DEAR DR. GOTT:
I’m a 43-year-old male with enough medical problems to last me until I am 90 years old. I’ve had kidney stones nine times, auto-transplant of my left kidney, have had both melanoma and basil cell skin cancers, seven mini-strokes in a year, had pulmonary embolisms, and stent replacement. I forget people’s names that I have known for years and also have a factor V clotting disorder. As if that weren’t enough, now when I laugh hard, I pass out.

I am the youngest of 10. My mother passed away at the age of 44 when I was four years old. I’m approaching her age quickly and want to take steps to prolong my life.

DEAR READER:
First, let’s review your conditions.

Kidney stones are a common but extremely painful disorder. Most pass without intervention by physician assistance. Others don’t. [Read more...]