Dr. Sam Sugar

Internal Medicine

male

About

Bio

Board Certified Senior Physician with expertise in various phases of internal medicine as well as sleep disorders. Licensed in two states with over 40 years experience

Specialties
Doctors may have more than one area of specialty interest. Board certification in a specialty area means the doctor has completed formal training and has practice experience in that specialty, and has passed the certification examination from the corresponding accredited medical specialty board.

Internal Medicine

Languages spoken

English

Doctor Q&A

64 Answers

0 Agrees

A 20-year-old female asked:

What causes tingling sensations if you don't have anything wrong with your nerve or a infection?

Dr. Sam Sugaranswered

Specializes in Internal Medicine

Depends where: tingling is sign or a nerve (s) that are dysfunctional. It has any number of causes.

4k viewsAnswered >2 years ago

Thank

A 43-year-old member asked:

How to feel so wonderful after sleeping on the floor?

Dr. Sam Sugaranswered

Specializes in Internal Medicine

Sleep positions: Great sleep can happen in any number of ways. Rigid surfaces like a hard floor can be helpful for those who require back support more then usual. Try ... Read More

4.1k viewsReviewed >2 years ago

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Dr. Heidi Fowler agrees1 doctor agrees

A 40-year-old female asked:

I'm having a hysterectomy tomorrow and was told to use 2 enamas. i've used one and only went once. how many times should i go? will it be normal?

Dr. Sam Sugaranswered

Specializes in Internal Medicine

Enema: The point of the enemas is to produce watery clear stool. When that happens you can stop.

4.1k viewsAnswered >2 years ago

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A male asked:

Not sick, and i am already off all foods i'm allergic to, but i have tons of mucus in my throat and mouth. thick, slimy, gags me! what is it? candida?

Dr. Sam Sugaranswered

Specializes in Internal Medicine

Could be: Need to culture mucus to know for sure.

4.1k viewsAnswered >2 years ago

Thank

A 26-year-old female asked:

Is it normal to still feel pain stiffness in back in the right and middle side and leg 7 weeks after microdiscetomy still not feeling active as before?

Dr. Sam Sugaranswered

Specializes in Internal Medicine

Sadly, yes: These symptoms are not uncommon after surgery and may linger.

4.1k viewsAnswered >2 years ago

Thank

1 thank

A 21-year-old female asked:

From few days i can feel as the blood is coming in my faeces as the water gets black of flush.today i saw drops of blood falling down.why it can be?

Dr. Sam Sugaranswered

Specializes in Internal Medicine

Blood in stool: this should be evaluated ASAP, especially if the stools are black. See a GI or protcologist

4k viewsAnswered >2 years ago

Thank

A 29-year-old female asked:

I'm a medical asst- bps and computer work. my right hand is super crampy and painful, some wrist pain. carpal tunnel? ortho or pcp? thanks :)

Dr. Sam Sugaranswered

Specializes in Internal Medicine

Likely CTS: Best to see hand md for latest new rx, but could try ergonomics at work and splint at night.

4.1k viewsAnswered >2 years ago

Thank

1 thank

A 21-year-old male asked:

Is it possible to tear the deferens tubes off the testicle without much pain or any bleeding? i only felt a pinch of pain when i got struck.

Dr. Sam Sugaranswered

Specializes in Internal Medicine

Possible : But very unlikely, may be a bruise if not swelling.

4.1k viewsAnswered >2 years ago

Thank

A 30-year-old female asked:

Hi just before my @ had red flat round sores around vaginal lips, no untypical discharge, burning pain when urinated. all gone after period.whas that?

Dr. Sam Sugaranswered

Specializes in Internal Medicine

Hard to know: Possibilities include virus, allergy and more need workup if it recurs.

4.1k viewsAnswered >2 years ago

Thank

1 thank

A 73-year-old female asked:

There appeared suddenly a small growth on the skin by the side of my nose where the rim of my glasses hit. it was itchy, not now. now a teeny bit bigger and dark red. can i do something or remove it.

Dr. Sam Sugaranswered

Specializes in Internal Medicine

Treat: Likely not malignant. Treat with abx ointment for a week, if no better see dermatologist.

4.1k viewsAnswered >2 years ago

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A 44-year-old female asked:

Can an osteopath or a special chiropractic(brain stem specialist) help with bulg.discs in cervical spine, numbness, ting., etc.pain, w/o resort 2 surgy.?

Dr. Sam Sugaranswered

Specializes in Internal Medicine

Worth a try: Surgery must be considered the last resort and all other means exhausted first.

4.1k viewsReviewed >2 years ago

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Dr. Leila Hashemi agrees1 doctor agrees

1 thank

A 22-year-old female asked:

While in the recovery room from my last surgery my bp went down to 40/20, if i were to have another surgery, what precautions should i have in place?

Dr. Sam Sugaranswered

Specializes in Internal Medicine

Workup: You need to have a full eval prior to any surgery planned to avoid a repeat.

4.1k viewsAnswered >2 years ago

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A 31-year-old female asked:

It burns before i pee while i pee and after i pee and it feels like i have to go every few minutes. is it a urnie track infection?

Dr. Sam Sugaranswered

Specializes in Internal Medicine

Urine: these are classic symptoms of a urinary system infection get an exam including a urine specimen

4k viewsReviewed >2 years ago

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Dr. Susan Rhoads and another doctor agree2 doctors agree

A 29-year-old male asked:

What part of the finger anatomy is the 'nail bed'? is it underneath the nail? or on top of the finger above the first joint next to the nail? thanks.

Dr. Sam Sugaranswered

Specializes in Internal Medicine

Yes: Under the nail closest to distal joint.

4.1k viewsReviewed >2 years ago

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Dr. Kudus Akinde agrees1 doctor agrees

1 thank

A 44-year-old female asked:

In regrds to my prior questn about osteo/chiro. for pinchd nrve n cerv.spine, numb & tingl in arms.what my risks if i live w/ it for while?details please

Dr. Sam Sugaranswered

Specializes in Internal Medicine

Hard to say: Symptoms are compression related and the cause of the compression will determine severity and course. Absent trauma, symptoms may be stable for some t... Read More

4.1k viewsAnswered >2 years ago

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1 thank

A 25-year-old male asked:

Randomly got very dizzy started sweating and then threw up twice. stayed dizzy for a few hours. just woke up and feeling a little better but not 100%?

Dr. Sam Sugaranswered

Specializes in Internal Medicine

Vestibulitis: Is likely. Look up eppley maneuver and if that doesn't work get to an ent.

4.1k viewsAnswered >2 years ago

Thank

1 thank

A 54-year-old female asked:

What is the recovery time for a c2-c7 laminectomy?

Dr. Sam Sugaranswered

Specializes in Internal Medicine

Months: It varies, but can be as long as 4 mponths.

4.1k viewsAnswered >2 years ago

Thank

4 thanks

A 23-year-old male asked:

I take 5mg zyprexa (olanzapine) i was tortured as kid tried other meds gained weight practitioner said i can take it or nothing at all are there other sleep meds?

Dr. Sam Sugaranswered

Specializes in Internal Medicine

Of course: Numerous rx and non rx options are avaialble but before resorting to them it might be worthwhile to examine the root causes of your sleep disorder sta... Read More

4.1k viewsReviewed >2 years ago

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Dr. Ed Friedlander and another doctor agree2 doctors agree

1 thank

A 24-year-old female asked:

I am 9 weeks pregnant and having too much of cervical mucus.always feeling wet.is this normal?

Dr. Sam Sugaranswered

Specializes in Internal Medicine

Can be normal: Increased mucus during pregnancy is not uncomon.

4.1k viewsAnswered >2 years ago

Thank

1 thank

A 23-year-old female asked:

I have small amount of anal discharge and itching everyday for the past 2-3 weeks. should i see a doctor? if so what tests should be done?

Dr. Sam Sugaranswered

Specializes in Internal Medicine

Yes: Most likely DX hemorrhoids, could be a parasite. Need rectal and stool tests.

4.1k viewsAnswered >2 years ago

Thank

1 thank

A 37-year-old male asked:

My albumin/creatinine ratio, ur standard range is 30 mine was 113.8 11/29/13 now as of 4/10/14 its 78.4 i don't have hbp or diabets what could the be.is it a good sign my numbers went down?

Dr. Sam Sugaranswered

Specializes in Internal Medicine

Generally: Speaking, ratio numbers are fairly meaningless. Re check the underlying values first.

4.1k viewsAnswered >2 years ago

Thank

A 24-year-old female asked:

Can birth control (mirena (levonorgestrel) iud) trigger ibs? symptoms appeared after getting iud. how would progestogen affect my gi tract?

Dr. Sam Sugaranswered

Specializes in Internal Medicine

Possibly: Ibs is a protean disorder and can be affected by many things.

4.1k viewsAnswered >2 years ago

Thank

A male asked:

My barber cut some of my transplanted hair bald five months ago, how long will it take for my transplanted hair to grow back?

Dr. Sam Sugaranswered

Specializes in Internal Medicine

Same time: If the hairs a alive, they will grow back along with the rest of your own hair.

4.1k viewsAnswered >2 years ago

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A 29-year-old female asked:

Can raynaud's cause inability(due 2 imm.pain) 2 be able 2 holdcold objects eg.colddrink? i'm not referring 2 cold induced ryn.attacks w/color chg&nmbnss-but a feeling similar 2 holding a very hot obj

Dr. Sam Sugaranswered

Specializes in Internal Medicine

Yes: Neuritic symptoms are common in raynauds.

4.1k viewsAnswered >2 years ago

Thank

1 thank

A 17-year-old male asked:

I know that there are chemicals that affect our brain in choclate and alcohol. are there in other food and drinks? and what effects do they have?

Dr. Sam Sugaranswered

Specializes in Internal Medicine

Foods are chemicals: many foods contains chemicals that influence brain activity, like coffee

4k viewsReviewed >2 years ago

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Dr. Susan Rhoads agrees1 doctor agrees

A 53-year-old female asked:

Why am i constantly hungry? i'm not a diabetic and it doesn't matter what i eat i can chow down to something else within an hour. its packing on the weight. its getting most annoying. any ideas?

Dr. Sam Sugaranswered

Specializes in Internal Medicine

Many possibilities: Sudden onset of hyperphagia requires evaluation by physician.

4.1k viewsAnswered >2 years ago

Thank

1 thank

A 28-year-old female asked:

Is clotrimazole topical safe to use when trying to conceive?

Dr. Sam Sugaranswered

Specializes in Internal Medicine

Probably: In small amounts so it is not absorbed.

4.1k viewsAnswered >2 years ago

Thank

A 27-year-old female asked:

I am 5 foot 93 lbs is there a safe amount of weight i can lose without being too underweight as i have fat legs.

Dr. Sam Sugaranswered

Specializes in Internal Medicine

No: Your weight is already below expected.

4.1k viewsReviewed >2 years ago

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Dr. Melissa Gowans agrees1 doctor agrees

1 thank

A 42-year-old male asked:

For 6 i've had prostate issues even had biopsy at 39 psa was 3.9 test was neg. the last two years psa .7 with free psa 26%. still symptomatic some days worse than others. worried drs missed cancer.

Dr. Sam Sugaranswered

Specializes in Internal Medicine

Many causes: symptomtic can mean many things. Further testing may show a non cancer issue responsible for syptoms

4k viewsAnswered >2 years ago

Thank

1 thank

A 34-year-old male asked:

I was prescribed lomotil (diphenoxylat and atropine) for opiate withdrawal. i just found out that it is technically an opiate. will it set me back in my detox?

Dr. Sam Sugaranswered

Specializes in Internal Medicine

Unknown: It is mild opiate with low analgesic effect, but any opiate can upset your recovrt.

4.1k viewsAnswered >2 years ago

Thank

1 thank

A 17-year-old female asked:

Doc put me on minastrin 24 fe and nexplanon. does being on two increase or decrease effectiveness? is it unhealthy to be on two at once?

Dr. Sam Sugaranswered

Specializes in Internal Medicine

Not recommended: The reason for dual therapy like this is not clear and may result in unwanted side effects.

4.1k viewsReviewed >2 years ago

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Dr. Kenny Chuu agrees1 doctor agrees

2 thanks

A 26-year-old male asked:

Pls check dis out hvs test . culture after 37'c yielded moderate growth e.coli. pls is this bad suggest a treatment.

Dr. Sam Sugaranswered

Specializes in Internal Medicine

May need Rx: Mod growth of e coli if connected to symptoms could be sign of infection.

4.1k viewsAnswered >2 years ago

Thank

1 thank

A 24-year-old female asked:

5weeks pregnant. and having light pink spotting... what does this mean?

Dr. Sam Sugaranswered

Specializes in Internal Medicine

May be normal: Only your gyne and an exam can answer this.

4.1k viewsAnswered >2 years ago

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A 16-year-old male asked:

Its summer. is it unhealthy if i go to sleep really late but also get the recommended 8 hours? like go to bed at 4am and wake up at 1pm

Dr. Sam Sugaranswered

Specializes in Internal Medicine

Not the best idea: but if you do get 8 hours of sleep and wake up refreshed and unimpaired, then OK

4k viewsReviewed >2 years ago

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Dr. Susan Rhoads and another doctor agree2 doctors agree

A 31-year-old male asked:

Difference in these premature beats? here is the link to the image of the 1 lead ecg: http://goo.gl/e6nrjf

Dr. Sam Sugaranswered

Specializes in Internal Medicine

Both benign: Both seem innocuous enough but should be evaluated if they are frequent.

4.1k viewsAnswered >2 years ago

Thank

1 thank

A 21-year-old female asked:

I have a problem with my vagina having its normal lubricants.. how do i solve this?

Dr. Sam Sugaranswered

Specializes in Internal Medicine

Lubrication: Many causes for lack of lubircation. Try a water based lubricant like astroglide to alleviate the symptoms and then try to determine the cause with a ... Read More

4.1k viewsAnswered >2 years ago

Thank

1 thank

A 19-year-old female asked:

Had early period and breakthrough bleeding. gyn was not concerned with preg. and said it was the dosage, she raised it but i'm still bleeding? why?

Dr. Sam Sugaranswered

Specializes in Internal Medicine

Need to evaluate: If it persists over another period, workup is in order along with repeat testing.

4.1k viewsAnswered >2 years ago

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A 29-year-old female asked:

I have had chronic back pain all my life. it worsen everyday. hard to stretch out my spine, barely move, spine feels bruised, constant numbness, pain?

Dr. Sam Sugaranswered

Specializes in Internal Medicine

Numbness: If you have numbness in your legs and pain this likely sciatica which can intially reposnd to otc nsaids-if not see s specialist or try acupuncture.

4.1k viewsReviewed >2 years ago

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Dr. AUSTINA CHO agrees1 doctor agrees

1 thank

A 42-year-old female asked:

Can a slip and fall on neck and shoulder progress the natural degeneration of discs and or joints?

Dr. Sam Sugaranswered

Specializes in Internal Medicine

Yes: Any trauma can trigger inflammation and tissue damage over time.

4.1k viewsAnswered >2 years ago

Thank

1 thank

A 59-year-old male asked:

I experience severe ankle pain as if it were sprained but it's not. it only lasts for a couple of days and may come back i. the other ankle? what is

Dr. Sam Sugaranswered

Specializes in Internal Medicine

Ankle pain: Intermittent pain you describe can be from ligamentous of rendon inflammation try a sleeve brace first to see if it helps.

4.1k viewsAnswered >2 years ago

Thank

1 thank

A 17-year-old female asked:

Is taking propanolol for anxiety at age 17 not good for me?

Dr. Sam Sugaranswered

Specializes in Internal Medicine

It is not good : Unless you have a very good reason or diagnosis for using it.

4.1k viewsReviewed >2 years ago

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Dr. Nelson De jesus agrees1 doctor agrees

A 28-year-old male asked:

Will your heart rate stay low if you lay in bed all day ? been in bed all day today hearrate is71 yesterday was out all day and stayed in 90 to 80

Dr. Sam Sugaranswered

Specializes in Internal Medicine

Yes: No exertion, no need for a fast heartbeat--at least fro a short while.

4.1k viewsAnswered >2 years ago

Thank

1 thank

A 27-year-old female asked:

Is it possible to use vitamins or anything else to enhance breast size without surgery?

Dr. Sam Sugaranswered

Specializes in Internal Medicine

Yes: Certain herbs can do that as can certain drugs andphysical mechanism.

4.1k viewsAnswered >2 years ago

Thank

1 thank

A 22-year-old female asked:

Had surgical abortion on 26 march 2014 at 12wks 5days, i bled for 3dys afta. its ova 5wks since had it nd still no period i had unprotected sex 5days afta abortion but he didn't cum in me. whats wrong?

Dr. Sam Sugaranswered

Specializes in Internal Medicine

Many possibilities: You could be pregnant even if he didnt "cum" in you. Get retested.

4.1k viewsReviewed >2 years ago

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Dr. Jeff Livingston agrees1 doctor agrees

A 31-year-old female asked:

Does a uterine polypectomy 3 weeks prior to embryo transfer cause a healthy with no chromosomes abnormality blastocyst not to implant?

Dr. Sam Sugaranswered

Specializes in Internal Medicine

Unlikely: There are other more common reasons for failure to implant.

4.1k viewsAnswered >2 years ago

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A 27-year-old female asked:

I took a hair drug test today going back 6 mos.if i smoked weed 1 x 5.5 mos ago will thc or its metabolites show?hair grows fast and high metabolism

Dr. Sam Sugaranswered

Specializes in Internal Medicine

Entirely possible: That your hair test will be positive for pot.

4.1k viewsAnswered >2 years ago

Thank

1 thank

A 18-year-old female asked:

My nipples have been very sensitive for about a week, what does this mean?

Dr. Sam Sugaranswered

Specializes in Internal Medicine

Many answers: In a male with sudden nipple tenderness anything from ingestion certain herbs to hormonal abnormalities could be the cause.

4.1k viewsAnswered >2 years ago

Thank

A 19-year-old female asked:

I keep having this clear liquid come into my mouth, is this acid reflux?

Dr. Sam Sugaranswered

Specializes in Internal Medicine

From where?: It could be reflux, but if so it would burn a bit.

4.1k viewsAnswered >2 years ago

Thank

A 43-year-old female asked:

Why am i still hurting and bleeding after a bm and i had my hemorrhoid surgery 2.5 months ago? dr says everyone is different but i can't take no more.

Dr. Sam Sugaranswered

Specializes in Internal Medicine

Not unusual: Hemorrhoids recurr all the time and are the most likely source of bleeding in your case.

4.1k viewsAnswered >2 years ago

Thank

2 thanks

A 35-year-old female asked:

I'm having pain on the ride side of my neck down my right arm right hand swells and is very painful. hurts to move the right arm. what is going on?

Dr. Sam Sugaranswered

Specializes in Internal Medicine

Serious: The swelling indicates serious inflammation or blockage of venous flow. Get to a physician asap.

4.1k viewsReviewed >2 years ago

Thank

Dr. Zahid Niazi agrees1 doctor agrees

1 thank

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HealthTap member

Mar 31, 2015

Dr. Sugar is an amazing doctor! #nationaldoctorsday2015 #virtualflower1

HealthTap member

Mar 31, 2015

Dr. Sugar is an amazing doctor! #nationaldoctorsday2015 #virtualflower1

HealthTap member

Thank you, your answer was very helpful! I made an appointment to see my doctor on Thursday :-)

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Thanks for your quick reply! Thank you. I've been trying to get an appointment as soon as possible.

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Thanks for your quick reply! Thank you! I've never heard of what you said but I will look it up!

Education & Training

Residency

Northwestern U

Completed 1975

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Dr. Sam Sugar

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