expert type icon EXPERT

Dr. Stella Fitzgibbons, M.D.

Internist

Dr. Stella Fitzgibbons M.D. is a top Internist in Houston, TX. With a passion for the field and an unwavering commitment to their specialty, Dr. Stella Fitzgibbons M.D. is an expert in changing the lives of their patients for the better. Through their designated cause and expertise in the field, Dr. Stella Fitzgibbons M.D. is a prime example of a true leader in healthcare. As a leader and expert in their field, Dr. Stella Fitzgibbons M.D. is passionate about enhancing patient quality of life. They embody the values of communication, safety, and trust when dealing directly with patients. In Houston, TX, Dr. Stella Fitzgibbons M.D. is a true asset to their field and dedicated to the profession of medicine.
Dr. Stella Fitzgibbons, M.D.
Specializes in:
  • Internal Medicine
  • Houston, TX
  • Accepting new patients

Is Alzheimer's diagnosed with a blood test?

Best bet is to let a neurologist do other tests. Because of your youth, it may be something entirely different.

How is hepatitis B caused?

It’s transmitted by body fluids; saliva is less likely unless you kissed somebody and both of you had sores in your mouth. Also any blood-to-blood contact. Cheer up, though, because READ MORE
It’s transmitted by body fluids; saliva is less likely unless you kissed somebody and both of you had sores in your mouth. Also any blood-to-blood contact. Cheer up, though, because we now have very good treatment. I would recommend a liver specialist even if there is a long wait.

Severe chronic pain. What do I do?

You need a different doctor, preferably close to a medical school with the latest methods available.

Are snoring and sleep apnea the same thing?

No. Sleep apnea is basically not breathing for short periods during sleep. The person gets little rest and usually has a problem with being unable to stay awake during daytime. READ MORE
No. Sleep apnea is basically not breathing for short periods during sleep. The person gets little rest and usually has a problem with being unable to stay awake during daytime.

Is Propidren suitable for me? I'm afraid it'll mess up my other hormones

Never heard of it and neither has my drug reference. Is it FDA approved? If not, maybe you should spend your money on something that works.

Can herpes cause heart disease?

There have been reports of virus articles found in the arterial plaques that can lead to heart problems, but other factors like smoking are much more clearly related to it. If READ MORE
There have been reports of virus articles found in the arterial plaques that can lead to heart problems, but other factors like smoking are much more clearly related to it. If it really worries you, ask your doctor about therapy to suppress herpes attacks.

How would I know if I have hookworm?

If you get diarrhea the doctor can send a stool sample for parasites. Meanwhile, what compelling reason do you have not to wear shoes?

What could it mean to have stabbing pain in the lower left abdomen?

It means that you need a physical exam and maybe some lab tests.

Why does anemia cause fatigue?

Anemia means a shortage of red blood cells. Since these carry oxygen to your tissues, of COURSE you're tired a lot.

Should I be concerned about random attacks of severe pain under ribs?

You should have a doctor EXAMINE you and maybe do some tests.

What medication helps with jock itch?

If nothing in the pharmacy works, you will need to SEE a doctor.

Are gallbladder polyps common?

Gallbladder polyps are fairly common and always benign. Once in a blue moon one will grow big enough to block the opening of the gallbladder and cause problems, but that's the READ MORE
Gallbladder polyps are fairly common and always benign. Once in a blue moon one will grow big enough to block the opening of the gallbladder and cause problems, but that's the worst thing I can think of.

Is there a smaller, better version of the CPAP?

Did the doctor who prescribed it give you a choice between setups? There are lots of different shapes of masks etc., and you should have much more than one choice. A pulmonologist's READ MORE
Did the doctor who prescribed it give you a choice between setups? There are lots of different shapes of masks etc., and you should have much more than one choice. A pulmonologist's office should be able to tell you where to go to look at the various choices, and you shouldn't even need a referral to get their list.

Which is better for Costochondritis, massage or dry needling?

Neither has ANY proven benefit; dry needling is harmless as long as it doesn't break the skin.

How do I get medical CBD/THC?

You don't say what else you have tried for anxiety and insomnia. Please be aware that CBD/THC has side effects just like any other drug. If you refuse to take regular meds like READ MORE
You don't say what else you have tried for anxiety and insomnia. Please be aware that CBD/THC has side effects just like any other drug. If you refuse to take regular meds like buspirone (nonaddicting, very little sleepiness), this is a list of non-pharmacological approaches to insomnia: https://www.cdc.gov/sleep/about_sleep/sleep_hygiene.html
There has to have been a doctor involved in diagnosing the celiac disease. Ask that doctor to pick a really good GP.

Bactrim uses?

It's unlikely to help unless there's definite evidence of infection.

How urgent is this?

(1) My background is in internal medicine--graduated from Baylor College of Medicine in 1980, board certified in IM since 1984, and my practice has involved both office and hospital READ MORE
(1) My background is in internal medicine--graduated from Baylor College of Medicine in 1980, board certified in IM since 1984, and my practice has involved both office and hospital patients.
(2) Low iron stores mean that you're either losing it somewhere or you are not absorbing it or both. If you still have periods and they are heavy, see your gynecologist. For gastrointestinal losses there's a cheap test--stool samples for blood--and it can be can be done this week. You mark the little cards, and your doctor should be able to test them right there in the office.
(3) Unless your periods are very very heavy, ask the GP to refer you to a gastroenterologist, who should be available sooner than the hematologist. He (female ones are pretty rare) will probably want to scope your esophagus, stomach and small bowel to look for ulcers and also for atrophic gastritis which interferes with iron & vitamin B12 absorption. Since you are 50 he will probably do a colonoscopy at the same time (Hint: some of the prep solutions you drink for that are very expensive, so complain if he uses one of them).
(4) If the GI doctor turns up nothing, then the hematologist can wait UNLESS your hemoglobin is less that 8 or hematocrit less than 24.
(5) The 10-year history of diverse problems--me, I would go to the smartest rheumatologist you can find. That may require a trip back to Mayo.

Can sleep problems be corrected through therapy?

https://www.cdc.gov/sleep/about_sleep/sleep_hygiene.html This is the official list of things to try. Counseling about any problems that keep you from sleeping (misbehaving READ MORE
https://www.cdc.gov/sleep/about_sleep/sleep_hygiene.html

This is the official list of things to try. Counseling about any problems that keep you from sleeping (misbehaving spouse or kids, mother's illness, etc.) might help some. (Me, I study Italian or do puzzles when I can't sleep.)

Do migraines only cause pain in the head?

Maybe. Write down all your symptoms in the order they developed and show the list to the doctor who examines you.