6 B
SIUSLAW NEWS ❚ SATURDAY, MAY 14, 2016
TO YOUR
GOOD HEALTH
Acid reflux
surgery has
side effects
DEAR DR. ROACH: I am so tired
of gastric juices coming up and spray-
ing my mouth. I am currently on a
“last resort” medicine. My doctor
wants to try it for three weeks. If it
doesn’t work, he’s going to perform a
Nissen fundoplication. From what
I’ve read, there would be nothing
more coming up. Could you explain
this procedure? What will happen
with swallowed air, and what will
happen if I get sick to my stomach and
(shudder) need to vomit? — S.S.
ANSWER: Large volumes of
stomach acid coming into the mouth
is an accepted indication for surgical
treatment of reflux disease.
Sometimes, the acid is associated with
excess saliva and is called “water
brash.”
Prior to considering surgery, it is
SALOME’S STARS
ARIES (March 21 to April 19)
Home conditions still demand atten-
tion. Also, keep an open mind about a
sudden question of trust involving a
close friend. All the facts are not yet in.
TAURUS (April 20 to May 20) With
summer just around the corner, travel
begins to dominate your sign. Make
plans carefully to avoid potential prob-
lems in the first half of June.
GEMINI (May 21 to June 20) A
romantic Libra sets a challenge that
your “sensible” side might question,
but your idealistic self finds the
prospect too intriguing to resist. The
choice is yours.
CANCER (June 21 to July 22)
Those tense times in your personal life
worthwhile to make sure the medica-
tion treatment is as good as it can be.
Proton pump inhibitors such as
omeprazole should be taken 30 min-
utes before eating. Weight loss is help-
ful if overweight. Raising the head of
the bed 6 to 8 inches (by inserting
blocks under the legs of the head of
the bed or using a plastic wedge under
the mattress) and avoiding dietary
triggers (coffee, chocolate, carbonated
drinks, high-fat foods) should be tried.
Baclofen, a powerful muscle relaxant
with many possible side effects, may
be the “last resort” medicine you are
taking.
When all else fails, surgery may
relieve symptoms. A Nissen fundopli-
cation is when the upper part of the
stomach, the fundus, is plicated
(wrapped) around the esophagus and
stitched in place. This can be done via
endoscopy or as an open procedure. It
is effective at reducing symptoms in
85 percent to 90 percent of patients.
Most people are unable to vomit
and have less or no ability to belch,
leading to bloating, increased intestin-
al gas and flatulence. Discomfort dur-
ing eating is common. There are mod-
ifications of the surgical procedure
designed to reduce side effects and
complications while maintaining
effectiveness, but a description of
what these all are technically is in
your surgeon’s domain.
Readers: The booklet on Acid
Reflux, Heartburn and Hiatal Hernia
explains these common gastrointesti-
nal disorders in greater detail. Readers
can obtain a copy by writing: Dr.
Roach — No. 501W, 628 Virginia
Drive, Orlando, FL 32803. Enclose a
check or money order (no cash) for
$4.75 U.S./$6 Canada with the recipi-
ent’s printed name and address. Please
allow four weeks for delivery.
DEAR DR. ROACH: I have been
riding my bike outdoors, same saddle,
130 miles a month for over three
years. Out of the blue my left sit bone,
or the tissue around it, is so sore. I
can’t quit riding — HELP! — A.D.C.
ANSWER: A good rule of thumb
for an athletic injury or sudden sore-
ness is that resting it for a period of
time usually is a good idea. Get off the
bike for a while and try some different
types of exercising: walk, run, swim
or lift weights, but give your soft tis-
sues a chance to recover. You may
simply have overdone it. If things
don’t get better, go ahead and make an
appointment to get checked out.
are just about over. Concentrate on
reaffirming relationships. Your love of
travel opens a surprising new opportu-
nity.
LEO (July 23 to August 22) The Big
Cat usually loves to be in the center of
things. But this week it might be wiser
to watch and learn from the sidelines. A
Pisces wants to make you purr.
VIRGO (August 23 to September
22) “New” is your watchword this
week. Be open to new ideas, both on
the job and in your personal life. A
romantic Aries or Sagittarian beckons.
LIBRA (September 23 to October
22) Some difficult family decisions
have to be faced, but be sure to get
more facts before you act. Be careful
not to neglect your health during this
trying time.
SCORPIO
(October
23
to
November 21) You still need to support
a loved one through a difficult time.
Meanwhile, things continue to work
out to your benefit in the workplace.
SAGITTARIUS (November 22 to
December 21) Aspects continue to
favor expanding social opportunities. A
Gemini reaches out to offer a chance
for re-establishing a once-close rela-
tionship.
CAPRICORN (December 22 to
January 19) There’s a potential for mis-
understanding in both your job and
your personal life. A full explanation of
your intentions helps smooth things
over.
AQUARIUS (January 20 to
February 18) You might be feeling rest-
less on the job, but delay making any
major moves until all the facts are in. A
Scorpio has a surprising revelation.
PISCES (February 19 to March 20)
Your business sense works to your
advantage as you sort through the pos-
sibilities that are opening up. A Libra is
Cupid’s best bet for your romantic
prospects.
Siuslaw N ews
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