Doctors’ disagreement confuses patient

October 7, 2011 By

DEAR DR. GOTT: I’ve seen three different cardiologists and have gotten three different answers to whether it is safe to go off Plavix for a short time before and after having surgery. (I take it because I had a heart attack.) Some say yes and some say no. I’m hoping to have surgery to correct a hearing problem.

What do you think?

DEAR READER: Plavix is prescribed to prevent blood clots. It is commonly taken following a heart attack or stroke and by some individuals with certain heart or blood vessel disorders. Therefore, while on the medication, blood flows more easily, making excessive loss even with a relatively minor injury or dental procedure, a possibility.
[Read more...]

Filed Under: Daily Column, Leading Letter Tagged With: ,

Surgery declined for senior

April 22, 2011 By

DEAR DR. GOTT: I have reached my 79th birthday and have been diagnosed with pelvic prolapse, affecting mostly my bladder. However, my OB-GYN describes it as bladder, bowel and cervix. Owing to my heart skipping occasionally, I went through an EKG and all stress tests and blood testing preparing me for surgery. I was given approval for the surgery until my OB-GYN told me that she would not perform the necessary surgery as it would be a long procedure and she didn’t want to put my body through that much stress.

A pessary was ruled out because it did not work for me. So, for the time being, I have decided to live with the situation but am now asking your advice on whether I should get a second opinion or do nothing? What problems do you think I would encounter later on? It is not that easy to talk about, but in doing so, I find it is not all that uncommon.
[Read more...]

Filed Under: Daily Column, Leading Letter Tagged With: , ,

Tennis-elbow surgery questionable

February 17, 2011 By

DEAR DR. GOTT: I have been suffering with tennis elbow for almost a year with little relief. I have tried physical therapy, used Aleve, heat, cold and had cortisone shots. Right now, I am trying deep-tissue massage that seems to help some. I continue to do stretching exercises.

I have an office job and spend a good portion of the day using a computer. My elbow started to bother me last winter after we had more than a foot of snow and I shoveled a lot. Are there activities I should avoid or take part in to help? I don’t want to have surgery to correct this, as I’ve heard there is no guarantee of results. Do you have any suggestions?
[Read more...]

Filed Under: Daily Column, Leading Letter Tagged With: , , ,