What’s Up Doc? Questions?

Now is your chance to have a Doctor in the Family! Ask your medical questions on this page and I will answer them. Remember that I will not make PERSONAL RECOMMENDATIONS though since I haven’t seen you as a patient. This forum will be to ask “general” questions about diseases, conditions, treatments, medications, and options. I’ll also recommend products I personally like such as nutritional supplements, physical therapy aids, OTC treatments and more. I also have my service Opinion 3 which is an in depth chronic disease management consultation that you may be interested in for yourself or family member. I review the entire medical history of the patient and make long term recommendations on medical management. Opinion 3 is available for a fee and I do not accept insurance. Telemedicine has also become very accepted during Covid and I am exploring making that service also available in the near future for straighforward virtual medical care.

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Answers So Far..

  • Someone asked:
    on February 16, 2021 1:16 am
    Do you have any thoughts on the Ivermectin as a prophylaxis for covid. We saw it on Daystar TV and know of several people taking it.
    • jsdoc56 replied:
      on February 16, 2021 11:11 am
      There have been reports of it's use in other countries. I don't think there have been any controlled studies. It's an anti-parasitic drug used for some worm and scabies infestations. It has been life changing in many Asian and South American countries for these infections. It's possible that it could be effective because it suppresses of the ability of the parasite to secrete proteins that enable it to evade the host’s natural immune defence mechanism. I'm all for examining every possible therapeutic option with Covid! It is a safe drug, with minimal side effects.
  • Someone asked:
    on January 27, 2021 7:22 pm
    You saw the insurrection Trump attempted coming? Really? Even though you openly said no way in screenshots dating back up to 4 years that such a thing would never happen? Really? Fitting though for another person trying to be a trump talking head.
    • jsdoc56 replied:
      on February 2, 2021 1:31 pm
      Not sure what you are referring to.
  • Someone asked:
    on July 16, 2020 11:42 am
    Good info on long term effects of COVID 19 Dr. Jon. Curious about the guidance currently given by physicians to folks who have COVID 19 while they are recovering at home (i.e., their symptoms are not severe enuf to need hospitalization)? Anything beyond the standard “get lots of rest and drink fluids”? And, if there is any additional guidance - any evidence this could help minimize the long term effects?
    • jsdoc56 replied:
      on July 16, 2020 3:51 pm
      As with any serious illness I always recommend rest but gradual return to normal activities. It's not a time for over-exercise, new diets, or concoctions or potions you read about on the internet! Take a good multivitamin (see my products page), some extra vitamin C and D, echinacea. I really like Emergen C to add to your drinks throughout the day. Walking is a great starting exercise. Patients will also likely have psychological after effects like depression and anxiety. Consider meditation or yoga and talking with other about how you feel. Be aware that I've been told by recovering patients that they feel "stigmatized" and that they are fearful to be near them. Reassure them that you understand. Keep up on the Google searches for "what to do after Covid".
  • Someone asked:
    on July 11, 2020 4:22 pm
    Dr. Jon, Lots of variation in the info I've been reading on the estimated interval between COVID exposure (infection) and when you would test positive. I guess my real question is if you do get infected and are asymptomatic...how long before you would test positive for COVID?
    • jsdoc56 replied:
      on July 11, 2020 6:56 pm
      Good question! There are two types of tests being done. A test to look for actual viral particles or remnants which SHOULD be positive WHILE you're actually symptomatic IF the nasal swab is done correctly....A lot of IF's there! The second test is looking for actual antibodies to the virus and that can take a week or so. The question of long term immunity is if those antibodies are present and don't disappear over time.
  • Someone asked:
    on July 11, 2020 3:21 am
    In light of Covid-19 and plaquenil... I understand every case is different but do you think it’s possible that someone who has been on the medication for a couple of years may have less of a risk of getting Covid from someone who has it?
    • jsdoc56 replied:
      on July 11, 2020 7:04 pm
      The data about Plaquenil (trade name for hydroxychloroquin) is mixed depending on the study. At the present time the CDC recommends that patients previously taking it for a condition like Lupus should continue taking it. My guess is that like most things in life, the truth will end up being in the middle and it MAY confer some protection or lessen symptoms.
  • Someone asked:
    on July 11, 2020 2:07 am
    Are medications okay after the expiration date?
    • jsdoc56 replied:
      on July 11, 2020 2:29 am
      Probably for a few months, but after that I recommend getting a new refill.
  • Someone asked:
    on July 10, 2020 8:42 pm
    Another technology I still need to learn!!