Dr. Gott: Patients must ask doctor to get answers

DEAR DR. GOTT: I am a 78-year-old female. A couple of years ago, my family doctor sent me to an oncologist. He said my bone marrow is producing too many red blood cells for no reason. My hemoglobin is 16, which is comparable to a man’s reading, and mine should be 14 or 15. He wants to watch it closely. He also wants me to have a bone-marrow blood test. I would like to know what he suspects or what he is looking for. It really has me worried. I’ve heard this test is painful. I’ve enclosed my last blood work for your review.

DEAR READER: According to the paperwork you provided, your white and red blood cells, hemoglobin, and platelets are all within your lab’s normal limits. I am, therefore, at a loss as to why you are being urged to undergo invasive testing.

As I have said many times in the past, patients must talk with their physicians and ask questions. Just because they are specially trained in healing doesn’t mean that they can’t make mistakes. If you don’t understand something or aren’t comfortable proceeding with the doctor’s advice, speak up.

There may be a perfectly good reason for the oncologist’s recommendations of which I am unaware because I do not know your medical history.

Return to the specialist, and ask your questions. If he is unable or unwilling to answer satisfactorily, seek out a second opinion from another hematologist/oncologist. You do not have to follow a physician’s advice because he says so. But be aware that if he has a sound, logical reason, his advice may be appropriate, and not following it could have disastrous consequences.

To provide related information, I am sending you a copy of my Health Report “Blood – Donations and Disorders.” 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. Be sure to mention the title.

DEAR DR. GOTT: Apparently, there is a lot of interest from your readers about using white iodine to repair soft, splitting, ridged fingernails. Four of our pharmacies say they are receiving many calls but do not have or cannot get the product. I would appreciate any help you can give in regards to obtaining this product. Thank you so much.

DEAR READER: When I first mentioned using white/clear/colorless iodine for nails, I never imagined it would be so hard to find. To the best of my knowledge, the product is carried by most chain pharmacies, such as Walgreens and CVS, or major retailers, such as Wal-Mart and Target. I imagine the product is also available directly through the manufacturers or medical companies, such as McKesson or Humco. If those fail, you can always find an online retailer and have the product shipped to your front door. Just be sure to choose a reliable and safe online seller.

Other treatment options include gelatin drinks and pomegranate juice. B-complex supplements may also strengthen nails and hair, especially if the condition is due to deficiency.

Readers who are interested in learning more about these and other home remedies can purchase my Health Reports “Compelling Home Remedies” and “More Compelling Home Remedies.” Simply send a self-addressed stamped No. 10 envelope and a check or money order for $2 per report to Newsletter, P.O. Box 167, Wickliffe, OH 44092. Be sure to mention the title(s).