Issue link: http://www.epageflip.net/i/9870
Saturday, May 1, 2010 – Daily News – 5A Mom is chronic complainer Dear Annie: My patience is running thin with my 92-year-old mother’s rude and hurtful behavior. When I talk to her about it, she just laughs and brushes it off. I wasn’t around my mother through most of my marriage, but a few years ago, she moved in order to be closer to me. My hus- band and I are now retired, and I see to Mom’s needs. I don’t know if she’s Annie’s Mailbox by Kathy Mitchell and Marcy Sugar going to change your mother at this stage of the game, so we urge you to find a way to ignore her chronic com- plaining, which, by the way, is not unusual between parents and chil- dren. We recom- mend you learn to sigh and say, ‘‘Yes, Mom.’’ She isn’t trying to hurt been like this for years, if it’s her age or if she has become bitter since my father died, but she is truly difficult to be around. If my husband and I take her out to dinner, she will complain that the food isn’t as good as she could have made at home. If I bring her a home-cooked meal, she will tell me it was OK, but would have tasted better if I’d added this or that. My brothers live out of state and, as a gift, had a ramp installed on her front porch, thinking this would make her life easi- er. She told me it was ‘‘nice,’’ but believes they did it only to increase the home’s value and not for her benefit. Yet, she uses it every day. Of course, I wouldn’t tell this to my brothers, because I don’t want them to be hurt. Her friends and other family members think Mom is just great. And truthfully, she can be car- ing and generous, but she is so negative around me. What can I do? — Need Patience Dear Patience: It is unlikely that you are you. She simply wants to be important and the focus of your attention. Dear Annie: Last week, I purchased a new wig because my hair is thinning. While trying it on, I complained that it didn’t fit properly, but the salesperson convinced me it was fine, and stupidly, I bought it. Upon arriving home, I discovered it was a medium-sized wig, not the petite size I require. The wig is not refund- able, so there’s no point in returning it. I thought I might donate it instead. Could you provide me with the address of an agency that would want my synthetic wig? It has never been worn. I’m hop- ing to pass it on to some- one who could use it and would feel lovely wearing it. — H. Dear H.: Call the American Cancer Society at 1-800-227-2345. They are delighted to accept new and gently used wigs, which are then given to cancer patients free of charge. Someone there will tell you where you can donate your wig locally. Thank you so much for asking. Dear Annie: I’d like to offer suggestions for ‘‘Son of a Portly Pop.’’ There may be other RED BLUFF FEATURES Gluten-free diet can reverse celiac damages avenues the family could explore regarding Dad’s current inactivity. One might be to hire a personal trainer to find a level of exercise he is capable of doing. Even a little upper body move- ment could be a begin- ning. Often, someone from outside the family can have more influence. Also, the family might consult with Portly Pop’s doctor to see how they could best assist him, including working on meal preparation, exer- cise, therapy, whatever. — No Stone Left Unturned in Boston Dear Boston: It’s defi- nitely worth a try, but keep in mind, Pop must be willing to make the neces- sary changes. Annie’s Mailbox is written by Kathy Mitchell and Marcy Sugar, longtime editors of the Ann Landers column. Please e-mail your questions to anniesmailboxcomcast.n et, or write to: Annie’s Mailbox, c/o Creators Syndicate, 5777 W. Century Blvd., Ste. 700, Los Angeles, CA 90045. DEAR DR. GOTT: First, let me thank you for saving my life. I am a 66-year-old female. After reading your column about celiac disease a year ago, I went to my current doc- tor with the article in hand. She advised me that I had nothing to lose, as I had been sick for a long time. ing me so much. DEAR READER: I am glad to have helped and am pleased to learn of your increasingly better health. I was diagnosed with lactose intolerance in 1990, but still had severe stomach pain. After reading your column, I went on a gluten-free diet and have been on it for a year. I am a new person. Dr. Peter Gott I think I have probably had this all my life, and many times I have been very sick. I have had tests on every internal digestive organ and was always told there was noth- ing wrong with me. I have spent 10 years paying off all those tests that past doctors ordered with negative results. Before starting the diet, I weighed 110 pounds, and my skin was hanging from my bones. I had lumps on my forearms and looked older than my nana did at age 100. I now weigh 115 pounds but have gained mass between my skin and bones. I have lost a lot of my wrinkles and look 20 years younger. I even found out that my eyeglass prescription was now too strong when I went for an exam because I could no longer read road signs. I have spent hours researching celiac dis- ease on the Internet but cannot find infor- mation on how far I might expect my body to heal. I have osteoarthritis, osteoporosis and was in need a hip replacement. I can now walk farther and faster before the pain starts than I could before starting the gluten- free diet. I just wanted to thank you for help- Celiac disease is a common genetic disorder caused by malab- sorption of nutrients (owing to damage to the small intestine) and intolerance to gluten (owing to an allergy). It affects about one in every 133 people in the United States. Those with a first-degree relative who has been diagnosed are more likely to develop the condition. Of this group, about one in every 22 people has the disorder. It affects children and adults and occurs in every nationality. Celiac is also more com- mon in those with other genetic disorders. Gluten is a type of protein commonly found in wheat, barley and rye. Any prod- ucts that contain these grains will also con- tain gluten. Some unexpected products that may contain gluten include medications, lip balms or vitamins. Not all sufferers experience symptoms, which can occur within the digestive tract or other parts of the body, or they may be so mild that they are not troublesome. For oth- ers, they may be severe and debilitating. Children may have different symptoms than adults, experiencing weight loss, constipa- tion, chronic diarrhea, abdominal pain and bloating, vomiting, irritability, growth and development delays, delayed puberty, dental enamel defects of the adult teeth, and pale, foul-smelling or fatty stools. The best way to avoid gluten is to avoid all processed foods. Visit the National Insti- tutes of Health’s Celiac Disease Awareness Campaign website at www.celiac.nih.gov. 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Thanks to our friends at Sunday May 2 2:00pm State Theatre ★ ONE SHOW ONLY! ★ Sing-Along Songsheets Provided ★ Banjo Band Instrumentals ★ Tin Pan Alley Tunes Benefiting St. Elizabeth Community Hospital Auxiliary Sponsored by: St. Elizabeth Community Hospital A member of CHW MCGLYNN MCGLYNN & BOTTKE Attorneys at Law D NEWSAILY RED BLUFF TEHAMACOUNTY E License #759609 Comfort Inn 90 Sale Lane , Red Bluff Embroidery Mart American Dennis & Jeannie Garton State Theatre For The Arts Red Bluff Katrina Perdue D.M.D. General Dentistry Red Bluff C M R O J T A V L E E C I