Are there any side effects of Adalimumab injections?
Hello doctor,
I am a 26-year-old male. I am HLA-B27 positive (hereditary issue). I am suffering from joint pains since the last 16 years, I generally use Ultracet to suppress the pain. I have undergone a resurfacing surgery before nine years. Since then I have not taken any treatment.
I have visited a rheumatologist recently due to back pain, he had advised me to take Adalimumab injection for six months (once in 15 days). However, I am a little worried about the side effects, as my immunity is not so great. TB test is done, and the results are favorable.
Both my father and his brother had joint pains and both of them passed away due to kidney issues, so I always test myself for high creatinine frequently, fortunately so far everything is under control. So,
1. Is there any chance that Adalimumab injection might trigger a kidney ailment.
2. Can I go ahead to take the treatment ignoring the side effects? Please advice.
09 May 2024 - 1 min read
Should a TIA patient combine turmeric with blood thinners?
Hello doctor,
My amazing 67-year-old dad who runs 10 miles a day just had his first transient ischemic attack (TIA). The hospital did an array of tests and did not see any sign of it afterward but they are sure that is what it was. He and my mom are changing their diet and I am researching supplements. They are changing his blood thinning medication so I am not exactly sure what he will be on. But I read that one should be careful in taking turmeric and blood thinning medications. However, it would be great for him to be on turmeric because of the other benefits. What precautions would you recommend when it comes to this supplement and preventing a stroke? Any other supplements he should get on right away or talk to his doctor about?
09 May 2024 - 1 min read
My TSH is 6.58. Can I manage it without medicine?
Hi doctor,
I am a 26 year old female, who is trying to conceive. Previously, I was not diagnosed with hypothyroidism. But recently, my gynecologist prescribed Thyronorm 50 mcg as my TSH is 6.58. I had concerns with taking a long-term medication. I have read that thyroid medication is to be taken lifelong. However, my doctor said she would stop the medication after conception and delivery if my thyroid is normal. Is this true? Can I really stop the medications?
08 May 2024 - 1 min read
Is a week-long diarrhea in a 3-year-old serious?
Hello doctor,
My 3-year-old son had diarrhea for a week. He has thrown up a couple of times throughout the week as well. He was eating and drinking normally and has appetite. There does not seem to be any blood in the stool. And his belly ache goes away after each diarrhea episode which he has many each day. He is usually drinking as well. His doctors seem to believe that it is a viral infection and will go away in time. We just started a bland diet for him. Should I be overly worried? He is active and wants to eat and drink. So is this something more serious than we think or am I too worried?
08 May 2024 - 1 min read
I have diarrhea following constipation for a long time. Why?
Hi doctor,
I am having a slightly upset stomach with bloating for the past four months. I thought I had a bug. Two weeks later, it seemed much better. However, my bowel movements did not return to normal. I had mostly constipation for about a month (even though my stomach did not feel as upset anymore). Then after that month, things flipped and now for the last four weeks at least, I have had movements that are almost diarrhea (very soft, formed only slightly). Colour does not seem abnormal and there is not a bad smell and I do not see oil drops in the toilet bowl. Every morning I have this. I also am having increasing stomach reactions. Every time I put food into my mouth, the gurgling starts. I am not feeling this is a food intolerance as it happens instantly no matter what I eat. I also get a lot of bloating due to the gas.
I will, of course, be following up with my doctor, but wanted to ask here. I have a history of breast cancer, so I easily get concerned about cancers (I realize that breast cancer does not often spread to the bowels, but I am still worried about another cancer). I am not a person with a strong history of gastrointestinal upset. I did go through about 7 to 8 weeks of something about seven years ago and never really had a true explanation. Those symptoms accompanied many other symptoms such as nerve pain, twitching, cramping. I felt as though I was having an autoimmune type reaction and am now wondering if it was tied to hormonal changes as my periods changed at the very same time as I had those symptoms (perimenopause). I am currently on Letrozole for hormone positive breast cancer targeted therapy. I had my ovaries out two years ago. So my body is definitely experiencing a massive drop in estrogen over the past two years. I am wondering if you have any thoughts on what this could be? No blood in the stool.
08 May 2024 - 1 min read
