#Middlebury #ToYourGoodHealth
DEAR DR. ROACH: My 93-year-old mom is in good condition except for a kidney disease that has been good for the past 26 years and has had very good reports from her medical practitioner and kidney specialist.
One thing that stresses me is why she complains of being sick all the time. Is it because she wants attention, or just wants people to feel sorry for her? I am her daughter, and our family is just upset because of the way she acts. She does have depression, but she has been given depression pills.
Please give me some information as to why she is doing this. As her daughter, I need TLC, and I need to know how to handle this situation. – A.M.A.
ANSWER: Based on no more information than you have just given me, I would suspect that she complains about being sick all the time because she feels sick all the time. She probably needs some TLC herself. At 93, I believe she’s earned the right to be the one on the receiving end.
Depression may be the cause of her not feeling well, as it so often is. Unfortunately, medication for depression is completely effective for only a minority of people. Depression goes hand in hand with many other illnesses, especially those with chronic pain. I worry that there is a problem you don’t know about. Consider accompanying your mother to her next doctor’s visit, as I am certain she has done for you.
DEAR DR. ROACH: I am a 48-year-old woman in pretty good health. I was a smoker for 30-plus years and quit about three years ago. I don’t have any signs of COPD or other lung ailments yet, but I fear they are just around the corner. My question is, is there anything I can do now to postpone or prevent the onset of these diseases, or at least decrease their severity? – V.M.
ANSWER: Not all smokers will develop COPD. Some smokers are more susceptible than others to the effects of the many toxic chemicals in tobacco smoke. Conversely, some nonsmokers can develop COPD, especially those who lack a protective enzyme, alpha-1 antitrypsin; this is more likely in those exposed to secondhand smoke or other airborne pollutants.
Quitting smoking is by far the most important action you can take to reduce your risk of developing lung disease, but there may be others. Avoid other airborne pollutants, especially other smokers, but also dusts and fumes.
Some preliminary evidence suggests that statin drugs might slow down COPD, but there are conflicting studies, and I don’t recommend them just for COPD. Regular exercise may help, and it certainly helps your heart and many other systems.
The new booklet on Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease explains both emphysema and chronic bronchitis, the two elements of COPD, in detail. Readers can obtain a copy by writing to Dr. Roach – No. 601W, 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 4-6 weeks for delivery.
Dr. Roach regrets he is unable to answer individual letters, but he will incorporate them in his column whenever possible. Readers may email questions to ToYourGoodHealth@med.cornell.edu. To view and order health pamphlets, visit www.rbmamall.com, or write to Good Health, 628 Virginia Drive, Orlando, FL 32803.
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