DEAR DR. GOTT: I am a 58-year-old man who is in constant pain from head to toe. My hands and feet tingle, itch, burn, ache and sometimes go numb. I feel so tired all the time. I have gone to two neurologists, and still no answers have been given as to my condition. I am taking Micardis, Caduet, Toprol and Flomax. I am taking all of these medications and still have no relief. Your opinion would be greatly appreciated.
DEAR READER: Let me start off by saying you are on three powerful medications: Micardis for high blood pressure; Caduet for high blood pressure and high cholesterol; and Toprol for high blood pressure, angina and related cardiac conditions. The Flomax is for an enlarged prostate gland, which impedes the flow of urine. I don't believe this medication is your issue; however, your three heart medicines might be causing your problem.
At 58, you are young to be on any cardiac medication, let alone three. You need to be examined by your cardiologist. You may simply be over medicated for your hypertension, or perhaps you are experiencing worsening cardiac disease, such as heart failure, which is often associated with uncontrolled or poorly controlled hypertension. You should be monitored closely because people with hypertension are at a greater risk of heart attack and stroke. I don't want to scare you, but I must impress the seriousness of the situation.
Should your heart and blood pressure check out fine, work with your doctor, because there is a chance that you are having a reaction to one or more of the medications. Perhaps you could safely reduce down to two or, better still, one hypertension medication.
To give you related information, I am sending you copies of my Health Reports "Coronary Artery Disease" and "Hypertension." Other readers who would like copies should send a long, self-addressed, stamped envelope and $2 for each report to Newsletter, PO Box 167, Wickliffe, OH 44092. Be sure to mention the title(s).
DEAR DR. GOTT: Can you please give me some help for the condition called insomnia? There isn't a sleeping pill that helps me. Many nights I do not even go to sleep. I would truly appreciate some advice on this.
DEAR READER: The normal human brain produces a compound called melatonin, which puts us to sleep without side effects. It is available without a prescription. Try it. I think you will be happy with the results.
To give you related information, I am sending you a copy of my Health Report "Sleep/Wake 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: Several years ago, my husband had psoriasis in his hair, eyebrows and across his forehead. I heard somewhere that T-Gel Shampoo by Neutrogena would get rid of it, so I got him some. Well, it worked! He has been completely free of the problem for years.
We had a friend with the same problem, so I suggested he try it. It worked for him, too. It can't hurt trying and is a lot cheaper than seeing a dermatologist.
DEAR READER: This extremely irritating condition is caused by an overproduction of skin cells, resulting in scaly, unsightly patches of skin. It can occur anywhere on the body but is most common on the knees, scalp, elbows, legs and palms of the hands. It is often difficult to treat, so I am delighted to pass on your experience.
Many of my readers indicate success in treating their psoriasis by rubbing the inside fleshy part of a banana over affected areas two to three times a day. More difficult areas can be managed by taping a banana peel patch directly to the site(s).
To give you related information, I am sending you a copy of my Health Report "Eczema and Psoriasis."