DEAR DR. GOTT: I am a 61-year-old woman who has always been in good health. About three months ago, I noticed my left arm felt different than normal. There was a kind of tingling feeling that ran from my palm up the underside of the arm to my shoulder. It almost feels like a sunburn. I have been to my doctor, who had me get an MRI and blood work. Nobody can find anything wrong. At first the sensation came and went. Now it seems to be constant. Should I be concerned about this?
DEAR READER: Yes, you should. Your symptoms suggest the possibility of a neurological disorder or a vascular problem that needs to be addressed. Ask your primary-care physician to refer you to the appropriate specialist.
To give you related information, I am sending you a copy of my updated Health Report "Medical Specialists."
DEAR DR. GOTT: I am 82 years old and in dire need of advice. I had open-heart surgery 10 years ago and am diabetic. The most annoying problem I have is chronic constipation. I must take a laxative nightly before bedtime to have a bowel movement in the morning. I am seeing an internist and a cardiologist, who told me that they can't help me and refuse to answer my questions, so I am at the mercy of my pharmacist.
Over the years, I have alternated with over-the-counter products. Presently, I am taking 2 ounces of milk of magnesia before bedtime. Occasionally, I have an accident and a lot of gas all day. My sleep is interrupted because I awake intermittently, afraid that an accident will occur.
Is there something you can recommend that is better than what I am presently taking?
DEAR READER: You might try what is called a "colon cocktail" — a concoction of equal portions of bran, prune juice and applesauce. Take 1 to 2 tablespoons each morning. Or you may choose to try hot prune juice or apple juice.
I don't understand why your physicians aren't willing to help. I suggest you make an appointment to sit down with your internist to discuss the situation. Why are you experiencing chronic constipation? If you are on medications, might one or more of those be causing it? Don't give up. Your physician has a duty to answer your questions and give you satisfactory responses that you can understand. If he or she is unwilling to help, find another physician.
To give you related information, I am sending you copies of my Health Reports "Coronary Artery Disease," "Diabetes Mellitus" and "Constipation and Diarrhea."
DEAR READER: Yes, you should. Your symptoms suggest the possibility of a neurological disorder or a vascular problem that needs to be addressed. Ask your primary-care physician to refer you to the appropriate specialist.
To give you related information, I am sending you a copy of my updated Health Report "Medical Specialists."
DEAR DR. GOTT: I am 82 years old and in dire need of advice. I had open-heart surgery 10 years ago and am diabetic. The most annoying problem I have is chronic constipation. I must take a laxative nightly before bedtime to have a bowel movement in the morning. I am seeing an internist and a cardiologist, who told me that they can't help me and refuse to answer my questions, so I am at the mercy of my pharmacist.
Over the years, I have alternated with over-the-counter products. Presently, I am taking 2 ounces of milk of magnesia before bedtime. Occasionally, I have an accident and a lot of gas all day. My sleep is interrupted because I awake intermittently, afraid that an accident will occur.
Is there something you can recommend that is better than what I am presently taking?
DEAR READER: You might try what is called a "colon cocktail" — a concoction of equal portions of bran, prune juice and applesauce. Take 1 to 2 tablespoons each morning. Or you may choose to try hot prune juice or apple juice.
I don't understand why your physicians aren't willing to help. I suggest you make an appointment to sit down with your internist to discuss the situation. Why are you experiencing chronic constipation? If you are on medications, might one or more of those be causing it? Don't give up. Your physician has a duty to answer your questions and give you satisfactory responses that you can understand. If he or she is unwilling to help, find another physician.
To give you related information, I am sending you copies of my Health Reports "Coronary Artery Disease," "Diabetes Mellitus" and "Constipation and Diarrhea."