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by Dr. Peter Gott, M.D. and staff.
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Archive for August, 2008


Sunday Column

Sunday, August 17th, 2008

DEAR DR. GOTT:
I just read in the New York Times that long-term use of biphosphonates for osteoporosis could lead to weaker bones in some people who use them. Since I suffer from the disease, I am very concerned and question whether I should discontinue my medication. I can’t get an appointment with my own physician for more than a month, so am turning to you for an answer.

DEAR READER:
You are referring to a small study reported in The Journal of Orthopaedic Trauma, disclosing patients with low-to-no-trauma fractures. A large portion of those in the study had been on long-term Fosamax therapy for an average of 6.9 years. Of particular interest is that all of the breaks occurred straight across the bone and some were preceded by weeks or even months of unexplained aches and pains. (more…)

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Daily Column

Saturday, August 16th, 2008

DEAR DR. GOTT:
What are some of the side effects of prednisone or an overdose of it? My elderly dad who is 82 and fairly healthy came down with a cold a few months ago. He saw his doctor who prescribed prednisone, two pills by mouth four times a day for five days. After taking four days he became delirious and nearly lost consciousness. He went back to the doctor who simply said “Oh, yeah”.

My father seems to be tired a lot, has very little energy and is short of breath. He is seeing a heart specialist who diagnosed him with a fibrillating heart. He never had heart problems before the prednisone. Could the medication have caused his heart problem?

DEAR READER:
Prednisone is an oral corticosteroid and is not an appropriate treatment option for trivial colds. (more…)

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Daily Column

Friday, August 15th, 2008

DEAR DR. GOTT:
I am 62 years old, in good health, work 37-40 hours per week, take lisinopril, levothyroxine and an 81 mg aspirin daily. I have two issues about which I would like your opinion.

In 2002 I was told that my cervix was closing so I underwent a procedure to reopen it. I am looking at the same procedure again this year to get a good pap smear. At my age do you feel this is a necessary procedure? I have a pap smear every year and they are never bad. There is a history of cancer in my mother’s family. My grandmother and one of my aunts had cancer. I only have hospital coverage and will have to pay for the procedure.

I have frequent hot flashes. They only last about five minutes, but happen at all hours of the day and night. They are so bad I feel as if I am about to melt. (more…)

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Daily Column

Thursday, August 14th, 2008

DEAR DR. GOTT:
Recently you mentioned you can only buy fruit pectin in small boxes. We have a bulk food store and carry the product in 55 pound bags, selling it in smaller amounts by the pound. If anyone wants, we will gladly send the product via UPS. Our contact information is Maysville Country Market, LLC, 8593 Mt. Hope Road, Apple Creek, OH 44606.

DEAR READER:
Many of my readers have used fruit pectin successfully as an alternative treatment for arthritis. Therefore, because you are providing a service that can be beneficial for the relief of their pain, I am enclosing your information and thank you for forwarding it to me. (more…)

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Daily Column

Thursday, August 14th, 2008

DEAR DR. GOTT:
I am a 24-year-old woman who has suffered from recurring impetigo all my life. As far as my medical history is concerned, I am 5’ 9” tall and weigh 138 pounds. Twice a year without fail I get this horrible sore on my lower lip that spreads to part of my chin. I can always get it to go away in about two weeks; however, in the mean time it is very unsightly and painful. I cannot disguise it with makeup because it spreads if touched.

I am very careful to not use washcloths or towels more than once during an outbreak. I wash everything in hot water. Do you know of anything else I can take to prevent getting this?

DEAR READER:
Impetigo is a skin infection that most often affects infants and children but can affect adults as well. It begins as red sores that rupture, ooze and form a yellowish/brown crust. (more…)

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Daily Column

Wednesday, August 13th, 2008

DEAR DR. GOTT:
I am a 74-year-old female diabetic and take 1000 mg of metformin twice a day. My morning blood sugars are around 160 and they drop to the 129-140 range at night. A snack of graham crackers and peanut butter doesn’t help. I’ve started 1000 mg of cinnamon daily, but haven’t noticed any change yet.

My feet are now showing some nerve damage. Any help would be appreciated.

DEAR READER:
Metformin is an oral medication prescribed for people with type II (non-insulin dependent) diabetes. The normal dosing for oral medication is 500 mg taken twice daily, while the extended release form is taken once daily in a 500 mg tablet. Therefore, I am rather surprised you are on 2000 mg daily. This appears to be a hefty dose with less than perfect results. Normal blood sugars run in the (more…)

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Daily Column

Tuesday, August 12th, 2008

DEAR DR. GOTT:
I read your articles in the paper every day and have learned many things. Never have I read about the treatment that cured my husband’s fungus, however. A doctor told him he could do one of two things. One remedy was expensive, the other was cheap. My husband opted for the cheap solution which was bleach. He dipped a cotton swab in some bleach and rubbed it around the nail for a few days. That cured it. My neighbor got rid of hers using Vicks. Mine took longer using tea tree oil.

DEAR READER:
Thanks for yet another solution to this problem. There are several homeopathic remedies such as vinegar or bleach, some through prescription, and some over-the-counter such as Miranel. It’s great we can achieve success in a variety of ways for this annoying condition.

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Daily Column

Tuesday, August 12th, 2008

DEAR DR. GOTT:
I’m 82-years-old and have COPD. My problem is that I suffer from a rash on my legs from the knees down. My doctor says it doesn’t look like eczema, but like blood under the skin.

I had my blood checked to see if it is too thin, but that test was negative. A thyroid test was slightly low, but I haven’t talked to my doctor about that yet to see if there is a connection. My medications are Spiriva, Albuterol and Armour thyroid. I was previously on Symbicort, but it made my tongue swell and become raw, so I was switched to the Spiriva that doesn’t work as well. I’ve been on the thyroid medication for 50 years and expect to have to take it for the rest of my life.
I really would appreciate your input.

DEAR READER:
Your Spiriva prescription has an uncommon side effect of rash for a very few individuals. (more…)

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Daily Column

Monday, August 11th, 2008

DEAR DR. GOTT:
I have been using Miranel for toenail fungus. It leaves so much white powder on my nails that I can’t tell whether they are healing or not. It is interesting to note that in the directions it says “not effective on nails”. Would you please reply?

DEAR READER:
The packaging information specifies “Do not apply Miranel Antifungal Treatment over the previous application…remove with alcohol…wash affected area (before new application)”. Are you are applying the product twice daily without cleansing, causing the buildup? If so, the miconazole nitrate ingredient cannot penetrate properly when a barrier is present.

Unlike many medications, Miranel does not damage the liver. The FDA monograph is written for skin treatment, (more…)

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Daily Column

Monday, August 11th, 2008

DEAR DR. GOTT:
I am a 75-year-old woman who had major problems with my hands several years ago and was rapidly losing the use of them.

After going to an internist, three neurosurgeons and a rheumatologist, I was diagnosed with peripheral neuropathy. Nothing any of the doctors prescribed, nor any of the treatments I had made a difference. I then saw a doctor who practices acupuncture and after many sessions, my hands regained function. I am thankful I had the courage to try this alternative treatment and I thank you for being open to hearing what works for patients and sharing that information with your readers.

DEAR READER:
Peripheral neuropathy is sometimes difficult to diagnose. It commonly results from a traumatic injury, infection, exposure to toxins, and metabolic problems such as diabetes. (more…)

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Consult a physician before beginning any course of treatment, since ongoing research on a wide variety of topics may render some suggestions obsolete. Website © 2009 Gott & Storm LLC. Content is © 1995-2009 Newspaper Enterprise Association

Disclaimer: All information contained herein is the opinion and view of the writer. It is intended to provide helpful and informative material on the subjects addressed and is not meant to malign any pharmaceutical company, organization, religion, ethnic group, or individual. Readers should consult their personal physicians or specialists before adopting any of the recommendations or drawing inference from information contained herein. The writer specifically disclaims all responsibility for any liability, loss, risk -- personal or otherwise -- incurred as a consequence, directly or indirectly, from the use and application of any material provided.