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Fosamax for osteoporosis, not high cholesterol

January 31, 2008 By

DEAR DR. GOTT: I am 80 years old and take only one prescription, Fosamax for high cholesterol. A year ago my triglycerides were very high despite taking Fosamax for several months. A nurse told me to avoid white potatoes, white rice and white flour. I had been eating my fair share of white potatoes despite the fact they seem to cause some throat tightness. I prefer wheat bread and brown rice and had not had the white version in quite some time. I did however eat cookies made with white flour.

DEAR READER: There are several issues here.
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Lithotripsy may help prevent kidney-stone agony

January 31, 2008 By

DEAR DR. GOTT: I was recently diagnosed with kidney stones. The pain was one of the worst I have ever experienced. I was treated with pain medication, hydrated with a saline solution and given a CT scan. One of the stones passed that morning and I was sent home. The follow up doctor visit revealed that I have three more stones in my kidney that I was told would eventually make their way down my urinary tract which will also be painful. I am now somewhat paranoid waiting for the new pain that will come at anytime. I have a visit scheduled in 6 weeks but in the meantime I was told to drink eight to 10 glasses of water to keep the acid content in my kidneys diluted and basically just wait. I do some traveling and the thought of this pain hitting me again while flying or in another state is agonizing.
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UTI causes foot, ankle swelling

January 30, 2008 By

DEAR DR. GOTT: I am a T10 (mid-back) paraplegic in good health. About once a year I get an attack of chills, shakes, fever, etc., that are usually caused by a urinary tract infection. In every instance, my left foot and ankle swell, turn red, and stay hot well after my temperature has returned to normal. The redness and swelling go away after about a week and then the foot begins to peel just like it’s been badly sunburned. I have no light-touch sensation in the foot (or below the point of injury) but I know it “hurts” because it is very spastic until it returns to normal. I have asked various doctors about this but have not received an explanation. One doctor said the infection originates in the foot. Does that seem reasonable to you?

DEAR READER: Yes. But I am also concerned about the possibility of a recurring infection the source of which is still unknown.
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Pain persists after gallbladder removal

January 30, 2008 By

DEAR DR. GOTT: Since I had my non-functioning gallbladder removed six months ago, I continue to have occasional discomfort where it used to be. It can be random sharp pains to a dull ache and does not seem to be affected by food. It is always in the same spot (right upper quadrant, beneath the rib cage) and sometimes the pain will radiate to my back. Some of my co-workers also have similar symptoms that have continued since their gallbladder removals. I am a nurse and we often talk about our various symptoms.

Can you give me any insight into this phenomenon?

DEAR READER: Your experience appears to be common among individuals who have had gallbladder removal surgery. In fact is it so common it has been titled postcholecystectomy syndrome. It occurs in 5-40% of all patients following gallbladder removal.

Symptoms may include persistent upper right abdomen pain, gas, bloating, nausea, upset stomach, vomiting and diarrhea. Diarrhea from this disorder can be eased by taking the medication cholestyramine.

Pain that persists should be followed up with your gastroenterologist to ensure that another condition, such as Irritable Bowel Syndrome, pancreatitis, peptic ulcers, or sludge in the bile duct are not to blame.

To give you related information, I am sending you a copy of my Health Report “Gallbladder Disease”. Other readers who would like a copy should send a self-addressed 4 ¼” X 9 ½” letter-sized stamped envelope and $2 to Newsletter, PO Box 167, Wickliffe, OH 44092. Be sure to mention the title.

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Not a bright morning when you’re still tired

January 29, 2008 By

DEAR DR. GOTT: In recent years I have been experiencing quite severe fatigue in the morning. It happens almost every day shortly after showering. I have occasionally thought it may be the shower water is too warm, but I don’t take hot showers. During the warmer months I take lukewarm to cool showers. Still, shortly afterwards, I am overcome with the same almost overwhelming fatigue, to the degree that I feel I could lie down and sleep several hours.

I’m 61 years old, retired six years and in fairly good health. My blood pressure is very good, usually in the 120-135 over 70-80 range. I have no heart problems whatsoever. I’ve never had any problems with my internal organs, no cancers and no allergies (except to horse dander, so we don’t have one). I have a mild hiatal hernia and take medication for it. I have prostatitis that comes and goes. I take Ditropan when it acts up. I seem to be immune to colds and the flu. It has been about 5 years since my last cold. I am a light smoker. It makes me slightly drowsy so I only smoke when I want to nap and before bedtime. I drink two glasses of wine a day. I am 5 feet 9 inches tall and weigh 160 pounds. I am not a diabetic. I am an above knee amputee.

My cholesterol is normal. My wife and I eat a healthful diet of lean meats and lots of vegetables. We have fish 2-3 times per week on average, year round. Being Atlantic Canadians, we love fish. We don’t go to fast food places and don’t eat or keep junk food in our house.

As for symptoms of my fatigue, I generally get a goodnight’s sleep. At times I do have a problem falling asleep but not very often.

My family doctor thought my fatigue could be due to sleep apnea and I wore a monitor for one night. It was negative. Because my general health is probably better than the average senior citizen he sees daily, he didn’t seem too concerned or suggest anything further.

This daily fatigue usually lasts about an hour; however, some days it can last several hours. It doesn’t seem normal to me. I’m becoming more and more concerned that something is amiss. What should I do?

DEAR READER: Periods of unexplained exhaustion can be caused by many disease states, so before advising you regarding invasive studies, I suggest that you have a thorough exam by your doctor, followed by a full panel of blood tests, including a complete blood count, metabolic profile, thyroid study and cardiogram. This is a good first step and sets up a basic start point for future tests.

To give you related information, I am sending you a copy of my Health Report “Sleep/Wake Disorders”. Other readers who would like a copy should send a self-addressed 4 ¼” X 9 ½” letter-sized stamped envelope and $2 to Newsletter, PO Box 167, Wickliffe, OH 44092. Be sure to mention the title.

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Lymph node excision

January 28, 2008 By

DEAR DR. GOTT: Please advise me about having lymph nodes excised.

DEAR READER: My answer depends on the location of the lymph nodes. Those confined to a superficial area can easily be removed. In contrast, deep lymph nodes, such as those in the lungs or abdomen, would require a more invasive technique. Perhaps a needle biopsy would be appropriate because it might save you from undergoing a more complex procedure. Ask your doctor about how best to proceed.

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Heart problem calls for low-fat diet

January 28, 2008 By

DEAR DR. GOTT: I lost my father 25 years ago due to heart blockages. At that time I became determined not to let that happen to me. I went on a vegetarian diet, avoided fat and ate a lot of carbohydrates. I cut out trans-fats, read labels and tried to always eat well. A few years ago I started adding some meat back into my diet, but still being very careful of what I ate. My weight has always been a bit of a problem but with a lot of effort I’ve managing to keep it in line. I have high blood pressure and high cholesterol, both managed with medication. Now at 70 I’ve been diagnosed with heart blockages and am facing bypass surgery.

I was recently given a book, “The Schwarzbein Principle”. Dr. Schwarzbein indicates that my diet is bad. She says we need more natural fat in our diets and even advocates eating eggs daily. [Read more...]

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Tinnitus, common yet annoying

January 27, 2008 By

DEAR DR. GOTT: I am in desperate need of your advice on stopping constant buzzing in my ears. It is interfering with my entire life.

My sister has given me the address from your column in hopes that a copy of the article could be sent to me or if you could once again give the solution in your column. Please help.

DEAR READER: You are suffering from a common medical ailment called tinnitus. Your first step ought to be a consultation with an ear-nose-and-throat specialist. Meanwhile I recommend Lipo-Flavonoid — an over-the-counter product to reduce or eliminate the buzzing.

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Setting the record straight on lipstick

January 27, 2008 By

DEAR DR. GOTT: I recently received an email about lead in lipsticks. This was something I was not aware of and found it interesting. It is definitely something for women to consider the next time they go shopping for lipstick. I’ve shared it with all the women I know and men as well so they can inform all the women in their lives.

The email apparently originated from a physician in the breast cancer unit at Mount Sinai Hospital in Toronto. This is how the email went:

“Recently a lipstick brand called “Red Earth” decreased their prices from $67.00 to $9.90. It contained lead. Lead is a chemical that can cause cancer. The higher the lead content, the greater the chance of causing cancer.
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Treating IBS by cutting out ‘trigger foods’

January 26, 2008 By

DEAR DR. GOTT: I just read the article from the person suffering from spastic colon/IBS. I am a 41-year-old women who was diagnosed 23 years ago with spastic colon. I suffered miserably with the same symptoms. It was debilitating. Then I found this website about a year ago. It is www.HelpForIBS.com. It tells about trigger foods, which fiber to use to avoid bloating, fennel, ginger and peppermint teas and to avoid all dairy.

I didn’t start this way of eating until four months ago, because I didn’t think I could give up cheese and yogurt (which I didn’t really have to because there are so many delicious soy substitutes out there now). I started avoiding trigger foods and now I’m 95% better. I can actually leave my house without fear and dread of an attack. I’ve lost the big bloated stomach that wouldn’t go away no matter how little I ate.

I hope this will help. Spastic colon is a horrible and embarrassing affliction to endure.

DEAR READER: Thank you for sharing the information about “trigger foods”. If they can be avoided — leading to a lessening of IBS attacks — I’m in favor of recommending a trial period for those readers who wish to try the diet. Let me know if trigger foods really do reduce the pain and bloating.

To give you related information, I am sending you a copy of my Health Report “Irritable Bowel Syndrome”. Other readers who would like a copy should send a long, self-addressed, 4 ¼” X 9 ½” letter-sized stamped envelope and $2 to Newsletter, PO Box 167, Wickliffe, OH 44092. Be sure to mention the title.

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