I have Parkinson's disease, and I have been on medication and doing well with the symptoms, but it seems to be affecting my entire body. I have developed severe constipation, blood pressure that is difficult to control as well as other symptoms that don't seem to be typical of Parkinson's; is that common?
While the common neurologic symptoms of Parkinson's are tremor, moving slowly, stiffness, and balance and walking problems, there are other issues. Constipation, as you are having, as well as other gastroenterologic problems are common, as is difficult to control blood pressure, as well as mood disorders, such
Aneurysm of the Aorta
by MPK June 23rd, 2011 | Ask the Doctor
My father has what they call an aneurysm of the aorta, where the walls of this major blood vessel bulge out, and apparently can rupture. Is there an alternative to surgery for this?
Great question. You are correct. This is a bulging of the wall of the aorta, which is usually weakened due to atherosclerosis, and is prone to rupture. While the treatment traditionally has been surgery, sometimes an aortic stent graft, which can be put in more non-invasively, can be helpful. In this procedure, doctors perform a stent graft, which is similar to stents that are put in the heart,
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Great question. You are correct. This is a bulging of the wall of the aorta, which is usually weakened due to atherosclerosis, and is prone to rupture. While the treatment traditionally has been surgery, sometimes an aortic stent graft, which can be put in more non-invasively, can be helpful. In this procedure, doctors perform a stent graft, which is similar to stents that are put in the heart,
Remembering Medication
by Dean Heller MD June 16th, 2011 | Ask the Doctor
I get very busy in the morning at work and sometimes forget to take my medication, what should I do when this happens?
In general you should take the medication as soon as you remember, even if it later than you usually take the medication. However, if you take the medication more than once a day, and the time is getting close for your next dose, you should just wait, and take the next dose only. You should NOT double the dose at that time, this can be very dangerous.
Expert: Good Neighbor Pharmacy
To learn more about missed doses of medication,
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In general you should take the medication as soon as you remember, even if it later than you usually take the medication. However, if you take the medication more than once a day, and the time is getting close for your next dose, you should just wait, and take the next dose only. You should NOT double the dose at that time, this can be very dangerous.
Expert: Good Neighbor Pharmacy
To learn more about missed doses of medication,
Tubal Ligation
by Dean Heller MD April 22nd, 2011 | Ask the Doctor
How does tubal ligation stop you from getting pregnant?
Tubal ligation is a means of birth control, so it is basically only used in women who already have a family. The fallopian tubes are tubes on both sides of the uterus that bring eggs from the ovary to the uterus. A tubal ligation is surgery to cut these tubes, so the egg and sperm can no longer meet and produce pregnancy.
To learn more about tubal ligation, watch this video from VideoMD.com.
Expert:Â Dr. Ron Sancetta
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Tubal ligation is a means of birth control, so it is basically only used in women who already have a family. The fallopian tubes are tubes on both sides of the uterus that bring eggs from the ovary to the uterus. A tubal ligation is surgery to cut these tubes, so the egg and sperm can no longer meet and produce pregnancy.
To learn more about tubal ligation, watch this video from VideoMD.com.
Expert:Â Dr. Ron Sancetta