Make medical staff aware of allergies
DEAR DR. GOTT: In a past column, you addressed the problem of allergies and scan dyes. I would like to add some information in the hopes that it will help others avoid a problem.
I am allergic to shrimp. On my first trip to the hospital, I was asked if I were allergic to any medications. I wasn’t aware of any, but I did say I was allergic to shrimp. I thought the nurse would say I shouldn’t expect shrimp at the hospital and we would have a chuckle about it, but instead she said that it was “significant.” When I asked why, she told me that it had the same chemical makeup as intravenous dye and proceeded to give me a red bracelet and wrote down the allergy in red pen on my chart.
After that experience, I always reply to the allergy question with my shrimp answer. During my last hospital visit, a nurse told me that it was not significant because that dye is no longer in use, but I don’t want to take any chances and continue to let them know.
I think that anyone with any kind of allergy should make medical staff aware of it, regardless of whether it is “significant” or not. The saying goes “Better safe than sorry,” and I completely agree with it.
DEAR READER: I have printed your letter because you make an excellent point. I agree that it is better to give too much information than not enough, especially in regards to health and medical treatment.
DEAR DR. GOTT: I am a 74-year-old female. Over the years, my nails have gotten worse. They are thin, ridged, splitting and shredded. I have tried several remedies that were supposed to help, with no change.
In one of your answers to someone who wrote about this problem, you advised using decolorized or white iodine. I cannot find either product and hope you can advise me where to purchase it. I do not have a computer, so I cannot order it online. Is there a pharmacy that might have it available?
DEAR READER: Decolorized, white, colorless and clear iodine are all the same product. When my advice first appeared, the product was hard to find, but over time, the requests for where it could be purchased all but disappeared. I assume this meant that it was readily available following an increased demand for it. Recently, however, requests have started coming in again.
Decolorized iodine is available at most independent pharmacies, through the Rite Aid chain under their store brand or brands, and will be available through the CVS chain, commencing March 2010. This is a modification of my original advice. Furthermore, a quick Google search by my research staff found colorless iodine at many obscure Web sites as well as one popular site – Amazon.com. (I have no affiliation with Amazon, but I recommend online shoppers use this safe, reliable Web site over an unknown that may simply take your money and run.)
Because you do not own a computer, this is clearly not an option for you. My only other advice is to speak with your local pharmacist to request that he or she order it for you.
To provide related information, I am sending you copies of my Health Reports “Dr. Gott’s Compelling Home Remedies” and “More Compelling Home Remedies.” Other readers who would like copies should send a self-addressed stamped No. 10 envelope and a $2 check or money order per report to Newsletter, P.O. Box 167, Wickliffe, OH 44092. Be sure to mention the title(s).