THE DOC REPLIES

IS it possible for my wife to pick up my prescription? I struggle with my mobility.

That’s a very good question and there isn’t an easy answer. Confidentiality is extremely important within health care and the rule books would suggest that we shouldn’t give anything to any patient that is not theirs. However, we work in the real world. Sometimes people, for reasons of physical or mental health, are unable to do everything for themselves. Between these two extremes we have to work as safely and as confidentially as possible. Most practices and pharmacies allow you to pick up a family member’s prescription as long as you can confirm your identity. Where possible, the consent should be received from the patient first.

IS there a way to have a paternity test on the NHS?

The NHS does not provide paternity tests. You would need to seek the advice of a legal representative.

I’M due to travel to Spain soon. Will I be allowed to use my health card there if I need it, or is there a chance the EU could revoke it while we’re there?

My advice is to carry your E111 European Health Card if possible. Currently, there are reciprocal arrangements within the EU. You should have care at the point of need and the ability to have any fees reimbursed. However, there are some variations across Europe and it does no harm to have it with you to prove you are a European Citizen. In addition, you still need travel insurance.

MY teenage granddaughter is worried about her ears. I think she looks lovely but she wants them pinned back.

Your granddaughter should visit the GP to discuss the problem if it is worrying her. Although this is deemed cosmetic surgery, some of these procedures can be undertaken on the NHS if it is having a negative impact on the patient’s mental wellbeing. Once your granddaughter is a teenager she would usually be deemed competent to contribute to her own decision-making. It would therefore be wise for her to discuss the matter with her doctor.

I’VE been told I have otosclerosis. Will I lose my hearing?

Otosclerosis is an overgrowth of the little bones in the middle ear behind the eardrum. This can cause the little bones to stick together and be less flexible and more fixed. This means that the sound messages which come into the ear drum and travel along the bones do so less well. It can therefore affect your hearing. Although surgery is a possibility, generally a hearing aid suffices. In the majority of cases, if you present with hearing loss you will be sent for a test. You are not likely to lose your hearing completely but you could suffer a gradual deterioration.

I have tennis elbow. Is there an exercise I can do to strengthen my arm? It doesn’t appear to be clearing up.

Tennis elbow is a form of bursitis. A bursa is a small fluid-filled area beside a joint. In this case, it is the elbow. It is called tennis elbow but usually has nothing whatsoever to do with tennis. It is usually caused by repetitive movements which irritate the bursas and set up inflammation. It is best treated by resting and taking anti-inflammatory medications until it

settles.

THE base of my big toe is enlarged, causing my toe to curl inwards a little.

I think you’re describing the beginning of a bunion. This happens when the toes turn from being straight to facing the little toe. This is often a family trait. Generally no treatment is needed if you aren’t having problems with pain or mobility. If it affects your movement or it is causing associated skin problems then it may be worth considering doing something. Straightening the toes requires surgery. However, sometimes appropriate footwear and made-to-measure padding can be useful.