Car parking charges at hospitals in England rises average 15% since 2014

A third of hospital trusts in England have increased their car parking charges in the last year, figures show.

Some are now charging as much as £4 for a one-hour stay, with a third increasing their average charge over a three-hour period.

The analysis, by the Press Association, includes figures obtained directly from NHS trusts and data submitted to NHS Digital.

The NHS Digital data suggests a 15% average rise in parking charges across trusts in England between 2014/15 and 2015/16.

Some trusts allow patients and visitors to park for free for the first 30 minutes before charges kick in but others have scrapped a one- or two-hour charge, meaning people have to pay a flat fee for three hours even if they stay for less than that.

The most expensive trust in the country for a one-hour stay is the Royal Surrey county hospital in Guildford, where patients pay £4 for any stay up to two hours. It does have a few bays where people can park for 20 minutes before being charged.

Hereford county hospital lets people park for free for 10 minutes, but then charges £3.50 for an hour and £5 for two hours.

Meanwhile, London’s Royal Free hospital charges a flat rate of £3 an hour.

Of the 209 hospital trusts that reported figures to NHS Digital for both 2014/15 and 2015/16, a third (69 trusts) showed an increase in their average hourly charge when calculated across three hours.

126 (60%) showed no change over the year while 14 (7%) showed a decrease.

Among those trusts that have hiked up parking charges in 2016 are the Royal Surrey, where the cost of an hour has doubled from £2 in 2013 to £4.

Stockport NHS foundation trust increased its prices by about 40% over the summer.

The cost of a four-hour stay at the town’s Stepping Hill hospital rose from £6 to £8, with a short stay rising from £2.50 to £3.50.

England is the only part of the UK where hospitals routinely charge patients and visitors for parking. Almost four out of 10 (38%) NHS trusts said they also charged for disabled parking.

Laura Keely, campaigns manager at Macmillan Cancer Support, said: “Cancer patients often need to make frequent trips to hospital. They should not be left out of pocket in order to receive life-saving treatment.

“Public transport is not always an option as cancer patients can have an increased risk of infection because treatment has compromised their immune system. Treatments can also leave patients feeling tired, sick and weak, so they have little choice but to travel by car.

“Car parking is free at most hospitals in Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales but not across all hospitals in England. Those in charge of hospital car parking have a responsibility to ensure that their schemes work for vulnerable people, such as those living with cancer.”

At the other end of the scale, car parking at Trafford general hospital in Greater Manchester is free for up to three hours.

Alder Hey children’s NHS foundation trust charges £2 a day and the Christie cancer hospital in Manchester charges £1.50 a day. The Clatterbridge Cancer Centre on the Wirral offers free parking.

Some NHS trusts offer concessions to people visiting someone who is terminally ill, and also discounts or weekly tickets for lengthy courses of treatment.

Last December, figures obtained under the Freedom of Information Act by the Press Association revealed that some NHS trusts are making more than £3m a year from car parking fees.

Of more than 90 trusts that responded to the FoI request, half are making at least £1m a year.

Seven NHS trusts earned more than £3m in 2014/15 from charges, a further eight made more than £2m a year while a further 33 earned more than £1m a year.

Royal Surrey had a deficit of more than £11m at the end of March, against a forecast of £2m. It has blamed several factors including increasingly expensive agency staff. It said it was expanding its car park capacity by 100 spaces due to increased demand. A £10m multi-storey is planned to create a long-term solution, it said.

Deputy chief executive Alf Turner said: “I do not like having to charge people for car parking and in an ideal world we would not have to, however both my colleagues on the board and I know that it is an unfortunate necessity to cover our car parking improvement and running costs.

“We have listened carefully to the views of our patients, visitors and staff and they have been telling us that our current car parking provisions are inadequate and urgent changes need to be made. The trust’s challenging financial position means that it does not have the additional funds to invest in the future of its car parking facilities without making the incredibly difficult decision to charge people for using the car parks.”

Shadow health secretary Jonathan Ashworth said: “These figures show a worrying increase in the cost of car parking charges in our hospitals.

“Racking up charges on people who have no choice isn’t fair and will only cause more distress for patients and their families.

“Hospitals across the country are hard-pressed because of this Government’s underfunding of the NHS, but money should not be made up through charging patients and their families more and more for an essential service. These increases cannot be justified.”

Most expensive trusts in England for a one-hour visits:

• Royal Surrey county hospital £4
  


• Hereford county hospital £3.50
  


• Stockport £3.50
  


• Bristol royal infirmary £3.40
  


• West Suffolk hospital £3.30
  


• Northampton general £3.10
  


• Royal Free, London £3
  


• Basildon hospital, Essex £3
  


• Whittington hospital, London (after 5pm) £3
  


• St Thomas’ hospital, London £3
  


• Chelsea & Westminster hospital, London £3
  


• Aintree university hospital £3
  


• Luton and Dunstable £3
  


• Mid Cheshire hospitals £3
  


• Mid Essex £3
  


• Southend university hospitals £3
  


• Princess Alexandra hospital, Essex £3
  


• University hospital of South Manchester £3
  


• Warrington hospital £3
  

Car parking charges at hospitals in England rises average 15% since 2014

Sneakernomics: Q2 2014 Sneaker Winners And Losers

Q2 2014 Footwear overview

• Primarily based on my analysis of the data from SportsOneSource I estimate that Sneaker sales grew in the reduced singles.


• Basketball enhanced in the mid-teenagers, in line with Q1 trend but Basketball’s share of Q2 revenue in the lowest of the year, so there was not significantly leverage


• Sandals’ biggest contribution comes in Q2. Sandal revenue were down in the high singles on the unseasonably cold weather.  This caused deleverage of the general product sales trend.


• Strolling shoes grew in the mid-teenagers.


• Running footwear grew in the minimal singles, in line with Q1 trend

Q2 2014 Footwear revenue by channel

• Sales of Sport Footwear on the Internet grew in the low teenagers in Q2 and were about ten% of all sneakers offered.  Product sales in Physical merchants had been flat for the quarter.


• Family members Footwear was once more the star with sales up in the substantial singles.  In Family, Little ones revenue grew virtually 30%


• Athletic Specialty/Sporting Goods had a low single digit decline on the lack of Basketball leverage.


• Run/Sport Specialty had a low single digit enhance


• Product sales had been best in the Northwest and the Rockies and worst in the Midwest and New England.

Q2 2014 Brand Share

• Nike Nike revenue of Sport Footwear in Q2 grew in the mid singles and share enhanced one hundred basis factors to 44.eight%. Jordan grew in the substantial singles and share improved 75 basis factors to 12%. Converse product sales were flat with 2.eight% share.  This gave Nike Inc. 59.6% share in Q2, the highest ever recorded for that quarter.  Nike showed specific power in Running and Basketball, which offset weakness in Training and Sandals


• Adidas Adidas and Reebok declined sharply in Q2. Whilst Adidas Running was a bright spot (on a little base) softness in Basketball, Casual and Sandals hurt the overall outcome


• Skechers grew more than forty% for the quarter, solidifying their place as the #5 brand and #four firm in the sneaker company.  Skechers showed certain strength in Strolling and in Women’s Casual.


• Below Armour Below Armour grew far more than a third, with robust Children Running and sandals offsetting sharp declines in Basketball and Coaching.  Early Football cleat revenue have also been very good for UA, albeit on a really modest, lower revenue enterprise.


• Brooks led the pack in Running with product sales up in the low teenagers.  Asics had a reduced single digit enhance for the quarter.  Mizuno and Saucony the two had declines although New Balance continued to struggle.


• Puma grew in the high singles.


• Vans improved more than 60%.

Q2 2014 Leading Selling models

1. NIKE AIR FORCE one Low                $ 88.81


2. JORDAN 11 Low                              $ 137.76


3. NIKE AIR MONARCH IV              $ 50.47


4. JORDAN six                                           $ 154.79


5. NIKE ROSHE RUN                            $ 71.97


6. NIKE Free five.+ 2014                    $ 95.58


7.  W NIKE COMFORT THONG          $ 25.05


8. NIKE AIR MAX 2014                      $ 165.04


9.  UA HIGHLIGHT MC                        $ 129.62


10.  NIKE Totally free 5. 2014                      $ 95.87

Of the prime 250 designs for Q2 2014:

• Nike had 127 (51%)


• Jordan, 32 (13%)


• Asics, 14


• Skechers, 13


• UA, 10


• Brooks, 9


• Adidas, 9

Sneakernomics: Q2 2014 Sneaker Winners And Losers

The ten Very best-Paying Jobs Of 2014

The highest paying jobs appear to go to those who paid high tuitions.

In accordance to CareerCast’s 10 Very best-Paying Jobs of 2014, 7 out of ten of the highest paid professions are in the wellness care market and need innovative degrees. This indicates that a 6-figure salary can frequently come at the cost of 6-figure debt. For instance, common practice physicians make an common of $ 187,200 a 12 months, but according to the Association of American Health-related Schools, the medical college class of 2013 graduated with a median debt of $ 175,000, and 86% of all graduates left with some debt.

The highest paid salary on the record went to surgeons, who make an common of $ 233,150 a year common practice physicians came in 2nd. In ninth and tenth location had been podiatrists at $ 116,440, and attorneys, at $ 113,530, who also encounter a great deal of training ahead of they can practice.

There had been only two higher having to pay jobs on the list that do not need graduate degrees: petroleum engineers and air site visitors controllers, who on average make $ 130,280 and $ 122,530 respectively. The report cautioned, even though, that “for people who select a distinct path [than graduate education] to attain one particular of the greatest-having to pay jobs, be prepared to exchange paychecks for a high degree of pressure.” It described air traffic controllers as dealing with “some of the most nerve-racking operating circumstances.”

Despite demanding working problems, jobs as air targeted traffic controllers are hardly up for grabs. The industry predicts only a one% growth outlook by 2022. Petroleum engineers, nevertheless, can appear forward to a 26% growth outlook in the very same time period. All of the overall health care professions on the record anticipate development of 14% or higher. “As infant-boomer physicians … reach retirement, there frequently are not ample new doctors,” explained CareerCast publisher Tony Lee.

Click by way of the gallery to see the highest paid jobs and the projected development of every single.

The ten Very best-Paying Jobs Of 2014

Dr Le Fanu"s online health clinic, Friday 4th July 2014

I thought it really worth mentioning in situation you desired to inform your readers that there is an different supply. I understand it it also offered in Spain.

I discover your column really useful without a doubt.

Greatest wishes

Dear Anon,

Thanks for that most useful and indeed critical observation. This trouble in obtaining Cholestyramine is typically attributed to ‘production problems’ which can scarcely be the case if it is obtainable in France and Spain. This would recommend its non-availability in Britain is a marketing and advertising ploy to advertise the income of much more costly variants. I will mention this in the column.

ALAMY

Concerning Monica O’B"s leg pains, I am a woman now aged 71 who has suffered for many many years with excruciating nighttime pains/cramps in my feet, ankles, calves and thighs (which are the worst). It appears that practically each other lady I meet has this same dilemma, specifically females more than the age of forty.

Anyway, in my personal situation I have finally traced this to sugar, and if I never eat something with sugar in it after my evening meal, this dilemma doesn’t normally happen. If I have e.g. some chocolate or biscuits in front of the Tv, it does. Drinking lots of water before going to bed also helps.

Just believed I’d let you know.

LW

Dear LW,

Thanks for getting in touch and that most intriguing observation about the prospective causative part of sugar in nocturnal cramps. I was unaware of this and search forward to mentioning in in the column in the near long term.

Dear Dr Le Fanu,

My daily life is becoming significantly compromised by my osteoarthritis, especially in my knees, and most mornings I can hardly move for the very first hour or so. I consider not to take discomfort medication as fairly honestly, it just isn’t going to work. I go through and meant to tear out a reference to a treatment that can be helpful and of course lost it! It was a handful of weeks ago in your column and I would be quite grateful to have it once more.

Thank you,

Lisa RR

Dear Lisa RR,

Thanks for your query. I am not really positive which is the reference you allude to – maybe how the (very) well-known Glucosamine could paradoxically exacerbate the pain of knee arthritis – which improves when it is discontinued. As your signs and symptoms are worse in the morning I did wonder no matter whether it may be advantageous to get a prolonged acting anti-inflammatory (this kind of as 50mg Diclofenac) prior to retiring.

ALAMY

Reading about the magnet remedy this morning reminded me that a handful of years ago I study in your column of an individual who kept a bar of soap in their bed for the identical explanation. I reasoned that “never knock it prior to you consider it” was a good dictum, and have never ever had cramp in bed since I have had a tiny white companion close to my feet! If it’s all in the mind, that Ok? It still operates!

A lot of thanks Dr James

Rev Barbara S-P

Dear Rev S-P,

Thanks for becoming in touch and delighted to hear you benefitted from the soap bar remedy.

Dear Dr. Le Fanu,

I was interested to read the part on Ghostly Goings On. I bear in mind my Mom, on more than a single occasion telling me about how she had a dream (details of which I can’t recall getting told) about her 19 yr outdated elder brother being killed in France. The up coming day the telegram arrived. My Mother was 16 at the time.

(Some years ago when you had been investigating folks seeing spots as they have been in the previous, I lent you my guide(because returned!) on the Moberley sisters seeing Versailles in the 18th Century. I was disappointed that you did not adhere to up on these paranormal experiences, or probably I missed it.

For very good measure it was your write-up a lot of years in the past on a patient on statins going on vacation in the West Indies with a wheelchair who forgot his statins and returned property without any want for the wheelchair which encouraged me to stand up to my GP in obtaining him to alter my medication when I located myself with severe muscle fatigue. Some twenty many years on, at 82, I am nevertheless ready to stroll miles.

Thank you for your lengthy series of intriguing content articles.

Regards

Dear Anon,

Thanks for getting in touch and your account of your mother’s premonition of her brother’s death – presumably, I suppose, on the battlefields of France. It is extremely hard to imagine her feelings on obtaining the telegram. I am delighted of program that you, like so a lot of other people, have been inspired to discontinue their statins by that item in the column you mention and twenty many years on are still going powerful.

I read that someone had a ache following urinating at night for no apparent cause. I had the very same, and had the typical tests etc. In the end I took a pint glass and filled it with cold water and “dangled” my bits in for 4/five minutes. It has worked a deal with.

Good luck

Richard W

Dear Richard W,

Thanks for getting in touch however I am a bit puzzled as to why the uncommon manoeuvre you describe ought to have alleviated your bladder ache.

Dear Medical professional

When individuals ask me how I am I reply that I am fine from the knees up.That is since ,despite the fact that I do not seem to have any respiratory,heart,blood and so forth issues, I do endure from neuropathy in my reduced legs and feet.

I have gone from getting a match and lively 71 year previous in 2009/10 to a badly disabled 75 yr previous now. I was advised that the problem is down to a stenosis of the spine and in 2010 a laminectomy was carried out aimed at preventing additional deterioration. As I have received older nonetheless my mobility has worsened. My stability is negative and I can stroll only quite brief distances with the support of sticks or arm crutches. The only issue recommended for me has been occasional physiotherapy but I do admit to getting not very disciplined in which exercise routines are concerned.

I ask as a result for your views please on this situation all round and whether you are mindful of any kind of medicine or remedy which you have heard of which may supply some succour? I must say that I do not, fortunately, have significantly soreness – it is the lack of mobility and seeming inevitability of becoming confined to a wheelchair before long which frustrates me.

I thank you in advance for your observations.

Sincerely

Geoffrey L

Dear Geoffrey L,

Thanks for being in touch and my sympathies for this severe mobility difficulty which you describe. It surely sounds that your lumbar stenosis has critically damaged the working of both the motor and sensory nerves to the legs. There is no medical therapy for this even though I wonder clearly whether a couple of sessions with an osteopath might have some modest result in bettering the mobility of the reduce spine. I would advise, if you reside in the south east, contacting Dr Clifford Harley who is quite knowledgeable in these issues. HIs phone quantity is (Tel 07810 620058)

In the winter of twelve-13 I acquired chilblains on the index &amp middle fingers of my left hand just behind the nail.

Right after they cleared up the nails began to deteriorate and have never ever recovered. The index finger is the worse, with an very thin nail which keeps cracking &amp has vertical splits. It is not feasible to let this nail grow to its total length due to the fact it cracks or bends in excess of &amp breaks off. This is inconvenient as it can make items this kind of as choosing up small objects, carrying out up buttons and so forth. difficult (I’m left handed).

I don’t know whether this is just an age issue (I’m 80). My GP says he doesn’t feel something can be completed about it.

If you’ve any concepts I’d be really grateful.

Derek B

Dear Derek B,

Thanks for your query it certainly sounds as if your chilblains have broken the growth bed of the nails – for which to my information there is regrettably no specific remedy. It may with luck improve with time. I would advise against making use of the formaldehyde primarily based nail strengthening preparations – although reputedly typical moisturising of the nail with a lanolin primarily based cream (this kind of as Cutemol) can be of value.

On the subject of night cramps may I supply yet another remedy. I have had agonising night cramps for many years and while in South Africa in January somebody suggested I consider corks beneath my pillow! I will not drink so had to collect corks from other sources! It is like a miracle! No far more pain, thank goodness. My husband has also stopped suffering from the same issue.

Mrs. J. G

Dear Mrs J G,

Thanks for being in touch and your more affidavit for the cork treatment.

Dear Dr Le Fanu

I wonder if you can assist me. I am struggling from eczema and am so itchy regardless of applying tons of moisturisers, sporting only cotton or wool and sleeping in dream silk sheets. I will not have a rash. I consider warfarin tablets,Digoxin,Bisoprol,Esomeprazole. Citirizine Hydrochloride. The only thing that assists is a cold, moist flannel. Yours Sarah G-S

Dear Sarah G-S,

Thanks for your query to which I will reply in my next column at the beginning of August.

Good afternoon, I have been diagnosed with moist amd but my vision is too excellent to qualify for NHS treatment. I have had my first injection of avastin. It is an costly business and I am asking yourself if I can appeal in anyway. I am 65 and will run out of funds prior to lengthy. Exactly where can I get actually good information about the potential for my eyesight ? Thank you so significantly Mary P

Dear Mary P,

Thanks for your query. The rationale for prompt treatment of moist AMD in its early phases will be that it may well stop, or at least slow its fee of progression. There is however (to my information) no evidence that this is the situation – consequently the Nice suggestions to which you allude. I would have considered it wise to adhere to them on health care and financial grounds.

Dr Le Fanu"s online health clinic, Friday 4th July 2014

Dr Le Fanu"s on the internet health clinic, Friday 27th June 2014

Mrs Valerie C

Dear Mrs Valerie C,

Thanks for your query and my sympathies for this distressing problem you describe that is recognized technically as Craniofacial Hyperhidrosis. This is due to an age relevant disturbance of perform of the autonomic nerves that handle the sweat glands in the head and neck. There is regrettably no certain treatment but this sweating can surely be minimised by regular use of an aluminium based antiperspirant that blocks the sweat glands as does yet another Facade Facial antiperspirant that is obtainable on the internet. You may discuss with your physician a trial of the drug Oxybutynin typically used for the treatment of bladder problems which can reduce the volume of sweating. The topical remedy Glycopyrrolate is also reported to be powerful but is very pricey. There is an informative website at www.hyperhidrosisuk.org.

Dear Dr Le Fanu

I have just go through your column in today’s Day-to-day Telegraph and your piece on psychic unease notably struck a chord with me.

My mother had been unwell for some years although I had no specific cause to consider her death was imminent when a single night I woke abruptly to locate her standing at the foot of my bed. I acquired the telegram announcing her death the following morning and when, in due program, I saw her death certificate, I mentioned that the time of death coincided with that of her apparition in my bedroom. Coincidentally, she died on my 23rd birthday. I like to feel that might have had some thing to do with her look and have usually identified it comforting.

Kind regards

Jennifer H

Dear Jennifer H,

Thanks for that most intriguing account that I have pointed out in the column this week (30th June).

Dear Dr. le Fanu,

I enjoy and learn from your column quite significantly – my G.P. likes it as well!

Concerning the story of ‘psychic unease’ I will place right here my encounter, which I did not recognize or consider onboard at all, at the time.

In excess of a time period of a 12 months or two, when my youngest daughter was about 14, I often would feel really anxious, and would telephone my husband at work to ask, ‘Is everything alright?’ I told him that I considered anything terrible was about to happen. It wasn’t normal to mobile phone him at work, and I did not like to do so, but the urge was so great to seek reassurance. I am a fairly well-balanced particular person and rather sceptical, or logical. I certainly didn’t connect this feeling with both of my daughters, and was in a quite satisfied predicament with a happy marriage and moderately comfy way of life. I just felt a big fear which came into my mind. This carried on intermittently until finally…..

My daughter was harm in a car crash at the age of 16, and was paralysed. Now 45, she is nonetheless paralysed and has tremendous bodily issues – but lives a complete daily life in the hours left in her day right after care, and is wonderfully happily married.

When my husband came into the bedroom at 2.a.m. that morning, getting answered a mobile phone contact, saying, ‘There’s been an accident. She is all right but has broken her neck somewhat,’ I could only say, ‘ I can not inform you how much I knew this would happen.’ The hospital had informed him that she had a small damage in buy not to shock us till we knew much more.

Of course, no-a single can demonstrate that I had a premonition – I can only say that I felt this fear very strongly, at sudden moments, above a couple of many years. I haven’t had it given that.

Yours with extremely greatest wishes,

Janet R (Mrs.)

Dear Mrs Janet R,

Thanks for currently being in touch and your most intriguing account of your sense of prescient foreboding about your daughter’s injury. It is, as you say, particularly interesting that it need to have 1st started so extended just before the occasion itself.

My tall,slim,non-smoking twenty-five 12 months old son first seasoned his right lung collapse 7 years ago.Whilst chatting to buddies on line, laughing at a joke resulted in a pneumothorax without having any warning.He believed he was having a heart assault simply because the chest soreness was so excruciating.By the time we arrived at A&ampE his lung had begun to re-inflate.After several more episodes he had his lung cavity aspirated(drained).Three years later on,his left lung out of the blue collapsed as he walked property from college.This time,following many more episodes,aspiration and a series of chest drains failed,he at some point had to have surgical procedure.Since then,he has suffered from persistent chest pain and following numerous attempts has been forced to give up his studies at university.We believe he often has partial collapses which he manages by resting and slowing down his breathing and heartbeat.He has now been at property for almost eighteen months turning into more and more depressed and struggling from acute anxiety.Physiotherapy and Pilates have failed to support.A lot more lately,normal visits to a chiropractor and a cranial-sacral therapist have provided some limited relief.He has been obtaining some counselling for a even though and is awaiting an appointment at the Ache Clinic.He has been striving to manage his pain amounts with paracetamol and ibuprofen cream .He stays desperately unhappy and worries about the future.We have been unable to uncover a support group.Is there anything else we can try?

A extremely concerned mother.

Dear Anon,

Thanks for your query. This problem of persistent soreness following corrective surgical procedure for a pneumothorax is, as you will know, not unusual becoming reported in almost a third of patients. I would have imagined that in the first instance your son requirements to be taking significantly more powerful painkillers this kind of a Co-codamol and – as there is virtually undoubtedly a neuropathic element to the soreness – a drug this kind of as Gabapentin. I would hope the medical professionals at the ache management clinic need to advise on this. Your son has obviously grow to be, however scarcely remarkably, depressed by it all and would advantage I am sure from each some Cognitive behavioural treatment and an antidepressant such as Sertraline to enhance his spirits and restore his self confidence.

Hello Dr James

I have leg soreness considering that October final. It came on abruptly and has been with me ever considering that. I get serious discomfort in I feel my calf muscle in my left leg only. I had MRI scans completed but showed up nothing. What is leading to this pain. It improves when i raise my leg up and I find standing on it helps make it worse and then it will get extremely serious.

Hope you can help as I am a gardener and I need to have to get it sorted.

A lot of thanks.

Sincerely

Monica O’B

Dear Monica O’B,

Thanks for your query. There are, as you will know, numerous brings about of calf pain such as muscle strain and blood clots Still, it is difficult to envision – offered the regular MRI scan – what could account for its persistence above the last 9 months. I would talk about with your doctor the possibility of a referral for a specialist viewpoint – if he has not carried out so currently.

ALAMY

Response to Mr TS of Leeds Bladder pain (23 June)

It sounds as if I had the identical issue as the above gentleman, though I am a 53 year outdated female! I have at some point identified that I am struggling from candida. I had many programs of antibiotics following an operation and my bladder grew to become significantly worse as a result. I discovered with the yeast overgrowth that it was essential to cut out sugar as much as achievable as this absolutely aggravated the dilemma. I hope this may possibly be valuable to Mr TS of Leeds.

G K

Dear G K,

Thanks for that valuable suggestion. I hope to mention in the column this week.

The death of a near buddy far away

Dear Dr Le Fanu,

A dear and very near pal of mine had to move all of a sudden from her residence in Hull after the floods of 1977. She went to her daughters in Plymouth without a likelihood to say goodbye. Ringing her daughters a couple of weeks later I was shocked to find out that she had died of undiagnosed cervical cancer…..she had been taken care of for pain in her hip!

That night she appeared at the finish of my bed dressed in shimmering blue. She just mentioned, ‘Hello Tony’ and was gone….it had never ever took place before and has never happened considering that!

Variety Regards,

Tony C

Dear Tony C,

Thanks for your most intriguing account of your friend’s go to from ‘the other side’ – though your observation that she was sporting a shimmering blue dress raises the challenging query as to how a non sentient material object, such as a dress, can appear in spiritual type.

Dear Dr Le Fanu,

Like Mr T S of Leeds I have been unable to discover a remedy for bladder pain either by way of my GP or the urological division of my nearby hospital who performed a cystoscopy. I take a 400gr capsule of Tamsulosin everyday to offset benign prostate enlargement and the bladder soreness began some months soon after commencement. I am 78.

Yours genuinely

GM.

Dear GM,

Thanks for your query. I have summarised the responses in this week’s column.

Dual bowel movements

Dear Medical professional,

I have suffered similar problems to your correspondent, and have put it down to my every day intake of 1 Pantoprazole 40mg pill, which I take for Barratt’s Oesophagus.

My GP, and consultant at the Hammersmith, the two have a tendency to disagree, and items just wander on.

Yours sincerely,

Charles H

Dear Charles H,

Thanks for getting in touch. It is not apparent why Pantoprazole should result in this dual bowel motion. The only way to clarify the matter would be to temporarily discontinue it and see what transpires.

Dear Dr.Lefanu, really sympathise with this gentleman, obtaining typically suffered with a painful bladder (which my GP says is ‘irritable bladder’ not unusual in men and women like me who have IBS) I wonder if he has ever tried consuming pearl barley water? It’s rather gloopy and not to everyone’s taste but it constantly seems to assist me. Please pass on my ideal wishes to Mr.TS

Dear Anon,

Thanks for that suggestion talked about in the column this week.

Dear Dr

Concerning significant discomfort – lasting up to an hour – right after emptying the bladder.

I reduce out Polo sweets, Tea and all variety of cereal (they all have sugar) and my pain almost gone.

SA

Dear SA,

Thanks for that suggestion that I hope to mention in the column next week.

Dr Le Fanu"s on the internet health clinic, Friday 27th June 2014

Atkins Ciwem environmental movie of the 12 months 2014: the toxic price of leather - video

On the banks of the Ganges River in northern India lies Kanpur, the largest producer of leather goods in the country. Its good results comes at important environmental and social price, with toxic chemical substances launched into neighborhood waterways poisoning farmland and causing residents an array of well being problems

• Supply: Sean Gallagher


• Length: 9min 05sec


• theguardian.com


• Thursday 26 June 2014

Atkins Ciwem environmental movie of the 12 months 2014: the toxic price of leather - video

Longitude Prize 2014: Saving antibiotics for humanity"s future

• Individuals not finishing the complete course of antibiotics.

• Use in food manufacturing – growth promotion in animals

Incorrect use in these ways means that bacteria and are in a position to produce resistance.

AMR is a worldwide dilemma. Infectious agents recognise no boundaries and borders. In Europe alone 25,000 individuals a 12 months currently die from infections which are resistant to our medicines of final resort. We have reached a vital level and need to act now on a international scale to slow down AMR.

International momentum is creating – last month the Globe Health Organisation released a report on antimicrobial resistance, confirming that WHO now regards AMR as a major threat to public wellness. I was delighted to see that WHO is taking methods to lead a international, coordinated hard work to tackle this dilemma.

It is time to build on this impetus to build a check that can establish the first, and critical, place – if the patient wants an antibiotic at all. If AMR wins the Longitude Prize, some of our brightest minds will concentrate on the growth of a diagnostic device that can confirm a bacterial infection. This is the first phase in conserving antibiotics by guaranteeing that antibiotics are only prescribed for bacterial infections, that means that we can slow the development of resistance.

We truly require one thing that could be utilized across the world – this is the minute to harness the clarion get in touch with to action that has been issued. I urge the public to engage with this wonderful initiative and vote for AMR to win this year’s Longitude Prize.

LONGITUDE PRIZE 2014

The Longitude Prize provides a £10 million prize fund for an innovation that will fix one particular of the major problems of our time. And we can all help to decide which of 6 themes the prize must focus on. The six issues are:

• To assist men and women with dementia live independently for longer

• To assist avoid the rise of resistance to antibiotics

• To support us to be ready to fly without having damaging the setting

• To aid guarantee everybody has nutritious, sustainable meals

• To help restore motion to those with paralysis

• To support ensure absolutely everyone can have entry to protected and clean water

You can vote for the challenge you believe the Longitude Prize need to pursue at bbc.co.united kingdom/horizon. Voting closes at seven.10pm on June 25 2014. The winning challenge will be announced on June 25 and will become the target of the £10 million prize fund. The Longitude Committee will then finalise the criteria for how to win the prize, and from September tips can be submitted. The Longitude Prize will run for up to five many years.

Longitude Prize 2014: Saving antibiotics for humanity"s future

Dr Le Fanu"s on the web wellness clinic, Friday 20th June 2014

Every single Paludrine tablet is made up of Proguanil Hydrochloride 100mg.

I can’t bear in mind which drug I was taking when I realised that they have been effective for prickly heat or which pharmaceutical firm I contacted.

Very best wishes Ros W

Dear Ros W,

Thanks for clarifying that stage I appear forward to mentioning it in the column for the advantage of other individuals.

I have had dual bowel movements for some years. At a fairly current colonoscopy the technician/nurse carrying it out explained, when I gave a bit of a jerk, “which is as far as I can go. You have a right angle bend and I can not get previous it”.

I have assumed ever since that my initial motion consists of matter which has been in a position to negotiate the ‘bend’, and the 2nd motion the remainder which was waiting for the bypass to be cleared!!!!Is this so unlikely?

Christopher D

Dear Christopher D,

Thanks for being in touch and that fascinating suggestion which surely sounds plausible enough.

Dear Medical doctor

I have for more than an yr knowledgeable ‘vibrations’ all around my heart which are more pronounced when I am even now ie at bedtimes. ECG reviews show practically nothing out of the ordinary. Nonetheless to me they feel like a constant ‘electrical energy’ within my nervous technique.

A fortnight in the past I am feeling the sort of vibrations in my scalp which also accompanies a headache.

I suffer from depression for which I consider citalopram.

Can you please make clear what is going on.

Thanks

Dee S

Dear Dee S,

Thanks for your query. I note there are numerous anecdotal accounts on the world wide web of these ‘vibrations around the heart’ – attributed to becoming a side effect of Citalopram. This is most likely to be the explanation in your case.

Anal cancer?

Dear Dr James,

20 years in the past when I was 45 I developed a little lump on the anus. Above the many years this was joined by about 9 a lot more small anal lumps. They are not agonizing &amp really don’t bleed. I haven’t had any other signs and symptoms. I’m as well afraid to go to the GP in situation it’s anal cancer, as I really don’t think I could cope with tests, tubes or operations. Is there something else less severe it could be please?

Thank you extremely significantly.

Very best wishes,

A.

Dear A,

Thanks for your query. The modest lumps you describe are practically certainly anal warts known technically as Condylomata Acuminata. They can be frozen off but in your case most likely ideal eliminated surgically below local or spinal anesthesia.

Dear Dr Le Fanu,

I’ve just lately been provided conflicting data as to the viability of PSA screening for prostate cancer &amp would enjoy your suggestions.

I’m a healthy 67 year previous, 6ft 3ins tall, weighing 12st 8lbs. I workout day-to-day with a 3-4 mile brisk stroll &amp will not smoke. As RAF aircrew I attended an annual health-related examine up, a practice which I continued at my GP practice soon after I left the RAF in 1993. That is until final week when I went to book my annual blood check, followed by a chat with a practice nurse to acquire the final results. I was advised that this is no longer accessible, I suspect due to spending budget cuts. I asked for a cellphone contact with my GP to examine the matter.

Throughout the subsequent conversation he informed me that now that I was in excess of 60 &amp in excellent overall health prostate cancer is no longer a difficulty &amp screening isn’t needed. Getting study quite a lot about the disease I was somewhat shocked to say the least.

The following day, possessing study all of the material on the excellent prostate cancer United kingdom site, I gave them a call. The practice nurse, Lara, gave me a lot of information &amp stressed that there is a definite chance of the cancer establishing in between the ages of 70-74 &amp that yearly PSA screening is strongly advisable, albeit with the caveat that a raised PSA doesn’t always indicate cancer.

As you can picture I am now relatively baffled. I have a great relationship with my GP &amp find it hard to feel that he is wrong. Nevertheless, possibly he is. I would actually enjoy your tips.

Variety regards,

Nick J

Dear Nick J,

Thanks for becoming in touch and like you I am a bit amazed by your loved ones doctor’s feedback. The present consensus is that PSA testing need to not be accomplished right after the age of 75. For individuals like by yourself that are younger than this it may possibly be proper to have a test every three to five many years or a lot more frequently at the patient’s request. Even though the proof of whether it ‘saves lives’ is surprising equivocal. Most would feel a yearly PSA check to be a bit extreme no doubt that the aggressive probably unsafe prostate cancers can arise rapidly and therefore may presently be advanced if testing is limited to a 3 or five yr cycle.

ALAMY

HIP Substitute DEATHS everyday telegraph 17-6-14

Dear Dr Le Fanu

Re the article described over:-

I had a complete hip joint substitute in Jan 2013 – is there any probability I could be impacted or is it just partial hip replacements – I am 67 yrs old

Very best Wishes – Ken G

Dear Ken G,

Thanks for your query. I note the evidence for this scary headline is disputed and would be reassured by the letter from the foremost orthopaedic surgeons in the correspondence columns of the 20th June.

Dear Dr. Le Fanu

I was really interested to read your correspondent’s letter concerning his dual bowel movements. I am 72 and have been afflicted with this syndrome above the past couple of months, at random intervals, and it was a relief to find I’m not alone! Nevertheless, reading by way of the different responses, I have a variant form from individuals who endure in the mornings. I am a ‘morning person’ by nature, and this seems unaffected. It strikes me about two hours (approximately) right after eating my major, evening meal. I have a definite get in touch with to go to the lavatory, with normal consequence. Then, right after about 10-15 minutes, my abdomen ‘boils up’ (like it does with a tummy bug) and then it is a definite rush to get there. The result is, as described by other folks, like diarrhoea. This is typically the finish of what I have come to get in touch with ‘my spectaculars’ !! I would just mention that I have comparatively just lately been individually diagnosed, right after ultrasound, with a massive oval gallstone – but that have to have been about for longer than my current symptoms I envision. (My GP recommended elimination of the gallbladder, but I am reluctant to do so unless of course it gets a nuisance).

Kind regards

Mrs. DF

Dear Mrs DF,

Thanks for your more account of a variation on the dual motion conundrum. As per the gallstones I would concur that there is no hurry to have them eliminated.

Dear Dr, I hope that you can support me with this issue, occasionally I perspire all over my body and occasionally I come to feel really cold even in the course of this scorching spell. The problem started in march 2014. I have to adjust bedding and day outfits numerous instances . My hair never looks to dry. Your tips sought.

Dear Anon,

Thanks for your query. I presume you need to have observed your loved ones medical doctor about this distressing symptom and that he will have done all the required tests to exclude some potentially critical underlying trigger – this kind of as the menopause or hidden infection. If so the most very likely probability is that it is due to the disturbance of the temperature handle technique in the physique for which regrettably there is no distinct therapy. The intensity of the sweating even so can sometimes be reduced by taking a tiny dose of a drug such as Amitriptyline.

ALAMY

I wonder if you or your readers could support with recurring signs for which my GP/Hospital have been unable to locate a purpose? I’m a 66 year old Chartered Surveyor who’s been a regular health club attendee for 18 years.I have for the past ten months, off and on, been going through intervals of considerable fatigue, lacking power, light-headedness, occasional nausea, headaches and normally just not feeling nicely. These signs and symptoms come on quickly and I have at times observed a pattern of them commencing right after eating or consuming tea/coffee, but as it lasts for about 2 days it doesn’t make significantly sense.

My GP took it significantly adequate for me to have substantial checks around the possibility of heart problems such as blood exams, BP, scans and a pressure echo check all of which has pointed to me getting extremely healthier in that respect. What appears to make me feel a lot greater is a number of days of Iron/Vitamin C (14mg/60mg) and the occasional Vitamin B-complicated tablets. However, within a additional week of stopping the Iron tablets the above signs and symptoms come back and re-taking the tablets does not instantly decrease the signs and symptoms.

This helps make me wonder if they are curing the signs and symptoms or whether or not it is a coincidence and something else is taking area. We eat a great balanced diet which includes fresh veggies.

I’m creating this on a Monday afternoon soon after a couple of great weeks broken on Saturday evening right after a Lasagne/Salad/fresh fruit (no alcohol) dinner. The symptoms got progressively worse into Sunday.

This morning I woke up feeling the very best I have felt for months – total of energy and feeling actually good. It lasted 2hrs right up until right after breakfast of Shredded Wheat/Milk and two cups of tea. The signs, which includes a nausea/headache returned to the earlier day’s worst. It’s as if my blood composition levels are being disruptive but all the exams for diabetes, etc present no issues.

My GP has now recommended that this is somehow connected to some type of nervousness or mild depression episodes. When it very first started out I admit I was sleeping poorly but that cured itself about three-four months in the past. As for depression, I suffer the typical irritation with our climate but I’ve been quite happily married for in excess of 40 years, solvent and couldn’t come to feel a lot more relaxed save for these irritating cycles.

Have you any tips, or other avenues to investigate?

Sort regards,

Colin R

Dear Colin R,

Thanks for getting in touch and your in depth account of your signs and symptoms which I note your medical doctor has diligently investigated but regrettably to no definite conclusion. The episodic nature of these attacks and the nausea and headache are suggestive of a variation of migraine – perhaps induced by ‘sensitive’ to caffeine (or other meals). Maybe it would be smart to examine with your medical professional the likelihood of a trial of a preventive remedy (such as a low dose of a beta blocker) or a particular anti migraine drug. I would be interested to hear the final result.

Dear Dr Le Fanu

I am reading through with interest your correspondence re ‘urgent’ calls to the loo. It is some consolation to know this, to me, recent symptom is not unusual. Lately it had a rather serious ‘domino’ result. Early morning, coming downstairs as quick as my arthritic limbs would enable, carrying a half filled commode pot, to my downstairs bathroom, I misplaced my footing virtually at the bottom. I fell heavily landing on my upper back/neck with my head crashed against the bottom of a door frame. The force of the blow triggered a tooth to fly out. I had significant general bruising and extreme inner bruising to my neck/shoulders. I had two extreme cuts on my head. While waiting to be stitched up in A&ampE due to the reduction of the tooth, a fitting on my denture ripped my tongue. I came residence in a pricey taxi wearing borrowed hospital nightwear and my dressing gown and slippers. My severely mentally unwell grownup son who can’t cope with stress, was left to clear up the substantial and embarrassing mess.All this happened 48 hours ahead of I was booked to go on vacation!

My Dr. says it is tough to deal with and talked about ‘firming items up’ He prescribed Loperamide but it is not truly proper as the outcome is not liquid. Any even more tips would be really welcome, are there workout routines? At almost 79 years old I truly feel I could not control the drastic dietary modifications some of your correspondents suggest.I practically feel I must invest the rest of my daily life, certainly in the mornings camped outdoors the loo! Seriously it has been most traumatic, as you can imagine. I nonetheless have to see my dentist and get my relatively squashed glasses sorted.

I really feel I have realized a lot from your column above the many years and appreciate any advice you can give me now

Greatest wishes

Rosemary C B

Dear Rosemary C B,

Thanks for getting in touch and my sincerest sympathies for this recent distressing incident you describe. Regrettably I do not know of any exercise routines that may possibly be of aid but it may possibly be really worth pursuing the Loperamide choice as advised by your medical professional – perhaps taking 1 at breakfast time to see whether or not this minimizes the frequency of people bowel movements.

In 2010 aged 83 I had an Angioplasty which was unsuccessful due to the density of the the blockage in my femoral arteries. The surgeon said that it would be unwise to carry out further surgical procedure as at my age a standard anaesthetic could nicely result in a heart attack or a stroke. I went property and place up with leg pains and problems in walking, but as time passed issues got worse and worse. I saw my GP not too long ago and asked if anything at all could be done. He thought it really doubtful , but prescribed Naftidrofuryl a hundred mg capsules, one 3 occasions a day. After 3 days I was entirely cured- no discomfort and strolling with out a stick. I can not inform you how wonderful this was – my existence was fully transformed. 7 days later I abruptly went back to square one, in spite of doubling the dose on instruction. I was unable to get any a lot more tablets as the neighborhood pharmacies could not get supplies, and they had been not working anyway. I now have fantastic problems strolling more than 25 yards (with a stick) and suffer a lot more or significantly less continual discomfort. Any suggestions tremendously appreciated – I am only 87 and have a great deal of function to do

Dear Anon,

Thanks for your query and I am sorry to hear that the angioplasty was not productive and Naftidrofuryl was of only short-term advantage. The further possibility may possibly be an operation recognized as a Chemical Sympathectomy that interferes with the nerves to the blood vessels creating them to dilate and therefore theoretically improve the blood movement to the legs. This kind of treatment has fallen out of favour in current years but nevertheless has its advocates. You may discuss with your household medical professional no matter whether it is carried out by a surgeon in your hospital in your region.

Dear Dr Le Fanu

Reading your column nowadays I see you mention cholestyramine as getting of possible advantage to individuals who have had their gallbladder removed. My wife has Crohn’s Disease and had part of her massive bowel removed, like her ileum. The resultant diarrhoea from failure to re soak up bile salts has been efficiently controlled with cholestyramine. Nonetheless, for some months now she has been unable to get cholestyramine, both as Questran or as one particular of the generic forms. A manufacturing dilemma has been cited as the trigger of its non-availability. Her gastroenterologist has recommended colestipol (Colestid) as the only substitute and she has been taking this with variable final results for some time. She finds it less palatable than cholestyramine and much less effective. Have you witnessed the exact same difficulty with the provide of cholestyramine? I have been unable to locate any data as to if or when it may possibly once again turn into obtainable.

Variety regards

Robert F

Dear Robert F,

Thanks for getting in touch . This non availability of Cholestyramine is all extremely puzzling as it is relatively inexpensive and easy to create. It may possibly of program be relevant to industrial concerns – an attempt by the manufacturers to shift prescribing in direction of the more expensive (and seemingly much less successful) options this kind of as Colestid. I note it can nonetheless be bought on the net – Canada Medication currently being a reputable supplier.

Dear Dr Le Fanu. Here is my experience of statins. As a teenager I contracted rheumatic fever which left me with two mildly broken heart valves and a resolve to safeguard my health for the rest of my daily life as best as I could.At 65 my cholesterol degree was more than twelve so my GP place me on 20mgs of Atorvastatin which was elevated to forty mgs and then 80mgs .On querying why there had to be this kind of a jump in medication,I was told “you are not the only 1″.this was 13 many years ago when there was the initial big push to prescribe statins.I am 5ft 3ins and weigh 50 kilos so now realise this was excessive for my entire body mass.I took Atorvastatin for four years in the course of which I did have some days of nausea.I did have ligament ache in numerous places,not the normal muscle ache so ignored it.?my age ?arthritis.Later I had days when I was breathless,again ignored it ?slight asthma soon after all the statin was supposed to be undertaking me good.Then soon after 4 many years I started to get soreness in my spine and ribs and when walking observed I couldn’t be confident in which the pavement was and where to place my feet.So I went back.to my GP had a blood check and was told I had Aplastic Anaemia.this reverted to normal very swiftly but then I had many years of lots of small infections,tooth abscess,eye infections,cystitis and sinus infection and generally feeling unwell.I had a sinus washout soon after having had a chest infection.At one particular stage I had a coronary angiogram which showed I had pristine arteries,so maybe I did not need statins after all.I am now 78 many years previous my wellness is on an even keel,but I have to be extremely careful not to get cystitis and my sinuses are nonetheless a problem.I wonder if my immune technique has been permanently broken.

Anne B

Dear Anne B,

Thanks for currently being in touch. It is certainly possible the Atorvastatin may possibly have been implicated in these muscular aches and pains. I note the Aplastic Anaemia that has gratifyingly recovered, but the persistent infections you describe would propose an ongoing defect in the immune method. The great news would be that at 78 you have pristine coronary arteries and your overall health usually to be on’ an even keel.’

ALAMY

Hello

Thanks for the Telegraph column.

An eminent heart surgeon, lately wrote of how he came down on the side of prescribing statins to all older individuals.

I am older.

I was advisable to start off statins numerous many years ago due to obtaining a six.5?? cholesterol degree + my dad and mom the two died of strokes at 63 &amp 72 many years.

I have superb blood pressure so think I am okay not taking statins.

The eminent heart surgeon (are not able to remember his name) has created me rethink my mindset to statins.

Do you think a GP can advise me of the danger variables I face?

Or is it pot luck whether or not or not statins are successful?

Thanks

Alex D

Dear Alex D,

Thanks for being in touch. I collect you do not have a historical past of heart problems your self in which case the advantages of taking statins would be miniscule – undoubtedly for a marginally raised cholesterol of 6.five. My common impression is that heart surgeons have a tendency to be rather over enthusiastic in their prescribing routines.

Dr Le Fanu"s on the web wellness clinic, Friday 20th June 2014

Longitude Prize 2014: We need to reject the apocalyptic, nihilistic narrative around dementia

The narrative here is largely apocalyptic. There is no effective treatment, let alone the hope of a remedy or a programme of prevention. Dementia lurks apparently in wait for all in better age unopposed. The finish phases of dementia are a genuine horror, as are the late phases of all terminal illnesses.

The hope we ought to have for dementia, however, is the hope we have always had in the encounter of daily life threatening and incurable illness: that we may well live, and reside nicely, for as lengthy as achievable. In that vein, including dementia and the search for assistive and supportive digital technologies in the Longitude Prize is to be welcomed.

It is not a search for a remedy or even an successful treatment method. It does not address the problem of persistent under-funding in the area of dementia analysis – only an eigth the assets are invested annually by Government in dementia research in contrast with the funding accessible for cancer. To me this £10 million fund, should it be won, would be an act of defiance, a statement that we choose to reject the nihilism that goes with the accepted narrative of dementia.

LONGITUDE PRIZE 2014

The Longitude Prize gives a £10 million prize fund for an innovation that will fix one particular of the key difficulties of our time. And we can all support to decide which of six themes the prize should emphasis on. The six issues are:

• To assist men and women with dementia reside independently for longer

• To aid prevent the rise of resistance to antibiotics

• To help us to be capable to fly without having damaging the surroundings

• To assist guarantee everybody has nutritious, sustainable meals

• To assist restore movement to these with paralysis

• To aid ensure every person can have access to protected and clean water

You can vote for the challenge you think the Longitude Prize should pursue at bbc.co.uk/horizon. Voting closes at 7.10pm on June 25 2014. The winning challenge will be announced on June 25 and will grow to be the emphasis of the £10 million prize fund. The Longitude Committee will then finalise the criteria for how to win the prize, and from September tips can be submitted. The Longitude Prize will run for up to five years. http://www.longitudeprize.org/

Longitude Prize 2014: We need to reject the apocalyptic, nihilistic narrative around dementia

Longitude Prize 2014: Water, water all over the place?

However, in the West, we frequently take this most treasured of all-natural assets for granted, despite the many campaigns we are exposed to reminding us that a single in ten of the world’s population has no entry to risk-free consuming water. If you don’t have clean water, you can’t grow healthful foods, and you are far more very likely to be sick and unable to perform or go to school, which implies you are much more likely to be trapped in poverty, with all the societal and protection problems that poverty brings. Globally, one in 5 deaths of children beneath 5 is due to dirty water.

I think our aim need to be to explore the improvement of new and emerging reduced-power and renewable power-driven desalination technologies, targeting a reduction in the distinct power consumption of seawater desalination to attain two kWh/m3 in the close to term, and developing a lot more sustainable desalination processes that are much less dependent on conventional vitality sources and that, consequently, are far more environmentally pleasant.

But there are so a lot of other questions we need to locate solutions to. What are the novel technologies for water desalination and reuse that we need to have to develop and exploit? How can we optimise and hybridise desalination and reuse technologies to supply enhanced overall performance?

How do we encourage (and incentivise?) water technologies for sustainable urban, agricultural and industrial applications? What study into urban and all-natural hydrologic techniques is necessary to boost our knowing and management of water sources?

And how do we make sure that the results of this study reach the widest achievable audience so that we can start to handle these problems on a global scale?

If we can answer some of these concerns and find a way to supply clean, safe water to everyone, irrespective of geographic and economic constraints, then we will, with no doubt, increase the wellness, properly-becoming, life possibilities and prosperity of billions of men and women.

Water protection is the most significant challenge we face. The Longitude Prize 2014 can be the catalyst that helps us to do something about it.

LONGITUDE PRIZE 2014

The Longitude Prize offers a £10 million prize fund for an innovation that will remedy one particular of the key problems of our time. And we can all assist to choose which of 6 themes the prize should target on. The 6 problems are:

• To support folks with dementia dwell independently for longer

• To assist prevent the rise of resistance to antibiotics

• To assist us to be capable to fly without having damaging the environment

• To assist make sure everyone has nutritious, sustainable food

• To aid restore motion to those with paralysis

• To support make certain everybody can have access to secure and clean water

You can vote for the challenge you consider the Longitude Prize need to pursue at bbc.co.united kingdom/horizon. Voting closes at seven.10pm on June 25 2014. The winning challenge will be announced on June 25 and will grow to be the target of the £10 million prize fund. The Longitude Committee will then finalise the criteria for how to win the prize, and from September ideas can be submitted. The Longitude Prize will run for up to 5 years.

Longitude Prize 2014: Water, water all over the place?

Longitude Prize 2014: We must reject the apocalyptic, nihilistic narrative around dementia

The narrative right here is largely apocalyptic. There is no efficient therapy, allow alone the hope of a remedy or a programme of prevention. Dementia lurks apparently in wait for all in higher age unopposed. The end phases of dementia are a real horror, as are the late phases of all terminal illnesses.

The hope we need to have for dementia, though, is the hope we’ve constantly had in the encounter of existence threatening and incurable ailment: that we may well dwell, and live nicely, for as long as achievable. In that vein, like dementia and the search for assistive and supportive digital technologies in the Longitude Prize is to be welcomed.

It is not a search for a remedy or even an effective treatment. It does not tackle the difficulty of continual below-funding in the location of dementia analysis – only an eigth the sources are invested yearly by Government in dementia study in contrast with the funding available for cancer. To me this £10 million fund, must it be won, would be an act of defiance, a statement that we choose to reject the nihilism that goes with the accepted narrative of dementia.

LONGITUDE PRIZE 2014

The Longitude Prize provides a £10 million prize fund for an innovation that will fix a single of the main difficulties of our time. And we can all assist to choose which of 6 themes the prize should concentrate on. The 6 problems are:

• To support men and women with dementia live independently for longer

• To aid avoid the rise of resistance to antibiotics

• To help us to be ready to fly without damaging the atmosphere

• To aid make sure everybody has nutritious, sustainable foods

• To support restore movement to people with paralysis

• To assist make certain everybody can have entry to secure and clean water

You can vote for the challenge you believe the Longitude Prize need to pursue at bbc.co.uk/horizon. Voting closes at seven.10pm on June 25 2014. The winning challenge will be announced on June 25 and will turn into the focus of the £10 million prize fund. The Longitude Committee will then finalise the criteria for how to win the prize, and from September tips can be submitted. The Longitude Prize will run for up to 5 years. http://www.longitudeprize.org/

Longitude Prize 2014: We must reject the apocalyptic, nihilistic narrative around dementia

Dr Le Fanu"s on the web well being clinic, Friday 13th June 2014

I am writing to you about the query that Mrs Barbara had about her friend’s daughter who is doing her GCSE.

My 17 year old son suffers from CVS – cyclical vomiting syndrome. I am told its the same thing as Abdominal migraine. He started getting stomach pains when he was about 6 years old. They gradually became worse with bouts of vomiting which we put down to food poisoning. Its only when we noticed a pattern which was cyclical that we started to ask for help. It took us 3 years but we finally got a diagnosis last year just before he took his GCSE.

He used to get his episodes every 6-8 weeks. They would consist of intense stomach pains and vomiting every 15 minutes for about 12-15 hours.The pains would last for 3 days. There was no medicine to help ease the pain or the vomiting. He used to lose 2- 3 kilos every time he had an episode. He had to be hospitalised a few times because of dehydration.

After a lot of research on the net, we contacted CVSA UK organisation who told us about Dr Sonny Chong. Our son is on Periactin and has been episode free for the past year.

I hope this will help the young girl. I am happy to talk to the parents if they wish.

Yours sincerely,

Mrs Bindu K

Dear Mrs Bindu K,

Thanks for being in touch and account of your son’s CVS that sounds in his case to have been particularly severe. The cause as you will know, is obscure and though it certainly shares some features with abdominal migraine it is a different clinical ‘entity’. It is encouraging that he has responded to treatment with Periactin.

Dear Dr Le Fanu

I thought the following would be of interest to lots of your readers who suffer from Restless Legs Syndrome.

Last November, fed up with continual broken nights due to severe restless legs, I decided to go back to my GP. I’d read about and heard from someone at a sleep clinic,that low iron could be a cause. Following blood tests which revealed I did have a low iron count, I have since been taking ferrous sulphate tablets daily. I haven’t had a single broken night since!

Worth a try!

Regards,

Sue T

Dear Sue T,

Thanks for being in touch and the important reminder that iron deficiency (for some mysterious reason) is an eminently treatable cause of RLS.

For the past few months, I have been experiencing considerable pain AFTER emptying my bladder. It can last at least an hour. Passing urine is quite painless.

I have seen a consultant urologist and have had an ultrasound scan, urine tests and a physical examination of the bladder, all of which proved negative. I am just completing a three month course of low-dose antibiotics which have been of no benefit.

I have cut out obvious irritants which means sacrificing a gin and tonic and other aerated drinks.

I have been taking painkillers when the discomfort is very severe.

Have you any experience of this problem? I am 86 years old which may mean the equipment is worn out!

Best regards,

Dear Anon,

Thanks for being in touch and my sympathies for this distressing problem you describe which I have not encountered before.I will mention this in the column in the hope of eliciting some useful suggestions.

I am a 78 year old man, 5ft11ins and 11stone 12lb. I sleep reasonably well, and eat well and regularly. I am fairly active, playing golf and walking.

Regularly around mid morning (but not everyday) I fell shacky, hungry,slightly off balance and my limbs feel like lead. I have been checked for diabetes and found to be clear. My blood pressure is pretty constant circa 140 over 80

Sometime in the past I have had a heart attack, but do not know when, but probably some 20 years ago,when I spent about 45mins in the north sea rescuing a suicide victim when the sea temp was about 5deg C This involved a swim of about 150Yds out and the same back towing the victim.

Regards

Richard B

Dear Richard B,

Thanks for being in touch and your account of these unusual symptoms which certainly sound as if they might be associated with a low blood sugar. Perhaps you could clarify how long these episodes last and what, if anything, relieves them. I could then mention this in the column in anticipation of further enlightenment.

Earlier this year you wrote about prostate operations and the dangers of. I am being pressurised by my consultant to have an operation to relieve pressure on the urethra and improve urine flow. The latter has been a problem for several years causing me to get up several times during the night. I would appreciate your comments on this operation or a copy of your previous article and where I can get hold of it.

Anon

Dear Anon,

Thanks for being in touch This problem you describe is due to overgrowth of the prostate gland pressing on the urethra. The standard operation (known as a TUR) is straightforward, effective and not associated with the complications of the ‘radical ‘ prostatectomy for cancer of the prostate.

ALAMY

Dear Doctor Le Fanu,

I am a 71yr. old male and my Doctor recommended Statins in January this year. I declined at the time and embarked on a strict regime of exercise and change of diet.

My Cholesterol level is now 4.73 (down from 5.73 5 months ago), height 5ft6, weight 9st8 (down from 10st6 5 months ago), a BMI of 21.8 and blood pressure 120/80. I now have a Joint British Societies adjusted Cardiovascular 10yr risk of 22% down from 25%.

My doctor still wants to put me on Statins because of the NICE recommendations. It seems my age and family history are the overwhelming factors in the calculation.

Have I no escape from Statins for the rest of my life and, if not, what is the point of taking care of my Cholesterol level, diet and weight?

David M

Dear David M,

Thanks for being in touch. You are obviously in good shape for your age and as the benefits in your case from taking statins would scarcely be detectable I would have thought it entirely reasonable to say ‘Thanks, but no thanks’.

Broken heart syndrome

I was very interested in your article in yesterday’s telegraph on the above. In February I was rushed into Papworth hospital with a suspected serious heart attack. In theatre the doctors were baffled by my pristine arteries and told me I was a mystery. A day later they could tell me more. The syndrome is called Tako-tsubo cardiomyopathy, after the discovery in Japan. There are, at least, three websites – BHF etc- with useful and encouraging information. It is rarely fatal (!) and will heal itself in time. Medication is needed, aspirin, for life I’m told, statins and blood pressure – Ramipril. I was recently recommended Ubiquinol (COQ10) for the side effects of statins, and my GP agreed. I had a second MRI at Papworth recently and my heart, apparently, is practically back to normal, with normal function,although scarred. I still tire easily and have become paranoic about chest pains! What they can’t tell me is, will it happen again? I write in case of others wondering what happened; my GP told me I was the first in his 30 years in practice, and Papworth itself said they had only 6 that they knew about!! Mrs M B

Dear Mrs M B,

Thanks for being in touch and your account of your experience with Tako-tsubo cardiomyopathy. I would be interested to know whether, in your case, this was prompted by some severe emotional stress. It is encouraging that the recent MRI shows the heart is recovering well. I would not have thought, given those ‘pristine’ arteries you need to be taking statins.

Dear Dr Le Fanu

I am aware that you are, or have been associated with, IBS Network. With this background I have been anticipating an item in your column on the low-fodmap diet. I have suffered pain and bloated abdomen for about 30 years. This came to an end in two stages – removal of a gallstone two years ago which took away the pain and recently Fodmap which has taken away the bloating. I feel that Fodmap would help other sufferers and would be helped by promotion in your column. Can you advise if a website is available that lists manufactured food products that are fodmap compliant – looking at ingredients is all very well but many are so incomprehensible!

Regards

Dr P J G (of science!)

Dear Dr P J G,

Thanks for being in touch. I am delighted to hear that the Low-Fodmap Diet has so relieved your long standing abdominal symptoms. I look forward to mentioning this in the column in the near future for the benefit of others. The Digestive Health Centre at Stanford University has a most informative website.

ALAMY

Dr Le Fanu,

I have read your column and your opinion on statins, but you do make an exception for those who have had a heart attack. My problem is that I had a heart attack over two years ago at the age of 67. I was told I was unlucky as I am a non smoker, have low blood pressure and no family history of heart trouble, I was, however lucky that my attack happened a ten minute ambulance ride from one of the major heart surgery centres in the country. My treatment was exceptional, within an hour I had a stent inserted in the artery that was partially blocked, because it didn’t close completely I was told damage would probably be minimal. My other arteries were all clear with negligible furring. Since then I have had no angina or any other heart problems.

Before my heart attack I did suffer with arthritis in some of my joints but with the help of a few pain killers managed golf, yoga, gardening and lived an active life. After starting to take statins ( 80 mg Atorvastatin) my legs became more and more painful. I had a blood test that my doctor said proved that the statins were not to blame so soldiered on until last month when, at the urging of my husband, I stopped taking them. My arthritis is still painful, I’m waiting for a hip replacement, but I have lost the feeling that someone has a tight grip on all my leg muscles, I had reached the stage of thinking that if this was life, was it worth living. I would like to know what statistical risk I am taking if I go against my doctors advice and discontinue statins completely. I personally feel that the inactivity the pain caused must be just as risky, I feel that I have just sat in a chair for the last six months. What would your advice be.

Dear Anon,

Thanks for being in touch. I am pleased to hear that you have made such a good recovery from your heart attack. As for the statins, the situation in your case is quite straightforward – they are obviously compounding the problems with your arthritis, adversely affecting your quality of life on a major scale. The benefits for women are miniscule hence you should not be taking them.

Dear Dr James Le Fanu

I woke up one morning with a spinning head and dizziness. It was so bad I could not walk anywhere without holding to something. The GP thought it was Vertigo. I have taken PROCHLORPERAZINE for 10 days without any improvement on my balance. GP changed to Beta- histamine which I am still taking 3 times per day for the past two weeks. GP also performed the Epley Manoeuvre but it didn’t make a lot of difference to the problem. Although the spinning has stopped but I still feel dizziness, but not as bad as before. Is there any other test you could recommend to be sure it is Vertigo? I also had been having physiotherapy on my neck as the cervical neck C 6 & 7 are pressing against each other, with some arthritis on the neck. Could this also be the cause for the dizziness and sometimes like a vacuum inside my head? I would appreciate your opinion.

Dear Anon,

Thanks for being in touch. This episode of acute dizziness is strongly suggestive of Vestibular Neuronitis – most commonly caused by a virus. This should with luck resolve of its own accord. It is indeed the case that neck manipulation can cause dizziness (probably due to restriction of blood flow to the brain) but the presentation (coming on during a session) is quite different.

Dear Dr James

I know this is not a nice subject but my husband seems to always be passing wind, that goes on and on and on that it is almost ridiculous the sound it makes. He doesn’t eat a lot of fibre, he has already taken a dose of charcoal tablets but it didn’t work. What could it be the cause and what he can do to stop farting so much, although I am glad to say it does not smell. Your opinion will be much appreciated.

Dear Anon,

Thanks for being in touch about your husband’s, not unusual, symptoms. He could consider trying the Low-Fodmap Diet (see above) that reduces the amount of fermentable sugars in the colon. I would be interested to learn whether this is of help.

Dear Dr. James.

I am writing to you in the hope that you will be able to help me.

I have been suffering with very debilitating pain in my lower left abdomen for about fourteen months. The pain has worsened in the last month or so and I have it constantly although there have been a couple of occasions where it has completely gone, only for it to return again. The relief was only for a couple of weeks on both occasions.

I have seen various consultants at East Surrey and Guildford hospital but none of them have come up with a diagnosis.

The procedures I have had so far, in approximate order are:

Ultra Sound Scan

Cystoscopy

Colonoscopy

Endoscopy

CT Scan

Endoscopic Ultra Sound

Ultra Sound Scan

Second Endoscopic Ultra Sound

Capsule Endoscopy

Also had urine, stool and blood tests. The first endoscopy showed helicobacter which was treated and cleared up. The Endoscopy Ultra Sounds showed some inflammation of the small bowel but not enough to cause this pain. I also get some bouts of vomiting but only bringing up clear fluid even when shortly after eating.

The pain is aggravated by any exertion no matter how minimal. I was taking Ibuprofen for a while and also Omeprazole to help with the inflammation. I now take just co-codamol when the pain is extreme but this does not work for long.

My consultant at East Surrey is unable to diagnose the problem and has requested CT Angiogram and has referred me to a Vascular Surgeon and also to St. Marks Hospital in Harrow although I have no appointments yet.

I would also mention that I was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes about eighteen months ago but am not taking any medication for this.

I am really struggling to cope with all this and would welcome your views/advice. I will be 70 in July and before this started I was in very good health and had not been to the GP for some years., apart from the diabetes visit.

Many thanks.

Dear Anon,

Thanks for being in touch and my sympathies for this intermittent abdominal pain that has defied the most thorough of investigations. It is perhaps significant that you also had these episodes of ‘bringing up clear fluid’ this is suggestive of a condition known as Water Brash and is associated with spasm of the muscles in the lower oesophagus. This might suggest the pain in the lower abdomen has a similar cause and I would be interested to know whether drinking alcohol (which relaxes the muscles) brings some relief. If so you might discuss with your specialist a trial of muscle relaxant drug such as Nifedipine.

Dear Dr Le Fanu,

I have read your column in the Telegraph for several years and always found it most interesting.

We have a daughter, Melissa, the brightest and bravest girl who could be relied upon to run the fastest, climb the most dangerous trees, ride the wildest horses and ski down the blackest slopes. She has however had in the background an awareness of Ehlers Danloss which is gradually increasing in severity. Her philosophy is that life is for living whilst she can, and that fitness may help to compensate the effects of her condition.

She is now taking very strong medications to combat her underlying back & joint pains but has recently experienced numbness / pins and needles which she had hoped were caused by a separate and treatable thyroid condition. The results of her blood test received today however show no abnormality so we are all disappointed to now believe that all of her problems relate to E D.

Dr Michael Shipley whose report I attached is a leading expert in this field, however I always believe that a 2nd opinion may be of value. In this connection I recall reading a “guest doctor” (of whom I think you did not entirely approve!), mentioning the value of genetic testing. I do hate to trouble you, but am wondering if you think that this could be appropriate for Melissa and if you might have any other thoughts.

Kind regards

CW

Dear CW,

Thanks for being in touch and my greatest sympathy for your daughter and these distressing symptoms you describe. Dr Michael Shipley (and Professor Rodney Grahame) are, as you will know, the ‘top’ experts in hypermobility syndrome and I would not have thought, with regrets, that there is anything to be gained from seeking a second opinion.

Dear Dr Le Fanu,

We hear so much about dieting, but how can one put on weight without risking Type II diabetes (lots of sugar) or clogged arteries (lots of saturated fat)?

I am 72, 56 Kg (8st 11lbs) and 1.68m (5′ 6”) in height. So my BMI is 19.

As far as I know, I am in good health, but my weight has slowly but steadily declined over the last 10 years and I don’t want it to fall much further.

I am quite fit (cycling) and watch what I eat.

Your advice would be welcome,

Morley H

Dear Morley H,

Thanks for being in touch. You will be pleased to hear that sugar does not cause diabetes, nor high fat meat and dairy goods clog up the arteries. I would commend a regime of steak and chips, chocolate pudding and a couple of glasses of wine – or whatever other foods you enjoy.

ALAMY

Abdominal pain in 12 year old boy. Interested in the the report on 6th June suggesting abdominal migraine in the above.

I occasionally suffer from migraine (I am 64 years old). Although the headache is hardly noticeable the stomach upset and nausea requires medication (I use paramol which my doctor agrees is suitable).

Despite many searches on the internet I have failed to find any mention of adult abdominal migraine. You receive much correspondence and I wonder if you have received any other notification of this condition from adults?

Best regards

Dear Anon,

Thanks for being in touch. This is an interesting question. My impression is that abdominal migraine in children tends to evolve into classical migraine in adulthood – which would account for its rarity in those over 20 (though it may of course occur).

Mr NA

Many thanks to all those who have contributed to clarifying the cause of Mr NA’s unusual bowel symptoms.

After trips to doctors, hospitals and A and E department, my 13 yr grandson, now 15, with identical problems to the 12yr old was taken to a physiotherapist as suggested by his 17yr brother who spotted the problem instantly. “He is growing and there is pressure on his internal organs and will certainly get severe pain – I can sort it out”. Two wonderful sessions later and my grandson was fine with no more pain. The NHS suggested it was psychological and that something was wrong at school or at home which was very upsetting and untrue. They do need to get their act together in some areas. Good luck to the lad. We hope to hear that all is well.

NR

Dear Dr. LeFanu,

I read your articles with great interest, thank you.

On June 3rd. the conundrum concerned a Mr. N. A. from Leeds. I have a similar symptoms and it is a very tricky problem to manage.

I had a year of expensive investigations which produced very little in the way of helpful results. I finally had proctogram. Although this was a somewhat undignified examination, it produced an immediate and helpful result showing that I had a full width rectal prolapse. Again, not great but somehow symptoms are easier to manage when the cause is known.

I was then referred to a consultant at Northwick Park Hospital (North London) to discuss having a ventral rectoplexy. I haven’t decided to go ahead with this yet but have certainly not ruled it out. I can provide further details.

If Mr. NA has not had a protogram done, I would advise that it was the most useful of all the investigations and I would have saved time and money if it had been the test of choice in the first instance.

Kind regards,

Elizabeth T

Dear Sir,

My problem started mid-January, 2014 and before the diabetic consultant decided to up my Metformin dose from 1000 mg per day to 2000 mg per day (1000mg with breakfast: 1000mg with the evening meal) so that she could “get you off that novo mix insulin” ). I was loathe to change the dosage as loose bowels are a noted Metformin side-effect and I was already experiencing difficulties although nowhere near as severe as they have become.

With my doctor’s agreement I yesterday (4 June ) lowered my Metformin dose back to 1000 mg per day.

Yours sincerely,

Keith N

ALAMY

Dear Dr James

Re. abnormal bowel movements, 2nd June 2014

A banana a day at breakfast helps. It makes a difference after a few days

My doctor suggested it, and it works

Dear Dr Le Fanu

I am writing about this week’s conundrum from Mr N A of Leeds. I have exactly the same problem.

I have a normal bowel movement within 15 minutes of finishing breakfast, sometimes immediately I’ve finished eating. I then have another urgent bowel movement about half-an-hour later, but this time it’s like water. I then frequently have to go a third time with ten minutes, again very watery.I then don’t have any more bowel action for the rest of the day.

I have suffered from Irritable Bowel Syndrome most of my adult life (I’m now 67) and assumed this was part of the IBS. I get round the problem, if I have to go out, by making sure I finish breakfast at least an hour before I leave the house. This does mean some very early rising at times! The biggest problem comes if I go on holiday and my eating habits change. I always carry some imodium tablets with me in case I need them.

This doesn’t give Mr N A a solution, but at least he will know he’s not alone.

Yours sincerely

Christine S (Miss)

mr.n.leeds bowel problem mon 2 june telegraph

Dear Dr

Would confirm I suffer from the same problem this has only happened in the last few months but it does not happen every day would welcome a cure !! aged 84

Mr T G B

Dear James,

I had a similar problem many years ago: I used to have a very thick layer of marmalade on my breakfast toast, and in an attempt to cut down on sugar, I bought a jar of diabetic marmalade. Still the greedy thick layer of marmalade, and I had to rush to the loo as soon as I arrived at work. Luckily I connected the change as being timed with the change of marmalade, so hastily gave it up, and returned to normal. What I don’t remember is what the sugar substitute in the diabetic marmalade was called – but it certainly was a laxative in large spoonfuls!

Hope this may help your correspondent.

I enjoy your Monday column, and your disapproval of statins!

Best wishes, Jan P

Re this week’s conundrum, my symptoms exactly. I just put it down to old age, but maybe someone will have an explanation!

I always look forward to your column.

Best wishes,

Chris H

Mr N A Leeds: I had very similar symptoms to Mr NA. I would go to the loo in the morning quite normally and then after around 30 minutes or so would feel the need to go again quite urgently. This second movement would be much looser. I didn’t think much of it but when I reached 60 I was sent a bowel cancer screening kit which I sent off and it was found to be abnormal and a colonoscopy revealed a Dukes C bowel cancer which was partially blocking the bowel.I think that overnight ‘poo’ manages to get past the tumour and firm up so the first visit to the loo is fairly normal, after that waste squeezes past the blockage and the need to go again is felt. I would strongly advise Mr N A to visit his doctor to investigate the possibility of a bowel cancer. I hope this is of benefit. John D

Bowel movement

To cut a l o n g story short, I call the first urgent, “air and bits” upon arising, movement of the day ‘The Unplugging’. Then 2 more urgent needs as per Mr NA from Leeds, mine during the next hour or two before I leave the house. This, tho with different textures 10 years ago, has always been the case.

Originated with IBS, and altho that was controlled by DIY when Dr’s stuff didn’t help 10 years ago, movements became more troublesome last 2-3 years, and now a homeopath is helping stem unwanted ‘tides’ – I’ve been better in last few months than for a l o n g time. It’s WONDERFUL. No more daytime leaks, far less desperate ‘needs’ for the lavatory (as a recent DT ‘classy’ article suggested we say instead of toilet)!

So can’t really help Mr NA except I was intrigued to see someone else with a similar other ‘upon arising’ condition. I hope he manages to sort it out, and it doesn’t take as long as mine did – tho’ it hasn’t stopped completely, it’s improved — and will even more, according to homeopath, tho’ I’m happier anyway where she’s got me so far!

Also forgot to say, YES, a tennis ball placed on floor and rolled on can help many sorts of stiffness, pain – an excellent remedy! (When you can do DIY!)

G G

Dear Dr. Le Fanu,

I spotted you mentioned the remedy I suggested for Mr. A.N. and I hope it will work for him. However, in the last paragraph of my earlier email I did say that I wondered what 21 – or on occasion a few more – Imodium might do to me – without saying PER WEEK! I thought I should put this right.

Your column is just so helpful and varied. I especially loved the tennis ball for the bad back one! Brilliant.

Best regards

Two stools

I did intend to reply to initial query but didn’t get round to it but saw today’s replies and felt I should offer another scenario as my husband had identical symptoms getting worse over a period of time -was referred for sigmoidoscopy and was found to have a large polyp in the upper rectum.Since this was removed no further problems,so perhaps further investigation re symptoms is needed?

Diane T

Dr Le Fanu"s on the web well being clinic, Friday 13th June 2014