DEAR DR. DONOHUE: I am a 72-year-old woman. I had an abdominal ultrasound. The report said there is an approximately 1.5-cm calculus (stone) in my gallbladder. I found on the computer that there are nonsurgical alternatives to surgery. I have some pain, but it is bearable and forgettable. I cannot make a decision about having […]

DEAR DR. DONOHUE: I have peripheral vascular disease with a blockage of an artery in my thigh area. I had the Roto-Rooter done on it, as well as a bypass graft and a clot-buster. All have failed. I saw on TV an artificial graft. Will you please tell me about it, and where it is […]

DEAR DR. DONOHUE: My son plays three sports: football, basketball and baseball. He is 16. I saw him walking with a slight limp and asked what the trouble was. He said his knee hurt a bit but wasn’t terribly painful. And he said that it locked on him a few times. I told him I […]

DEAR DR. DONOHUE: Will you please discuss how a trigger finger arises, and the cures, if any, for it? — J.V. ANSWER: Trigger finger is an inflammation of the covering tissue that wraps around the finger and thumb tendons. When an affected finger bends down toward the palm, it catches and locks in the bent […]

DEAR DR. DONOHUE: I am 63 years old and currently suffering from rosacea. Yes, suffering. It’s ugly. This is the second time it has erupted. I first had it more than 10 years ago. Is it unusual to get it at my age? What triggers it? What’s the cure? I am currently taking doxycycline and […]

DEAR DR. DONOHUE: I urinate very often, and many times I can’t get to the bathroom in time. It’s very embarrassing and has made me housebound. I have little warning, and when I do, I have to be very quick-acting. Is there treatment for this? I’m 73 years old and live by myself. — R.J. […]

DEAR DR. DONOHUE: I have suffered from postnasal drip for more than 20 years. I have seen ear, nose and throat doctors and my primary care physician. The drip leads to a cough, which annoys family and friends. I have used a large number of nasal sprays, to no avail. Last evening we had dinner […]

DEAR DR. DONOHUE: I have been diagnosed with inappropriate antidiuretic hormone and have been told to restrict my fluid intake to 1.5 liters (1.59 quarts) per day. What causes this syndrome? What are the short- and long-term consequences? Do I count foods prepared with liquids, such as oatmeal? — G.H. ANSWER: Most people have never […]

DEAR DR. DONOHUE: I read your article on performance-enhancing supplements. You indicated that you would address creatine later. I’m interested because my grandson, 17 years old, takes it. — J.M. DEAR DR. DONOHUE: You had a column on stuff that enhances performance. You mentioned creatine. How about doing that now? — K.S. ANSWER: Creatine is […]

DEAR DR. DONOHUE: My legs, above the ankle, started swelling about a year ago. They didn’t hurt, so I didn’t pay much attention to them. They always went down after a night’s sleep. A month or so ago, I noticed the skin in the area of swelling was sprinkled with red and brown specks. It’s […]