Wee problem keeps me up

Jul 13 2008 Dr Gareth Smith

Q I HAD a prostate operation 10 years ago but now I'm having to get up to the toilet three times a night. Is there anything I can do to stop this? I'm exhausted.

A IT sounds as if your prostate has enlarged again which is common if the gland was not completely removed. If tissue was left, it can enlarge causing pressure on the bladder outlet leading to difficulty passing water.

Get it rechecked by your GP, it may be that you need another op.

If you had all the gland removed, the most likely cause of your symptoms is a urine infection that can be cleared with antibiotics.

Q I'VE had a sore throat for around eight weeks. My GP gave me penicillin but it hasn't worked. Sometimes I find it difficult to swallow food and I am getting really worried about it.

A GO back to the doctor for further investigation. If food is getting stuck or taking a while to get into the stomach, then your gullet should be looked at with an endoscope.

The most common cause of this is inflammation in the bottom of the gullet caused by stomach acid.

This can be treated with antacids.

If the GP still thinks it is an infection, you obviously need a different family of antibiotics.

Q I HAVE been diagnosed with peripheral neuropathy and been prescribed Carbamazepine at bedtime. What is this condition and will it get any better?

A PERIPHERAL neuropathy is where nerves in the hands and feet become oversensitive and send confusing signals to the brain. It causes tingling which can range from being very painful to mildly uncomfortable. There are many causes - from diabetes, infections such as shingles and vitamin deficiencies.

Carbamazepine is an antiepileptic drug that also has an effect on the peripheral nerves. I can't tell you whether or not your condition will disappear because it depends on what caused it.

Q I HAVE a weird pins-andneedles feeling in my left testicle and a dragging pain in my left groin. My GP examined me and said there were no lumps. What can I do?

A YOU could have an inguinal hernia that is putting pressure on the spermatic cord as it leaves the abdomen, or it could be a small varicocele - enlarged veins around the testicle itself.

Go back to the GP, explain the pain hasn't gone away and he can refer you to a specialist.

Q MY doctor gave me special shampoo after I had developed psoriasis on my scalp. Now it's on my feet too. Will it ever go?

A PSORIASIS can occur anywhere on the body. Your GP has done the right thing giving you shampoo to moisturise the area and reduce flakiness.

You may need cream if you have noticed it on your feet. It tends to come and go, sometimes with years between outbreaks.