I’VE just given birth to my first child and I am thinking about having a contraceptive implant fitted. Is it safe to do so having recently given birth?

A contraceptive implant is safe to be fitted after giving birth, usually after three weeks. If it is fitted on or before day 21 after the birth, you will be immediately protected against pregnancy. If it is fitted later than day 21, you will need to use extra contraception for the following seven days. It is also safe to breastfeed if you have an implant fitted.

For more information on the advantages and disadvantages of the contraceptive implant, visit www.nhsinform.co.uk

I RECENTLY suffered a heart attack and was wondering when I can go back to work.

It’s really best to get your GP’s advice, because it depends on what sort of job you have, how severe your heart attack was and whether you are still having symptoms.

After a heart attack, most people can return to their usual job, and go back within 2-3 months. However, if your job involves light duties and you’re recovering well, you may be able to go back to work within six weeks of your heart attack.

If your job involves more physical duties, such as heavy lifting or using heavy equipment, it may be a few months before you can return.

Lots of people feel stressed, anxious or a bit down after a heart attack so talk to your GP about it. They can offer you a range of options to help with this including counselling, self-help advice or if appropriate medicine.

Before you go back, it’s worth contacting your employer to discuss what will happen when you return. For example, your employer may allow you to return gradually, maybe by starting part-time, or do less strenuous duties for a while.

It's also important to let your employer know that you may need to rest if you get tired during the day. If your employer has an occupational health department, they will be able to give you help and advice about returning to work.Speak to your doctor about informing the DVLA because the impact of a heart attack on driving varies between occupations

WHAT is Ménière’s disease?

Named after the French physician, Prosper Ménière, Ménière’s disease is a rare disorder that affects the inner ear.

Symptoms of Ménière’s disease can vary from person to person, and they can occur without warning at any time. The most common symptoms of the condition are vertigo, tinnitus, hearing loss and aural fullness, which is the feeling of pressure or 'fullness' in the affected ear.

Due to the commonality of the symptoms associated with Ménière’s disease, it can be difficult to distinguish it from other diseases. For the condition to be diagnosed, you will have to experience all of the primary symptoms. Your GP will carry out a physical examination to rule out other causes of your symptoms, this may include listening to your heartbeat, checking your blood pressure and examining your ears.

Although there is no cure for Ménière’s disease, your GP along with a nose and ear specialist will be able to help you manage your symptoms with a variety of treatments. For example, if you experience vertigo, nausea and vomiting, you may be prescribed medication such as an antihistamine for 7-14 days to help ease the symptoms. The tinnitus side effect of Ménière’s disease can be treated via sound therapy, relaxation techniques and cognitive behavioural therapy. In severe cases of Ménière’s disease surgery can be performed to control attacks of vertigo, and counselling and psychotherapy can be offered to help you deal with the difficult and unpredictable nature of the condition.