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SIUSLAW NEWS |
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 2017
TO YOUR
GOOD HEALTH
Can Spleen
Rupture Without
Any Trauma?
DEAR DR. ROACH: My hus-
band was admitted to the hospital
with a ruptured spleen that bled
into his belly. His surgeon repaired
it with a coil. He was not in an
accident and had no injuries or any
bruising anywhere on his body. His
doctor had never seen this; he says
a ruptured spleen usually is sus-
tained from some sort of accident.
My husband is almost 59, and in
good health otherwise. How could
this happen, and could this happen
again? -- J.C.
ANSWER: The spleen removes
defective red blood cells from the
circulation, and it also destroys bac-
teria and infected cells. In fact, it
is in many ways like a big lymph
node, responding to infections by
activating and enlarging.
Although a ruptured spleen is
well-described in the literature,
SALOME’S STARS
ARIES (March 21 to April 19) Th e
adventurous Aries won’t be disap-
pointed with taking on a new chal-
lenge, despite some initial misgivings.
Look for this move to open other
opportunities down the line.
TAURUS (April 20 to May 20) Let
that beautiful Bovine smile not only
put you at ease, but also show that
you’re ready, willing and more than
able to confound the naysayers around
you. A new admirer has important
news.
GEMINI (May 21 to June 20) Be
careful how you handle a relationship
that you’re hoping to save. You already
have the facts on your side. Avoid
weakening your position by embellish-
ing it with unnecessary dramatics.
CANCER (June 21 to July 22)
I’ve never seen a case like your
husband’s either. The last ruptured
spleen I saw was a college football
player who was simultaneously hit
by two opposing players, one on
either side, both much larger than
he was.
Most people with spleen rupture
had an enlarged spleen to begin
with, from cancer such as leuke-
mia or lymphoma, infection such as
EBV (the virus that causes mono-
nucleosis), infl ammatory conditions
such as pancreatitis or mechanical
causes such as pregnancy. A few
cases are related to medications, and
a few have no identifi able cause for
rupture.
As far as risk of it happening
again, there you have me. I found
one paper that says the prognosis is
“excellent.” I would have to refer
you back to his surgeon. People who
have had their spleens removed are
at risk for certain infections, and
should have a vaccine for pneumo-
coccus, a major cause of pneumo-
nia. The vaccine is normally given
at age 65. Your husband should
speak with his doctor about getting
it now (since I don’t know if his
spleen is now considered normal).
DEAR DR. ROACH: I read in
your column that for vaginal atro-
phy (dryness/itching) you suggest
that a woman use topical cream
instead of estrogen cream. I am
59 years old, and have been using
Premarin cream externally for a
month with noticeable results. I use
a dab every other day. Should I
continue to use it even when I don’t
have symptoms, or only as needed?
If you think non-hormonal cream
would be better, could you suggest
one? I have tried one, but it didn’t
seem to be effective. -- A.A.
ANSWER: I’m sorry I wasn’t
clear. “Topical” in this case meant a
vaginal estrogen cream, as opposed
to estrogen taken by mouth. I would
continue using it, since it has been
effective. Most women use it twice
a week after initial treatment.
Non-estrogen creams are fi ne for
many women, but estrogen creams
like Premarin usually are more
effective.
Dryness and itching may be
caused by recurring vaginal infec-
tions, which are often troubling to
women. The booklet explains them
and their treatment. Readers can
order a copy by writing: Dr. Roach
-- No. 1203W, 628 Virginia Drive,
Orlando, FL 32803. 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.
Taking defi nitive stands isn’t easy for
the oft en-wavering Moon Child. But
you not only need to stay with your
decision, but also reassure others it was
the right thing to do.
LEO (July 23 to August 22) As a
proud Lion, you’re right to be upset
about those who might be lying about
you to others. But the best revenge is
proving them wrong by succeeding at
what you set out to do.
VIRGO (August 23 to September
22) Caution is still advised before
making a fi nancial commitment to a
“promising” project. Look for the facts
behind the fl uff . Devote the weekend
to loved ones.
LIBRA (September 23 to October
22) A Taurus off ers comfort and advice
as you deal with an upsetting event.
Use this as a learning experience that
will help you avoid similar problems
in the future.
SCORPIO (October 23 to November
21) A romantic situation creates some
chaos for single Scorpions. But it’s well
worth the eff ort to work things out. A
trusted friend can off er some helpful
advice.
SAGITTARIUS (November 22 to
December 21) Expect to make new
friends as your social circle expands.
Also, remember to tell that family
member how proud you are of his or
her achievements.
CAPRICORN (December 22 to
January 19) New ventures continue to
be favored. And with your self-confi -
dence rising all the time, you’ll want
to see how well you can do with a new
challenge. So, go to it.
AQUARIUS (January 20 to February
18) Th is is a good time for the usually
“serious-minded” Aquarian to let loose
and enjoy some fun times. Expect to
get good news about a workplace issue.
PISCES (February 19 to March 20)
Changed plans might upset some peo-
ple, but your needs should be respect-
ed. Off er explanations when necessary.
But don’t let yourself be talked into
changing your decisions.
Siuslaw N ews
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