Issue link: https://www.epageflip.net/i/13768
4B – Daily News – Saturday, July 24, 2010 FEATURES New boyfriend gives reader an STD Dear Annie: I’ve been dating ‘‘Bob’’ for almost two years, and we moved in together a year ago. For the most part, it’s been OK. Eight months into our relation- ship, Bob gave me an STD that I will have for the rest of my life. He insists he never cheated, and although my doctor seemed skeptical, I decided it was possible he’d had the STD before he met me and just didn’t know. However, Bob has done other things that disturb me. I found out he was look- ing at online adult websites. He also checks out Internet porn and lies about it. I know he used to go to strip clubs, but he claims he doesn’t do that anymore. Bob says he loves me and we will never split up. But Annie’s Mailbox by Kathy Mitchell and Marcy Sugar when I was working, he’d call twice a day, and it felt like he was checking up on me. If I go out with my friends, he jok- ingly asks how many guys I picked up. He seems very inse- cure about our relationship. I do love him, but sometimes I feel as if I am dating him only to have a roof over my head. I’m currently unemployed, and moving out would be impossible. Do you think I should dump him now before something drastic happens, like he proposes or I get knocked up? Or should I enjoy my time with him and see whether the situation changes a year or so down the road? — Bummed and Confused Dear Confused: We aren’t sure why you say you love Bob when you would rather break up than risk his propos- ing. We think you are staying for the rent money and are reluctant to deal with it. It’s unlikely Bob is going to improve with age. Start saving your pennies, and move out as soon as possible. Dear Annie: I seem to be having a slight problem with my wife. She doesn’t remember anything I tell her, whether it’s about a withdrawal from our bank account or asking her to stop at the store on her way home. I’ll say something to her, remind her later via e-mail or text message, and within a few hours — poof! — it’s totally forgotten. But she has no problem remembering things at work or regarding her friends and family. She even performs at a local theater and memorizes lots of lines. Is this worth making an issue over? It’s getting frustrating and seems to imply a total lack of respect for me. What should I do? — The Camel’s Straw Dear Straw: People are easily distracted and overbur- dened with information these days, and things can slide out of their heads. This could be why your wife isn’t filing away your comments in her memory bank. It requires more con- centration than she is capable of. However, if she manages to remember everything else, she may simply be tuning you out — not an uncommon occurrence with married couples. Talk to her about it. Dear Annie: I was struck by the letter from ‘‘Appreciate the Cleaning Ladies,’’ who said her clients hadn’t given her a raise in 10 years. While I agree with your response, I have a different take on it. This person is a business owner and an independent con- tractor, yet sees herself as an employee of these households. She needs to understand that she alone has the responsibili- ty to set her rates, choose her clients, take vacations and give herself raises. Her clients expect her to do this for herself. If you went to get a manicure, you wouldn’t tell the manicurist you were going to pay them more than the price they had already established. As an independent contractor myself, I know it is hard to tell clients you are increasing your rates, but it is a necessary part of the job. Even if she loses a couple of clients, she will make up the income. Ten years is a long time to go without a pay increase, and she deserves a big one. — Boise, Idaho 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. Benign prolactinoma tumor is causing concern DEAR DR. GOTT: Fifteen years ago, I was diagnosed with a pitu- itary prolactin producing adenoma. I was told it is not cancerous and isn’t operable. I was on a med- ication called Permax for 13 years until it was taken off the market. My endocrinologist then pre- scribed bromocriptine, 2.5 milligrams, that I took for a year even though it made me sick. She then came up with the idea of having the pill crushed and placed in a suppository, which I inserted in my vagina at bedtime nightly. After using it for four months, it brought my prolactin down from 156 to 124, but I had yeast infections, got sore, and expe- rienced a burning sensation. I’m now off my medication and have Dr. Peter Gott blood work every two months to check my prolactin. I suffer from headaches at times and don’t know whether it is some sort of swelling of my pituitary. For 15 years, my doctor has had me taking 30 milligrams of Hydrocort daily for inflammation. I’m hoping you may know more than my doctor. I have thought about going to Cleve- land Clinic in Ohio, but I want to know what you think first. DEAR READER: Prolactinomas are the most common form of benign tumor of the pituitary gland. The pituitary is located in the base of the brain and plays an important role in metabolism, reproduction, growth and development. A hormone known as pro- lactin in the pituitary stimulates the breasts to produce milk during pregnancy. Symptoms of prolactinoma are caused by pressure of the tumor on surrounding tissue or too much prolactin in the bloodstream. High levels of the hormone can cause infertility, loss of libido and changes in men- struation that vary from person to person. Women may find menstruation ceases or becomes irregular, vaginal dryness can occur, and those who are not pregnant may produce breast milk. Men with the condition may experience erectile dysfunction, headaches and eye problems. Diagnosis can be made through laboratory testing of pro- lactin blood levels. When levels are higher than normal, a physician may test for hypothyroidism, tie in prescribed medica- tions known to raise prolactin secretion, or consider injury to the chest wall itself. Because the optic nerve sits just above the pituitary gland, a physician might order an eye exam with visual-field measure- ments. Treatment is focused on reducing levels to normal, correcting visual abnormal- ities, reducing the size of the tumor, and restoring normal function of the gland. Dopamine is the chemical that inhibits secretion of the hormone. As such, dopamine agonists bromocriptine or caber- goline may be drugs of choice. The purpose of these drugs is to perform as naturally occurring substances. Both have been approved by the Food and Drug Administra- tion for the treatment of hyperprolactinemia. The bromocriptine you were prescribed appears to have a well-established safety record, even though side effects such as nau- sea and dizziness can occur. To combat pos- sible unwanted effects, the medication is commonly begun slowly with 1/4 to 1/2 of a 2.5-milligram tablet taken at bedtime with a snack. The dosage may be increased gradu- ally to 7.5 milligrams daily. The medication is short acting and should be taken two or three times each day. Prolactin levels have been shown to rise when the drug is discon- tinued. Cabergoline is newer and more expensive, but it has fewer side effects, and the drug may be more effective than bromocriptine. Studies indicate prolactin levels will likely remain more normal after cabergoline therapy than bromocriptine, but further research is necessary before we know for sure. Surgery should be considered only if conservative methods of treatment fail to produce effective results. If a tumor must be removed surgically, the procedure is At 8 p.m. on Sunday, July 25, a new Denny’s restaurant will open at the Flying J Travel Cen- ter at 2120 South Ave., just off Interstate 5 at exit 630, one mile from the Woodson Bridge State Recreation Area. The new location is one of 140 Denny’s locations opening in Flying J Travel Centers across the country dur- ing the next two years. Denny’s also plans to open approximately 50 restaurants in Pilot Travel Centers over the next several years. “We’re excited to bring the great food and reasonable prices for Denny’s to open new location in Corning prices may vary. which Denny’s has become famous to our new location in Corn- ing,” said Anil Yadav, the franchisee who will operate the new restau- rant. “Denny’s is an American favorite, and we expect our Flying J location will appeal to both local residents and highway travelers alike.” As a full-service location, the new Corn- ing Denny’s will be open 24 hours a day every day of the year, serving breakfast, lunch, dinner and late-night items in a relaxed, friendly atmosphere. Denny’s is also known for providing its cus- tomers with tremendous value, including these great deals: • $2 $4 $6 $8 Value Menu™ – Denny’s first- ever all-day, every-day value menu lets con- sumers choose from 16 dishes at affordable prices, from traditional favorites to several new a la carte items. • Kids Eat Free – Consumers can receive a free kids meals for up to two children 10 and under with the purchase of each adult entrée of $2.50 or more. The offer is good at participating locations from 4 to 10 p.m. on select days only, and menu items and • Free Birthday Grand Slam®– Celebrate your special day with a free Original Grand Slam® meal at participating Denny’s restaurants. The Original Grand Slam offer is free for the birthday guy or gal who can show proof that it’s their birthday, and is good for dine-in only. • AARP Members Save Percent - Show your AARP membership card at Denny’s restau- rants and save 20 per- cent off your total check from 4 to 10 p.m. every day. Also, coffee is just $1 for AARP members and their guests, 24/7. commonly performed through the nasal cav- ity. If the tumor is so large this cannot be accomplished, access will be made through an opening in the skull. Hyperprolactinemia can lower the pro- duction of estrogen. Women with inade- quate production are at increased risk of developing osteoporosis and should undergo periodic bone-density testing. Coordinate a plan of regular exercise, and supplement additional calcium with vitamin D. One method of remaining informed of cutting-edge progress and taking an active role in your health care is by entering avail- able clinical trials. Information can be obtained through www.ClinicalTrials.gov. Tell your endocrinologist about your headaches. Perhaps an MRI is in order, or there may be yet another cause for them that should be investigated. Following that, if you feel you will be better served with a visit to Cleveland Clinic, follow through with the plan. Good luck. To provide related infor- mation, I am sending you a copy of my Health Report “Thyroid Disorders.” Other readers who would like a copy should send a self-addressed stamped No. 10 envelope and a $2 check or money order to Newslet- ter, P.O. Box 167, Wickliffe, OH 44092- 0167. Be sure to mention the title or print an order form off my website at www.AskDr- GottMD.com. It’s a little hot to jog outside! We’ve got a solution! Enjoy your cardio at Tehama Family Fitness Center Over fifty pieces of cardio equipment 8 new 42” flat screens in our cardio area 5[[X [RR after your workout! Take a dip in the pool at Wilcox Oaks Golf Course, TFFC members now get a Wilcox social membership for free! *Bring in this ad and receive a 3 day pass Tehama Family Fitness Center 2498 South Main St • Red Bluff 528-8656 • www.tehamafamilyfitness.com Tehama County’s Personal/Professional Service Directory Bankruptcy Attorney Local Bankruptcy Attorney Jocelyn C. Olander 530-824-0288 Free Consultation Payment Plans Available Web: www.jcoattyatlaw.com email: mail@jcoatty atlaw.com A federally qualified Debt Relief Agency under 11 U.S.C. 101(12(A)) Embroidery AT YOUR SERVICE! $ 9900 3 month Clock Repair 530-736-7079 Grandpa’s Clocks Jim Paul 20910 Pebblestone Dr. Red Bluff Shelf & 31 Day Clocks Repaired Call for appt. Member NAWCC Cuckoo Clocks, Anniversary, Wall, Clock Repair James W. Tysinger, Jr. M.D. Eye Physician & Surgeon Fellow American Academy of Ophtalmology We accept Medical, Medicare & most Insurances Office Hours: Mon-Thurs 8am-4:30pm Fri & Sat 8am-12 noon For Emergencies, After Hours, Week-ends, Call 530-567-5001 345 Hickory St. Red Bluff Tel: (530) 529-4733 Fax: (530) 529-1114 Orthotic Therapy is our Specialty, also treating all aspects of the feet including Bunions, Hammertoes and Plantar Fasciitis with conservative and surgical intervention. We offer comprehensive skin care products from; FOOT AND ANKLE SPECIALIST 2530 Sr Mary Columba Dr Red Bluff (530) 527-7584 commitment Runs every Tuesday - Thursday - Saturday Eye Physician Financial Services BANKRUPTCY Free information $50/mo. + court fee MICHAEL O. HAYS Attorney at Law 1-800-387-9299 Feet Health CREAMS, SALTS, MOISTURIZERS, GIFT SETS www.aerosilknatural.com SPA SKIN CARE PRODUCTS ALL NATURAL INGREDIENTS