Health Experts
GP
Q&As with our online GP
Dr Margaret answers questions about lumbar OA, necessary health screening tests, cholesterol levels and angina
Lumbar osteoarthritis
Q: I've been diagnosed with lumbar/thoracic osteoarthritis. Are there any dietary changes or exercises I can do to improve this condition? I am 53.
A: Physiotherapy can be very helpful for back pain, especially in strengthening the muscles that support the spine. You will be taught exercises that you can do at home and it should be possible to arrange this through your GP. As for diet, there is nothing specific that is helpful for osteoarthritis, but it can certainly be eased by keeping your weight within normal limits. You may also like to consider improving your posture - perhaps with the help of a portable back support like Backfriend from Medesign.
Which screening tests do we need?
Q: A couple of years ago my husband and I (both early 60s) asked the doctor if we could have a test for bowel cancer. He looked at our records and as we had never had any tests he agreed. He also sent us for a full blood count. How often should we have these tests, or any others that may be beneficial? Should we expect them on the NHS or should we expect to pay?
A: It is good news that your test for bowel cancer was negative and even better that there is currently a nationwide NHS screening service available for the over 65s. You can get further information about it from your GP or local health authority. As for other screening tests, the three-yearly mammography checks for early breast cancer are valuable, and men may request an annual blood test for prostate cancer. The problem with the latter, though, is that the test is not as reliable as one would wish and there may be false positives that lead to more invasive and unnecessary testing. It is also a good idea to get your blood pressure checked every year or so. Other screening usually depends on risk factors such as family history. For example, your GP may wish to check your fasting blood sugar if you are very overweight or have a family history of diabetes, or your cholesterol if there is a family history of heart disease, or you have risk factors such as smoking and obesity. These days a lot of screening in general practice is organised by practice nurses and it would perhaps be helpful to make an appointment if your GP has a nurse in the practice.
Unexplained rise in cholesterol
Q: My cholesterol has been up for the past year; a blood test this week shows it to be 7.9. I am 58, female. Have eaten healthily throughout my life, and am confident that diet isn't the reason why. I consider myself to be fit. My GP has now prescribed simvastatin for two months, but I would like to know the cause of this high figure. I still get an occasional hot flush from the menopause but other symptoms have settled down. I have had some serious palpitations over past 18 months but these have also settled down.
A: You are probably right that your cholesterol level is not due to your diet, though it might be worth double-checking that there is no unsuspected source of unsaturated fat in your diet, and to ensure you are a healthy weight. In many cases high cholesterol is a genetic problem. I wonder if you have other family members with a similar cholesterol level? If they have not been tested it would be sensible to get them to do so. At all events, it is sensible to have started the simvastatin which should have a beneficial effect.
Angina and flying
Q: My 83-year-old mother has angina and diabetes. Her angina is getting a little worse with her having to use her spray every other day or so. She also gets quite breathless. Is it likely that she would be able to fly to Malta from England?
A: It is true that flying, plus the stress of a busy airport departure, can put a strain on the heart, but well-controlled angina should not present too much of a problem. I think it would be advisable for your mother to have a check with her doctor before booking her ticket, especially as her condition seems to have been a bit worse lately. If she has not had one recently he may want to arrange an ECG and possibly review her medication.
More expert help
- The right questions to ask about specific health problems
- How to make the most of an eight-minute appointment with your GP
- Read more Q&As with our GP here
- Advice from our nutritionist
- Down in the mouth? Ask our dentist a question
- Q&As about cosmetic procedures with the Knife Coach
Useful Saga link
Saga Health Screening uses the latest CT scanning technology to look inside you for early signs of illness. More
Information on this site is for interest only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. You should consult your own doctor about any specific health concerns.
