8 B
SIUSLAW NEWS |
SATURDAY, APRIL 15, 2017
TO YOUR
GOOD HEALTH
Diabetic Asks If
Meds Caused Leg
Weakness?
DEAR DR. ROACH: I have
peripheral neuropathy symptoms in
my feet. I am borderline diabetic
and keep it under control by eating
right. Also, my legs are weak, and I
am doing exercises. I was taking the
drug Reglan for a couple of months.
During the time I was taking it was
when I started to have these leg
problems. Could this be a side effect
of the Reglan? -- G.D.
ANSWER: Diabetic neuropathy
is a complication of longstanding
diabetes, especially if it has been
poorly controlled. Occasionally, it
can show up seemingly early in the
course of Type 2 diabetes, but this
is thought to represent a delay in
diagnosis in otherwise asymptom-
atic disease or in those who have
ignored symptoms. The symptoms
of diabetic neuropathy usually begin
with numbness, and later on pain
and tingling of the feet. Weakness,
SALOME’S STARS
ARIES (March 21 to April 19) A
sudden change of plans could lead to
a misunderstanding with a friend or
family member. Be ready to off er a full
explanation of your decision. A past
favor is returned.
TAURUS (April 20 to May 20)
Expect pressure from those who want
you to change your position on a mat-
ter of importance. However, the deter-
mined Bovine will be able to withstand
the bullying and win out.
GEMINI (May 21 to June 20) It’s
time to stop dwelling on past disap-
pointments and move on to other
possibilities. By week’s end, you’ll be
meeting new people and making new
plans for the future.
CANCER (June 21 to July 22) A
long-simmering situation between
when it happens, generally comes
later on.
Metoclopramide (Reglan) is used
for nausea and vomiting, especially
after chemotherapy, and is used to
stimulate the stomach emptying in
people with diabetic gastropare-
sis, which is a type of neuropathy
of the nerves to the stomach and
intestines. Many or most diabetics
with gastroparesis also have dia-
betic neuropathy. However, meto-
clopramide should not be given for
more than eight weeks due to the
risk of tardive dyskinesia, a serious
disease of motor control, especially
in the facial muscles. Although tar-
dive dyskinesia can cause symp-
toms in the limbs, weakness would
be unusual, and tardive dyskinesia
would be very unusual if you took
the Reglan only for two months and
have stopped.
I think it is unlikely that either
diabetic neuropathy or the Reglan
are causing the muscle weakness.
There are many kinds of neuropa-
thies, and all (or nearly all) are more
common in people with diabetes. I
would revisit your doctor to try to
fi nd out more about why you are
having leg weakness.
READERS: Diabetes has become
epidemic in North America. The
booklet on it offers insight into its
diagnosis and treatment. Order a
copy by writing: 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: We always
hear about “superfoods” and their
antioxidant power. Is there any truth
to the hype? -- H.C.
ANSWER: I know what you are
saying; blueberries, kale and acai
berries often are called “superfoods.”
I don’t really know what “super-
food” means. These foods are gener-
ally healthy, as part of a balanced
diet, but it doesn’t mean that eating
them can make you live forever -- or
even erase bad food choices.
To me, a healthy diet is one with
lots of diversity -- many different
fruits, vegetables, nuts, whole grains
and fi sh and limited amounts (or
none) of red meat, saturated fat and
processed foods. Health isn’t found
by sticking to a fad diet, but by
a lifetime of healthy eating, regu-
lar exercise, stress reduction, good
social interactions and being for-
tunate enough to avoid injury and
disease. Making good choices dra-
matically improves your odds of a
healthy life.
co-workers threatens to heat up and
could create problems with your work
schedule. Best advice: Consult a super-
visor on how to proceed.
LEO (July 23 to August 22) You
might have just learned that someone
close to you is keeping a secret. And,
of course, the Cat’s curiosity has gone
into overdrive. But be patient. All is
revealed soon enough.
VIRGO (August 23 to September
22) Don’t give up. Th e recognition cit-
ing the good work you recently did will
come through. Meanwhile, an oppor-
tunity opens up that can lead to a lot
of traveling later on.
LIBRA (September 23 to October
22) A fi nancial crunch eases, but it’s
still a good idea to keep a tight rein
on what you spend for nonessentials.
Education becomes a major focus as
the week winds down.
SCORPIO (October 23 to November
21) Recent encounters with stressful
situations could require some restor-
ative measures to get your energy lev-
els back up. Talk to your doctor about
a diet and exercise program.
SAGITTARIUS (November 22 to
December 21) New connections follow
changes on the job or in your personal
life. But keep your feelings reined in
until these relationships have a chance
to develop.
CAPRICORN (December 22 to
January 19) Pay more attention to
your aches and pains, but avoid self-
diagnoses. Seek professional advice to
make sure these problems won’t lead
to something more serious.
AQUARIUS (January 20 to February
18) You love doing research and learn-
ing new things, so you’ll be happy to
know that education becomes a big
part of your life at this time, and for
some time to come.
PISCES (February 19 to March
20) Your Piscean penchant for doing
things logically could be challenged by
an equally strong emotional reaction
to a new situation. Best advice: Keep
the two factors in balance.
Siuslaw N ews
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