Month: November 2018

Rheumatoid Arthritis

Out of over 1 million people there are probably more women than men who succumb to this disorder. Unfortunately this often occurs as early as 30 years of age. Years ago in  the natural progression  eventually mobility was lost and deformity occurred mainly in the hands .  In fact,a severely affected individual could even today be readily diagnosed by anyone by looking at the hands. The tendons and ligaments become inflamed and the cartilage and bone is destroyed.

What is unique is that BOTH sides of the body are affected in contrast to the condition known as osteoarthritis in which often only one side is abnormal. In fact, I have heard some colleagues say that if you DON’T see bilateral signs, think of something else!. The hands , wrists and feet are the most commonly affected areas. Sometimes in advanced cases the internal organs are also

Today there is GOOD news, technology and medications have changed the prognosis. Some of the newer pharmaceuticals have done wonders and problems such as erosion and disability are not as prominent. In the next posts, I will share with you information about some of these newer meds.  Stay tuned.

So-o-o if you have concerns about you own joint issues or that of others……talk to me……Dr. M. Listens….Leave a comment.

Driving advice………When driving, forget about World Peace….Next time use the turn signal

NSAIDS  SAID WHAT?

The other day a friend asked me about the class of drugs known as NSAIDS. ( Non Steroidal Anti Inflammatory Drugs) She had been having a problem with back pain and taking TYLENOL.  (this type of medicine is also known as an ACETAMINOPHEN…..(in the generic form). For some reason she didn’t want to switch to ADVIL (a member of this group)

Both  Acetaminophen and the NSAIDs are very good for the relief of pain. They are good drugs of choice taken in moderate doses and do an excellent job in pain relief.  However,AMINOPHENS when used  in excess, they are also a MAJOR cause of liver failure.

They are also often the drug of FIRST choice when inflammation is the problem. Examples of these pharmaceuticals are  ADVIL, NAPROXEN, IBUPROFEN etc. As with ALL . medications, a physician who is acquainted with YOUR medical history can prescribe these best  Kidney failure can occur in one with  a compromised kidney system..

Since I was not my friend’s MD, I couldn’t say whether she should  change .  Generally speaking however, those bought over the counter are safe because  the amount available is often too low to be a problem.

Do you have a concern?  Talk to me………..Dr. M. Listens 

Consider this…………

Your Rx for the day 

Try to smile,  Use your lips……..it is the next best thing you can do with them.

What do Vitamin C and Washing Machines have in common? Stay tuned. Today I had a “light Bulb” moment……actually it was more like an“AH HA” moment and it was all due to a washing machine.  I was now on machine number three as replacement for previous models that weren’t working,(same brand)  I asked for and finally received an in home technician visit. A very pleasant young man showed up, right on schedule!       Side note………..a change from my experience with other “in house” service calls, which required me to devote my ENTIRE day from 9:00 to 6:00 to await their appearance. .but I digress.

Anyway, this young man did nothing to change the status  quo regarding my machine but did share with me information that will change myfuture behavior. Now why is this interesting since I am a physician and today’ s topic is Vitamin C   Read on…………

If what he says is correct, using dry detergent whether in my clothes washer or dish washer, was probably a waste of my time and money and useless According to him, once the powder is exposed to air, it loses its effectiveness because it is formulated to react with humidity in the air as well as to water in the machine.. Allegedly, that is why manufacturers advise the use only of HE  (high efficiency) products. Among other things they are not supposed to react this way. 

I   learned sometime ago that Vitamin C has the same problem.  It dissipates quickly upon contact to air or moisture.  Therefore, fruits and juices that include levels of Vitamin C should be consumed within a short time of exposure. Vitamin C is a water-soluble vitamin and is vulnerable not only to air but heat as well. That is why it loses value when food is cooked or the container has been opened for any length of time.. Oh   well……. another lesson learned….       and you,do you intake Vit C?  how much……………what does it do for you ?

Talk to me.          Dr. M. Listens

A Poem by Edwin Markham   (1852 – 1940 )

        He drew a circle that shut me out

Heretic, rebel, a thing to shout

But Love and I had the wit to win

We drew a circle that took him in