Day: November 17, 2009

I am 49 years old and my period stopped 3 months ago.

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Patient: I am 49 years old and my period stopped 3 months ago. I have been experiencing a burning pain on the left side. It also feels like it is itching and I have pain along my low back. What could this be?

Optional Information
Gender: Female
Age: 49
Already Tried: Pelvic exam one in July. It was normal.

Doctor: Please let me know if this is deep pelvic discomfort or superficial–as if your skin is burning or itching. Any history of heavy periods or this type of pain in the past? Any history of cancer in you or your family?

Patient: The discomfort is deep and sharp and the burning and itching sensation is coming from within. I have never had heavy periods. The last period I had was in August. I have not had cancer. My mom had breast cancer. I’ve had 3 separate experiences with cysts but the last time was in the mid-90’s.

Doctor: This certainly is concerning for an ovarian cyst. However, pelvic discomfort is sometimes related to your bowel function. If you have not had diarrhea or constipation, I recommend visiting your ob/gyn. Your mother having breast cancer may put you at higher risk for developing ovarian cancer if related to a genetic disorder (BRCA), however, this is usually more certain if you’ve had at least two close Continue reading I am 49 years old and my period stopped 3 months ago.→

I had a root canal treatment in 2005 on the #2 tooth.

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Patient: I had a root canal treatment in 2005 on the #2 tooth.
In December of 2008, the gum was infected around the tooth and I was advised by my regular dentist to see an endodontist,
who quickly concluded that I had a failed root canal due to “an inadequate and missed canal.”
I let the dentist’s office know the circumstances and they apologized for making a mistake and offered to retreat the tooth for a 50% off their normal price, still making it $500. Keep in mind that I already paid them $850.
After the original rct. I had a gold crown placed and that was compromised during the retreatment and I had to get another one.
All of this, not including the original cost of the rct has cost me over $2,000. Even though there is no question that this happened due to their error, the dentist has refused to budge on offering any re-compensation.
Any thoughts?
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Already Tried: So far,I’ve written 3 very polite letters, explaining what I would like them to do to rectify the situation.
They admitted they made a mistake and the endondist’s x-rays proved conclusively that they made a mistake. It boggles my mind why they think they shouldn’t be held financially responsible. I can’t think of any other business where people Continue reading I had a root canal treatment in 2005 on the #2 tooth.→

Hello. I had a 2″ x 2″ abscess drained on my shoulder in the ER last Friday.

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Patient: Hello. I had a 2″ x 2″ abscess drained on my shoulder in the ER last Friday. She packed it with the sterile stuffing and told me to have my dermatologist remove it today. The derm had an emergency and had to change my appointment to Wednesday. My question is, should I pull the packing out myself. I’m on antibiotics and everything seems fine but this seems like an excessive amount of time to have this packing in.

Optional Information
Gender: f
Age: 39
Already Tried: on keflex and bactrim

Doctor: Greetings.

A packing should not stay for more than 72 hours after abscess drainage as it can harbor infection with the delay. Ideally it should be done by a doctor as it may need a repacking sometimes with the sterile gauze. Going to an urgent care clinic (any walk in clinic) or getting help at your primary care physician would be the best thing to do. If that is not possible, you may do it on your own. Get some sterile gauze and Continue reading Hello. I had a 2″ x 2″ abscess drained on my shoulder in the ER last Friday.→

My brother in law has had a condition he says the doctors can’t

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Patient: My brother in law has had a condition he says the doctors can’t help but we think he has never even gone to a doctor. I started more than ten years ago under both his eyes on his cheekbones and now has spread all over both cheeks down to the jawline–it is little craters, like acne craters, with puffy edges and what looks like black heads in the center. It is terrible to look at and he must be so miserable but won’t admit it an won’t seek help. surely in these modern times there must be something that can be done with lasers, etc.

Doctor: there are many treatments for acne , if that is just the problem.

When a dermatologist says nothing can be done- and that is VERY rare, I would believe it as they are in tune to all of the dermabrasion and laser technology out there.

If he does not do steroids (anabolic) then there is a diagnosis at hand that Continue reading My brother in law has had a condition he says the doctors can’t→