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Last night, I was reading to my wife and I found it came out as slurred gibberish, which frightened me. It lasted for about five minutes and then my speech returned to normal. Should I be worried? Name and address supplied. When something unexpected such as this happens, understandably you fear that it might happen … Read more
For several years I’ve had too much saliva, causing drooling. This is embarrassing but my GP says nothing can be done. Name and address supplied. This must be hard for you but please be reassured there are possible treatments available. Excessive production of saliva, also known as hypersalivation (or in medicine, ‘sialorrhea’) typically causes drooling, … Read more
Twice a day for a few hours my husband’s right ear ‘clicks’, affecting his hearing and his voice. When he lies down, this seems to sort it. He was referred to the local hospital, but they couldn’t identify the problem. Can you help? A. Crowe, North Devon. For years I worked part-time in a nose and … Read more
For the past year, I have had an open wound on my left cheek which refuses to heal. It began as a small spot. But, two days later, I woke up with such a swollen face that I couldn’t open my eye. I was given antibiotics but the problem has gradually become worse. What do … Read more
I suffer with water retention between my ankles and calfs. I get terrible burning and, at times, it feels as if my skin will tear. I take one water tablet a day, and I elevate my legs as much as I can. I am 82 and very active. What can you suggest? Name and address … Read more
Statins made my legs ache, but when I stopped them I developed severe pins and needles, and it’s now painful to walk any distance. Is there anything I can do? Colin Bower, Nottingham. Your symptoms are highly suggestive of peripheral neuropathy, a common condition that occurs when the peripheral nerves — which run from the … Read more
I am 71 and started the menopause aged 47 but, ten years ago, I developed night sweats that cause me to wake each hour with sweat dripping off my nose and joints. I’m getting depressed about this. Wyn Brown, Spennymoor, Newcastle. I feel for you and, sadly, you are not alone in experiencing such troublesome … Read more
Q: I have had no sense of taste since December and a coating on my tongue. I’ve not been ill, and my doctor hasn’t a clue what’s going on. I am 72. Mrs C. Hemp, Ruislip, Middlesex. A: I understand why you feel anxious: an impaired sense of taste and smell are common symptoms of … Read more
My doctor has advised me to have my hernia treated, even though it doesn’t cause me pain. I would like to have the procedure under local anaesthetic, but the surgeon said the only options on the NHS were general or spinal — is that so? James Anthony, Hertford, Herts. Hernias are very common and occur … Read more
My doctor has advised me to have my hernia treated, even though it doesn’t cause me pain. I would like to have the procedure under local anaesthetic, but the surgeon said the only options on the NHS were general or spinal — is that so? James Anthony, Hertford, Herts. Hernias are very common and occur … Read more