Overmedication may be causing pain
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, Ohio 44092, USA. 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, Ohio 44092, USA. Be sure to mention the title.
Doctor Gott is a retired physician and the author of the new book "Dr. Gott's No Flour, No Sugar Diet," available at most chain and independent bookstores.
If readers would like to contact Dr. Gott, they may write him through your newspaper or send their mail directly to Dr. Gott c/o United Media, 200 Madison Ave., 4th floor, New York, New York 10016, USA. However, if readers want to request a newsletter, they should write to the Ohio address.