain.

Endometriosis

Endometriosis is transplantation of uterine lining
DEAR DR. DONOHUE: I am 36 and have been married for four years. My menstrual periods are very painful, and have been so for at least seven years. My husband and I have been trying to have a family. We haven't been successful. Could these two things be related? I plan to see a gynecologist. — H.C.

Hemorrhoid

Hemorrhoid treatments are many
DEAR DR. DONOHUE: What kind of doctor removes hemorrhoids? Mine are very irritating. Can they be removed in ways other than surgery? — D.E.
ANSWER: Regular surgeons and proctologists remove hemorrhoids. Proctologists are specialist surgeons who deal with the surgical treatment of the colon, rectum and anus. Many family doctors treat hemorrhoids. Surgery isn't the only treatment.

Signs and sypmtoms

Signs and sypmtoms of heart attacks are diverse

Gallbladder pain

Gallbladder pain can happen without gallstones
DEAR DR. DONOHUE: After six months of off-and-on abdominal pain and ultrasounds of liver, spleen, gallbladder, kidneys and lungs plus a colonoscopy and gastroscopy (all negative), I have been diagnosed with sphincter of Oddi dysfunction. My doctor wants me to have a HIDA scan with CCK. Investigating this on the Internet, I find the diagnosis and scan to be controversial. Can you give me any information? Could it be treated with diet? — E.S.

When is it OK

When is it OK to stop osteoporosis drug?
DEAR DR. DONOHUE: I am very worried about being taken off Fosamax. I have osteoporosis and have taken Fosamax for 11 years. My doctor said I don't need to take it any longer because my system has enough of it. I thought I had to be on this all my life. I am 79. Would you give me your opinion on this? — J.G.

Creatine - useful but not miraculous

Creatine - useful but not miraculous
DEAR DR. DONOHUE: I started lifting weights when I was a senior in high school. I am now 23, and I think I have reached a plateau. I haven't made much progress this past year, and I was making huge gains previously. I increased my workout time, but that hasn't made a difference.
A friend suggests I take creatine. What is it? Is it safe? It's not banned by any sports authority, is it? I am thinking of entering competitions if I can get back on track. What's the dose? I appreciate any information you can provide. — J.M.

The cold facts on colds

The cold facts on colds
DEAR DR. DONOHUE: When can I expect to catch my annual cold? Midwinter? How long is a person with a cold infectious to others? I want to be responsible about not spreading colds, but I'm not sure my boss is happy with me taking time off for having one. It sounds like a wimpy excuse. How do I tell cold symptoms from more serious things, like the flu? — R.D.

LDL cholesterol

LDL cholesterol a risk for heart attack
DEAR DR. DONOHUE: I am a 79-year-old female, 5 feet 2 inches tall and weigh 127 pounds. All my numbers are fine except for cholesterol, which is 151. My diet is low fat to no fat. I have nonfat yogurt every day. The last time my cholesterol was up, I cut out the yogurt and had oatmeal every day. My cholesterol went down to 145. My doctor wants me to take cholesterol medication. I would rather not. Is it the yogurt, or just my natural makeup that keeps my cholesterol high? — R.G.

Heart valve changes

Heart valve changes don't always warrant treatment
DEAR DR. DONOHUE: I had been feeling slightly uncomfortable in my chest, especially in the morning after waking. I had an echocardiogram. The report reads: "a trace of mitral regurgitation; mild tricuspid regurgitation; pulmonic valve thin and pliable with normal motion; insignificant valvular hemodynamics; normal ejection fraction of 60 percent." Is this something to be concerned about? How are valves related to the heart? My study was "technically difficult." Why? I am 68 years old. — J.C.

Medicine overuse

Medicine overuse can bring daily headaches

Is my sore throat a strep throat?

Is my sore throat a strep throat?
DEAR DR. DONOHUE: What makes a strep throat something special? Is it more serious than other sore throats? How do you tell if it is strep throat? — L.W.

Coffee a sports drink?

Coffee a sports drink? Caffeine dulls muscle pain
DEAR DR. DONOHUE: What's your take on drinking caffeinated beverages, including coffee, before exercise or before a game? I have told my sons that drinking such beverages will dehydrate them. They claim they boost energy and are harmless. Who's right? — D.M.

Leg pain

Leg pain can indicate artery disease
DEAR DR. DONOHUE: I have tried to stay healthy by walking every day. I was doing two or more miles. Now I can barely get a mile done. After walking a short distance, I have to stop and rest and wait for the calf pain to leave before I can start once again. Could this be a circulation problem? If so, what can I do for it? — S.J.

Retinal detachment

Retinal detachment requires prompt treatment
DEAR DR. DONOHUE: I have never seen you write about retinal detachment. It's an important topic. I'd like to tell your readers what happened to me.

Outlook for cystic fibrosi

Outlook for cystic fibrosis has greatly improved
DEAR DR. DONOHUE: My daughter had her first baby (our first grandchild) three months ago. The baby wasn't gaining weight, and he coughed at night. The pediatrician diagnosed him as having cystic fibrosis. We don't understand where this came from. No one on our side of the family has it, and no one in our son-in-law's family has it. We would appreciate any information on this illness, like life expectancy. Thank you. — R.M.

Male breast enlargement

Male breast enlargement common in older ages
DEAR DR. DONOHUE: I am a healthy, 67-year-old man who has developed embarrassingly large breasts this past year. Why? They aren't painful. I will not go swimming or do anything that requires taking off my shirt. I'm about 20 pounds overweight. — C.C.

Hydrodephalue

Hydrodephalue, a rare but often correctable form of dementia
DEAR DR. DONOHUE: My mother is 86. Up until eight months ago, she was very active and very social. She still drove a car. Since then, she has suffered a big decline. Her memory is bad, and she can't seem to focus on anything. She gives you a blank stare. Her doctor referred her to a neurologist, who came up with the possible diagnosis of normal pressure hydrocephalus. She's scheduled for more tests, and the doctor mentioned surgery. Is an 86-year-old up to brain surgery? What is this? — J.A.

Pre-participation athletic exam

Pre-participation athletic exam should be thorough
DEAR DR. DONOHUE: I played high-school football in the late 1940s. One of my teammates died during a game. The memory has never left me. It was said he had a heart attack, but that sounds preposterous to me. He was only 16. My two grandsons are playing now. What kind of physical exams are required? In my day it was a check for a hernia and that was all. — B.G.