THE DOC REPLIES

I sometimes have bouts of shingles which flare up on my neck. I had one about three months ago but the pain has lingered. Is this worth getting seen by my GP?

It is not uncommon for pain to linger following a bout of shingles. This can be quite severe at times. If it is very troublesome and not responding to normal over-the-counter painkillers your GP might be able to help.

My wife has to have her gallbladder removed in an operation. Could it have been her lifestyle that caused it?

The main reason to have the gallbladder removed is due to bouts of cholecystitis, which are usually due to gallstones. Women are more often affected than men and it becomes more common in later life. Obesity and diabetes can be risk factors but there is certainly a family tendency to gallstones. If your wife is overweight then this may be partly the cause.

I have prostate cancer but the doctor is happy to leave this. I’m a bit worried – is this the safest way to treat it?

Prostate cancer can often be around for many years before the patient has symptoms. In many cases it is slow growing and may only be a very small focus of abnormal cells within the prostate gland. No doubt you will have had a biopsy which will have given the doctor an idea of the grade of your cancer and how it is likely to behave. In many cases, especially if the cancer is at an early stage and not causing any symptoms, it may be kept under review without any treatment at first. Your specialist will tend to review you on a regular basis. In many cases this is the safest way to deal with it rather than having what may be unnecessary or radical treatment.

Can you pass scabies on from one person to the next? Our teenage son had them for a while but following treatment – which involved soaking in medicated bathwater – they’ve cleared up. I’m worried they might be on his clothes or bed sheets, however.

Yes, scabies can be passed on from person to person. Usually when treatment is given it is advisable to ensure that all clothing and bed sheets are washed at the same time and any other family members, if they have symptoms, should be treated.

I’ve got an essential tremor in my hand. Is this something to be worried about as I get older?

Essential tremor is a benign condition which is very common. Its cause is unknown. Sometimes it does get a bit worse as you get older. There are some medications that can help such as Propranolol – which is a beta blocker – and this can

WHEN IN DOUBT CONTACT YOUR OWN GP alleviate symptoms. Most people learn to live with it and only seek help if it is interfering with daily living.

I’ve been taking Allopurinol for gout – but it doesn’t seem to have had much effect. Is this normal?

Allopurinol is used to prevent bouts of gout. Usually a starting dose is given. This may need to be increased according to the levels of urate in your blood. If you are continuing to have problems with gout then it would be worth seeing your GP about a further blood test to make sure you are on the appropriate dose.

I have something called Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder. Have you encountered it, and what are the best treatments?

Premenstrual dysphoric disorder is similar to premenstrual syndrome but the symptoms tend to be more severe. It usually results in fairly severe mood swings, depression and anxiety which occur on a cyclical basis in relation to the menstrual cycle. Usually symptoms start a few days to a week prior to menstruation and typically settle once the period arrives. Anti-depressant medication can help. In some cases cognitive behavioural therapy has been helpful and is often used in addition to medication.