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Ask an Expert
Ask the Expert Team
Sutter Health
I'm 30 and have had depression throughout my life. I'm on antidepressants, but lately I've been very antisocial - staying home or working late. I have a high-stress job and haven't been able to sleep. I also have headaches, mood swings, and weight gain.
I am sorry that you have lately been feeling so poorly. You mention a wide variety of symptoms, some of which often have non-psychiatric causes. For this reason, I recommend that you see your primary care physi... continue reading about I'm 30 and have had depression throughout my life. I'm on antidepressants, but lately I've been very antisocial - staying home or working late. I have a high-stress job and haven't been able to sleep. I also have headaches, mood swings, and weight gain.
Katerina P. Shetler, M.D.
Palo Alto Medical Foundation
Is the presence of lactose intolerance and/or irritable bowel syndrome typically associated with someone who may also be sensitive to gluten?
Thank you for this very interesting question. Patients with irritable bowel syndrome suffer from abdominal pain, abdominal bloating, loose bowel movements or constipation. Patients with lactose intolerance and ... continue reading about Is the presence of lactose intolerance and/or irritable bowel syndrome typically associated with someone who may also be sensitive to gluten?
Susan Maayah, M.D.
Palo Alto Medical Foundation
I'm a women in her 50s who is going through perimenopause. I have only had one menstrual period this year. Is there still a possibility that I could get pregnant?
Pregnancy is very unlikely at this age and stage of minimal ovarian function. Ovulation is so rare and the egg quality is probably so poor that fertilization would not likely result in pregnancy. However, this ... continue reading about I'm a women in her 50s who is going through perimenopause. I have only had one menstrual period this year. Is there still a possibility that I could get pregnant?
Ask the Expert Team
Sutter Health
Three weeks ago I lost hearing in my right ear with severe vertigo. An ER doctor gave me antibiotics which didn't help. I went to ER again. They flushed the ear and my hearing came back, but the vertigo is still present and seems to be getting worse.
In cases of sudden hearing loss in one or both ears, especially with vertigo, you should be seen immediately by an ear, nose and throat physician as well as have a complete hearing evaluation. There are many ca... continue reading about Three weeks ago I lost hearing in my right ear with severe vertigo. An ER doctor gave me antibiotics which didn't help. I went to ER again. They flushed the ear and my hearing came back, but the vertigo is still present and seems to be getting worse.
Astrin Damayanti, R.D.
Sutter Gould Medical Foundation
I love all the bags of vegetables that come pre-washed and provide directions for steaming in the plastic bag they are packed in. How safe is this? I'm microwaving in the same plastic bag used to transport and store the vegetables.
Plastic containers or bags are not created equal. Some are microwave-safe and some are not. The FDA carefully regulates these materials to ensure that they meet its standards and specifications. In addition, th... continue reading about I love all the bags of vegetables that come pre-washed and provide directions for steaming in the plastic bag they are packed in. How safe is this? I'm microwaving in the same plastic bag used to transport and store the vegetables.
Junaid H. Khan, M.D., FACC, FACS
Eden Medical Center
I take medication for high blood pressure. My current numbers are 138/87 to 140/94. Is that okay or should my medication be changed? It's been over a year since I started taking the medication.
The American Heart Association lists 120/80 and lower as normal blood pressure. The numbers you list would qualify as hypertension requiring treatment. It looks like your physician has appropiately started you ... continue reading about I take medication for high blood pressure. My current numbers are 138/87 to 140/94. Is that okay or should my medication be changed? It's been over a year since I started taking the medication.
Rodman S. Rogers, M.D.
SPMF San Francisco HMO Network
I'm going to get an organic bladder sling made of pigs skin. Are there any more risks to getting that kind instead of the mesh kind?
Both synthetic polypropylene and acellular porcine dermis (pig skin) mesh slings are considered safe and effective for the treatment of female stress incontinence. In general, I advise patients that their main ... continue reading about I'm going to get an organic bladder sling made of pigs skin. Are there any more risks to getting that kind instead of the mesh kind?
Ask the Expert Team
Sutter Health
I have heard about hyaluronic acid injections for knee pain. What are they, and who is a candidate for this therapy?
The hyaluronic acid in the injection is similar to the HA that occurs naturally in knee joints. Hyaluronic injections can be very helpful for certain patients who suffer from osteoarthritis in the knee, and may... continue reading about I have heard about hyaluronic acid injections for knee pain. What are they, and who is a candidate for this therapy?
Toni J. Brayer, M.D.
Sutter Pacific Medical Foundation
I am a woman (59) and I have been hearing that one out of three people get shingles. I was wondering if I should get a vaccination. Am I insured for this, if not, how much does this shot cost?
The medical name for "shingles" is varicella zoster. It comes from the chickenpox virus that can lay dormant for years after exposure. As we get older it is more likely the virus will reappear and cause a painf... continue reading about I am a woman (59) and I have been hearing that one out of three people get shingles. I was wondering if I should get a vaccination. Am I insured for this, if not, how much does this shot cost?
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