Embarrassing Bodies

This week’s episode starts with a visit to the clinic for former RAF airman Richard, whose case of gynaecomastia has left him with no body confidence and feeling repulsed when he looks in the mirror. After 26 years of suffering, Dr Pixie decided to send Richard for surgery to get rid of them once and for all. Next into the Doctors’ mobile clinic is 16-year-old Wendy, who after recently giving birth has been left with severe stretch marks on her tummy. Vitamin E creams and Bio Oil are recommended by Dr Pixie as a way of reducing the marks that will also fade over time. A case of excessive sweating has left one woman feeling extremely embarrassed, but Dr Christian reassures her that there are multiple treatments available for this common condition. EB Dentist Dr James Russell has a case in his surgery involving bulimia sufferer Harriet. Self-induced vomiting has left her with acid erosion on her teeth, shortening and eating away at the enamel. Porcelain veneers can be used to extend and protect her remaining teeth, but Harriet decided to wait before proceeding with the full treatment. 18-year-old student Clare has come to the clinic with some problem bowels that mean that she can go a week without passing a stool, but this is swiftly followed by excessive diarrhoea and stomach cramps. Dr Pixie excludes the possibility of haemorrhoids, but decides to send a stool sample of to be analysed. Having eliminated all other possibilities, Dr Pixie makes a diagnosis of IBS. Next through the clinic doors is Alan, who has been battling with erectile dysfunction for nearly 10 years. Dr Christian recommends that Alan starts by losing some of his excess weight, before he is sent off to a specialist to check out the problem. The specialist recommends a number of possible non-surgical treatments, including a penis pump. Dr Pixie sees a patient with an enlarged stomach whose GP has already eliminated a number of potential conditions. Despite losing weight Stuart still has a large belly, and so is sent for an ultrasound scan. The results of the scan are inconclusive, suggesting that dietary and lifestyle changes are the best course of action. Dr Priya sees a patient who’s complaining of pain in her vulval area, which appears to be caused by the condition vulvodynia. Over 15% of women suffer from it, but over 50% of these sufferers don’t seek help. Finally through the clinic door is veterinary nurse Terry, who’s suffering from a condition called “Paprika Staining”: on his legs and ankles that leaves him with rust coloured marks. Dr Christian reassures him that there is nothing to be worried about, but there is also unfortunately no cure… Also this week, Christian and Pixie hit the streets of Newcastle to discuss Erectile Dysfunction, whilst Christian puts himself, and his sperm, under the microscope, whilst also investigating the growing problem of fake pharmaceuticals, particularly targeted at ED sufferers. We also have our body check group conducting a thorough examination of their mouths.