Dear Dr. Gott: I am a 63-year-old female. I have been about 20 pounds overweight for the last 10 years. I had two back surgeries, one at L4 and the other at L5, nearly 30 years ago.

My current problem is inflammation of the bursa sacs in both of my hips. I have seen two physicians, three orthopaedists and a physical therapist. I have had two cortisone shots, three different prescription anti-inflammatories and work out in a heated pool. Nothing seems to be helping.

Ten years ago, I took an office job and sit for eight hours a day. About that same time, I started Lipitor. Two years ago, I stopped for six weeks (with doctor approval), but the hip pain did not go away. My doctors keeps telling me that it is hard to heal this type of problem, but I am tired of hurting. I cannot lie on either side and am unable to walk even a single city block. Please help!

Reply: Bursa is a fluid-filled sac-like cavity that reduces friction between two tissues. There are several bursa within the body, but those most commonly affected by inflammation are those within the joints. The common affliction of "water on the knee" is caused when excess fluid accumulates in the bursa at the knee. This is also common in the elbows and hips.

I am unsure how long you have been dealing with this problem. You repeatedly mention 10 years, so I am assuming this has been going on for quite awhile. If you have had this pain for that long a period, it is now time to explore other options, such as acupressure, acupuncture, different non-narcotic or narcotic prescriptions and others. Have your physicians ruled out excess fluid as a cause? If not, perhaps this is the root of the problem and a simple draining procedure would solve it. As a last resort (which you seem to be nearing), surgical removal of the bursa in your hips is an option.

Speak to your orthopaedist about what the next steps are.

To give you related information, I am sending you a copy of my Health Report "Managing Chronic Pain". Other readers who would like a copy should send a self-addressed, stamped number 10 envelope and $2 to Newsletter, PO Box 167, Wickliffe, Ohio 44092. Be sure to mention the title.

Dear Dr. Gott: I recently read your article about cherries for gout and kidney stones. I am a great lover of cherries and use them myself. I feel I have found the solution to the problem of eating cherries when they are out of season and not available fresh in the stores.

During cherry season, I buy them by the large box. I separate them out into freezer bags and freeze them. I often have 100 pounds or more at a time. Whenever I want to eat some or need to because of my gout, I simply take out a handful, wash them (since I don't before freezing) and pop them in the microwave for 30 to 40 seconds. They taste just like fresh ones.

Reply: This is a novel approach to have "fresh" cherries year-round. Gout appears to respond to nearly any variety of cherry, even dried, canned, maraschino or juice. In my experience, most people like fresh cherries best, so I am passing along your tip. Thanks for sharing.

Dr. Gott is a retired physician and the author of "Dr. Gott's No Flour, No Sugar Diet" and "Dr. Gott's No Flour, No Sugar Cookbook". Contact him c/o United Media, 200 Madison Avenue, fourth floor, New York, New York 10016.