Doctor Dawn Harper answers all your questions
DAWN HARPER
WHO CAN HELP WITH COVID-19 CONCERNS?
Q Our father had COVID-19 this time last year and was under the care of a virtual COVID-19 ward. We were given a device to monitor the oxygen levels in his blood and a number to ring with any issues. He is quite frail and has sadly tested positive again this week. We gave the monitor back to our local surgery. What should I do?
A Speak to the surgery – they may well have some pulse oximeters that they can loan to you, and will give you instructions on what to do. Our local virtual COVID-19 ward closed down a long time ago, but your practice will tell you who to call if your father’s oxygen saturations drop.
Is it too late for us to try for a baby?
Q My ex-husband and I have three lovely children in their 20s, and I was sterilised soon after the birth of our last child. My marriage broke up a couple of years ago and I never thought more children would be on my radar, but I have met a younger man who has no children and is keen for us to have a baby. Can I get the sterilisation reversed?
A Reversal of sterilisation is not usually available on the NHS. You could get this done privately, but it may cost several thousand pounds. Find out how you were sterilised, as this will influence how successful a reversal operation would be. Speak to a gynaecologist so you can make an informed decision.
WORRIED IT’S CANCER
Q I have a pink lump on my shin the size of a pea. I have shown it to my GP, who was quite dismissive and told me it was nothing to worry about. They called it a dermatofibroma and said I should leave it alone. How have I
