Put help to use in coping with fibromyalgia
Q: I am a 63-year-old woman. For the past five years, I've had pain in my muscles and joints and suffer from chronic fatigue. It took me a long time to get a doctor to diagnose me because I have no health insurance. A rheumatologist finally diagnosed me with fibromyalgia, polymyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome. I also have diabetes and a sciatic nerve leaning on two herniated discs.
Is there a specialist who can help with the chronic fatigue? My doctor says I just have to endure everything, but I do not accept that. I'm depressed and at my wits' end.
A: The pain and fatigue you are experiencing certainly appear to be affecting your quality of life, and I disagree that you simply have to endure the symptoms. While you may never be totally free of pain and fatigue, you can lead a productive life with the assistance of available resources, such as the physical-therapy department of your local hospital, a chronic-fatigue specialist in your area and perhaps even a pain clinic.
To provide related information, I am sending you a copy of my Health Report "Fibromyalgia." Other readers who would like a copy should send a self-addressed stamped No. 10 envelope and a check or money order for $2 to Newsletter, P.O. Box 167, Wickliffe, OH 44092. Q: I need a hearing aid. The cost is a big factor. I have often wondered why there are never any used ones offered. There must be many that could be made available at a big savings. In an age of relatively inexpensive electronics, hearing aids have not come down in price. Could it be that the manufacturers have this under control?
A: Hearing aids have not come down in price because each device is custom-made. Every person's ear canal is shaped differently. To ensure proper fit and function, the hearing aid must be shaped to fit comfortably yet snugly. If it were one size fits all, many people would find that the aids are too big or too small, causing discomfort and dislodging.
If you have health insurance and can show medical necessity, part, if not all, may be covered; however, many insurance companies will not cover the costs. I suggest you seek out a place that will work with you to find an affordable hearing aid and set up a payment plan.
Q: Recently, you printed a letter about using nail hardener to remove moles. I have many seborrheic keratoses that itch, bleed and are extremely annoying. I have a skin check every year.
A: The nail-hardener remedy is beneficial for the removal of skin tags. I have received only one letter stating that it was used successfully to remove moles. However, I have heard from several readers about using mentholated chest rub to remove a seborrheic keratosis.
Q: I would like to tell you that when I disagreed with a doctor, he told me that he would no longer treat me. Fifteen years later, my husband's physician refused to treat him because of a disagreement about treatment.
We only wanted to try diet and exercise as a first step to control our problems rather than going directly to medication. My husband has successfully controlled his diabetes this way, but, unfortunately, my cholesterol refused to drop.
Most doctors don't seem to want to look at other cures. Fortunately, I have found a doctor who accepts that I am intelligent and want to learn about the problem. My husband still hasn't found someone this accepting.
A: I am disappointed to learn of your and your husband's situations. It is unacceptable for a physician to behave this way. Neither you nor your husband were inappropriate to want to try conservative approaches first. I applaud you for sticking to your guns.
