Jim "Dr. J" Ellis visits Wednesdays at 7:40 AM to answer your questions. CLICK HERE to email him your question. And now you can get Dr. J on your iPod!! Check out our PODCAST PAGE!!
Wednesday, July 28, 2010 -- painful flu shot
Dear Dr. J,
At my doctor's request, the nurse at her office gave me a seasonal flu shot in February of this year. I woke up the next morning with arm pain, which I knew was typical, however I am still in pain 5 months later. The pain progressed from the injection site to the side of my neck, along my collar bone, in my underarm and down to my elbow. I have difficulty laying on that side, particularly when trying to actually lay on that side or get up from that side. I even wake up in pain in the middle of the night every night. I still sometimes have stiffness and soreness when I raise that arm or move it in certain ways but thankfully that part of it, at least, isn't as bad as it was. I did go back to the doctor in April and told her about the pain I've been having. She said "sometimes they hit a nerve". She never said how long it would take to go away and I never thought I'd be hurting 5 months later from a flu shot. How much longer could this last? Should I be concerned? Thanks Dr. J.
Click here to hear Dr. J's answer on the show:
Dr. J spent some time talking about Parsonage-Turner syndrome. From Answers.com, the exact cause of PTS is unknown, but the condition has been linked to many previous events or illnesses such as:
Viral infection (particularly of the upper respiratory tract)
Dear Dr. J,
I have type 1 diabetes and an old fashion c-section. I need to lose 40 lbs. I have lost weight on the Herbal life program, but my sugars drop down to the 30's . I need a good program for diet and excercise that's not going to cost me an arm and leg. Any help is apprciated, Thank-you.
Click here to hear Dr. J's answer on the show:
Wednesday, July 7, 2010 -- VBAC
Dear Dr. J,
In December of 2008, I had my son by c-section due to him being breech (thank goodness because he was over 10 pounds!). I am due at the end of July and this baby is measuring at a 52% (according to 2 sonographers and another doctor) (my doc says she is at the 71st%) rate of growth and is head down. My doctor originally told me I could try for a VBAC but he is now saying I need to have another c-section. I am a type 1 diabetic and so far have not had as many complications with this pregnancy as the last (preeclampsia, sickness). I was against having a c-section the first time (was told on a Monday he was 7# had him Saturday over 10#) and suffered through peripartum and postpartum depression along with the physical pain. Why would I suddenly need to have another c section when I have no high blood pressure and this baby is measuring smaller? My blood sugar A1C is 5.7 this pregnancy and was 6 the last time.
