ASK THE DOCTOR
QI’m 76 and had a hip replacement a year ago. I did the physiotherapy, but I’ve struggled to walk since without a walker. The doctor tells me I had “Trendelenburg gait” from muscles being cut and not healing due to my age. I can’t understand why the operation wasn’t done from another point if they knew older people had problems with this. What can I do next? H.F., NSW. There’s a move away from the lateral surgical approach to reduce this complication. You need to focus on a solution to your current unacceptable situation. Still persist with muscle strengthening and gait correction exercises with your physiotherapist. PRP injection may help the cut muscles to heal. They are usually done by a musculoskeletal medicine physician. Q Since being menopausal, I’m finding sex very painful. Is there any way to reduce this pain? J.D., NSW. Dry, thin, vulval and vaginal tissues can make intercourse painful after menopause. This is due to a lack of oestrogen in the tissues causing it to become fragile. It’s usually relieved by applying oestrogen cream or inserting a low dose vaginal tablet, initially daily for two weeks then twice a week for maintenance. Q I’m quite often prone to having an upset stomach and flatulence – and I’m always worried it will strike at an important time, like during a work meeting or a party. Is there anything I can do or take to prevent it happening, even for a couple of hours? N.J., Tas. You need to sort out the reason for your gut symptoms. You will need to explore possibilities such as a parasite or other infection, dietary factors, or an imbalance in your gut bacteria (dysbiosis). Find out more in my book, The Mystery Gut. QI’ve been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. Is this a lifelong condition and can it be cured? Do diet and exercise help control it? I’m 40-yearsold. K.W., Qld. Type 2 diabetes can be controlled with weight loss, exercise and diet. It’s not a cure but a remission that lasts as long as your improved lifestyle. Intermittent fasting may work under a dietician’s guidance. Medication may help manage blood sugar levels in the interim. QI’m currently on crutches suffering from an ankle sprain – which seems to happen every few years. Besides being careful, is there anything I can do to stop this happening? L.A., ACT. I’d suggest a consultation with a specialist sports physiotherapist to assess your ankle strength. They may prescribe specific muscle strengthening exercises or recommend you see a surgeon for an MRI scan of the soft tissues of your ankle.
It’s estimated over two million Australian women are affected by hair loss. The common reasons for hair loss are nutritional and hormonal, or in some cases there’s an autoimmune cause and may be a side effect of some medication. If you’re affected, see your doctor for a blood test and check your diet is adequate.