Soap remedy helps ex-Marine

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Dear Dr. Gott: As a mud Marine in World War II, I had my gluteus maximus blown away, femur broken, etc. I was told I would be in a wheelchair by the time I was 40 years old after being in a body cast for nine months.

I’m close to 84. I do 100 push-ups, swim, lift weights, etc., but my left hip is painful. I have no joint.

It all calcified from immobilization for nine months in the hospital. But the good news is, by sleeping with a bar of soap on the gluteus-maximus muscle, 90 percent of the pain I experienced upon awakening in the morning has left.

No clinical reason. But I play golf, walk with a cane and lead a normal, active life.

I fly a plane and am able to use the left rudder despite a 3-inch shortening of my left leg.

My reason for writing is, please tell people the soap treatment does help arthritis sufferers. A friend has arthritis in his left hand. I told him of the “soap” treatment.

He put a cake of soap in a glove and wore it to bed. It has helped him a great amount – no cure, but a real help.

Dear Reader: Thank you for suggesting yet another use for the soap treatment. Your story is intriguing.

You may achieve better results from rubbing castor oil into the affected area. Many arthritis sufferers swear by this treatment, which is safe, easy and inexpensive.

Dear Dr. Gott: Is there any danger in using microwave ovens or being near one when it is in operation? I think I read somewhere they are very much a part of our lives today, and I hope they are safe.

I would appreciate your comments on this.

Dear Reader: Microwave radiation is believed to be unhealthful but, to my knowledge, there are no recent studies proving this. Apparently the main problem is leaking seals. (You might want to check that yours are secure.)

Because microwave radiation does not travel more than a few inches, don’t be near such an oven when it is in operation.

Dear Dr. Gott: The letter from the woman who had the perfect hiccup-relief method really interested me. My youngest daughter will sometimes get hiccups many times throughout the same day.

This letter told of the practice of putting something long and metal, i.e. a teaspoon or knife, into a glass of water.

You drink the water while holding the utensil next to your temple, while still in the glass. You wanted to know if it worked for your readers.

Well, it has worked for me and my family five out of five times, with no recurring hiccups afterward. I’m astonished that this works!

I have been spreading the news to everyone I know. Thanks to the woman who wrote to you, and to you for printing her letter.

Dear Reader: Thanks for the follow-up.