Image provided by: University of Oregon Libraries; Eugene, OR
About The Siuslaw news. (Florence, Lane County, Or.) 1960-current | View Entire Issue (July 22, 2017)
4 B SIUSLAW NEWS | SATURDAY, JULY 22 2017 TO YOUR GOOD HEALTH Too Old for Back Surgery? DEAR DR. ROACH: An MRI shows that I have spinal stenosis. I have not improved with chiropractic care, electrical stimulation, medica- tion (including hydrocodone, trama- dol and a pain patch), physical ther- apy or three spinal injections. After the third injection did not help, I told the surgeon I would need back surgery, but he said I am too old. I am 76. Am I too old? -- H.S. ANSWER: Spinal stenosis is a back condition in which the spinal cord or nerve roots are compressed due to bony abnormalities. The pressure on the nerves can cause pain, loss of refl exes and numbness. Spinal stenosis is most common in the lower back, but it can happen in the neck and mid-back as well. It is seen more often in people over 60 and is the most prevalent reason for back surgery in people over 65. The MRI usually shows the compression on the spinal cord or SALOME’S STARS ARIES (March 21 to April 19) A turn in a relationship upsets the amo- rous Arian, who is puzzled by Cupid’s romantic antics. Be patient and con- siderate. Th e confusion soon will sort itself out. TAURUS (April 20 to May 20) It’s a good time for travel-loving Taureans to take off for fun-fi lled jaunts to new places. And don’t be surprised if Cu- pid tags along for what could be a very eventful trip. GEMINI (May 21 to June 20) You appear to be of two minds about con- tinuing a relationship that seems to be riding roughshod over your emotions. A frank talk could help you decide one way or the other. CANCER (June 21 to July 22) Step- ping back from a relationship prob- nerve roots; however, the decision for treatment is made based on the symptoms, not necessarily how the back looks by MRI. You have had the recommended nonsurgical treat- ments, including several medica- tions, physical therapy and injec- tions. Consideration of surgical treatment is reasonable. When considering any therapy, the physician must consider the po- tential benefi ts and risks. The benefi t of surgery is that it is more likely to relieve pain and improve function. There is a small risk of a serious bad outcome (death, worsening of pain or weakness). In general, the older a person is, the more risky the proce- dure. However, there is no absolute age cutoff of who can and can’t get the surgery. The overall health of the person is more important than age. Younger people may be a bit more likely to see better improve- ments in walking after surgery. Back surgery shouldn’t be un- dertaken lightly at any age. Get a surgical opinion -- and probably a second opinion -- before making a decision. Only the surgeon, with ac- cess to your MRI results and hav- ing completed a careful history and exam, can make an informed rec- ommendation about your personal situation. The booklet on back problems gives an outline of the causes of and treatments for the more-common back maladies. Readers can order a copy by writing: Dr. Roach -- No. 303W, 628 Virginia Drive, Or- lando, FL 32803.. Enclose a check or money order for $4.75 U.S./$6 Canada with the recipient’s printed name and address. Please allow four weeks for delivery. DEAR DR. ROACH: Has the use of white powder, monatomic gold nutritional supplement been verifi ed by the medical profession? Are the claims of mental clarity, long life span, disease cures, etc., accurate? -- D.S.C. ANSWER: I thought I knew supplements pretty well, but hadn’t heard of monatomic gold. Mona- tomic gold is supposed to be an “orbitally rearranged monoatomic element.” In fact, these don’t exist chemically, and anyone selling a product like this and claiming health benefi ts is deliberately scamming you or is confused. Metallic gold is inert and has no effect in the body, as opposed to gold salts, which are powerful and potentially dangerous medications, now seldom used for rheumatic diseases. Avoid “mona- tomic gold” supplements. lem provides a fresh perspective on how to deal with it. Meanwhile, watch your words. Something said in anger now could backfi re later. LEO (July 23 to August 22) A changing situation makes the Big Cat uneasy. But hold on until things settle down around the 5th. Meanwhile, continue your good work on that still- unfi nished project. VIRGO (August 23 to Septem- ber 22) A decided improvement in a workplace situation results in an un- expected, but very welcome, added benefi t for everyone. Personal rela- tionships also improve. LIBRA (September 23 to October 22) Money matters remain a bit un- settled but soon will ease into the kind of stability you appreciate. Mean- while, an expanding social life off ers a chance to make new friends. SCORPIO (October 23 to Novem- ber 21) Use an unexpected roadblock in your monetary dealings to reassess your fi nancial plans and make chang- es, if necessary. It soon will be smooth sailing again. SAGITTARIUS (November 22 to December 21) Aspects of love are strong for both single and paired Sag- ittarians. Professional dealings also thrive under the Sag’s clever handling of diffi cult situations. CAPRICORN (December 22 to January 19) Set a realistic goal and follow it through to completion. Re- member: You’re more likely to impress the right people with one well-done job than with lots of jobs left undone. AQUARIUS (January 20 to Febru- ary 18) You like to plan ahead. Th at’s fi ne. But be prepared to make some changes because of an unsettled pe- riod that infl uences your aspects through the 5th. PISCES (February 19 to March 20) A brief phase of instability aff ects your usual work cycle. Use the time to catch up on chores around the house or offi ce. Th ings settle down soon af- ter the 5th. Frank’s 101 Barber Shop 396 Highway 101, Florence 541-902-9588 Siuslaw N ews ! AD IT DAY E R TO Frank is back and proud to support Relay For Life. Love you Carol!
