Why is my diabetic father feeling fatigue, lost appetite and lost sleep?
Hello doctor,
My father is feeling fatigue, lost appetite, and lost sleep. We have visited multiple doctors. Being diabetic, we suspected diabetic neuropathy and visited a neurologist. As part of tests, he has taken X-ray also and identified pleural effusion and referred to a pulmonologist with high resolution computed tomography (HRCT) scan of lungs and GeneXpert sputum. Pulmonologist suggested acid-fast bacillus (AFB) smear also. HRCT shows effusion, but AFB smear and GeneXpert are negative. Kindly help.
21 Feb 2024 - 1 min read
Kindly guide me about Hashimoto's disease.
Hello doctor,
I am an 18-year-old girl. I have had thyroid problems since I was around 11. It used to be just considered hypothyroidism but now we have figured out that it is Hashimoto’s disease. I rotate daily between 88 mcg and 100 mcg of Levothyroxine to keep my TSH in check because that is the only thing that works. I get my blood drawn every six months but my doctor has not checked these antibodies lately even though last time, the number was around 5,000 when it was supposed to be 0 to 59. Some days I can barely move, and I am really limited in the activities that I am physically able to participate in. I am just scared. I do not know what is going to happen to me. If someone who is older could help or tell me what happens, I would really appreciate it.
20 Feb 2024 - 1 min read
Chest X-ray showed a single nodule. Is a biopsy required to rule out cancer?
Hello doctor,
I am a 30-year-old female. The initial illness began early this year. The symptoms were cough, shortness of breath (SOB), chest pain, and wheezing. I was treated for pneumonia but never got better. Repeated X-rays showed adenopathy as a possibility. So, a CT scan was done which showed hilar, mediastinal adenopathy and a single pulmonary nodule of 0.47 inch along with some hypodense lesions on the spleen. A biopsy was done on the lung tissue and on the endobronchial mass but not on the lymph nodes or nodule. There was no fungal, bacterial or viral cause isolated. I have been largely asymptomatic since then with an exception of some chest pain. I went in for a follow-up computed tomography (CT) scan last week. There is still hilar, mediastinal adenopathy and now pre-tracheal aortopulmonary adenopathy along with the nodule. But, the size is the same. The doctor wants a CT scan in four months and thinks this could be the result of a fungal infection but he is not sure. I am wondering if a biopsy of the actual nodes or nodule would be necessary to rule out cancer. I am so concerned and the thought of waiting four months is devastating. I am a former smoker for five years. I take Lexapro, Adderall, and Microgestin.
14 Feb 2024 - 1 min read
How can bronchiectasis be treated?
Hello doctor,
I am 31 years old. I am suffering from high BP and I am currently on medication. I have no thyroid issues, no diabetes, and normal lipids. Electrocardiogram (ECG) and echo both are normal. But, the main problem is a little breathing difficulty. The X-ray of the chest is clear normal but the high resolution computed tomography (HRCT) of the chest revealed early bronchiectatic changes. The question is what is the difference between early bronchiectatic changes and bronchiectasis? Is there any difference in the degrees? What is the treatment? I have a son with whom I am emotionally very attached. Can I at least live anormal lifespanwith treatment or is there any specific life expectancy of five years or so? Please help me out how long can I live? Secondly, I want to expel mucus from inside. Can I try Guaifenesin alone or in combination with what? Can you please provide a drug to expel mucus.
13 Feb 2024 - 1 min read
Hello doctor,
What is functional medicine? What is the focus of functional medicine? In what cases might a patient do well to see a functional medicine practitioner versus another type of health care provider? Any other details or specifics about it?
09 Feb 2024 - 1 min read
