Mitchell Hecht

Dr. Mitchell W. Hecht is the physician-author of "Ask Dr. H," a weekly Q&A medical column distributed by McClatchy-Tribune News Service. Dr. Hecht's goal is to present medical information that is clear and interesting to non-medical people. Send questions to him at: "Ask Dr. H," P.O. Box 767787, Atlanta, GA 30076. Due to the large volume of mail received, personal replies are not possible.

Ask Dr. H: She's had digestive distress since gall bladder removal

By Mitchell Hecht, For The Inquirer

Posted 11/09/2009

Question: I'm a 66-year-old female who had gallbladder removal 31/2 years ago. Ever since then, I've had more abdominal pain, cramping, nausea, pressure, belching, and flatulence than ever before! I've had all the tests done - colonoscopy, upper endoscopy, small-intestine study, and stool samples - all normal. Can you offer advice on how to deal with life without a gallbladder?

Ask Dr. H: If you think a copper bracelet can help arthritis, go for it

By Mitchell Hecht, For The Inquirer

Posted 11/02/2009

Question: I've been wearing a copper bracelet for the past year because it helps my arthritis. Can you tell me how it works?

Ask Dr. H: Coumadin a better choice to combat atrial fibrillation - 10/26/2009: By Mitchell Hecht, For The Inquirer

Question: I am a 77-year-old female who has been taking the blood thinner Coumadin for an irregular heartbeat (atrial fibrillation) for the last five years. It has been suggested by a trusted relative that I discontinue the Coumadin and take minerals, niacin, potassium, and magnesium. Do you agree?
Ask Dr. H: Pain in feet could be neuropathic - 10/19/2009: By Mitchell Hecht, For The Inquirer

Question: Could you tell me why the bottoms of my feet burn and throb at night? I'm 85 years old, and take Synthroid, Diovan, Zocor, Coreg CR, Actonel, and a baby aspirin.
Ask Dr. H: Air pollution can increase the risk of heart disease - 10/12/2009: By Mitchell Hecht, For The Inquirer

Question: Last year, you answered my question about air pollution and its effects on the athletes competing at the Beijing Olympics. Can you comment on a news story I just heard on how air pollution right here at home can increase our risk of heart attacks?
Ask Dr. H: A simpler sterilization procedure - 10/05/2009: By Mitchell Hecht, For The Inquirer

Question: I'm a 35-year-old mother not interested in having any more children. I don't want to use an IUD or take birth control pills. My husband does not want to have a vasectomy.
Ask Dr. H: Concerns over corn syrup, mercury - 09/28/2009: By Mitchell Hecht, For The Inquirer

Question: A friend told me certain foods made using high- fructose corn syrup might be tainted with mercury. What are those foods? Why isn't the Food and Drug Administration doing something?
Ask Dr. H: A better test for blood in stool - 09/21/2009: By Mitchell Hecht, For The Inquirer

Question: I just had a physical and my doctor did a new test in the office to check for blood in my stool. He said the test we've been doing for years isn't very good. Can you explain what he meant?
Ask Dr. H: Wax, in one ear but not the other - 09/14/2009: By Mitchell Hecht, For The Inquirer

Question: Can you explain why I always seem to get a lot of earwax buildup in my right ear, but not my left? What's the point of earwax, anyway?
Ask Dr. H: A low libido and having only one ovary: A link? - 09/07/2009: By Mitchell Hecht, For The Inquirer

Question: I'm a 35-year-old female with no sexual desire. Could having only one ovary cause this problem? What type of intervention should I seek for this problem?
Ask Dr. H: Post-concussion syndrome answers - 08/31/2009: By Mitchell Hecht, For The Inquirer

Question: I've had a hard time with daily headaches, concentration, moodiness, and insomnia since having a car accident six weeks ago in which I hit my head on the steering wheel and blacked out for a few seconds. The MRI of my head was normal, but I still don't feel right. How long will I feel this way?
Ask Dr. H: Antibiotic no longer necessary - 08/24/2009: By Mitchell Hecht, For The Inquirer

Question: For years, I've been getting a prescription of Amoxicillin to take before seeing the dentist because of a history of a leaky mitral valve. However, my new doctor recently refused to give me a prescription, saying that it's no longer necessary. I am concerned about the safety of this and am writing you for advice. Is he right?