PLEVA concern

[abidudes]

I just really want to know if I can go to work abroad even I had this so called PLEVA. I have few but it is still exist. I am so worried if ever my medical exam will fail because of this. Please answer.

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,

Sorry replied to an earlier question first.

PLEVA is a disease of the immune system. It is not contagious and currently there is no cure for the disease, although the lesions can be treated with ultraviolet therapy as well as topical steroids and antibiotics. You should go ahead with the visa formalities after consulting your dermatologist.
It is very difficult to precisely confirm a diagnosis without examination and investigations and the answer is based on the medical information provided. For exact diagnosis, you are requested to consult your doctor. I sincerely hope that helps. Take care and please do keep me posted on how you are doing.

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
Thanks for posting your query.

Lumbar spondylosis usually produces no symptoms. The pain that you are having can be due to slipped disk which is a condition affecting the spine, in which a tear in the outer, fibrous ring of an intervertebral disc allows the soft, central portion to buldge out.

The majority of herniated discs will heal themselves in about six weeks and do not require surgery. Non-surgical methods of treatment are usually attempted first, leaving surgery as a last resort and in this non steroidal drugs, lumbosacral back support and steroid injections are very useful.  
First of all, try conservative methods first like warm compresses and taking anti inflammatory pain killers like Ibuprofen or Diclofenac. Apart from that there are epidural steroid injections, ultrasound therapy used to warm the area, which in turn brings blood flow and healing nutrients to the area or osteopathic manipulation.

But these are all short term treatments and useful in acute pain. Final treatment is by surgical technique. If the above mentioned measures do not seem effective then you should consult a neurosurgeon or orthopedic surgeon and get it evaluated.

Please consult an orthopedic surgeon and discuss these treatment options with him. Till then, do a combination of strengthening, stretching and low-impact aerobic exercise after consulting a physiotherapist and start with the short term treatment options.

Hope this answers your query. If you have additional questions or follow up queries then please do not hesitate in writing to us. I will be happy to answer your queries.

Wishing you good health.