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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