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Friday, July 2, 2010 – Daily News – 5A FEATURES Wonderful wife walks without warning Dear Annie: My wife of 18 years left me. The day started out like any other. I got dressed for work, gave her a kiss on the lips and told her, ‘‘I love you. See you later.’’ She said, ‘‘Love you, too.’’ When I got home, I discov- ered that she had taken all of her things, plus a few of mine and both of our dogs. She didn’t give a reason. She only left a short note saying, ‘‘I have to get away. I can’t take anymore.’’ She has been gone almost a week, and I haven’t heard a word. I know she was a bit depressed after a co-worker accidentally totaled her car. We work in the same office and were around each other 24/7. We did everything together. We had arguments like any other married couple, but I didn’t think any of them were seri- ous. The last one was two weeks ago, but we made up, and I thought we both had gotten over it. This would be easier to deal with if I didn’t still love her with all my heart. I can’t sleep or eat. I wish she would call and talk to me so we could work this out. If it means going to a marriage coun- selor, I’ll do it. I’ll do anything to get her back. Please help. — Depressed and Confused in Col- orado Dear Colorado: Too much togetherness can be suffocating — small problems are magnified, and things that might be overlooked Annie’s Mailbox by Kathy Mitchell and Marcy Sugar become intolerable because there is no per- spective. We also suspect you may have been some- what oblivious to your wife’s unhappiness. Right now, she needs a little space. If she contacts you, offer to go for counseling. If she doesn’t, ask a rela- tive, mutual friend or co- worker to intercede on your behalf so you can see whether the relationship can be mended. Dear Annie: We are trying to buy our dad a birthday present. He has four children, all adults, but only one is married. Here is the dilemma: The gift we have in mind will cost $300. Does each adult pay the same amount, or are my married brother and his wife considered one? Please tell us the fairest way to split the costs. — Baffled in Cali- fornia Dear Baffled: There is no definitive rule. In some families, the cost is split according to employment — those with full- time jobs pay a full share, those with part-time jobs pay half, and those who are unemployed con- tribute what they can. The best way to do this without rancor is to hold a sibling meeting (include your brother’s wife) and reach an agreement about what is fair. Dear Annie: I read the letter from ‘‘Elaine from California,’’ who said she was inspired by another letter in your column about a woman who couldn’t stay sober. She asked if she was too old to change, and her counselor replied, ‘‘Is your heart still beat- ing?’’ Her story hit me right in my middle. I am 67. I have had three back surgeries and will always have physical limitations. I also live with chronic depression and am overweight. It seems like I have struggled with one or all of these conditions my entire life. As I get older, I am more and more weary. I have a psychiatrist, a therapist, a good back doctor and the best primary care doctor. And I have asked each of them whether there is any use in thinking I can improve my condition. They all gave me positive answers, but ‘‘Elaine’s’’ letter rang a new bell. Even when some parts are broken, there are parts that still work. Here is one of my favorite quotes for lifting the spirits, from Leonard Cohen: Ring the bells that still can ring. Forget your perfect offering. There is a crack in everything, That’s how the light gets in. — Ellen in Florida 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.net, or write to: Annie’s Mailbox, c/o Creators Syndicate, 5777 W. Century Blvd., Ste. 700, Los Angeles, CA 90045. Snow delays summer season for Lassen The deep winter snows and late storms have extended the road, campground and trail openings at Lassen Vol- canic National Park. Visitors can anticipate the main park road to be open for through traffic on July 9. Juniper and Summit Lake Camp- grounds will open on July 16 and trails in the higher elevations will continue to melt out as summer progresses. "The Fourth of July weekend has historically filled campgrounds to capacity as families have made it a tradition to spend their holiday weekend in this beautiful park setting," said Super- intendent Darlene M. Koontz. "This year, visi- tors will be camping and hiking in the lower eleva- tions, and taking advan- tage of the snowfields in the park." The road will be opened to the Lassen Peak Parking Area from the Southwest Entrance and open to the Devastat- ed Area ten miles in from the Manzanita Entrance Station in time for the holiday weekend. Hikers can walk trails in the Manzanita Lake and Butte Lake areas. Most other park trails, including Bumpass Hell Apatient’s need to know DEAR DR. GOTT: I have been diagnosed with peripheral neuropathy. I am a 73-year-old female in gener- ally good health. I’ve had gall- bladder surgery, a hysterectomy, cataract repair, and knee and shoulder replacements. I noticed a tingling feeling in my left middle finger, left foot and then my right foot. I went to a podiatrist, who pre- scribed gabapentin. I am now taking 300 mil- ligrams three times a day, but it doesn’t seem to be helping. It is a dis- turbing feeling that keeps me awake at night until I finally fall asleep from exhaustion. During the night, the tingling seems to go away, but as soon as I start walking, it starts up again. issues. There is no need to alarm patients need- lessly; however, they do have a right to know what they might expect. Dr. Peter Gott I read an article that mentioned a person tak- ing a statin drug for more than five years can develop peripheral neu- ropathy. I was on 40 mil- ligrams of Zocor that was increased to 80 mil- ligrams five years ago. I’ve been cutting the pill in half for a year follow- ing a cholesterol reading of 163 and now take L- thyroxine, furosemide, aspirin, folic acid, fish oil, vitamin C, potassi- um, calcium with vita- min D, iron with calci- um, and vitamins B6 and B12. The neuropathy began six months to a year ago. Muscle and nerve biopsy tests showed no damage, nor do I have diabetes according to the blood work ordered. If peripheral neuropa- thy results from statin drugs, why aren’t patients told this when they are given them? If I stop taking the statin, would or could the neu- ropathy go away? Photo Courtesy of Ranger Shanda Ochs This photo of current conditions in the park shows the Bumpass Hell Trail, which is still covered in snow. Trail, are still snow-cov- ered and inaccessible or difficult to locate. The Lassen Peak Trail is open to the "Grand- view" area, about 1.3 miles from the parking area providing many views of the surrounding landscape. Portions of the trail are snow-covered and require crampons and an ice axe for climbing. The trail will be flagged so visitors can avoid off- trail damage to the under- lying landscape. The remainder of the trail to the summit will remain closed pending further assessment. Trail accessibility information is available on the park website at http://www.nps.gov/lavo/ parkmgmt/current- lassen-peak-trail- status.htm. For more information, visit the park website at www.nps.gov/lavo or call 595-4480. Fire restrictions in effect on BLM lands Seasonal restrictions on campfires and target shooting went into effect Thursday, July 1, for public lands managed by the U. S. Bureau of Land Management Redding Field Office in Shasta, Tehama, Butte, Trinity and Siskiyou coun- ties. The restrictions will be in effect until cooler, wetter weather reduces fire risk. • Campfires or other open fires, including barbecues and portable stoves, are prohibited except within fire rings or stoves in the Junction City, Steel Bridge, Douglas City, Steiner Flat and Forks of Butte campgrounds. Portable stoves using gas, jellied petroleum or pressurized liquid fuel may be used outside of these areas with a valid California campfire permit. • Recreational and target shooting at the Iron Mountain Road and Spring Branch ranges will be allowed only until noon daily. Possession and use of steel jacketed, tracer and armor piercing or exploding ammunition is prohibited. Shooters may not use targets made of any material that could produce sparks. • Tools powered by gasoline engines may not be used off Dr. Andrew PomazalD.O. Physician & Surgeon General Medicine Saturday Appointments Available • High Blood Pressure • Diabetes • Joint & Muscle Pain • Lung Problems We offer Osteopathic Manipulation 530 528-2066 2050 Main St, Red Bluff Accepting New Patients ATTENTION TRAX & ParaTRAX Riders There is no TRAX or ParaTRAX service on: July 1, 2, 3, or 5th Regular service starts on July 6th of established roads and trails. Chainsaws with spark arresters may be used for woodcutting until 1 p.m. daily. • Motor vehicles must remain on roads and trails. • Smoking is prohibited, except within enclosed vehicles or in developed recreation sites. • Possession and use of fireworks, including those approved by the state fire marshal, are prohibited on all BLM-managed public lands. DEAR READER: I am surprised your physi- cian did not advise you of the possible side effects of the Zocor he prescribed. A year or more ago, there was a great deal of media cov- erage regarding debili- tating calf-muscle cramping and tingling that resulted from the use of statin drugs. In the defense of drug com- panies, not everyone will experience similar side effects. Some people can successfully be pre- scribed almost any med- ication without side effects. However, others can’t tolerate them and must find alternative control for their medical This brings me to a related issue. When a physician prescribes any medication, it is his or her obligation to verbalize any possible side effects. Should that not happen, the patient should ask what to expect when taking something new. When this is accomplished, the patient and physician can make an educated decision as to whether a drug is appropriate or simply not worth the risk. You list the surgical procedures you under- went but don’t indicate whether you have any cardiac issues that your physician is attempting to micromanage. I occa- sionally get criticized by my colleagues when I indicate a reading is nor- mal, only to find there are extenuating unknown circumstances for wanti- ng levels substantially lower. That said, I don’t know what your choles- terol readings were prior to the Zocor, but you certainly might be man- aged on a lower dose than the 80 milligrams. That decision is best left to your physician, who knows your complete medical history. Give your doctor credit for testing you for diabetes, which carries the symptom of periph- eral neuropathy, and kudos to you for supple- menting B6 and B12 for possible deficiencies. To provide related information, I am send- ing you a copy of my Health Report “Under- standing Cholesterol.” Other readers who would like a copy should send a self-addressed stamped No. 10 envelope and a $2 check or money order to Newsletter, P.O. Box 167, Wickliffe, OH 44092-0167. Be sure to mention the title or print an order form off my website at www.AskDrGottMD.co m. Dr. Peter H. Gott is a retired physician and the author of several books, including “Live Longer, Live Better,” “Dr. Gott’s No Flour, No Sugar Diet” and “Dr. Gott’s No Flour, No Sugar Cookbook,” which are available at most bookstores or online. His website is www.AskDrGottMD.com. 20% OFF any plant that blooms SALE Red, White or Blue is 20% off This Friday & Saturday Closed Sunday for the 4th Open Monday Red Bluff Garden Center 766 Antelope Blvd. Red Bluff 527-0886