Old bugs learn some new tricks.
Explore the source record for details and available documents.
Clostridioides difficile↗
Biomedical subjects
Harvey B Simon
Publications and source records attributed to Harvey B Simon.
On call. I am 47 years old and I've always been healthy. My main problem is insomnia. Sleeping pills don't work well, and they make me feel groggy. Finally, my doctor gave me a prescription for Desyrel, and he seems to have hit the bull's-eye. I've been sleeping much better and haven't noticed any side effects. But my pharmacist warned me about abnormal erections. Is it a serious concern?
Explore the source record for details and available documents.
Antidepressive Agents, Second-Generation↗
On call. My 77-year-old father is healthy, but his older brother has just been diagnosed with prostate cancer. Dad says he read that carrot juice will prevent prostate cancer, and he's now drinking it every day. Is he just kidding himself?
Explore the source record for details and available documents.
Aged↗
On call. Peyronie's disease. I have an embarrassing problem. Over the past year or so, my erections seem to have become crooked. My sex life is fine, but I want to know if it's a serious problem and if I should see a doctor.
Explore the source record for details and available documents.
Humans↗
On call. When I saw my doctor on my 73rd birthday, my only complaint was that I've been having trouble with my erections over the past year. I was surprised that my doctor didn't do any blood tests beyond the usual battery, and he didn't refer me to a specialist. Instead, he gave me a prescription for Viagra. The pills are working fine, but should I have tests to find out what's wrong?
Explore the source record for details and available documents.
3',5'-Cyclic-GMP Phosphodiesterases↗
On call. I am a 42-year-old former basketball player. Six months ago, I had a spinal fusion with the keyhole operation. My back pain is nearly gone and I feel great, but I've had dry ejaculations ever since the operation. Why does this happen?
Explore the source record for details and available documents.
Adult↗
On call. I know that Viagra is safe for men with high blood pressure, but is it also safe for men with high eye pressures?
Explore the source record for details and available documents.
3',5'-Cyclic-GMP Phosphodiesterases↗
On call. I was impressed by your July 2004 article on fish oil, and I'm thinking of taking it. I remember that my mother gave me a spoonful of cod liver oil every day. Would it be a good thing for me to have today?
Explore the source record for details and available documents.
Cod Liver Oil↗
On call. I am a 71-year-old man with diabetes and high blood pressure. I take Glucophage for my diabetes and Zestril for my blood pressure, and my doctor says both problems are under good control, but I've developed a very annoying problem. Every time I eat, I develop terrible sweating on my face and neck. It only lasts 10-15 minutes, but my shirt collar gets soaked and I'm too embarrassed to go out to dinner. Am I allergic to something in food? Am I getting hot flashes as my wife did when she had the change of life?
Explore the source record for details and available documents.
Aged↗
On call. I've heard that men are making fewer sperm cells than they used to, and birth rates may suffer. What's the latest information?
Explore the source record for details and available documents.
Europe↗
On call. I'll be turning 65 in a few months. I understand that men my age should have a new test to check for bulging blood vessels. Can you explain the test and tell me if I should have it?
Explore the source record for details and available documents.
Aortic Aneurysm, Abdominal↗
On call. I'm a 67-year-old heart patient with a dilemma. It's not my heart but my grandson. He's a wonderful 7-year-old, but he's hooked on McDonald's. I love to take him out and make him happy, but I always end up eating the wrong thing. Do you have any suggestions?
Explore the source record for details and available documents.
Aged↗
On call. I am 66 years old and have had angina for nearly 5 years. I take aspirin and Zocor, but I haven't needed nitroglycerin for at least 3 years, even though I ride my bike quite hard at least 4 days a week. I've started having trouble with my erections, and now I want to try Viagra. My doctor gave me a prescription, but my wife won't let me fill it. Is Viagra safe for me?
Explore the source record for details and available documents.
Aged↗
On call. Your answer to a reader's question in the July issue reassured me (and my wife) that Viagra is safe for my heart. But a new worry has surfaced: is Viagra safe for my eyes?
Explore the source record for details and available documents.
Erectile Dysfunction↗
On call. My wife's doctor always tells her to fast before he checks her cholesterol so he can measure her triglycerides, but my doctor says triglycerides don't matter. Who is right?
Explore the source record for details and available documents.
Attitude of Health Personnel↗
On call. I had a hip replacement operation eight years ago and I've had a wonderful result. Now I'm ready to have my other hip done. Last time, I had blood-thinning shots in the hospital, but this time my orthopedist also wants me to take a pill at home for a month. Is it really necessary?
Explore the source record for details and available documents.
Anticoagulants↗
On call. I know you have expressed reservations about alternative therapy from time to time. I realize that it's a tricky issue for doctors, but I find the idea appealing. In particular, I'd like your opinion about chelation therapy. I'm a 68-year-old diabetic with angina.
Explore the source record for details and available documents.
Aged↗