SIUSLAW NEWS ❚ SATURDAY, AUGUST 8, 2015
TO YOUR
GOOD HEALTH
Your doctor
has heard it all
DEAR DR. ROACH: This ques-
tion is just too embarrassing for me
to even sign my name. I get many
infected pubic hairs that are painful.
Is this normal? Do other people get
them? I have had them off and on
my whole life, but the past two years
have been just awful. Some are like
boils, and it takes them many weeks
to go away. What can I do?
I have never mentioned this to my
doctor. I won’t even go for my Pap
test if I have one, because I don’t
want the doctor to see it. — Anon.
ANSWER: Infected hair follicles
are common, and when they are in
the pubic area or in the armpits, they
can be quite painful and last a long
time. They often are caused by
Staphylococcus, which nowadays
can be resistant to multiple antibi-
otics (MRSA).
SALOME’S STARS
ARIES (March 21 to April 19) A
previous misunderstanding continues
to taint the atmosphere to some extent
in the early part of the week. But cool-
er heads prevail, and the situation
eases by week’s end.
TAURUS (April 20 to May 20)
While the artistic aspect of the Divine
Bovine is well-served this week, that
practical side is also getting the sort of
recognition that could lead to a new
and well-deserved opportunity.
GEMINI (May 21 to June 20) With
home-related matters taking on more
importance this week, now could be
the time to make some long-deferred
purchases. But shop carefully for the
best quality at the best price.
CANCER (June 21 to July 22)
Congratulations. While that family
Please don’t be embarrassed by
these. I guarantee you that your doc-
tor has seen them many times
before. The sooner you are seen, the
faster you can get relief. And you
certainly don’t want to delay impor-
tant tests like your Pap for these
common infections.
DEAR DR. ROACH: I am a 56-
year-old female. I recently have
been having terrible pain in my
joints. It is so bad at night that I
can’t sleep. I recently went to a
rheumatologist because I had an ele-
vated rheumatoid factor (it wasn’t
extremely high). I was told I have
arthritis and a high risk for rheuma-
toid arthritis. I was then diagnosed
with fibromyalgia. I was shocked
and embarrassed! I had always
thought that fibro was not a real dis-
ease. I feel bad and tired almost
every day, and I am so sick of it! —
S.S.
ANSWER: Some of my col-
leagues still doubt it, but I think that
fibromyalgia certainly is a real dis-
ease. There is no doubt that there are
a large number of people with
chronic pain in the muscles and soft
tissues who meet the diagnostic tests
for fibromyalgia, which are all
based on history and exam —
there’s no blood test or X-ray for
fibromyalgia, but that doesn’t mean
it isn’t real. The current thinking is
that fibromyalgia is due to alter-
ations in the perception of pain by
the central nervous system.
The most common symptom is
aching in the body, usually in the
muscles and joints. Fatigue and
poor-quality sleep also are nearly
universal in fibromyalgia.
Depression is highly prevalent in
people with fibromyalgia, and in my
opinion, the depression is more like-
ly caused by the chronic pain and
fatigue than the other way around.
My opinion is that it is better to
have a diagnosis of fibromyalgia
because, even though fibromyalgia
isn’t completely understood, it is a
starting point for understanding and
treating chronic pain.
Tricyclic antidepressants are the
most common initial treatment of
fibromyalgia, because they affect
the way pain is processed. They are
usually started at far, far below the
effective dose for depression.
Feeling a sense of control over
the pain, continuing to work and
exercising more are all associated
with a better outcome in fibromyal-
gia.
problem might still rankle, it should be
easing thanks to your efforts to calm
the waters. Also, a workplace situation
seems to be moving in your favor.
LEO (July 23 to August 22) The Big
Cat’s energy levels should be rather
high these days, and you might do well
to tackle any tasks that still need doing.
This will clear the way for those
upcoming projects.
VIRGO (August 23 to September
22) Someone’s criticism might not be
as negative as you perceive. Actually,
it could be helpful. Discuss the matter
with your critic, and you both could
learn something valuable.
LIBRA (September 23 to October
22) A business matter could cause
some friction among your colleagues.
But once again, that logical mind of
yours comes to the rescue. And the
sooner it does, the better!
SCORPIO (October 23 to
November 21) There might still be
some heated temper flare-ups out
there. But your sensible self should
advise you to stay out of these situa-
tions until things cool down and calm
is restored.
SAGITTARIUS (November 22 to
December 21) Changing your mind
could be the right thing to do if you
can’t resolve your doubts. You might
want to discuss the matter with some-
one whose advice you trust.
CAPRICORN (December 22 to
January 19) The Sea Goat’s merrier
side dominates this week, and this
means that, despite your usual busy
schedule, you’ll be able to squeeze in
parties and all sorts of fabulous fun
times.
AQUARIUS (January 20 to
February 18) An educational opportu-
nity could lead to something other than
what you had planned. But keep an
open mind, and before you decide to
turn it down, check it out.
PISCES (February 19 to March 20)
The Piscean wit and wisdom helps you
work through a situation that might
have been accidentally or even deliber-
ately obscured. What you unravel
could prove to be very revealing.
5 B
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