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Ask your questions and have them answered by a few of the best minds in the medical field. Our experts are here to help you better understand the crucial health issues we all face. With Dr. Otis Brawley covering medical conditions, Dr. Melina Jampolis explaining the latest in diet and fitness, Dr. Charles Raison navigating your mind and Dr. Jennifer Shu teaching you how to live better - you'll start to answer those questions that really matter.
My husband, age 39, was diagnosed with manic depression/bipolar disorder approximately two years ago. He suffers from recurrent bouts of depression and is currently in a depressive phase. He does not have very many manic phases at all. His short-term memory is getting progressively worse. Lately he cannot seem to remember how to get to places that he had just visited two or three days before. This has happened three times in the past week alone. Is there a correlation between recurrent bouts of depression and memory loss? I would question the medications as a factor, but he has not changed meds in many months and the episodes of memory loss have been in recent weeks. I would appreciate any information you can give me, as the primary caregiver you can imagine that this whole ordeal is very difficult.
I'm 28 and noticed my hair has started thinning out. My father is completely bald, and nobody on my mother's side is. For the first time this week, I can see my scalp through my hair. If I could simply keep the hair I have, I would be happy. What alternatives to drugs can you give me? I've done enough research to know that baldness is caused by DHT and have seen a lot of "DHT Blockers" on the Internet. Are there any vitamins I can take, shampoos I can use or foods to cut out of my diet that will help? I would prefer to use something that I didn't have to use every day simply from a cost standpoint. Thanks!
I am a type 2 diabetic. My glucose levels are tightly controlled with diet and exercise (no medication). Otherwise I am in good condition. I would like to run a marathon, but I have questions about appropriate nutritional options. The typical high-carb diet of many runners probably isn't a good option for me. I haven't been able to find any useful info on the Internet. Can you provide any advice or links to helpful sites?
I am 26 years old and have had four major depressive episodes. I did not seek treatment until the last (and worst) episode and have since been taking two different antidepressants.
I have breast cancer and have been through surgery (lumpectomy). Most recently, I have had radiation. Now that it's over, I am wondering if I should take a vitamin, and if so, what would be a good vitamin for me?
Following a two-month ICU stay five years ago, I was told that I had many symptoms of PTSD. The near-death experience would have been enough to shake me up alone, but when I wound up with ICU delirium ... I don't know how long it lasted, it felt like years, and the hallucinations were worse than all of the surgeries and physical therapy put together. Worse than anything I have ever experienced. They were just too vivid, and my periods of lucidity were few and far between. I couldn't sleep soundly through the night for almost a year afterward.
In the emergency room recently, my 14-month-old son got a diagnosis of influenza A, but he wasn't tested for H1N1. He has recovered after nine days of fever and other symptoms, but we are unsure going forward whether to seek the regular or swine flu vaccine for him. Any suggestions?
Instead of answering a viewer question this week, CNNHealth Diet & Fitness expert Dr. Melina Jampolis offers her thoughts on confronting the dietary temptations of the holidays.
I am at risk of rectal cancer because of my orientation and not able to find reliable info. Where can I go to actually get the true information about this? And where can I go to get free publications? Any info would be great, as I am hearing that this is on the rise.
I don't have a question. However, I would like to make a comment. I found the antidepressant Lamictal to be a godsend. I feel like a new person since I've been taking it. I also take Neurontin, which really takes the edge off. I feel for the person who can't find the right medicine. Don't give up, keep trying new drugs.
Last night, I was walking out from work late at night, and all of a sudden, out of nowhere, a bat sitting on the parking lot lawn charged toward me and within seconds flew very close to me. I did not have time to react or realize what happened or if it touched me.
I can't do a pushup or pull-up because of rotator cuff and carpal tunnel issues. What kind of exercise moves can I do instead that will get me the same sort of gains? Thanks.
It is known that people who have had a depressive episode have a high chance of experiencing a second depressive episode. It seems that people are more "sensitive" to stress/life events (kindling hypothesis). What options are available for people who had a depressive episode in the past, to avoid having a recurrence or at least lower the chances of a recurrence in the future?
I have HSV-1 and HSV-2. I found out that my outbreaks are now forming from the inside lining of my genital area, which is all the way in the vagina. My question is -- does this mean my outbreaks are becoming severe, and am I more susceptible to cancer? And what's the best treatment for HSV-2?
Is it possible -- in some cases -- to get a second round of radiation? When I had it 25 years ago I was told that this is once-in-a-lifetime treatment, yet a friend of mine is scheduled for a second round.
My mom died nine months ago, and two days later, I gave birth to my daughter (she was full term, actually late, and completely healthy). I have been struggling with depression and all sorts of other medical problems since my mom passed. I cannot seem to get past crying over my mom. I cried all the time. We were very close, and losing her has been very hard. At the time, my husband was in Iraq, so I was dealing with a newborn by myself, as well as the loss of my best friend, my mom.
I have just turned 55 and am still having a regular, clockwork period every single 28 days. It lasts only three to four days, but it is still there! Is there any danger in having this go on so long? I was approximately 13 years old when I started, and here I still am! I have no symptoms of menopause at all.
Which fruits are allowed for a diabetic, whose condition is controlled by diet only? No medicines are taken, except Glipizide 5 mg, ½ hour premeal at noon?
My husband just completed six cycles of R-CHOP chemotherapy for his non-Hodgkin's diffuse large B cell lymphoma in his upper stomach. Compared with what we've heard others have endured, his side effects were relatively mild. However, he continues to have a strained, raspy voice. His oncologist didn't seem too concerned or aware of what might be causing this. Is this a "typical" chemo side effect?
I have had a quite a few ups and downs in my life. I have had depression since I was 8 years old. (I am now 26 and was diagnosed as bipolar three years ago.) In my lifetime, I have suffered major emotional abuse and betrayals from a variety of people, not to mention rough circumstances (losing a job last year, and unstable conditions in my current job). I have now gotten to a point where I've become obsessive about money due to fears of once again becoming unemployed, and I find myself drifting away from friends because I don't feel safe being close to anyone any more. It's scary for me because I went through a major depressive episode from ages 14 to 18, and I had to fight just to keep myself alive (medication was not available for me at the time, either). I've fought so hard just to get to my current point in life, which was graduating from college and living independently. I'm just so terrified of losing everything that I've fought for and returning to those lows, but I feel like I have to strike it out on my own just to maintain myself. Is there any chance of me ever feeling any form of security in my life ever again?
My pediatrician's office has only the H1N1 flu nasal spray vaccine and the shot that contains thimerosal. I would like my 1-year-old son to receive the vaccine. Since he is too young for the nasal spray, is it better for him to get the shot with thimerosal or wait for the shot without the preservative?
"60 Minutes" had a story several months ago about a type of weight-loss surgery that seemed to also cure type 2 diabetes in many people. Has more research been done on this? Do you need the full bypass of about one-third of the small intestine or just the duodenum and jejunum? My weight problem came about with/after diabetes, not before.
I have basal cell carcinoma. I have had two surgeries on my face. I have had a few frozen off as well. Was to go back to the doctor to get a checkup on the ones he has frozen off. I have canceled every appointment since then. I am just tired of always getting cut on and things frozen off. I always seem to get bad news every time I go. Now, I have noticed a new light brown spot on my face. It looks like a freckle. Yes, I do have them and also am a redhead. I'm 35. So I don't think I'm still getting freckles. I used to tan seven days a week 365 days a year. I always went 25-30 minutes a day. I was just wondering what that spot might be. It's the size of a pencil eraser. Can this cancer spead to my organs'? I told my husband that I would listen to you! He's very TICKED at me for not listening. Thanks for your time.
My 11-year-old daughter got a diagnosis of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) about six months ago. She is not currently on any medication but has been regularly seeing a therapist.
My 10-month-old baby boy is having surgery for an undescended testicle. Is he too young to put him through surgery or should I go ahead with it? Should I give him more time for the testicle to descend?
I was wondering if substituting sugar for honey is a healthy trade-off? Are the types of sugar and antioxidants in honey worth the 70 calories per serving, or if I'm trying to lose weight, should I cut out sugar altogether, including honey?
I am a male, 66 years old. In March 2008, my cardiologist prescribed spironolactone (2 mg daily). About two months ago, I started having soreness in my left breast, and both breasts seem to have enlarged. Is there a possible connection with the medication?
I received the flu shot but about 10 days later came down with a painful cough, headache, fatigue and sore throat, but no fever. Is this a reaction to the flu shot? It's miserable!
I received the flu shot but about 10 days later came down with a painful cough, headache, fatigue and sore throat, but no fever. Is this a reaction to the flu shot? It's miserable!
I am a 65-year-old nurse who has developed rosacea. I do not have the redness, only the itchy bumps on my face, which is so embarrassing. I have seen a dermatologist and I am now taking Oracea, which is 40 mg. of doxycycline, and using hydrocortisone cream. Very little is discussed about this, and I desperately need your expert advice. Is there anything more I can do? This is ruining my life. Thank you.
I am a 50-year-old male and have been experiencing a voice talking to me. I lost most of my central vision about 11 years ago from a virus and am legally blind. I was diagnosed with depression two years ago by my doctor and he put me on 20 mg of paroxetine a day. I have always been an antisocial person but even more so after losing most of my vision. For the last several months there has been a voice talking to me. It just carries on normal conversations and warns me of various things, remarks about the news, people, daily activities (don't eat that, eat this instead), stay away from this or that person because they are out to harm you, your neighbors are watching you, etc. What is happening to me? Can you give me some suggestions on how to make the voice stop? I would greatly appreciate any suggestions you can give me. Thank You
I have torn meniscus in each knee and it gives me pain when I exert myself. I have been through physical therapy three times and several doctors. They just keep referring me to physical therapy. It doesn't seem to help. How can I get 30-60 minutes of cardio every day with greatly limited use of my knees?
I have a diagnosis of brittle bipolar disorder. Most peer-reviewed literature tells me that setting up concrete routines (daily, work, home, etc.) is a good way to help control symptoms. Is this true? Is it an important tool or just speculation? How can I work with my employer/coworkers to limit my symptoms with routines?
At my teenage son's recent visit to the pediatrician, he was advised to check his testicles regularly. Is this necessary? I don't remember being told this when I was growing up.
You said that one of the few supplements you take is fish oil. With all the buzz about the benefits of antioxidants today -- and the tenet that "too much of anything is not good" -- can you get "too much" antioxidant?
My grandfather, age 85, has final-stage Alzheimer's disease and is completely bedridden. As it sounds, it is very difficult to see him on the bed unable to move for the past five months. As a result of this inability, he has developed bed sores. We have him laid on a water bed, and my sister is a doctor who dresses the wounds twice a day. Is there anything else we could do to help heal the sores?
My friend's 20-year-old daughter has been diagnosed as bipolar. I have seen the depressive effects, but can you tell me how someone who is having a manic episode would behave? This girl yells, screams, swears, kicks the walls, uses inappropriate language to her parents and it usually happens when she is not getting her way. It looks like a temper tantrum to me.
If someone develops shingles after she gave birth will this virus affect her next pregnancy? Is there any chance or possibility that the shingles will return again for the rest of her life? And if it can, will the shingles break out in the same spot, or can it be in a different area of the body? What can you do to prevent recurrence? Thanks.
I have seen many weight loss DNA testing kits on the Internet. These tests claim to identify the best weight loss program by analyzing your DNA. Is there any merit to this?
I am a 31-year-old male. A few months ago, I was diagnosed with H. pylori. I live a healthy life and maintain a relatively clean house. How would a person spontaneously contract the bacterium? Others in my household have tested negative for H. pylori. Could it be something that I picked up in a public place? I do not travel, let alone to developing countries or third-world nations. I went to urgent care in April and was admitted to the ER because I could not keep down liquids, solids or medications. They diagnosed me with gastroenteritis. I have two sick pets: They have both been diagnosed with IBD, though one has been controlled with a diet change. Could H. pylori be transmitted from animal to human? Any information would be helpful.
My boyfriend and I are discussing getting engaged and having children one day. He said he's scared to have kids. His biological grandmother and his father both have been diagnosed with bipolar disorder. He has no symptoms of it, but some of his siblings do. He is terrified that his children could inherit this disorder! My family has no history of it at all. Since neither of us have it, should we be worried?
I recently landed in the hospital for five days because of pancreatitis. I am the atypical patient for this condition. I have type 1 diabetes. I do not drink, and my gallbladder was removed in 2003. CT scans showed a seriously inflamed pancreas, but doctors could not find a reason why. Any ideas? I have never hurt so bad in all my life, and they say since they can't find a reason for it, it can happen again with no warning just like this last one. Please help.
I have a 4-month-old baby. I am going through postpartum depression with a lot of anxiety and panic attacks. I went through postpartum depression with my first baby eight years ago but at that time I didn't have anxiety and I didn't take any medication. And I started getting better after 3½ months itself. But now it's been three months that I am going through this. I have been taking medications (Paxil 20 mg, Buspar 10 mg) and getting counseling but it's not helping much. I still don't feel myself and am having unwanted thoughts. How long does postpartum depression last? Is this temporary? Will this anxiety and depression ever go away? Should I stop the medications and try it on my own? Does exercise help to get out of the depression? Will I ever be normal like I was before?
Hi, I'm looking to lose 15-20 pounds in the next month to six weeks. Is it really possible to do so just by exercising (dumbbell curls, running on the treadmill) for about two hours every other day along with staying away from fatty foods?
Can traumatic brain injury cause a person to develop a mental health problem or trigger an underlying problem not yet discovered, which then causes the person to create a fantasy world while in a coma, which, when they awake they are adamant is real?
Many people in my neighborhood have confirmed H1N1, including my hubby. Once someone has had a confirmed case, will he or she be immune to getting H1N1 again this year?
For over a month now, one of my nostrils has been clogged, so to speak. It will randomly open up, or switch from the right to the left. What is causing this, and what can I do to clear it?
Because of the complexity of this viewer question, three of CNNHealth's expert doctors are offering advice. Last week, Diet and Fitness expert Dr. Melina Jampolis had ideas for gaining weight in a healthy way. Yesterday, Dr. Jennifer Shu offered information about concerns for a baby born to an addicted woman. Today, Mental Health expert Dr. Charles Raison weighs in.
Because of the complexity of this viewer question, three of CNNHealth's expert doctors are offering advice. Last week, Diet and Fitness expert Dr. Melina Jampolis had ideas for gaining weight in a healthy way. Today, Dr. Jennifer Shu offers information about concerns for a baby born to an addicted woman. Watch for insights Tuesday from Mental Health expert Dr. Charles Raison.
Because of the complexity of this viewer question, three of CNNHealth's expert doctors are offering their advice. Read insights from Living Well expert Dr. Jennifer Shu here. Check back Tuesday for thoughts from Mental Health expert Dr. Charles Raison.
My daughter was treated for anxiety with Zoloft around a year ago. However, her school reported alarming, violent behavior (she never had that before), and we stopped it after only a week. I always understood this to be an "adverse effect," but a nurse today told me it was an allergy. An allergy means she should never take it again, but an adverse effect could be grown out of, and doesn't rule out similar drugs. Was the nurse just dumbing things down, or was she correct?
I've started adding probiotics to my diet and feel tremendously better. Are there any supplements I should not be taking with the probiotics that will kill them: vitamins, garlic, cranberry gels, etc.?
What can be done to alleviate the symptoms of peripheral neuropathy? The pain is sometimes more than I can bear and continually interrupts sleep. I am exhausted.
With the change to ADHD from ADD in the past decades (DSM-III-R, 1987 - DSM-IV-TR), why are professional sites such as CNNhealth.com's Mental Health still utilizing archaic terminology in some articles?
I have a natural extensive amount of muscle mass on all parts of my body plus a broad build, but my height is just 5 feet 4. When I do a BMI calculation having to enter my weight and height, my suggested weight should be around 135 to get a decent reading. I weigh in around 165, and I do need to lose a bit, but not a lot in the belly area. I am 44 years old and was just wondering if the BMI can be adjusted for people with a muscular build with broad shoulders?
What exactly does a routine Pap smear screen do? Does it screen for human papillomavirus, cancers or both? Since I have no risk of sexually transmitted diseases because my spouse and I have had sexual contact only with one another, is a Pap smear a pointless procedure, for me in particular? Can a Pap smear detect cancers other than those caused by HPV or other STDs? What other reasons, if any, are there for me to get a Pap smear, and what other tests or procedures should a healthy, monogamous 27-year-old have at the OB/GYN? And how often should she have them?
My husband has generalized anxiety disorder, and he always seems to bring up something he says he has seen me do or something I supposedly said when I cannot recall that ever happening. So my question is, can GAD cause a person to worry so much about something that he believes it happened?
I recently stopped taking Vicodin for my fibromyalgia pain. I had been taking it for about three years. I quit cold turkey and am wondering what is the best thing for the withdrawal [symptoms], like natural things I can take to help me get through this?
I have been hearing a lot about the bitter orange extract (citrus aurantium), which is supposedly used as an appetite suppressant. Would this be a safer alternative to taking regular diet pills?
My 5-year-old old son has recently had a diagnosis of ADHD and ODD. The nurse put him on Adderall and Risperdal, which do calm him down, help him focus and cut out some of his "behaviors." However, some of my family members think I am wrong for putting him on meds. Are there natural supplements that can give the same results as the prescribed meds? If so, can you get them from a pharmacy so that I can have his insurance pay for it? And lastly, can one ever grow out of these diseases, or will he have to take meds for the rest of his life?
I am 41 years old and for a while now I have noticed hair growing under my chin. Is that because I might have low levels of estrogen? I know I can remove them with laser but why is this happening?
Hi. I am 21 weeks pregnant, and from start of the pregnancy to date, I have put on 15 pounds. I was high on weight before pregnancy, too, and worried what measures should I take to control my weight gain. Also, what are the risks associated with weight gain?
My daughter suffers from borderline personality disorder that appears to be worsening, even though she is now 36 years old. Treatment centers are too expensive, and her insurance will not cover it unless it is a hospital. Why would this disorder seem to be worsening -- mainly impulse control/depression -- and should she have a CT scan or other brain imaging to see if there is an underlying problem? Her primary care doctor has given up on her, and there are no psychiatrists in this town who will treat borderline personality disorder. Any help or information could help.
My husband had childhood leukemia, and his ejection fraction [the capacity at which the heart is pumping] has steadily declined over the last few years, the most recent results showed 39 percent, apparently as a result of the chemo he received. What treatments or medications are available for this? He is only 35 years old, which seems so young for heart problems.
My wife has suffered from depression her whole life. Her psychiatrist has performed a blood test and identified a mutated gene that produces serotonin in the brain. Antidepressant drugs provide little help. Are there any supplements that can supply the serotonin that is needed to combat the depression?
I seem to get very sore after every workout. My fiancé says I'm working out too hard, but I was wondering if there were other reasons. I've been a vegetarian for 13 years and am usually low on protein and iron (and probably a few other things, too). Could low levels of protein and/or iron contribute to why I get so sore after working out?
I'm a 29-year-old male who recently went to the doctor for a routine physical and was told my liver enzymes (AST specifically) were very high. My doctor immediately diagnosed it as a drinking problem and told me to cut back. The problem is, I don't really drink a whole lot. I do admit to the weekly happy hours at the end of the week where I sometimes drink more than I should, but it certainly is not a daily habit. (I don't even have any beer or liquor in my house.) I had happened to be out drinking a few nights before my blood test, and I read that strenuous exercise can also cause this. (I've run two marathons, and I am currently training for another.) Should I get another opinion or just simply cut back on the drinking?
I have phase II bipolar and cannot afford the necessary drugs. I'm dealing with this alone, which as you may know is tough. Are there any tips you can give in management of my disorder?
For the past several months, I have noticed that I have been retaining water. When I take my socks off in the evening, the ringed indentations left on my skin will stay up to an hour after removing the clothing. I've asked my physician about the cause and she indicated that I am probably ingesting too much salt. Although I do consume sodium in my everyday foods, I do not feel that I am eating too much salt. My doctor suggested that I take water pills. I have been taking two pills per day and have increased my consumption of water (as I read that water retention is often caused by dehydration). I'm not seeing any change in my water retention. Do you have any suggestions?
I saw Dr. Gupta talking about red yeast rice. I want to try it but there are so many different kinds. How do you know which are the best brands with the best ingredients? I know many of the natural supplements put a lot of junk in the product.
I've heard that probiotics can help with diverticulitis. What is the strain of probiotics that would work best? Is there a brand name you can recommend? Should it be taken with antibiotics or after the 10-day prescribed course of antibiotics? I realize there is no cure for diverticulosis; I'm trying to be proactive.
I recently learned that my total cholesterol and triglycerides are very high, and my doctor recommended oatmeal, which I do not like. I did find a way to make it palatable, though. It's such a pain to make it every day. My question is this: If I make a large batch of it at once, will it lose its benefits by reheating? And what about instant oatmeal? Are the benefits the same?
My husband had a kidney transplant a year ago. He's on potent drugs like CellCept and Prograf. Would these drugs be excreted in semen? Can it be harmful to my cervix?
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