Polymyalgia often mistaken as arthritis DEAR DR. DONOHUE: Both my shoulders started to hurt about a month ago. I thought it was arthritis. They were most painful and stiff early in the morning. The pain got so bad that I could hardly put on a shirt. I knew I had to get to the doctor, […]

Hypoglycemia not as common as was once believed DEAR DR. DONOHUE: When I was in my 20s, I was diagnosed with hypoglycemia. I am 54 now. As I remember, the attacks made me feel spacey and woozy. The doctor had me on a diet that consisted of six meals a day, with emphasis on protein. […]

Diarrhea can be a complication of antibiotics DEAR DR. DONOHUE: Three weeks ago, I got diarrhea so bad that I had my husband take me to the hospital. The emergency-room doctor had me admitted to the hospital because I was dehydrated and my blood pressure was quite low. After many tests, my attending doctor said […]

In hot weather, too much water, or not enough DEAR DR. DONOHUE: I am confused about how much water to drink when exercising in hot weather. I learned that you should drink all the time during exercise, even when you aren’t thirsty. Now they tell me that drinking too much affects your brain and can […]

Macular degeneration and cataracts DEAR DR. DONOHUE: Is it possible to get wet macular degeneration from a scratch on the left eye during cataract surgery, or could it have been a cyst that caused wet macular degeneration? I am 85, and my right eye is perfect. I had cataract surgery on that eye also. — […]

Diet for ulcers is now quite liberal DEAR DR. DONOHUE: I have some ulcer questions. Mine is most likely from overuse of NSAIDs. How long does it take for an ulcer to heal? If certain foods bother me now, will they always? If I eat or drink something that causes symptoms, does it make the […]

Generics are similar to brand-name drugs DEAR DR. DONOHUE: I know your answer to my question will end an ongoing debate I have with several friends. They have the mistaken idea that generic medicines are inferior to brand-name medicines. I say acetylsalicylic acid (aspirin) is acetylsalicylic acid, regardless of its brand. They say the generic […]

How best to handle eczema DEAR DR. DONOHUE: I am in my 80s and have been blessed with eczema. The itching is intense. My doctor has me on two creams, but they aren’t working too well. The doctor doesn’t want me to take cortisone because it could weaken my bones. What would you suggest? Does […]

DEAR DR. DONOHUE: My grandson was diagnosed with influenza in February of this year. The emergency-room doctor prescribed Tamiflu. He took one dose that night and one dose the next morning. By that afternoon, his lips had swollen and he had sores in his mouth, a high fever and bleeding gums. He saw three doctors, […]

DEAR DR. DONOHUE: My granddaughter is 16 and was a premature twin. Recently she was diagnosed with Raynaud’s disease, and has had a hard time accepting it, since she is active in sports. She has pain in her hands while playing softball and has trouble running because of shortness of breath. She is on an […]