Ask the doctor:
readers’ health questions answered
QI’m a 40-year-old non-smoker and have been suffering from persistent tension headaches for about a month now. I recently had my eyes checked, and my vision is fine. The constant tense ache is interfering with my work and I feel as if I’m having trouble with my short-term memory. What could be behind this? F.A.
Your GP will check you for high blood pressure and other possible causes for the headache. It would be worth seeing a physiotherapist who specialises in neck and spinal problems to assess you for cervicogenic (neck-related) headache.
QMy son (18) had very bad acne for several years. It is clearing up, but he has been left with acne scars. There seem to be so many treatment options for acne scaring. Which treatment do you recommend and why? B.T.
I would seek the advice of a specialist cosmetic dermatologist. Depending on your son’s skin type and the degree and type of scarring, they have procedures such as laser resurfacing, radiofrequency needling and other needling techniques.
QI am 82 and have been taking cortisone to alleviate pain from a combination of arthritis and polymyalgia. Now I’ve had to come off the cortisone in preparation for surgery for another issue. I feel better in so many ways without the cortisone but I am in an immense amount of pain (shoulders, knees, hips, hands, back). Do you have any pain-relief suggestions that don’t involve cortisone or opiates? Z.K.
If you have the condition called polymyalgia rheumatic, you will get a return of pain if you cease cortisone abruptly. You can try natural therapies such as turmeric, fish oil, and magnesium. Regular gentle exercise is important. However, it may be that you need to continue with cortisone after your surgery and then very gradually reduce it to a point where you are on the smallest effective dose.
QI have developed a uterine prolapse which has not caused me any discomfort as yet, but I would like to know whether I should have an operation. I am 69 years old and have never needed to go to hospital apart from when I delivered my children. I am otherwise in perfect health. H.S.
If the prolapse is not causing any discomfort or urinary symptoms, it does not need surgery. Pelvic floor exercises can be taught by a pelvic floor physiotherapist. If it does start to bother you, there are conservative treatments such as a fitted vaginal ring pessary which you could try.
HAVE A QUESTION?
If you have a question for Professor Kerryn Phelps, write to: Ask The Doctor, PO Box 92512, Wellesley Street, Auckland 1141 or email awweditor@bauermedia.co.nz; subject Q&A. Letters cannot be answered personally.