Doctor Dawn Harper answers all your questions
DAWN HARPER
IS THE OP SAFE?
Q I have been on a waiting list for a hysterectomy for a couple of years. Twice I have been to the hospital for the operation and it has been cancelled. I have just received a new date and I have worked out that I will be on day two of my period. I’m having the operation because I have large fibroids, which are causing very heavy periods, so I know I will be bleeding heavily then. I am desperate to get this sorted. Do I need to postpone?
A No. Women often worry about this, but your gynaecologist will be quite happy to operate while you are on your period – and if your periods are very heavy, I’m sure you would rather get this done sooner rather than later.
HER SKIN IS SO SORE
Q My teenage daughter has cerebral palsy and is wheelchair bound. She communicates through an iPad and has a fulfilled life, but she dribbles constantly, and this is causing her chin and neck to become very red and sore. When she is at home, I dab her dry regularly, but they don’t have enough staff at the school to do this during the day. Do you have any suggestions to help her?
A Speak to your pharmacist about a barrier cream that you could apply to her chin and neck first thing in the morning when the skin is dry. Your GP could also prescribe medication that dries up secretions so will reduce the amount of saliva your daughter produces.
Do I have to take my meds?
Q At a recent health check, I was told that my cholesterol was raised and that I had a one in five chance of having a heart attack or stroke in the next 10 years. My GP wants me to start taking statins, but I’d rather risk the chan
