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About The Siuslaw news. (Florence, Lane County, Or.) 1960-current | View Entire Issue (Feb. 25, 2017)
8 B SIUSLAW NEWS | SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 2017 TO YOUR GOOD HEALTH ‘I Took an Aspirin!’ DEAR DR. ROACH: I took an aspirin for a seeming heart attack and went to the hospital, where I was asked if I had taken any meds. I answered “no,” and was medicated; the result was panic for the doctors, as my heart rate slowed to a danger- ous rate. With care and an extra day in the hospital, I was released. My ignorance about medicines was scary. I think that it should be emphasized that “meds” does not mean only prescriptions. Tell the doctor, “I took an aspirin!” -- R.G. ANSWER: Indeed, your doctors should know about all medications you are taking, including over-the- counter, vitamins and other supple- ments. Sometimes women forget to mention their oral contraceptives. Aspirin is a powerful medicine, not to be taken lightly. That being said, I am not sure why your heart rate slowed to a dangerous rate. Beta blockers usually are given for SALOME’S STARS ARIES (March 21 to April 19) You’re correct to want to help someone who seems to need assistance. But be careful that he or she isn’t pulling the wool over those gorgeous Sheep’s eyes. You need more facts. TAURUS (April 20 to May 20) Your Bovine optimism soon will dispel the gloom cast by those naysayers and pes- simists who still hover close by. Also, that good news you recently received is part of a fuller message to come. GEMINI (May 21 to June 20) Feeling jealous over a colleague’s success drains the energy you need to meet your own challenges. Wish him or her well, and focus on what you need to do. Results start to show in mid-March. CANCER (June 21 to July 22) You’re likely to feel somewhat Crabby these suspected heart attack, and some people do have dramatic responses to beta blockers, and their heart rates slow way down. I can’t explain why aspirin could have made that more likely, since aspirin shouldn’t slow down the heart rate. I also couldn’t fi nd any interaction between beta blockers and aspirin. DEAR DR. ROACH: I am a 78-year-old female who has had three orthopedic surgeries (hip repair, hip replacement and knee replacement) with spinal anesthe- sia in two years. Each time, the anesthesia has left me with severe orthostatic hypotension requiring medication for months. If I should ever need surgery again, is there any other anesthetic that would be just as effective and not make me ill? -- A.P. ANSWER: This actually is a very common problem, with at least half of people undergoing orthopedic surgery having some orthostatic hypotension (a lowering of blood pressure upon sitting or standing) immediately after surgery. You have had a very prolonged reaction. I spoke with an anesthesiologist at the Cleveland Clinic, who told me that the issue could have been any of the anesthetic and adjuvant agents that were used. He recommended more salt and water before any operation and longer time in progressively upright positions before trying to get up post-operatively. Finally, your next anesthesiolo- gist could look at your preoperative and anesthesia records and try to fi gure out what agent you had that was most likely to have been caus- ing this, so to avoid its use next time. DEAR DR. ROACH: Two lab tests done in the past two years show that my kidneys are not func- tioning at 100 percent. Is there any action I can take (such as diet or medication) to keep these fi gures from worsening? -- L.M. ANSWER: Kidney function tends to decrease with age, but kid- neys also can be damaged from high blood pressure, diabetes, some medications and many other causes. If kidney function is low, your doc- tor should look at your prescription medication and carefully evaluate their dosing. Also, anti-infl amma- tory medicines like ibuprofen or naproxen should be minimized. Even Tylenol can cause long-term kidney damage in high doses for long periods of time. Managing any chronic illnesses and avoiding toxic drugs are the most important actions. days, so watch what you say, or you could fi nd yourself making lots of apol- ogies. Your mood starts to brighten by the weekend. LEO (July 23 to August 22) Your pride might still be hurting from those unfl attering remarks someone made about you. But cheer up, you’re about to prove once again why you’re the Top Cat in whatever you do. VIRGO (August 23 to September 22) A misunderstanding with a co- worker could become a real problem unless it’s resolved soon. Allow a third party to come in and assess the situa- tion without pressure or prejudice. LIBRA (September 23 to October 22) Call a family meeting to discuss the care of a loved one at this diffi cult time. Be careful not to let yourself be pushed into shouldering the full burden on your own. SCORPIO (October 23 to November 21) An upcoming decision could open the way to an exciting venture. However, there are some risks you should know about. Ask more ques- tions before making a commitment. SAGITTARIUS (November 22 to December 21) Personal matters need your attention during the earlier part of the week. You can start to shift your focus to your workaday world by mid- week. Friday brings news. CAPRICORN (December 22 to January 19) You’ve been going at a hectic pace for quite a while. It’s time now for some much-needed rest and recreation to recharge those hardwork- ing batteries. AQUARIUS (January 20 to February 18) Th is is a good time to upgrade your current skills or consider getting into an entirely diff erent training program so that you can be prepared for new career opportunities. PISCES (February 19 to March 20) Keep a low profi le in order to avoid being lured away from the job at hand. Focus on what has to be done, and do it. Th ere’ll be time later to enjoy fun with family and friends. Siuslaw N ews ! AD IT DAY E R TO www. the siuslawnews.com E -E DITION • S PORTS • T OP S TORIES • O BITUARIES • W EATHER • F ORUMS • B LOGS
