Dyes used in X-rays unsafe for some

Dear Dr. Gott: I was taken to get a CAT scan while in the hospital. I had a big red band on my wrist to let personnel know I was allergic to red dye.

The nurse put me on the table and told me she was going to give me an intravenous with dye in it, and it would make me feel warm.

Before she said another word, I told her apparently she did not check my wristband, and that no one was going to give me red dye.

I went into shock the first time they used it on me. I was told then to never let anyone give it to me again.

On another occasion I had a nurse tell me, “Well, it’s not the same as it was 25 years ago.” I told her I didn’t care – I was not going to let anyone use it on me.

Dr. Gott, what is your take on this?

P.S. Thank goodness I was conscious on these two occasions!

Dear Reader: The dyes in X-ray scanning material can be exceedingly dangerous in a person allergic to them. You behaved appropriately under the circumstances.

This might be a good time for you to be tested by an allergist to determine which dye(s) should be avoided. Also, it would be helpful to document a dye allergy – if, indeed, you haven’t outgrown the sensitivity.

To give you related information, I am sending you a copy of my Health Report “Allergies.” Other readers who would like a copy should send a long, self-addressed, stamped envelope and $2 to Newsletter, P.O. Box 167, Wickliffe, OH 44092. Be sure to mention the title.

Dear Dr. Gott: I’ve never seen this in your column before, but is there anything on the market to help women with their loss of sex drive? I asked (more like bugged) my doctor for something, but he insisted there was nothing to give me.

I have everything going for me. I’m 65. My husband and I are still very much in love, we’ve been together 30 years, our children are married, our grandchildren are great, we are both retired, not rich but have no money problems, and we have fun together at home and going out. I’ve always enjoyed sex, I talk about it, can joke about it, it’s always on my mind because I miss it. My husband’s kisses still turn me on, yet nothing, nothing we try gives me that wonderful drive, and I’m so tired of pretending. It’s not fair to him or me.

Dear Reader: Loss of libido (sex interest) can be challenging to diagnose. It has several causes, ranging from hormone deficiency to a side effect of many medicines. You don’t seem to fit the profile of a wife who is bored by her husband; that is, your diminished libido probably does not have an emotional basis.

I recommend that you address this issue with your gynecologist, who will examine and test you.

Also, there has been talk in medical circles that Viagra given to women may stimulate the sex drive.