This feels like a lump ,and can take a long time to disappear. It is thus ok to stop worrying,but if the lump suddenly starts to increase in size,or change in any other way,rather have it evaluated. ...See more

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Dr. Heidi Fowler answered:

Hi, I'm having trouble sleeping, is there an over the counter medication I could try? Insomnia In brief: Insomnia

Melatonin can be excellent for simple insomnia.

Many people find good results taking 1 to 3 milligrams at night. The sublingual form is best. Some herbals that are used to help sleep include Valerian, Chamomile, Passion Flower, Hops, Skullcap & California Poppy. Improving sleep hygiene is essential. If Sleep does not improve, would see your doctor for assessment. Take care. ...See more

SLEEP SLEEPING BETTER SLEEP HYGIENE INSOMNIA MEDICINAL HERBS MELATONIN HEALTH EDUCATION

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Dr. Maria Dorothea Olivier answered:

I had a Tib Fib Fracture and a Pin inserted about 3 Years ago. The small bone never Healed. I expierience pain some days. Can i still have pain? In brief: Neuropathic pain

Many times during a tib/fib fracture, the nerves get injured, which can be the cause of chronic intermittent pain.

BROKEN BONE

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Dr. Maria Dorothea Olivier answered:

I am experiencing chest pain or discomfort (better by: rest) (side: both) (severity: mild) (quality: sensation of pressure or heaviness) (time frame: suddenly) , feeling anxious (worsened by: psychological stress, caffeinated drinks (coffee, tea, soda, e In brief: Anxiety can be cause

Hi Samara, chestpain is a common symptom in patients suffering from panic disorders and anxiety attacks.

It is normally bilateral,and pressing. All stimulants like caffeine will worsen the attacks or increase the frequency of the attacks.

ANXIETY CHEST PAIN CHEST PAIN OR DISCOMFORT CHEST PRESSURE OR HEAVINESS STRESS

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Dr. Maria Dorothea Olivier answered:

What is causing a lower backpain? In brief: A lot of reasons

This question has too many answers, and is to vague to answer properly.

BACK PAIN

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Dr. Lori Lange answered:

Can you have a kidney infection without protein in the urine? In brief: Kidney Infection

A kidney infection is from an organism such as a bacteria, or virus.

The kidneys main function is to control blood pressure, filter minerals and maintain fluid homeostasis. When the filtering capability is over whelmed protein may leak through and be eliminated in the urine. So you can have an infection but not have protein in the urine. ...See more

PROTEIN URINE KIDNEY INFECTION

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Dr. Maria Dorothea Olivier answered:

If my potassium is 4mmol/l what will it be after 4 pints of alcohol? A lot lower? I read you lose potassium when drinking but how much from 4 pints? In brief: Not easy answer

Andy, it is difficult to answer, because of many other factors that play a role, like your co-morbidities ,weight,etc

ALCOHOL CENA K K DUR K LOR K TAB KAOCHLOR KAON KAON CL KAY CIEL KLOR CON KLOR-CON KLORVESS KLOTRIX MICRO K POTASSIUM SLOW K TEN K

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Dr. Maria Dorothea Olivier answered:

Wrist has the symptoms of tendonitis. I've used an anti-inflammatory gel with a splint since Sunday, but no signs of improvement. How long should I wait until seeing a doctor? What type of doctor? And recommendations for Cape Town? In brief: Systemic NSAIDs need

A better history on what happened to cause pain would be useful.

Systemic anti-inflammatories works more effectively especially if deep tendon.

ANTIINFLAMMATORY SPLINT TENDINITIS

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Dr. John Berryman answered:

Which birth control is best for endometriosis and someone with a lot of autoimmune health issues and fibromyalgia? In brief: Endometriosis

Endometriosis is progressive, and the scar tissue that develops from inflammation can cause sterility.

Any low dose oral contraceptive is advised (Seasonal or Seasonique, YAZ, etc.) for both reduction of pain and inflammation, but will not affect autoimmune issues or true fibromyalgia. ...See more

BIRTH CONTROL CONTRACEPTION FEMALE HEALTH ADULT HEALTH

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Dr. John Berryman answered:

I have never had my periods since I gave birth in June 2018. My doctor says it is normal because I'm breastfeeding but I would like a second opinion. In brief: No period: nursing ?

Although mothers who nurse "full time" frequently do not have periods for months after delivery, if adding formula, or nursing only occasionally, ovulation can occur, and of course if pregnancy happens, you will not have a period.

If pregnancy is possible, get a serum HCG test to be certain, and consult your OB provider for dependable birth control if negative.

LABOR AND DELIVERY FEMALE HEALTH

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