Health Experts
GP
Your health questions answered
The Saga Health website doctor has been working in general practice in north London for more than 20 years and answering questions from Saga site visitors for the past five years:
Smaller oxygen cylinders
Q: I have rheumatoid and osteo arthritis, IBS, three collapsed discs at the base of my spine, emphysema and osteoporosis. As you can imagine my life is full of pain, and I have to have oxygen 24/7. I have tried going out, but although I have a big cylinder of O2 in the car, to go anywhere I need to carry a small one with me, and they are too heavy. I go in my wheelchair when my husband takes me out, but I am getting more and more depressed. Can you help in any way, please?
A: It does sound as though you have a great deal to contend with and it is not surprising you are getting depressed. You do not say whether you have had a recent assessment in hospital and this might be helpful to make your life a bit easier. In particular, a referral to a Pain Clinic which all hospitals now have would be a good idea. Some chest clinics also have a visiting respiratory nurse who might be able to help with special exercises to improve your breathing. I also suggest your husband could join a carers' group which can be an excellent support for him, and indirectly to you.
Swollen ankle - but no injury
Q: My right foot and ankle have been swelling for a year, especially when on my feet a lot (I teach). I am 61, on no medication, never visit the doctor and loath to bother him. A podiatrist said there’s no sign of injury, my feet are really healthy and circulation good as far as they could tell. I did fall down the stairs a year ago and limped about painfully for a few weeks. Is it worth a doctor's visit? It doesn't bother me when I walk.
A: Many people find their ankles swell on standing especially as they get a bit older. So probably your podiatrist is right and there is nothing to worry about. However, it is a bit unusual that only one ankle is affected and I do suggest you visit your doctor since, occasionally, swelling in one leg can be caused by pressure on veins in the thigh or pelvis and it would be important to get this checked. If you rarely visit your doctor he would probably also want to check your blood pressure and general health
Fungal ear infection
Q: I was diagnosed with an outer ear infection on last month and initially prescribed Sofradex. However, a swab revealed that it was a fungal infection and therefore prescribed Canesten Solution which I have been using for several weeks. Although my ear has improved I am still experiencing a humming/buzzing noise. What does this indicate? I am 69 and I have never had any problem with this ear before.
A: It sounds as though you have developed tinnitus, a constant noise which is due to some (usually minor) damage to the hearing mechanism of the ear. It can be quite annoying, and some sufferers find it hard to sleep unless there is some other noise to drown it - like leaving an untuned radio on. It is quite a common problem and usually not too worrying but if it persists your doctor might want to refer you to a specialist clinic for further tests on your ear.
White blood cells in urine
Q: I have blood and white cells in my urine and am awaiting test results. If it is not cystitis what else could it be? I have no kidney pains but pain in my groin left and right side. I am also passing an unusual amount of wind (rear only), and slightly constipated.
A: If you have white cells and blood in your urine by far the most likely cause is cystitis which could easily be treated with antibiotics. Only if there is so much blood that the urine is coloured red would there be a suspicion that it might be due to some other cause, such as a growth in the bladder or kidney.
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.
