DEAR DR. GOTT:
I am a 67-year-old female with metastasized breast cancer. In 1997 I was diagnosed with breast cancer, had a core needle biopsy, lumpectomy, radiation and chemotherapy for six months. I was then cancer free for 10 years.
During most of those 10 years I was a third grade teacher. I followed a diet endorsed by Compulsive Eaters Anonymous and speed walked (two miles) daily with my husband. I continue to speed walk.
Three years ago, my cancer returned. The first year was spent being misdiagnosed by my primary care physician who insisted I had bursitis. Then I developed digestive problems and went to a kinesthetic chiropractor who suggested I become a vegetarian and give up taking acetaminophen and ibuprofen. [Read more...]
Is Patient’s Anemia Really Worsening?
Daily Column
DEAR DR. GOTT:
Is there a way to cure “white coat” hypertension?
DEAR READER:
“White coat” hypertension is a condition in which blood pressure (BP) rises to above normal just before and during a doctor’s appointment but returns to normal or below normal upon leaving the office.
This occurs because of the anxiety and stress related to seeing a doctor. It is not related to true hypertension which is consistently high BP readings. There are steps that can reduce these feelings, as well as ways to achieve more accurate readings.
Establishing readings while at the doctor’s as well as at home in a more relaxed atmosphere will provides a basis for proper diagnosis between true or “white coat” hypertension. If home readings are at or below normal, then certain measures can be taken. [Read more...]
Dizziness may be connected to overmedication
DEAR DR. GOTT: My husband is 76 years old. Nine years ago he had open heart surgery and now takes anti-coagulants. He has high blood pressure which is under control.
The problem is, he is dizzy. Every time he stands he has to hang onto something for a few minutes before he can start walking around. He told his last two doctors of this problem and they just ignore him. I don’t know if they are unsure how to treat it or simply don’t want to. Can you give us any suggestions about what this might be caused by?
DEAR READER: Your husband’s dizziness when standing suggests that his blood pressure is too low. He may be over treated. This is likely related to something called “white-coat hypertension”. This simply means that your husband’s blood pressure rises, usually because of anxiety or stress, during his appointment but returns to normal between them.
[Read more...]