Hello, dear readers! Welcome to the monthly letters column. We have some interesting topics to cover, so we'll dive right in.
A recent column looked at how antibiotics can adversely affect the composition of the gut microbiome. We heard from a reader who underwent a fecal microbiota transplant and now faces a setback. "The fecal microbiota transplant I had three years ago saved my life," he wrote. "Three and a half months ago, I took antibiotics prescribed by urgent care and haven't felt well since. Why would my gut health be thrown off even after an FMT?"
Although an FMT can restore gut health, it does not offer a protective effect against antibiotics. That said, since you continue to feel unwell more than three months later, it is important not to assume that changes to your gut microbiome are the cause. We recommend you discuss your ongoing symptoms with your doctor. They can evaluate you for other possible causes.
A column about a reader who is unhappy that her healthcare system has made it more difficult to see her doctor has resonated with many of you. Her frontline care is now frequently provided by nurse practitioners and physician assistants. We are hearing from more readers who share her unease.
One reader shared the steps she took to get the care she felt comfortable with. "While I understand the concept of using nurse practitioners and physician assistants, the practice brings with it more chances of a misdiagnosis, which I personally found to be true," she wrote. "A physician assistant had recommended that I start taking a blood pressure medication. I declined and changed practices. The cardiologist I now see agreed that, due to a congenital heart valve defect, the medication is not appropriate for me."
As doctors, we believe patients are important partners in their own healthcare. You know your own body. If you have questions or doubts about a diagnosis or treatment plan, speak up and ask to see your physician.
We heard from a reader hoping that the medical supplies left behind after a recent death in the family can find a new use. "Is it possible to donate any of the supplies we used for my wife, who had Parkinson's disease?" he wrote. "She passed away last month and we are left with a lot of useful items."
Nonprescription medical supplies that are factory-sealed are often accepted for donation. This includes items such as individually packaged alcohol wipes, sterile bandages or gauze, disposable gloves, incontinence pads and adult diapers. Check with homeless outreach organizations, hospice organizations and senior service groups in your area.
Thank you, as always, for taking the time to write. We love hearing from you. We read all your letters and respond to as many as possible. Please remember that we cannot look at medical records, scans or other personal data. We also cannot comment on specific medications or treatment plans or offer a second opinion.
(Send your questions to [email protected], or write: Ask the Doctors, c/o UCLA Health Sciences Media Relations, 10960 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 1955, Los Angeles, CA, 90024. Owing to the volume of mail, personal replies cannot be provided.)
