ASK THE DOCTOR
QMy 15-year-old daughter has PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome) and was put on the pill to regulate her periods. Is PCOS serious and can it be cured? Anon
PCOS is a hormonal condition associated with irregular periods, excess facial and body hair, acne, being overweight, reduced fertility and an increased risk of diabetes. It requires long-term lifestyle management with strict attention to diet, weight control and exercise. The contraceptive pill may be prescribed to regulate periods, but does not solve all of the problems. Medication to help with insulin resistance and assist with weight loss may be prescribed, such as metformin. There are long-term health implications if it is not carefully managed.
QMy father has trouble walking, but he refuses to get a walker or cane. How can I convince him to get some sort of walking aid? G.G.
The first thing is to understand why he is having trouble walking. Does he have osteoarthritis in his hip or knee? Does he have a neurological problem like Parkinson’s disease? Or has he simply lost strength and fitness? A medical or geriatric assessment would help to work that out. He may then be referred for medical treatment or a strengthening rehabilitation programme which might recommend a walking aid.
QCan drinking water with lemon prevent kidney stones? I’ve had one before and don’t want to have one ever again. B.E.
There are different types of kidney stones. Calcium oxalate stones are the most common. There is a genetic association in some cases. A high protein diet and high salt intake increase the risk. There are some ways to reduce your risk. Drink adequate water (1.5 to 2 litres) each day. Added lemon juice has been shown to help in some cases. Reduce consumption of soft drinks. Reduce salt intake. Switch some animal proteins to plant proteins in your diet. Magnesium and vitamin B6 can help reduce risk of some types of stones.
QI’m 56 with frequent lower back pain. What is a spine block injection? Will it work long-term for low back pain due to disc problems? J.L.
Chronic low back pain has a number of causes such as muscular spasm, disc prolapse or facet joint arthritis, and treatment depends on a correct diagnosis. Your GP or physiotherapist will examine you and decide if you need imaging such as a CT scan or MRI to determine the cause of your pain. Then you can make a treatment plan which may involve physiotherapy, osteopathy, exercise, acupuncture, facet joint steroid injections or, in some cases, surgery.
QI had a beauty spot above my lip that was removed three years ago during a mole check (using laser, I think). Now it’s coming back and although it’s not as dark, it is visible. What can I do to remove it permanently? Z.A.
Being such an aesthetically important area, I would seek an opinion from a cosmetic dermatologist or a plastic surgeon. Your GP can advise you on the best specialist.