DEAR DR. DONOHUE: After a consultation with my doctor for the results of my removed kidney stone and 24-hour urine collection, I was told my calcium is high. Currently I take calcium citrate, vitamin D and Fosamax because of my past bone-density testing. My doctor, as a result of the new tests, has me on […]

DEAR DR. DONOHUE: I want to get rid of a lot of expired medicines. I have heard that flushing them down the toilet or putting them in the garbage will make them end up in our drinking water. What is the proper solution? — M.S. ANSWER: Different government agencies have different recommendations for medicine disposal. […]

DEAR DR. DONOHUE: Do you have any information on a recent experimental treatment for multiple sclerosis? The treatment isn’t available in Canada. Canadians and Americans are paying thousands of dollars to go overseas for their MS treatment. I am interested in your opinion. — V.S. ANSWER: Multiple sclerosis is an attack by the immune system […]

DEAR DR. DONOHUE: My sister-in-law fell and broke her hip. She had a successful surgical repair. She was transferred to a nursing home for rehab. She was there for three weeks and began vomiting and had severe diarrhea. Finally, she was transferred back to the hospital, and it was found that she had C. diff. […]

DEAR DR. DONOHUE: My grandson plays baseball. He is 13 years old and is a pitcher. He also plays shortstop. He noticed that he can’t straighten his right arm, his pitching arm. When he puts his arm straight out with palms up, the arm won’t completely straighten like his left arm does. There seems to […]

DEAR DR. DONOHUE: What can you tell me about Sjogren’s syndrome? I have a dry mouth, and every time I go to the dentist, they ask if I have Sjogren’s syndrome. I have gone on the Internet and read some of it symptoms. I am a diabetic. Tests for lupus and rheumatoid arthritis have been […]

DEAR DR. DONOHUE: I wrote to you three or four months ago about a nodule in my lung. What would cause it? — B.B. ANSWER: “Nodule” is a word that’s a stumbling block for many people. The direct translation of that word from Latin is “little knot.” The knot you use to tie your shoe […]

DEAR DR. DONOHUE: I am a facial pain sufferer. I suffer from trigeminal neuralgia. The slightest breeze on my face triggers excruciating pain. I had been on carbamazepine, but I had to stop taking it because it altered my thoughts and dreams. Now I take Tylenol. The pain is indescribable. What specialty doctor should I […]

DEAR DR. DONOHUE: I am a 78-year-old male and have blood tests and physicals every year. In 2001, my cholesterol was 225 mg/dL (5.8 mmol/L). Every year it was lower, until this year it was 94 (2.4). My LDL was 29 (.75), and my triglycerides 36 (0.4). My weight stays between 138 and 144 pounds. […]

DEAR DR. DONOHUE: Please write about poison ivy treatment. Lately, two friends have used bleach to treat poison ivy. I think this is harmful. It seems to be a common folk remedy. — Anon. ANSWER: The rash of poison ivy is an allergic reaction caused by urushiol found in the plant’s sap. All parts of […]