by Dr. Peter Gott, M.D. and staff.
Reviewed by Board Certified physician.

Archive for December, 2008

Words Of Wisdom From A 14-Year-Old

Wednesday, December 24th, 2008

DEAR DR. GOTT:
I am a 14-year-old boy with both parents affected by two different and very rare illnesses. First, my 39-year-old father has had tingling and numbness in his legs for a year. This month he was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis or MS. He can barely walk now.

Then my mother had two weeks of non-stop agonizing migraines. She had an MRI that showed an unknown type of growth in her brain causing double vision and the smelling of things that weren’t there. The growth is twice the size of a golf ball and doomed to kill her without surgery. She’s scheduled for an operation in two days.

The point of this letter is not for your help or anyone’s sympathy. It is to tell people that things aren’t always what they seem. Those readers with constant migraines should see a doctor. (more…)

Tags: Headaches, Multiple sclerosis
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Are A-Fib And Pulsating Head Linked?

Tuesday, December 23rd, 2008

DEAR DR. GOTT:
I wrote to you on June 13, 2008 about my atrial fibrillation. I am scheduled to have an ablation on September 29th. My concern is the pulsating in my head which is causing lightheadedness. Is this caused by the heart problem? Will the ablation solve this condition? Is there any danger of the ablation procedure worsening the pulsating? I have complete confidence in the physician performing the ablation but he does not give me an exact answer to my questions about the pulsating sensation which I described to you in the June letter.

DEAR READER:
I have written many times in the past that I cannot be used as a second opinion for upcoming procedures. I simply provide information to the writer that can be used to receive appropriate medical care from a physician that can examine him or her. (more…)

Tags: atrial fibrillation, Coronary Artery Disease
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Metallic Taste Needs Diagnosis

Monday, December 22nd, 2008

DEAR DR. GOTT:
I have a problem that has continued for approximately three months now. I have a metallic taste in my mouth which affects the flavor of most everything I eat. Sometimes when I eat certain foods, my whole mouth burns and is sore. I do take Nexium and metoclopramide for bile and digestive problems. I have tried eliminating these but it does not seem to help at all. I also have osteoporosis and use Forteo as a daily injection. I take a calcium complex and extra vitamin D daily as well.

I am at a loss as to what could be causing this and my gastroenterologist now wants me to see an ear-nose-and-throat specialist. Do you have any suggestions?

DEAR READER:
A metallic taste in the mouth can be an early sign of vitamin D overdose. Since you don’t say what dosage you take, (more…)

Tags: Acid Reflux and Indigestion, Hiatal hernia, osteoporosis
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Cause Of Urine Odor Needs Diagnosis

Sunday, December 21st, 2008

DEAR DR. GOTT:
I am a rather healthy 78-year-old female. In the last six months I have developed a very embarrassing condition. My urine is very strong and has an offensive odor. I do not leak urine but I can smell it even though I use scented wipes after each trip to the bathroom. I wonder if you can tell me which of my medications is causing this problem. I take 40 mg pravastatin, 30 mg adalat, 20 mg omeprazole DR, 200 mg prometrium, 0.5 mg estradiol, 81 mg baby aspirin, 600 mg calcium with D, vitamin C 1000 mg, vitamin E 400 IU and omega 3/omega 6 fish oil 1200 mg each day.

DEAR READER:
Let me first go through your medication list to determine why you are taking so much medication. You are taking five prescriptions and five over-the-counter supplements. (more…)

Tags: Bladder and Urinary tract infections
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Daily Column

Saturday, December 20th, 2008

DEAR DR. GOTT:
Regarding your column on sciatica, I would like to suggest you add acupuncture. Seven years ago I tried all the procedures you suggested prior to the surgery which I did not want. Thinking outside the box, I found an acupuncturist and within six treatments, I was completely cured.

I am now 68 years old and lead a very active life.

DEAR READER:
Thank you for your recommendation. The pain of sciatica is difficult for anyone to face. You were fortunate to find an alternative that worked so well. I’ll pass the information on in the hope it will inspire others.

Tags: sciatica
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Several Causes For Brassy Hair

Friday, December 19th, 2008

DEAR DR. GOTT:
I have an unusual problem for which I cannot find any help.
I stopped coloring my brunette hair over 15 years ago. As a 76-year-old female, I have a nice head of grey hair that still has some darker roots on the back of my head. I have given up perms for a year and am growing my hair longer, hoping for easier care.

Now my hair is turning a brassy yellow color on the top layer. I worked outside all summer in my garden as I am a farmer, but I wore a hat. I’ve tested our well water at the state office and find no problem there, except for a higher than normal arsenic count, common here near the Snake River in Idaho.

I am not on any new medications, but am at my wit’s end about the brassy color my hair has taken on. I’ve spoken with three beauticians but didn’t get any help there. Can you advise me? (more…)

Tags: hair color, Vitamins and Minerals
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Daily Column

Friday, December 19th, 2008

DEAR DR. GOTT:
Lately my bowel movement habits have changed. They used to be extremely regular and the correct consistency and shape. A few months ago I started eating a Fiber One bar for breakfast every day. They are filling and taste good. Most days they held me through lunch. Then two things happened. The gas I would have after eating lunch was awful. And I experienced a change in regularity and consistency. I could only attribute it to the Fiber One bar, as that was the only thing I was doing differently.

I stopped the bars hoping things would return to normal. They didn’t. My movements are inconsistent and I’m having to strain. I tried a laxative. Big, violent mistake. I didn’t like it, nor did it help. A stool softener helped a little, but I’m still not happy. I’m concerned there may be a blockage. (more…)

Tags: constipation, Irritable Bowel Syndrome
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See Physician For Hemorrhoid Relief

Friday, December 19th, 2008

DEAR DR. GOTT:
I am a 77-year-old female who, from time to time, will suffer from hemorrhoids that swell out. I was wondering if you would write something in the paper about this subject.

DEAR READER:
Hemorrhoids are veins around the anus or in the lower rectum that becomes swollen and inflamed. They are the result of straining during bowel movements, a condition of aging, chronic constipation, diarrhea, and pregnancy. Excessive rubbing and cleaning around the anus can also lead to irritation, itching and bleeding.

Treatment is geared toward relieving symptoms and there are several methods to be considered. The first is a simple sitz bath two or three times a day that involves putting a small amount of very warm water in a bath tub and squatting in the water. (more…)

Tags: hemmorrhoids
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Good Attitude Key To Feeling Well

Thursday, December 18th, 2008

DEAR DR. GOTT:
I have read your column for more years than I can remember. I cannot believe your many readers who claim to be in very good health or in the best of health. Then they go on to explain that they have cancer, heart trouble, strokes, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, arthritis, diabetes, fainting, dizziness, and some other diseases I cannot even pronounce.

Why do they insist or believe they are in very good health? What do they consider poor health? I am a 72-year-old male. I’ve had a couple of stents put in my heart. I’m on Plavix and blood pressure medication. I also have skin cancer and have had several lesions removed. I wear a hearing aid.

I can still walk and mow the lawn, do work around my house and ride a bicycle, but I don’t consider myself to be in good health, just lucky and in better health than all those people who write to you. Whom are they kidding? (more…)

Tags: Coronary Artery Disease, Hypertension
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Guillain-Barre Difficult To Treat

Wednesday, December 17th, 2008

DEAR DR. GOTT:
My 3-year-old grandson has been diagnosed with Guillain-Barre syndrome. Could you please enlighten me on this mysterious disorder?

He has undergone MRIs, spinal taps and more. We were told it could come from a previous respiratory infection. We’ve also been told he is not to have any more flu shots, as this could sometimes trigger the condition.

He’s unable to walk, use the fine movements of his hands, and it seems to have affected his speech. His face looks tired. He has physical and occupational therapy three times a week. Will he recover fully? I hurt just seeing him hurt.

DEAR READER:
Guillain-Barre syndrome is a rare disorder in which the body’s immune system attacks a portion of its central nervous system. It can affect anyone at any age. About one person in every 100,000 suffers from the syndrome. It is unknown what sets the disease in motion. (more…)

Tags: Guillian-Barre syndrome
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