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Ask an Expert
Joshua C. Richards, M.D.
Alta Bates Summit Medical Center
I have had a lump on my left wrist for over a year. It was bigger at one time and now is small. Sometimes in protrudes through the skin. Should I be worried about this? It doesn't hurt.
It is most likely a ganglion cyst, which is a benign, fluid-filled sac that extends from the wrist joint. They tend to wax and wane in size and if it is large enough, they can be drained. Back in the wild west ... continue reading about I have had a lump on my left wrist for over a year. It was bigger at one time and now is small. Sometimes in protrudes through the skin. Should I be worried about this? It doesn't hurt.
Francine A. Yep, M.D.
Alta Bates Summit Medical Center
I have been diagnosed with "silent GERD". I don't want to take medication the rest of my life. Any suggestions? I have phlegm in my throat that I cannot associate with any specific foods.
Taking care of your GERD is like calming your inner volcano. Let's get that stomach acid eruption under better control! Even though you can't link your symptoms with specific foods, it may be time to take a loo... continue reading about I have been diagnosed with "silent GERD". I don't want to take medication the rest of my life. Any suggestions? I have phlegm in my throat that I cannot associate with any specific foods.
Kathy O'Hare, ABT
Alta Bates Summit Medical Center
What are some natural remedies you can take to improve sleep and to reduce frequent waking up at night?
Insomnia can be a pretty frustrating condition. But before you go to your doctor for those sleeping pills, there may be some effective natural remedies that you can try to get a good night's sleep. One of the f... continue reading about What are some natural remedies you can take to improve sleep and to reduce frequent waking up at night?
Jill D. Foley, M.D., FACOG
Alta Bates Summit Medical Center
How likely is it for a woman to get pregnant after having her tubes tied?
Good question. The terms tubal ligation, tubes tied, tubal sterilization, and female sterilization can all be used interchangeably to describe the same process. In the U.S., up to one third of women use sterili... continue reading about How likely is it for a woman to get pregnant after having her tubes tied?
Junaid H. Khan, M.D., FACC, FACS
Alta Bates Summit Medical Center
I'm a scuba diver who just had a pacemaker implanted. Is it safe to continue to dive? I have normal heart muscle function.
Pacemakers are considered a contraindication for commercial and military diving. Recreational diving has limited medical literature. Each diver should have a detailed conversation with their personal physician ... continue reading about I'm a scuba diver who just had a pacemaker implanted. Is it safe to continue to dive? I have normal heart muscle function.
Risa Kagan, M.D., FACOG
Alta Bates Summit Medical Center
I am 37 years old and experiencing longer periods - two to three weeks long. I also have some bleeding after orgasm. What could be causing this? Do I need to see a doctor?
Yes, you should definitely consult with your gynecologist and have an exam and pelvic ultrasound. There may be a structural problem in your uterus, such as a polyp or fibroid (benign muscle mass) that can cause... continue reading about I am 37 years old and experiencing longer periods - two to three weeks long. I also have some bleeding after orgasm. What could be causing this? Do I need to see a doctor?
Junaid H. Khan, M.D., FACC, FACS
Alta Bates Summit Medical Center
I'm a woman who gets frequent kidney stones. I was concerned to hear that this raises the risk of heart disease. Why would this be? Is it also true for men? Is there anything I can do to reduce my risk?
In a study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, investigators were suprised to find an association between the presence of kidney stones and coronary heart disease, heart attack or hear... continue reading about I'm a woman who gets frequent kidney stones. I was concerned to hear that this raises the risk of heart disease. Why would this be? Is it also true for men? Is there anything I can do to reduce my risk?
Alison J. Cook, DPM, M.S.
Alta Bates Summit Medical Center
I have a 1-inch ganglion cyst on my right foot. I've had an X-ray, attempted needle aspiration, and an MRI. It causes periodic burning pain in my foot/ankle. I'm hesitant to have surgery. Any harm in just letting it be?
Theoretically, if your pain is intermittent, the aspiration pathology report was negative, your MRI showed that no important structures are being impinged, and you are being seen for frequent follow-ups, I thin... continue reading about I have a 1-inch ganglion cyst on my right foot. I've had an X-ray, attempted needle aspiration, and an MRI. It causes periodic burning pain in my foot/ankle. I'm hesitant to have surgery. Any harm in just letting it be?
Risa Kagan, M.D., FACOG
Alta Bates Summit Medical Center
I was told that my endometriosis will go away once I pass menopause. What if I decide to take hormone therapy during menopause - will that continue to aggravate the endometrial lesions?
For women who have a history of endometriosis, and they choose to go on hormone therapy, it will not stimulate endometriosis if they take continuous estrogen and progesterone. The progesterone reduces any stimu... continue reading about I was told that my endometriosis will go away once I pass menopause. What if I decide to take hormone therapy during menopause - will that continue to aggravate the endometrial lesions?
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