DEAR DR. GOTT: I am 82. When I was about 45, my urologist prescribed finasteride and Proscar for my BPH. After taking the medicine for about 15 or 20 years, I developed a heart condition. They put a stent in one vessel. Do you think the finasteride and Proscar could have contributed to the collapse of the blood vessels?
DEAR READER: I doubt it. At 82, you probably have age-related arterial blockages rather than “collapsed” arteries. I advise you to focus your attention on ways to keep your blood vessels open and functioning. Monitor your cholesterol levels, exercise regularly and follow your physician’s recommendations about adopting a healthful lifestyle.
DEAR DR. GOTT: I write in response to your request for accounts of experience with castor-oil massage. Forgive the time it takes me to get to the point. I’m 72, after all.
About 15 years ago, increasing pain in my large-toe joints while walking motivated medical inquiry. X-rays showed no visible surviving cartilage. The doctor said I could probably function with an inflexible fiberglass plate inserted inside the bottom of my shoe.
I wore the devices faithfully. They prevented the joints from flexing, and they required some accommodation and somewhat restricted exercise, but they did allow my daily routine. In a few years, I heard of the glucosamine-chondroitin combination, and I checked with my doctor, who said it couldn’t hurt, but it might help.
I have used it regularly since with no deleterious side effects. Improvement was slow but noticeable after a year, and gradually it became possible to not use the plates every day. After a few years, they were needed only about twice a week, then occasionally “on demand.” Call it about two thirds recovered.
Then I read of the castor-oil massage. I have been using it for less than a year, and I have recovered almost full mobility and range of motion in both feet. My hands, which were beginning to become painful, are comfortable and useable nearly 100 percent of the time, even for heavy yard work. I would have to rummage in my closet now to find the plates.
Your column is a great service, sir. I join a host of others in gratitude. Please keep it up.
DEAR READER: Many people who have used topical castor oil to reduce the pain of arthritis were put off by the odor. As I have written before, there is a new product called Castiva, which contains deodorized castor oil, plus a warming or cooling feature. I recommend it as a useful adjunct to more expensive medications. It has no side effects. Good luck with it.
DEAR READER: I doubt it. At 82, you probably have age-related arterial blockages rather than “collapsed” arteries. I advise you to focus your attention on ways to keep your blood vessels open and functioning. Monitor your cholesterol levels, exercise regularly and follow your physician’s recommendations about adopting a healthful lifestyle.
DEAR DR. GOTT: I write in response to your request for accounts of experience with castor-oil massage. Forgive the time it takes me to get to the point. I’m 72, after all.
About 15 years ago, increasing pain in my large-toe joints while walking motivated medical inquiry. X-rays showed no visible surviving cartilage. The doctor said I could probably function with an inflexible fiberglass plate inserted inside the bottom of my shoe.
I wore the devices faithfully. They prevented the joints from flexing, and they required some accommodation and somewhat restricted exercise, but they did allow my daily routine. In a few years, I heard of the glucosamine-chondroitin combination, and I checked with my doctor, who said it couldn’t hurt, but it might help.
I have used it regularly since with no deleterious side effects. Improvement was slow but noticeable after a year, and gradually it became possible to not use the plates every day. After a few years, they were needed only about twice a week, then occasionally “on demand.” Call it about two thirds recovered.
Then I read of the castor-oil massage. I have been using it for less than a year, and I have recovered almost full mobility and range of motion in both feet. My hands, which were beginning to become painful, are comfortable and useable nearly 100 percent of the time, even for heavy yard work. I would have to rummage in my closet now to find the plates.
Your column is a great service, sir. I join a host of others in gratitude. Please keep it up.
DEAR READER: Many people who have used topical castor oil to reduce the pain of arthritis were put off by the odor. As I have written before, there is a new product called Castiva, which contains deodorized castor oil, plus a warming or cooling feature. I recommend it as a useful adjunct to more expensive medications. It has no side effects. Good luck with it.