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About The Siuslaw news. (Florence, Lane County, Or.) 1960-current | View Entire Issue (April 29, 2017)
6 B SIUSLAW NEWS | SATURDAY, APRIL 29, 2017 TO YOUR GOOD HEALTH Botox Can Ease Blepharospasm DEAR DR. ROACH: I have been contending with blepharospasm for years. I got some relief from Botox for around four years, but then it stopped working and my doctor moved me to Dysport, which was horrible. It did not relax my symptoms, and it made me constantly very uncomfortable (with a feeling that my eyes were swollen all the time). I stopped the treatments and have been able to cope, until the past six months. I am almost unable to read, look at a computer screen or drive. Do you have any suggestions? I use Ativan to try to relax the stress of the blinking, but even that has lost its effect. I have been discouraged from getting a limit- ed myectomy because of the risks. My ophthalmologist said that a neurologist would be a waste of time. I am desper- ate for another opinion. -- B.B. ANSWER: Blepharospasm is an SALOME’S STARS ARIES (March 21 to April 19) Th e oft en-skeptical Aries might fi nd that an answer to a question is hard to believe. But check it out before you chuck it out. You might well be sur- prised at what you could learn. TAURUS (April 20 to May 20) Your resolute determination to stick by a position might make some people uncomfortable. But if you’re proved right (as I expect you to be), a lot of changes will tilt in your favor. GEMINI (May 21 to June 20) You might feel confl icted between what you want to do and what you should do. Best advice: Honor your obliga- tions fi rst. Th en go ahead and enjoy your well-earned rewards. CANCER (June 21 to July 22) Th at fi nancial matter still needs to be sorted uncontrollable muscle spasm around the eyes, often causing blinking and twitching. It ranges from occasional and mild to the much more severe and disabling condition you report. Treatment with botulinum toxin is effective for most people. Botulinum toxin, directly injected into muscle, weakens or paralyzes the muscle. There are three types of botulinum toxin A currently available in the United States: Botox, Dysport and Xeomin, as well as botulinum toxin B (Myobloc). I suspect your ophthalmologist changed brands because of the concern of anti- bodies your body may have developed to the Botox. I would never say that a neu- rologist would be a waste of time. Blepharospasm is a limited form of dystonia, and neurologists are the experts in dystonia. The neurologist will have an opinion on trying a differ- ent form of botulinum toxin, as well as other treatments. DEAR DR. ROACH: I’m a 61-year- old woman who was diagnosed with notalgia paresthetica about fi ve years ago. Several years later, my general practitioner told me to use capsaicin, which helps with the tingling feeling, but sometimes it feels like someone is pinching my spine and the skin tingles, bringing on a very uncomfortable feel- ing. Can you tell me any more about this skin condition? I am beginning to believe that it is getting worse. -- Anon. ANSWER: Notalgia paresthetica is common, but often not diagnosed, and usually causes an itching under one shoulder blade. It sometimes is associ- ated with curvature of the spine (sco- liosis). It isn’t curable, and often gets better and worse. Capsaicin, lidocaine patch and other creams usually provide some relief. Botulinum toxin and nerve block occasionally are used for people with more severe symptoms who don’t respond. DEAR DR. ROACH: I am a 79-year-old male with mild Parkinson’s disease and Type 2 diabetes. I can walk about 10 feet before becoming terribly short of breath and weak. I have been this way for several years, and it has become increasingly worse. Can you help me? -- K.C. ANSWER: Neither Parkinson’s disease nor Type 2 diabetes explains terrible shortness of breath on mild exertion. Severe shortness of breath can come from serious heart or lung problems (many types) or severe ane- mia. I can’t help: Get to your doctor right away. out before you can consider any major monetary moves. Pressures ease mid- week, with news about a potential career change. LEO (July 23 to August 22) A work- place problem threatens to derail your well-planned project. But your quick mind should lead you to a solution and get you back on track without too much delay. VIRGO (August 23 to September 22) An opportunity opens up but could quickly close down if you allow pessimism to override enthusiasm. A trusted friend can off er the encourage- ment you need. LIBRA (September 23 to October 22) You’ve come through a diffi cult period of helping others deal with their problems. Now you can concentrate on putting your energy to work on your own projects. SCORPIO (October 23 to November 21) Forget about who’s to blame and, instead, make the fi rst move toward patching up a misunderstanding before it creates a rift that you’ll never be able to cross. SAGITTARIUS (November 22 to December 21) Good news for the travel-loving Sagittarian who enjoys galloping off to new places: Th at trip you put off will soon be back on your schedule. CAPRICORN (December 22 to January 19) A mood change could make the gregarious Goat seek the company of just a few friends. But you charge back into the crowd for week- end fun and games. AQUARIUS (January 20 to February 18) A decision you made in good faith could come under fi re. Best advice: Open your mind to other possibilities by listening to your chal- lenger’s point of view. PISCES (February 19 to March 20) You can avoid being swamped by all those tasks dangling from your line this week by tackling them one by one, according to priority. Th e weekend brings good news. Siuslaw N ews ! 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