DEAR DR. GOTT: I've been a diabetic since 1994 and suffer somewhat with all the related illnesses associated with this terrible disease. There is one particular ailment I am bothered by that may or may not be associated.
Each and every time I attempt to chew any kind of food, no matter how large or small the portion, or sometimes when I sneeze, and even when I drink any kind of liquid, I get an extreme burning, painful sensation in both of my ears. The pain is unbearable, acute and can bring me to my knees or cause me to yell out loud. Knowing what I am about to experience when I get ready to eat or drink, I take very small portions, chew and swallow very slowly, and prepare to insert my fingers tightly into each ear until the pain subsides. After a period of time that extends from a few seconds to as long as two minutes, the pain goes away and things are back to normal.
I receive my medical treatment from a VA hospital but have not spoken to my doctors about this yet.
DEAR READER: Speak to your doctors about this bizarre symptom. I do not know the cause, but I am certain that an ear-nose-and-throat specialist can help you.
To give you related information on other ear ailments, I am sending you a copy of my updated Health Report "Ear Infections and Disorders." Other readers who would like a copy should send a long, self-addressed, stamped envelope and $2 to Newsletter, PO Box 167, Wickliffe, OH 44092. Be sure to mention the title.
DEAR DR. GOTT: I have a 6-year-old grandson who, almost from the first day he was able to eat solid food, has been practically force-fed by his father. Maybe because the father is a physical-fitness nut, he wants the child to be the next Arnold Schwarzenegger. In any case, the youngster is strongly encouraged to eat from the moment he wakes up until he falls asleep at night.
I have seen his father go to the kitchen and return to the child's bedroom at 6 a.m. before he got out of bed to bring the boy fruits, cheeses, snacks, even luncheon meats.
At times, my grandson will throw up before breakfast, be cleaned up and then sit down to cereal, bacon, eggs, juice and more. This continues all day, with snacks after dinner (which the child rarely eats), up to the moment he goes to bed.
Can you explain the reason for the man's obsessive behavior? And is it likely to have long-term negative consequences for my grandson?
DEAR READER: Your son-in-law's obsession with overfeeding his son is bizarre, unnecessary and may well produce "negative consequences" later on, such as diabetes and coronary artery disease. Although some readers may disagree, I believe that he is engaging in questionable behavior that could easily be defined as abuse. Your grandson is not going to thrive in physical fitness programs if he is fat. The family should emphasize a balanced diet in moderation, depending on the child's wishes and needs. If your family questions me, your grandson's pediatrician should be brought on board to offer an opinion.
Each and every time I attempt to chew any kind of food, no matter how large or small the portion, or sometimes when I sneeze, and even when I drink any kind of liquid, I get an extreme burning, painful sensation in both of my ears. The pain is unbearable, acute and can bring me to my knees or cause me to yell out loud. Knowing what I am about to experience when I get ready to eat or drink, I take very small portions, chew and swallow very slowly, and prepare to insert my fingers tightly into each ear until the pain subsides. After a period of time that extends from a few seconds to as long as two minutes, the pain goes away and things are back to normal.
I receive my medical treatment from a VA hospital but have not spoken to my doctors about this yet.
DEAR READER: Speak to your doctors about this bizarre symptom. I do not know the cause, but I am certain that an ear-nose-and-throat specialist can help you.
To give you related information on other ear ailments, I am sending you a copy of my updated Health Report "Ear Infections and Disorders." Other readers who would like a copy should send a long, self-addressed, stamped envelope and $2 to Newsletter, PO Box 167, Wickliffe, OH 44092. Be sure to mention the title.
DEAR DR. GOTT: I have a 6-year-old grandson who, almost from the first day he was able to eat solid food, has been practically force-fed by his father. Maybe because the father is a physical-fitness nut, he wants the child to be the next Arnold Schwarzenegger. In any case, the youngster is strongly encouraged to eat from the moment he wakes up until he falls asleep at night.
I have seen his father go to the kitchen and return to the child's bedroom at 6 a.m. before he got out of bed to bring the boy fruits, cheeses, snacks, even luncheon meats.
At times, my grandson will throw up before breakfast, be cleaned up and then sit down to cereal, bacon, eggs, juice and more. This continues all day, with snacks after dinner (which the child rarely eats), up to the moment he goes to bed.
Can you explain the reason for the man's obsessive behavior? And is it likely to have long-term negative consequences for my grandson?
DEAR READER: Your son-in-law's obsession with overfeeding his son is bizarre, unnecessary and may well produce "negative consequences" later on, such as diabetes and coronary artery disease. Although some readers may disagree, I believe that he is engaging in questionable behavior that could easily be defined as abuse. Your grandson is not going to thrive in physical fitness programs if he is fat. The family should emphasize a balanced diet in moderation, depending on the child's wishes and needs. If your family questions me, your grandson's pediatrician should be brought on board to offer an opinion.