What can I do to alleviate a leg cramp while it is happening and what can I do to prevent them? I take potassium supplements when I overexert myself, I drink plenty of water and Gatorade. However, I am still getting severe leg cramps.    Dr. Ganiat's Answer

  I am a 29-year-old female who has an 8 year history of rectal bleeding. It seems to frequently occur 1 week before my period. My stool is loose and the blood is always bright red. I have never engaged in anal sex and have never had hemorrhoids. I had a colonoscopy in 1996 that showed colitis. I recently had another colonoscopy and it was normal. The bleeding has gotten worse and occurs more frequently in the last year. My doctor tells me it is probably just irritable bowel syndrome and there is nothing we can do. I am still concerned and wondering if I should get a second opinion. Is their any other test than colonoscopy for such problems? Also do you have any idea what could be causing this?    Dr. Ganiat's Answer

  I have a friend who is HIV positive, and although I am not very familiar with it all, he was advised by a medical student to get on a growth hormone called Serastem. Will this help? And if so, how can he get it? He can not afford all of his routine doctor's visits because he is a struggling law student and also is concerned about asking his doctor due to ignorance. Is there a less expensive way to get an online prescription?    Dr. Ganiat's Answer

  What would you consider to be the most valuable books for a recent med school graduate? I want to help my intern build his library, and quite frankly, I could use some good information as well!    Dr. Ganiat's Answer