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question:Hello doctor, Last night and today I have been experiencing a sharp pain just left of the sternum which is not deep, seemingly on top of the rib where it joins the sternum. It lasts a second or two but may repeat several times before stopping in five minutes or so. I went out in the garden today to dig a bit and wearing my HR monitor (I have got health anxiety, anxiety disorder as well as depression). As I was digging, the pain started hurting with each heartbeat. I looked at my monitor and it read 138 bpm. I am 70 years old and have been on medication (Benzodiazepines) for over 50 years for panic attacks and general anxiety. Two years ago I felt similar pain but not to this extent. I went to ER but nothing was found (the doctor said it could be costochondritis but definitely not my heart). I get bloodwork quarterly and everything was fine except cholesterol which was 235. I tried a statin but the muscle pain was too great. In my EKG I have RBBB or LAFB which 14 years back after a stress test I was told that I was probably born with it. I had gone to see the cardiologist then because of getting skipped beats and GERD he told me to ignore them. Last time I had an EKG was in the ER for six months when I had a weird pain in back and side. They checked out heart anyway and said it was fine. Probably just a colicky gallbladder. I have had stones for more than 20 years and had no surgery. So I hesitate to go to the ER again. My local doctor just closed. HR is still 88 while lying down right now. Usually, my resting heart rate is under 67. Currently, I am on Lorazepam 2 mg, Prevacid 15 mg and baby Aspirin.
answer:Hello. I have gone through your history and it does not appear to be an ischemic pain. Ischemic pain will not be sharp and so short lasting. So the possibilities are costochondritis and pleuritic or pleuro-pericarditis. Do you get an increase in pain on application of pressure at the same site, if yes it supports the diagnosis of costochondritis? Also, do you have any history of recent upper respiratory tract infection like a cough, rhinitis, fever, etc., if yes it points to pleuro-pericarditis which is an infection of the lining of lungs and heart which is usually viral and self-resolving? The possibility is of gastritis and reflux disease. Do you also have upper abdominal pain, nausea, bloating, burping, increase in pain on food, sour water feeling in throat or chest burning? These are the other symptoms and may be associated. Increase in heart rate is likely due to anxiety of pain or as a reflex to pain. So, get with some more details of the symptoms as I explained above. Meanwhile, you should get prescribed some NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) for this pain along with antacids like tablet Naproxen 250 mg two times a day or other like Ibuprofen along with tablet Pan DSR (Pantoprazole) or Esomeprazole Domperidone combination before breakfast once a day for five days. So overall, it does not appear to be a matter of worry. However, it is better to get yourself examined by a local doctor. For more information consult a cardiologist online -->
question:Hello doctor, I have been having painful, bleeding, and sore gums recently. Also, when I brush they bleed. Just recently my gums have gotten worse. I think it is gingivitis but my gums have been deteriorating and I have started to brush, floss, and rinse with mouthwash every day for the past two weeks and it has been getting worse. Kindly help. Currently, I am taking Ibuprofen.
answer:Hi. I have seen the picture you have attached (attachment removed to protect patient identity). It is definitely a gum problem but not gingivitis. It seems like a gum injury more like a cut or bruise. Listerine mouthwash and fluoride toothpaste will not work for this. I advise you to visit a gum specialist immediately and go through the blood count check. You might also have to take antibiotics. Before I suggest medicines please let me know if you have got any drug allergies. Meanwhile, you shall apply ointment Chlorhexidine and Lignocaine combination (Corsodyl ointment) over the sore gums to help to heal. Also, avoid hot and spicy food and do not brush aggressively on that side, please. This will worsen the condition. Do not try to rub salt over the area as well. For more information consult a dentist online -->
question:Hi doctor, Is it possible to treat cataracts without eye surgery? I think this is at its last stage or nearby as this problem exists for more than two years. Please suggest me some way out of this surgery threat. Thank you.
answer:Hi. For further information consult an eye care ophthalmologist online -->
question:Hi doctor, My mother is suffering from rapidly progressive kidney disease, for which she is on Prednisone for last 4 months. As a side effect of the drug she is developing cataract in her eyes. She usually wears prescription glasses but recently her eye sight improved and upon examination her doctor said she is developing cataract although it is minor at present. They prescribed some eye drops and watch for any changes to see if she would require any surgery. Are there any treatment options available to stop the progress of cataract or treat it without the surgery? Thanks.
answer:Hello. I understand your concerns. 1. Age related. 2. Side effects of drugs (steroids). Wear glasses at present. Revert back with the photographs to an eye care ophthalmologist online.--->
question:Hello doctor,A 5-year-old girl baby blood report is Hb 10.3, platelets count 5.86 lakhs per cubic mm, PCV 30.9 %, ESR 75 mm per hour. Please, can you tell me what is the problem?
answer:Hello. ESR (erythrocyte sedimentation rate) is a non-specific marker and raised in any inflammation, infection, etc., like condition. So, rule out any infection or inflammatory foci if present as total leukocyte count is also high. For that physical examination and auscultation are done. With treatment of underlying cause, ESR will also come down. Anemia is also present here for which Iron syrup or medication can be prescribed. If needed antibiotic syrup course can be prescribed. Take care. For more information consult a hematologist online -->
question:Hi doctor, I do not feel happy. Even if I am with someone, I am not able to connect with them. It feels like there is a burden over me. I feel anxious, short tempered and not able to concentrate in any work. I do not have confidence for doing anything. I would like to work hard and want myself to be confident. Please help.
answer:Hi. For further clarification consult a psychologist counsellor online -->