DEAR DR. DONOHUE: Last year I was rejected for life—insurance coverage due to an elevated CEA (carcinoembryonic antigen) test. The report stated that, regardless of the value, the test should not be interpreted as absolute evidence of the presence or absence of disease. I had several more tests done, all with no evidence of cancer. […]

DEAR DR. DONOHUE: I need information on how to avoid flare—ups of diverticulitis. I am a 53—year—old female. I was diagnosed with diverticulitis in November 2008, after suffering for months from discomfort that finally became unbearable. The doctor gave me an antibiotic that cleared the problem up. What I need to know is this: How […]

DEAR DR. DONOHUE: I am a 70-year-old man in good condition. My blood pressure is 118 over 75, and my resting heart rate is 66. I have been working out at the gym for several months. The past two weeks, I’ve been pushing myself. I do 45 minutes of weightlifting with little rest between exercises, […]

DEAR DR. DONOHUE: I am 64. I have been with my doctor for four years. This is the first timeI have had a blood test that shows I’m out of the range for PSA. I feel good 98 percent ofthe time. What do you make of this test? What are my choices? — M.T. ANSWER: […]

Excessive sweating is disruptive condition DEAR DR. DONOHUE: I got hit with hyperhidrosis about two years ago. I go to the doctor every six months and, in my opinion, it gets worse with every visit. Please let me hear from you. — A.F. DEAR DR. DONOHUE: My son suffers from hyperhidrosis. It affects not only […]

Is circumcision necessary? DEAR DR. DONOHUE: Will you comment on the advantages of circumcision? My two sons, like their father, have not been circumcised because my husband, for reasons I don’t quite understand, is opposed to it. We’re expecting another baby (male) in a few weeks. I think he should be circumcised. My husband doesn’t. […]

Treatments for Crohn’s Disease are many DEAR DR. DONOHUE: My 22-year-old nephew was diagnosed with Crohn’s disease about a year and a half ago. He has been on diets and medications with no remission. Can you suggest any herbal remedies or other alternatives? – C.H. ANSWER: Crohn’s disease is one of the two inflammatory bowel […]

DEAR DR. DONOHUE: My wife, 78, has had headaches, some memory problems and confusion. A brain scan showed hydrocephalus. We were referred to a neurosurgeon, and he ordered an infusion study. We have waited six weeks for that appointment. At an earlier appointment, we met someone who had had the infusion study and then had […]