Health Experts
GP
Q&A with our online GP
Our GP responds to readers' questions about mixing medicines, an erratic thyroid, persistent abdominal pain and more
Aspirin for arthritis
Q: Please can you tell me if it's ok to take two paracetamol tablets at night long-term for arthritis whilst taking Simvastatin, ramipril and bendroflumethiazide.
A: I'm glad to say that it is perfectly safe for you to take two paracetamol tablets with your other medication. In fact if necessary you could take them three times a day.
Erratic thyroid
Q: For years I have been on 100mcg of thyroid hormone a day. Six months ago my GP increased it to 125mcg then three months later reduced it to 75mcg. He now wants to reduce it further to 50mcg as my TSH is very low (0.25). Can an underactive thyroid change to be overactive?
A: It is odd that your thyroid function tests have been so erratic since most patients are well controlled on 100 micrograms. I wonder if it is possible that you forgot a few tablets before the first test that showed you needed more thyroxine? This would explain why a higher dose would turn out to be excessive. If so, you could discuss with your doctor whether it would be OK to stay on the 100 microgram dose.
- Medical conditions factfinder: overactive thyroid
- Medical conditions factfinder: underactive thyroid
Seeing spots
Q: I am in my 60s and healthy but I often see large dots of bright blue even when my eyes are closed. My optician says these are caused by my brain not my eyes. Why does this happen, please?
A: It is common to see these blue lights if you have been staring at a bright light source such as an electric light or a sunset. But if this phenomenon is recent it might be worth checking with your doctor about it.
Sex and arteritis
Q: Is it safe to have sexual intercourse if you are suffering with giant cell arteritis? I am extremely concerned that after having sexual intercourse I am experiencing extreme pain at the side of my temples.
A: GCA is a serious condition and I hope you are on effective medication and having regular checks. Severe headaches provoked by sexual activity are well recognised and not regarded as harmful, although very unpleasant. But if you have only had these pains since your arteritis was diagnosed you should mention them to your GP or specialist in case it is due to involvement of the temporal arteries.
Persistent abdominal pain
Q: I’m 63, not on any medication, have no bladder problems or urinary infection, but I have had irritable bowel syndrome for many, many years. It’s diet–controlled and I tend to be constipated with a low abdominal pain now persistent, no cramping. It feels as if linked through to rectum and Ii can have a weird 'buzzy' feeling there. It makes me tired and irritable. My GP isn’t concerned, but any ideas welcome.
A: You obviously have a long history of abdominal problems and your GP may well be right that these latest symptoms are not a cause for concern. However, they are obviously worrying you and it might be worth further investigation. You mention constipation, which can be significant if it is severe and recent, but not any of the other warning signs such as rectal bleeding. You do not say if you have had any screening tests - blood or stool tests or ultrasound. But if not, and if your symptoms persist, your doctor might be willing to arrange them.
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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.
