Issue link: https://www.epageflip.net/i/17537
Friday, October 8, 2010 – Daily News – 5A FEATURES Cat-scratch disease causes numb feet DEAR DR. GOTT: I am always interested in peripheral neuropathy because it was one of the many later symptoms I developed when I acquired bar- tonella henselae. However, I Dr. Peter Gott apparently acquired the bartonella approximately 16 years ago. I recall a cat scratch from a feral kitten that did not heal for several months. I wasn’t diag- nosed until a little over two years ago when I failed to respond to Lyme-disease treatment. In addition to alpha- lipoic acid, my doctor put me on Levaquin. Amazingly, the shoulder pain, chronic gall-blad- der infection, swallow- ing problems, ankle swelling and chronic stomach ulcer went away. The numbness in my feet and fibromyal- gia did not disappear but got better. My point is that one of the symptoms of bar- tonella is numbness of the feet. It is rarely looked at as the cause of peripheral neuropathy. I had none of the diabetic or circulatory problems that normally cause it. I am still scratching my head as to why my now- retired doctor did not diagnose it earlier. It would have made my recovery from Lyme dis- ease so much easier. DEAR READER: Bartonella henselae, also known as cat- scratch disease, is a bac- terium that enters the body at the site of the scratch. Adult cats can spread the disease, but it more commonly comes from kittens. Lymph nodes, primarily those around the arms, head and neck, become swollen. Lack of normal appetite, fever, headache, fatigue and transient peripheral neu- ropathy may result. Those commonly infect- ed are people with a compromised immune system. Lyme disease pre- sents with the same symptoms, so it is no wonder your physician would have zeroed in on that possibility. You can perhaps understand why some diseases and disor- ders are discovered fol- lowing a process of exclusion. The symp- toms are the same, and, at times, the treatment is the same. The Levaquin you were prescribed is a broad-spectrum antibi- otic used to treat bron- chitis, pneumonia, skin infections, the sinuses, UTIs, ears, chlamydia and more. You are correct that peripheral neuropathy is not commonly linked to cat-scratch disease. It is not one of the more common symp- toms, but there is a definite link that should not be overlooked when making a diagnosis. Thank you for writing and sharing your interesting case. DEAR DR. GOTT: I read your column daily but have never seen anything on puden- dal nerve entrapment. Any information would be appreciated. DEAR READER: Pudendal nerve entrap- ment occurs when a nerve in the pelvic area becomes compressed or trapped. It can be the result of post-surgical scarring, pregnancy or trauma. Activities such as riding a bicycle are known to trigger the condition. Symptoms include pain when sitting that is reduced or eliminated by standing, lying down or when on a toilet seat; paresthesias in the but- tock and genital areas; urinary hesitancy and/or urgency; constipation; impotence; sexual dys- function; and a great deal more. Treatment varies depending on the under- lying cause and how long symptoms have been present. If you are a cyclist, that prolonged activity should be reduced. There are a number of medications — nerve stabilizers, antidepressants or anti- convulsants — that might reduce or alleviate the pain. When all else fails, treatments such as corticosteroid injections or nerve blocks may be appropriate. Speak with your physician who knows your history and can recommend appropriate advice or medication. Then, if and when con- servative measures fail, request referral to a top- notch surgeon for the problem. To provide related information, I am send- ing you a copy of my Health Report “Manag- ing Chronic Pain.” 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.AskDr- GottMD.com. 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 No need for nefarious, neglectful nephew Dear Annie: I don’t have the best relationship with my nephew, ‘‘Bob.’’ He has asked for a number of favors from me in the past and has gotten very nasty when things didn’t go his way. He has also bragged about abusing peo- ple and pets, and he enjoys making people angry, vio- lating laws and bucking authority. Here’s the problem: Bob Annie’s Mailbox by Kathy Mitchell and Marcy Sugar was recently arrested for giving attitude to a policeman. He, of course, claims innocence. He has asked me for a character letter for his legal case. I was caught off guard and asked for time to think about it. Predictably, he blew a gasket, hung up on me and sent a bunch of nasty e-mails. He told his mother, lying about things I said, and now she is furious with me. Everyone on that side of the fam- ily says I need to apologize for doing this unforgivable thing. I understand they are trying to protect Bob, but why is this my fault? I did- n’t tell him no, only that I wanted to think about it. What do you write in a character letter for somebody you think is a sociopath? ‘‘Dear Court: Bob is a wonderful person, but tor- tures little animals and children.’’ This kid is vicious, mean, obnox- ious, rude, lazy, offensive and possi- bly dangerous. But apparently, my integrity is not as important as fami- ly ties. I also believe Bob is planning to sue the police, and if I wrote a letter as a character witness, I could conceivably be called to testify. At which point, I would either have to perjure myself or tell the truth and make things worse for him. Don’t I have a right to decline? I think this kid needs help, not enabling. Part of my dilemma is that I have business interests with the family and still have to deal with these people. What do I do? — Bob’s Unfortunate Uncle Dear Uncle: Unless you can find a way to write about Bob’s character without lying, you should decline. But you must accept that your integrity may cost you a certain amount of good will within your family. Explain your reasons, and suggest that Bob get professional help before it’s too late. We hope they listen. Dear Annie: My neighbor ‘‘Tina’’ has body odor. When I came home from work last week, Tina’s 12-year-old son stopped by. I told him he would have to leave while I took a shower. He asked, ‘‘You take a shower every day?’’ I replied, ‘‘Yes.’’ I just about flipped when he responded, ‘‘My mom doesn’t, and she smells.’’ My outspoken teenager repeated this to Tina when she came over the next day. I made her apologize, but I was secretly relieved that she brought up the subject. Tina then told me she does indeed shower, but she still has body odor. Is there something she could do? She reads your column every day. — Out of Concern Dear Concerned: Body odor can come from any number of things. Tina may need to shower more often or use a different deodorant. Her body chemistry may be interacting negatively with her soap, shampoo or laundry detergent. She may need to wear natural fabrics. It is also pos- sible that she has a medical condi- tion and should seek help from her doctor. Dear Annie: This is in response to ‘‘Still Cry About It,’’ who worried how she would react to a knock on the door from the biological child she gave up years ago. I, too, gave up a child. It was the most difficult decision of my life, but it was the right thing for my son. Not a day goes by that I don’t won- der how he is doing, but I am not wishing for a knock at the door. I believe when a child is given up for adoption, ties should be cut forever. — Doing OK Now 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. Chamber to co-host candidates forum The Red Bluff Tehama County Chamber of Com- merce is pleased and excited to bring a City Council Candidates Night to Red Bluff. The Corning Chamber of Commerce has successfully conduct- ed a local candi- dates night for at least nine years. “The candi- date’s night really helps our community get to know the can- didates beyond and subcommittee meet- ings at which city busi- ness is discussed. Council members spend time meeting with residents and representatives of groups affected by city government. Chamber Notes Kristin Behrens the names displayed on the signs,” said Corning Chamber Manager ValAnne Cardenas. “It is the Corning chamber’s investment in supporting our community to gain greater insight and under- standing of what is most important to the candi- dates and the future of our city.” City Council members must live within the city limits, have a voice in all matters pertaining to the city and can influence the decisions made by the City Manager. Council members are public offi- cials elected to represent a district of a city as the municipal governing body typically known as a City Council. The responsibilities of a council member gener- ally involve determining city government and administration policies, as well as adopting budgets and legislation. Council members spend much of their day at committee If you live outside of the city boundaries and can not vote for a council member, you may still be interested or invested in what these candidates have to say about our businesses, the future of our city law enforcement, city development impact fees, the budget and increasing our local econ- omy. Join us for our first, at least the first during my 5- year term as a chamber board member, at 7 p.m. Monday, Oct. 11 at the Veterans Memorial Hall. I will be hosting the event, and Chairman-elect Greg Stevens, publisher of the Daily News will be mod- erating. Each candidate will be given a 2-minute opening speech and closing com- ments. The Chamber Executive Committee has pre-selected questions for the candidates and a panel will present questions from the audience, time permitting. All candidates have been notified and accept- ed our invitation. Those elected will serve for a period of 4 years. The next election will be in 2014. Join us to learn more from: • Joe Durrer, new to the council • Wayne Brown, incumbent • Jim Byrne, incum- bent • Daniele Jackson, new to the council • Tim Morehouse, new to the council • Jeffery Moyer, incumbent • Rob Schmid, new to the council • Larry Stevens, served 1998-2006 Refreshments will be provided. On a similar note, the chamber board continues to enhance and improve our services and organization. We are aligning our by-laws and board membership with the needs of our members. One such enhancement is the future PAC. Political Action Com- mittees, or PACs, are pop- ular among chambers across the state. Dave Gowan, our chamber CEO, has been studying up on the importance and effectiveness of such committees while attend- ing the California State Chamber Academy, a three-year commitment. If political action is your passion, keep your eyes peeled for this new com- mittee or call the chamber to put your hat in the committee ring. Always on the look out to promote the growth and prosperity of local busi- ness – your progressive Red Bluff-Tehama Coun- ty Chamber of Com- merce. Kristin Behrens is chairwoman of the Red Bluff-Tehama County Chamber of Commerce and marketing director for St. Elizabeth Community Hospital. Check Out our online ‘Yard Sale Map’ Updated Thursday afternoon – for weekend Yard Sales! Click on locations for exact addresses and driving directions! ‘ Yard Sale Map ’ can be easily accessed from our top menu at www.redbluffdailynews.com . Mouse over the red ‘ Classified ’ tab and scroll down to ‘ Yard Sale Map ’ and click. A Fun Fall Weekend at the Red Bluff Garden Center Act II Consignment Boutique Closing after 17 years Carol of Act II will be retiring and closing as of October 30th . Many Thanks and Blessings to our Consigners and Customers (couldn’t have done it without you) Everything must go including accessories and fixtures Come by and enjoy all the bargains 707 Walnut St., Red Bluff • 527-4227 Sunday Oct. 10 @ 1pm “Grapevine Wreath” Class $10 supply fee Please call to reserve a seat Garden Center Red Bluff 766 Antelope Blvd. (Next to the Fairground) 527-0886 Friday, Oct. 8 @ 10am “Grapevine Wreath” Class $10 supply fee Saturday, Oct. 9 @ 10am Free Winter Veggie Class CANDIDATES FORUM Red Bluff Veterans’ Memorial Hall Red Bluff City Council Corner Oak and Jackson, Red Bluff Monday, October 11 7:00 – 9:00 PM All candidates for Red Bluff City Council have committed to attend Free admission No reservations required Early arrival recommended Call the Chamber with any questions: 527-6220 Sponsored by: D NEWSAILY RED BLUFF TEHAMACOUNTY Mail-in Ballot Recipients: Suggest waiting to return yours until you have the chance to hear the candidates speak or read the coverage in The Daily News.