4 B
SIUSLAW NEWS z SATURDAY, JANUARY 10, 2015
TO YOUR
GOOD HEALTH
Many things can
cause restless leg
syndrome
DEAR DR. ROACH: Don’t forget
that although there are many medical
causes of restless leg syndrome, vari-
cose veins also can be a source of
symptoms, and we have cured many
people of symptoms with minimally
invasive varicose vein treatments.
We always recommend that if you
have visible varicosities or strong
family history of varicose veins, you
should get an ultrasound to determine
if you have venous insufficiency. The
treatments have essentially no down
time and can mean one less medica-
tion for many people. In addition, just
because you can’t see visible vari-
cosities does not mean you do not
have venous insufficiency. We have
patients with beautiful legs whose
ultrasound reveals large veins under
the surface. — Melissa A. Sandman,
M.D.
SALOME’S STARS
ARIES (March 21 to April 19) Use
that Arian charm to help make a diffi-
cult workplace transition easier for
everyone. News about a long-awaited
decision can be confusing. Don’t jump
to conclusions.
TAURUS (April 20 to May 20)
Although you might well be tempted
to be more extravagant than you
should be at this time, I’m betting
you’ll let your sensible Bovine instinct
guide you toward moderation.
GEMINI (May 21 to June 20) An
opportunity for travel could come with
some problems regarding travel com-
panions and other matters. So be sure
you read all the fine print before you
start packing.
CANCER (June 21 to July 22)
Make an effort to complete your usual
workplace tasks before volunteering
ANSWER: Thank you for writing.
Many people also have written about
other causes and treatments for rest-
less leg syndrome, so I wanted to talk
a bit more about this important sub-
ject.
In addition to the iron deficiency I
mentioned and the varicose veins Dr.
Sandman writes about, there are sev-
eral other important causes, including
kidney disease, usually when dialysis
has started. Diabetics have a higher
risk for RLS, which sometimes can
be mistaken for diabetic neuropathy.
Multiple sclerosis and Parkinson’s
disease both are associated with RLS,
and Parkinson’s is important because
when
medicines
such
as
levodopa/carbidopa (Sinemet) wear
off, it can mimic RLS symptoms.
When dopa drugs are used long-term
for RLS, symptoms can get worse, a
condition called augmentation.
Pregnant women are more likely to
have RLS. Many drugs, especially
antidepressants, can cause RLS. I had
a reader tell me that hers was due to
Benadryl she was taking for sleep.
Magnesium deficiency is common in
RLS, and several readers told me
magnesium supplements stopped
their symptoms.
The booklet on restless leg syn-
drome provides much more informa-
tion on this common sleep disorder,
and also offers advice on nighttime
cramps. Readers can obtain a copy by
writing: Dr. Roach — No. 306W, Box
536475, Orlando, FL 32853-6475.
Enclose a check or money order (no
cash) for $4.75 U.S./$6 Can. with the
recipient’s printed name and address.
Please allow four weeks for delivery.
DEAR DR. ROACH: I am 92 and
have spinal stenosis in my lower back
and neck. The neck stenosis is caus-
ing a balance problem. Who would
treat and/or operate on this — ortho-
pedist or neurologist? — J.W.
ANSWER: I would be very slow
to recommend surgery on the neck at
age 92. I would try other treatments,
including medication, physical thera-
py and possibly injection, before con-
sidering surgery.
Balance problems may benefit
from problem-specific exercises. A
neurologist may be very helpful in
evaluating whether the symptoms are
indeed coming from the spinal steno-
sis, because balance problems can
have many different causes.
If symptoms were intolerable
despite everything that could be done
short of surgery, I would find the most
experienced surgeon around, which
could be either a neurosurgeon or an
orthopedic surgeon.
for extra duty. Scrambling to catch up
later on could create some resentment
among your colleagues.
LEO (July 23 to August 22) A finan-
cial matter could have you rethinking
your current spending plans. You
might want to recheck your budget to
see where you can cut back on expens-
es until the situation improves.
VIRGO (August 23 to September
22) One way to make your case for
that promotion you’ve been hoping for
might be to put your planning skills to
work in helping to shape up a project
that got out of hand. Good luck.
LIBRA (September 23 to October
22) Be careful about “experts” who
have no solid business background.
Instead, seek advice on enhancing
your business prospects from bona
fide sources with good success
records.
SCORPIO (October 23 to
November 21) Standing up to support
a colleague’s viewpoint — even if it’s
unpopular — can be difficult if you
feel outnumbered. But you’ll win
plaudits for your honesty and courage.
SAGITTARIUS (November 22 to
December 21) While progress contin-
ues on resolving that recurring prob-
lem, you might feel it’s taking too
long. But these things always need to
develop at their own pace. Be patient.
CAPRICORN (December 22 to
January 19) Someone close to you
might have a financial problem and
seek your advice. If you do decide to
get involved, insist on seeing every-
thing that might be relevant to this sit-
uation.
AQUARIUS (January 20 to
February 18) A personal matter takes
an interesting turn. The question is, do
you want to follow the new path or
take time out to reconsider the
change? Think this through before
deciding.
PISCES (February 19 to March 20)
Moving into a new career is a big step.
Check that offer carefully with some-
one who has been there, done that, and
has the facts you’ll need to help you
make your decision.
Call us today to find out why we continue to
pay the best interest in town. Personal Interest.
S i u s l a w Ne w s
!
AD IT DAY
E
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TO
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997-3486