CNN.com - Health - Conditions Expert

Is secondhand smoke really that risky?

Tue, 06 Mar 2012 20:06:01 GMT

Really, how much secondhand smoke does a nonsmoker get anyway? If a person who smokes a pack a day for 30 years is only 1/3 more likely to die younger than a nonsmoker, then how likely is it that a nonsmoker is even more likely to die younger merely because other people smoke?

Can a nerve stimulator stop my back pain?

Mon, 16 Jan 2012 12:10:48 GMT

I have had severe, chronic back and sciatic pain for many years. My particular problems cannot be resolved surgically. Nerve blocks and other minimally invasive procedures have been partially successful in temporarily reducing the pain.

Is the inability of cancer patients to eat a concern?

Mon, 12 Dec 2011 12:50:37 GMT

I wanted to see what you thought about cancer/chemotherapy patients and protein malnutrition. I have read it leads to as many as 45 to 50% of cancer deaths.

What causes very low blood pressure?

Wed, 23 Nov 2011 14:27:40 GMT

What is the cause and significance of very low diastolic blood pressure? While my systolic blood pressure fluctuates from 115 to 130, my diastolic pressure ranges from 36 to 64, with the average in the low 50s.

Why am I taking metformin?

Wed, 16 Nov 2011 15:07:22 GMT

I was controlling my blood sugar with regular insulin injections, so why did my doctor add metformin during my last visit?

What is Hodgkin lymphoma's effect on the lymphatic system?

Wed, 09 Nov 2011 12:59:03 GMT

How does Hodgkin lymphoma affect the organs in the lymphatic system?

Will I have ischemic colitis pain forever?

Wed, 02 Nov 2011 11:13:49 GMT

I have ischemic colitis. I was in the hospital for four days and got better. But a week later, the pain came back. Will I have this for the rest of my life?

Is there a cure for multiple sclerosis?

Wed, 26 Oct 2011 16:30:00 GMT

Hi, I got multiple sclerosis about a year ago, and I'm very young. I was curious if there has been any further information about a possible cure or not. I know that people have been searching for a cure, but I'm curious as to how close they really are.

Will my macular degeneration treatment cause blindness?

Wed, 19 Oct 2011 13:36:15 GMT

I have wet macular degeneration that is being "successfully" treated with Avastin. Please comment on reports of blindness related to this treatment. Many thanks!

Will an MRI affect my heart stents?

Wed, 12 Oct 2011 14:21:23 GMT

I learned I had breast cancer early this year. I also have heart problems that led to placement of two stents. Is it possible to get MRI's of my breasts or other parts of my body with stents in place?