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SIUSLAW NEWS |
SATURDAY, MARCH 25, 2017
TO YOUR
GOOD HEALTH
Irritable Bowel
Syndrome Vanishes
After 35 Years
DEAR DR. ROACH: I’m a
77-year-old man in good health
except for irritable bowel syndrome
for 35 years. Six months ago, I
started taking two low-dose aspirins
daily as a preventive, and since then
all IBS symptoms have disappeared.
Stools and frequency are now nor-
mal and without any intense cramp-
ing, gas or urgency, which I had for
all those years. Frankly, I’m pleas-
antly shocked, since I thought IBS
had no cure. I take no other medica-
tions or supplements, so it seems
likely that the aspirin has alleviated
or maybe cured my IBS. I thought
other readers might be interested.
Any thoughts? -- B.C.
ANSWER: Yours is a very unusu-
al but not unheard of response to
aspirin. Most people with IBS fi nd
that aspirin and other anti-infl amma-
tories worsen IBS symptoms. I have
SALOME’S STARS
ARIES (March 21 to April 19) Be
careful about doing someone a favor
when you don’t know the full story
behind the request. Don’t rely on
someone’s unsubstantiated assuranc-
es. Insist on all the facts before you act.
TAURUS (April 20 to May 20)
Th at workplace problem still needs
your attention before you fi nally can
close the book on it. Meanwhile, a
long-anticipated reunion gets closer to
becoming a happy reality.
GEMINI (May 21 to June 20) You
might be demanding more from others
than they can give. Best advice: Have a
long and frank talk to determine what
the facts are. Tensions should abate as
the week winds down.
CANCER (June 21 to July 22)
Aspects are favorable throughout this
read of others who have the same
response you seem to, however.
Aspirin remains controversial as
a preventive in people without heart
disease, but I believe the benefi ts
outweigh the risks in people at high
risk for heart disease, even if they
are undiagnosed. Always speak
with your doctor before beginning
a course of aspirin, even if it’s low-
dose.
DEAR DR. ROACH: I have
taken the same dosage of Synthroid
for several years. Since this dose
successfully maintains my thyroid
level, is it still necessary for me to
have my bloodwork done once a
year, or could I either stop having
bloodwork done or have the test
performed every other year? -- R.M.
ANSWER: In general, the dose
of replacement thyroid remains
roughly constant over the long term.
However, the dose may need to be
adjusted for several reasons, includ-
ing weight change, other medica-
tion use, change in absorption due
to gastrointestinal developments or
pregnancy. Also, even normal aging
alters the metabolism of thyroid
hormone, so I’d recommend con-
tinuing to check levels once yearly
at a minimum.
The booklet on thyroid disorders
provides insight into the various
forms and treatment of this disease.
Readers can order a copy by writ-
ing: Dr. Roach -- No. 402W, 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.
DEAR DR. ROACH: Several
weeks ago, I contracted a bad cold
with much congestion.
I have received an antibiotic plus
nasal spray, and most of the conges-
tion is gone. I have no pain. My
concern is that my ears are still
partially blocked. I can clear them
by pinching my nose and blowing,
such as one does in an aircraft, but
I must do this frequently. I am wor-
ried about hearing damage. I don’t
know what else to do. -- R.F.
ANSWER: The Eustachian tube
connects your middle ear with
the back of the throat and equal-
izes the pressure in your ear. It is
common for congestion to linger.
Fortunately, it does not permanently
damage hearing, and usually goes
away by itself. Decongestants can
help, but do not use a decongestant
spray such as Afrin (oxymetazoline)
for more than three days.
week for making contacts that could
be important to your career plans.
Meanwhile, an old friend off ers the
advice you’re seeking.
LEO (July 23 to August 22) It’s time
to stop licking your wounds from past
mistakes. Get up and get going toward
your future. Loyal friends will be there
to help the Lion get back into rip-
roaring shape.
VIRGO (August 23 to September
22) Take time out to go over what’s
expected of you before you begin your
new project. Otherwise, you run the
risk of pushing yourself harder than
you need to.
LIBRA (September 23 to October
22) An unusual request could put you
in an awkward position. Best advice:
Deal with it immediately. Th e longer
you delay, the more diffi cult it will be
to get out of it.
SCORPIO (October 23 to November
21) You should feel recharged and
ready for whatever your workaday
world holds for you. Th e same positive
energy spills over into your personal
relationships.
SAGITTARIUS (November 22 to
December 21) A prospect might be less
than it appears to be. Like the Archer
in your sign, you always aim for the
truth. And this is no time to settle for
less than full disclosure.
CAPRICORN (December 22 to
January 19) Start doing some serious
thinking about a career move that
could entail more than just changing
job sites. Some lifestyle changes also
might be involved.
AQUARIUS (January 20 to
February 18) With tensions easing at
the workplace, a more positive envi-
ronment once again encourages the
free fl ow of ideas so typical of the
always-innovative Aquarian.
PISCES (February 19 to March 20)
Show some of that usually hidden
steel-strong Piscean backbone, and
stand up for yourself if you hope to
make a case for that promotion you
know you deserve.
Siuslaw N ews
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