DEAR DR. DONOHUE: I have a problem with my wrist and fingers, in that they become numb quite frequently. The problem was once diagnosed as carpal tunnel syndrome. A wrist splint was prescribed, which is troublesome for me to wear. I do no work that should cause the numbness. I wonder if the problem could […]

DEAR DR. DONOHUE: I have urge incontinence. My family doctor sent me to a woman’s-health doctor, who put me on Vesicare, and I have taken it for four years. In a recent article on incontinence, you didn’t mention this drug. Please do. My husband of 60 years and I live in a continuing-care retirement community, […]

DEAR DR. DONOHUE: For the past nine months I have had vaginal discomfort with itching and pain on intercourse. On a scale of one to 10, the pain is a 10. At first I treated with over-the-counter meds for yeast infection. Then I saw a gynecologist. He advised Replens Moisturizer. It gave slight improvement. The […]

DEAR DR. DONOHUE: Please help us. The problem is our 48-year-old son. We are in our 70s and have given him much money. He is addicted to gambling. Is there a pill for addiction? His doctor said there is. — B.B. ANSWER: Addiction is the constant repetition of a behavior that has destructive consequences. The […]

DEAR DR. DONOHUE: My recent cholesterol test results made me wonder about a few things. What time period does the test cover? Does it mean my cholesterol has been at that level for weeks or months? Can one meal high in cholesterol raise the blood level? I was shocked to have a level of 250 […]

DEAR DR. DONOHUE: This will be my first year as an assistant football coach at the high-school level. The head coach has given me the task of preparing for heat-related injuries. It stays hot here way into October. I’d appreciate any tips you can give me. — G.O. ANSWER: The best prevention for heat injuries […]

DEAR DR. DONOHUE: We’re planning a family reunion at the end of this month. My family is large. Although we live in the same general area, some have to travel for three hours to reach our picnic site. Everyone is bringing food. I wonder about the best way to keep this food safe. I’d hate […]

DEAR DR. DONOHUE: One subject I have difficulty obtaining good advice for is hemorrhoids. They are nasty and cause pain and discomfort. Removing them is painful. I found a solution that worked for me: infrared coagulation. I had the problem for more than 30 years. I read many ads for a local hemorrhoid treatment center. […]

DEAR DR. DONOHUE: At age 22, my daughter had surgery for a pituitary tumor, followed by radiation. Her hands and feet swelled considerably. They never returned to their normal size. She is now age 51 and has become a recluse. She says people stare at her hands and feet. She is an emotional wreck and […]

DEAR DR. DONOHUE: I am asking about dry mouth. I have enclosed a list of the 20 medicines I take. My mouth has become such a problem that it keeps me up most of the night. — D.P. ANSWER: Dry mouth is an aggravating condition you share with many others. In addition to the unpleasant […]