Issue link: https://www.epageflip.net/i/5809
If readers would like to con- tact Dr. Gott, they may write him through your newspaper or send their mail directly to Dr. Gott c/o United Media, 200 Madi- son Ave., 4th fl., New York, NY 10016. However, if readers want to request a newsletter, they should write to the Ohio address. DEAR DR. GOTT: Please enlighten me about dialysis. Who is it used by and how often? It causes me to vomit whenever I try to eat. DEAR READER: I assume, based on your letter, that you are cur- rently undergoing dialy- sis. You do not give any other pertinent informa- tion, such as your age, gender, what medical conditions you have and what medications, including over-the- counter drugs and herbals, you are taking, therefore, I will give only a general overview. Dialysis is a medical treatment that essentially cleanses the blood. It replaces some of the things that the kidneys normally do. It is used by those patients with end- stage kidney failure and its use usually implies that 85 percent to 90 per- cent of kidney function has been lost. There are two types of dialysis: The first is known as hemodialysis. In this situation, the patient undergoes minor surgery to create an access point into the blood vessels. This area is then available to be hooked up to a machine that removes the impuri- ties and balances certain chemicals, which is nor- mally the job of the kid- neys. These include removing salt, excess water and waste, and maintaining normal lev- els of sodium, bicarbon- ate and potassium. The procedure is usu- ally done three times a week, and each treatment may take up to four hours to complete. The second type of dialysis is peritoneal. There are several forms, so, again, I will give only a general overview. Rather than having an external machine cleanse the blood, the process occurs within the body. Surgery is necessary to create an access point within the abdomen, in which a catheter is placed. A substance called dialysate is then slowly injected into the abdominal cavity. Dialysate then draws out the excess fluids and waste products from the blood, which are removed when it is drained away. Which type of peritoneal dialy- sis is appropriate is best determined by a n e p h r o l o g i s t (kidney special- ist). Dialysis does not cure kidney disease. It is believed that those on it may live as long as people with nor- mal, healthy kid- neys, but it is not known for sure. The only cure is kidney transplant; however, only certain people may qualify based on general health status, age and other criteria. Dialysis is an expen- sive treatment and may need to be continued for long periods of time or even for the rest of a patient's life if a compat- ible kidney cannot be found or the patient does- n't qualify for transplant. The good news is that private health insurance, state medical aid and the federal government may lower or eliminate the cost. Most patients lead rel- atively normal lives while on this treatment. For those who continue to work, special arrange- ments must be made to accommodate the dialy- sis schedule. Dialysis centers are located through the United States and in many foreign countries. It is important for those on dialysis to contact the nearest center when traveling to make appointments prior their arrival. Because treat- ment is standardized, the same level of care will be received, regardless of where you are traveling. Speak to your physi- cian, because your ques- tions involve subjects that he or she should have explained to you. To provide related information, I am send- ing you a copy of my Health Report "Kidney 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 Newsletter, P.O. Box 167, Wickliffe, OH 44092. Be sure to men- tion the title. Dr. Peter Gott is a retired physician and the author of the book "Dr. Gott's No Flour, No Sugar Diet," available at most chain and independent bookstores, and the recently published "Dr. Gott's No Flour, No Sugar Cookbook." Friday, January 8, 2010 – Daily News – 5A Red Bluff Garden Center 766 Antelope Blvd. (next to the fairgrounds) 527-0886 Winter Veggies BareRoot Fruit Trees and so much more Come Garden with us Established 1970 P. Ralph Campbell Income Tax Service Bookeeping Service Financial Service P. Ralph Campbell Enrolled Agent 30 years California Insurance License #0C73069 -10 years 20639 Walnut St., Red Bluff (530) 529-9540 SOUTHERN GOSPEL CONCERT SERIES FREE CONCERT! - Southern Gospel at it's finest - Wonderful for entire family - Invite friends and family Dixie Melody Boys Thursday, January 14 TH • 6:30 p.m. 1005 So. Jackson St., Red Bluff 1st Church of God Love Offering will be taken 100 Belle Mill Road 527-6789 Fran's Hallmark Fran is retiring See store for details GRAND OPENING SPECIAL 108 Main Street, Suite C, Red Bluff (530) 527-1121 BUY 2 LARGE PIZZAS PEPPERONI OR CHEESE & GET CRAZY COMBO FREE WITH COUPON Expires 01/11/2010 Valid at Red Bluff location only. One coupon per order per visit. Dear Annie: My 59- year-old husband of 15 years wants to leave the U.S. and move abroad for a few years because he is not getting along with his fam- ily. He insists I also pack up and move. My three children are adults, but still, I do not want to leave them. I told my husband he cannot run away from his problems, but he insists that is not what he's doing. But he provides no other reason for wanti- ng to move out of the country. I have no intention of moving to Europe or Mexico. If he wants to go, I plan to sell our house and move into an apartment, where I will await his return. I am too old to learn another language and adapt to another culture, find new doctors, get health and dental insurance, etc. I want to relax and enjoy my retire- ment, and visit my children. I am not going. Period. Am I being selfish? — Staying Put in Texas Dear Texas: No. This is the type of decision that should be mutually agreed upon. We will say that living in another country can expand your horizons and may be a better and more worthwhile experience than you are willing to accept. However, you should not be forced into it. One compromise would be for you to visit him for several months at a time. But keep in mind that long separations can occasionally lead to permanent ones. Dear Annie: My 60- year-old husband is a reck- less driver. He tailgates trucks on the interstate, looks around at the scenery, takes curves way too fast, always goes over the speed limit and often veers over the center line and onto the shoulder of the road because he isn't paying attention. He also messes with the cruise control, radio and air condi- tioning. Riding with him makes me nervous, but if I say anything, no matter how nicely, he gets angry and speeds up. Not long ago, we were driving home at night on the highway. It was raining, and the temperature was close to freezing. Everyone else on the road slowed down, and my husband went speeding past. I was so upset that I started to cry. It made no difference to him. He ignores me when I say I'm afraid he might hit someone and kill them or us. Surprisingly, if he lets me drive, I always do so carefully because he develops carsickness. Other than this, he is a wonderful, thoughtful man, and it confuses me why he doesn't respect my feelings and isn't concerned with my safety. What can I do? — Nervous in Vir- ginia Dear Virginia: Some men equate driving with virility. It makes them feel young and macho to drive fast and recklessly. Your husband also may believe it proves how much he's in control, when in reality, he's simply been lucky. If you cannot get him to put your safe- ty first, we highly recommend you stop riding with him, even if that means taking a taxi. Dear Annie: After reading let- ters from readers who are depressed, I wanted to say that sometimes depression can be caused or exacer- bated by vitamin D and calcium deficiencies. When my doctor told me both those levels were low, my husband and I decided to take sup- plements. After a year, I am pleased to say we are more energetic and have a better outlook on life. My husband has been occasionally plagued by depression, but it seems he is affected less often these days. We're also careful to spend some time outdoors and exercise, as it really helps moodiness. The final thing I've discovered is that oatmeal is a natural spirit lifter. On days when I'm low, a bowl of hot oatmeal with maple syrup and butter is better than pancakes. Sometimes a series of small lifts can make a big difference. — Happy To Be Back Dear Happy: Thanks for the solid advice. And everyone should ask their physician about vitamin D levels, because deficiencies are not uncommon. 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, P.O. Box 118190, Chicago, IL 60611. Hubby wants us to leave the country Annie's Mailbox by Kathy Mitchell and Marcy Sugar FEATURES A medical primer on kidney dialysis Dr. Peter Gott Steelhead report filing is now online The Department of Fish and Game invites steel- head anglers to use the new online reporting system for their 2009 Steelhead Fish- ing Report-Restoration Cards. The new system is online through Jan. 31. "Helping DFG get the most accurate and timely information to manage California's steelhead resource is a priority for Trout Unlimited of Cali- fornia," said Kent MacIn- tosh an organizer for Trout Unlimited of California. "We hope that offering a one-day fully guided steel- head fishing trip gives anglers more incentive to use the online system." Trout Unlimited of Cal- ifornia is offering a free guided steelhead fishing trip for one angler who uti- lizes the online reporting system by Jan. 31. The winner will be selected the first week of February through a random drawing of all anglers using the sys- tem. To use the service, anglers need to go to www.dfg.ca.gov/fish/Fish- ing/Monitoring/SHRC. After clicking to go into the Steelhead Report Card Data Portal, follow the instructions for reporting online under Require- ments. Anglers should review their report card information prior to enter- ing it to ensure accurate reporting. The new system allows DFG to offer a one-time catch-up period for anglers who did not turn in last year's 2008 report card. Information collected from report cards provides DFG with data to monitor and manage California's fish- eries. Anglers preferring to mail in their 2009 report cards can send them to: DFG, Steelhead Fishing Report and Restoration Cards, P.O. Box 944209, Sacramento CA 94244- 2090 Any remaining 2008 report cards must be reported online. Frequently asked ques- tions and information on the report card program are available on DFG's Steel- head Fishing Report and Restoration Card Program Web page at www.dfg.ca.gov/fish/Fish- ing/Monitoring/SHRC. Information on the free guided fishing trip should be addressed to Kent MacIntosh at kent- mac@sonic.net.