SIUSLAW NEWS ❜ SATURDAY, OCTOBER 8, 2016
TO YOUR
GOOD HEALTH
Testosterone
therapy post-
prostate cancer
DEAR DR. ROACH: I had my
prostate removed for prostate cancer
in 2009 at age 70. I waited until now
to start taking testosterone to feel bet-
ter, because I was feeling very listless,
with no sex drive. My cancer surgeon
and urologist approved, and they are
monitoring me every 60 to 90 days.
It is working very nicely. The
injections are monthly. For many
years I could not get to sleep, so for
the past three years I have been using
zolpidem 10 mg, and two months
ago, I reduced it gradually to 5 mg. Is
the testosterone responsible for my
sleeping better, and can I gradually
decrease the dose to stop it complete-
ly? Do you have any suggestions in
addition, to help this effort? I am very
physically active with aerobics and
weights. — D.D.
SALOME’S STARS
ARIES (March 21 to April 19)
You’re moving from a relatively stable
situation to one that appears to be laced
with perplexity. Be patient. You’ll
eventually get answers to help clear up
the confusion around you.
TAURUS (April 20 to May 20) A
vexing situation tempts you to rush to
set it all straight. But it’s best to let
things sort themselves out so that you
can get a better picture of the challenge
you’re facing.
GEMINI (May 21 to June 20)
Financial matters could create some
confusion, especially with a torrent of
advice pouring in from several sources.
Resist acting on emotion and wait for
the facts to emerge.
CANCER (June 21 to July 22) That
goal you’ve set is still in sight and is
ANSWER: First off, let me com-
ment on taking testosterone with a
history of prostate cancer. You proba-
bly do have an increased risk of
prostate cancer recurrence due to
testosterone treatment, but clearly
your doctors and you have discussed
it and they are watching you careful-
ly. I have always believed that some-
times-risky treatments can be appro-
priate as long as you understand the
risk, and it may be reasonable to take
the testosterone given the symptoms
you were having.
The effects of testosterone on sleep
are variable. Sleep apnea (not breath-
ing properly during sleep, often but
not always related to being over-
weight) may get worse for some men
taking testosterone. However, many
men report an improvement in sleep
quality, so it is possible that the
testosterone is helping you.
As far as zolpidem goes, I strongly
believe that most people should use
the least amount of sleeping medica-
tion possible. I think it would be a
good idea to try to get off it com-
pletely. Zolpidem, like virtually all
sleeping medications, increases risk
of falls, as well as having other possi-
ble side effects.
DEAR DR. ROACH: After an
extreme case of vertigo, including
vomiting and being taken to the emer-
gency room, my unsteadiness
remains. Over a week later, I need to
use a walker to be safe. I am 79, and
this happened once four years ago,
but without the aftereffects. Any sug-
gestions? — M.W.
ANSWER: The major causes of
vertigo, acute labyrinthitis and benign
paroxysmal positional vertigo, often
continue to produce attacks that tend
to lessen in severity up to a month
after the initial severe attack. A walk-
er may be a useful precaution while
recovering. If the problem persists, I
strongly recommend a visit with a
physical and/or occupational therapist
for vestibular rehabilitation, which is
physical therapy to restore balance. It
also might be necessary to revisit
your doctor to make sure of the origi-
nal diagnosis.
The booklet on vertigo explains
this disruptive condition in detail and
outlines its treatment. Readers can
order a copy by writing: Dr. Roach —
No. 801W, Box 536475, Orlando, FL
32853-6475. Enclose a check or
money order (no cash) for $4.75
U.S./$6 Canada with the recipient’s
printed name and address. Please
allow four weeks for delivery.
still in reach. Stay with the course that
you’re on. Making too many shifts in
direction now could create another set
of problems.
LEO (July 23 to August 22) It might
be time to confront a trouble-making
associate and demand some answers.
But be prepared for some surprises that
could lead you to make a change in
some long-standing plans.
VIRGO (August 23 to September
22) Congratulations. You’re making
great progress in sorting out all that
confusion that kept you from making
those important decisions. You’re on
your way now.
LIBRA (September 23 to October
22) A difficult experience begins to
ease. That’s the good news. The not-so-
good news is a possible complication
that could prolong the problem awhile
longer.
SCORPIO
(October
23
to
November 21) Your self-confidence
gets a much-needed big boost as you
start to unsnarl that knotty financial
problem. Expect some help from a sur-
prising source.
SAGITTARIUS (November 22 to
December 21) Congratulations. Any
lingering negative aftereffects from
that not-so-pleasant workplace situa-
tion are all but gone. It’s time now to
focus on the positive.
CAPRICORN (December 22 to
January 19) Your self-confidence
grows stronger as you continue to take
more control of your life. Arrange for
some well-earned fun and relaxation
with someone special.
AQUARIUS (January 20 to
February 18) As usual, you’ve been
concerned more about the needs of oth-
ers than your own. You need to take
time for yourself so that you can
replenish all that spent energy.
PISCES (February 19 to March 20)
Stronger planetary influences indicate
a growing presence of people eager to
help you navigate through the rough
seas that might mark your career
course.
5 B
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