Dear Dr. Gott: What can you tell me about pancreatitis? Is it life-threatening, and is there a remedy for it?

Dear Reader: The pancreas is an organ in the abdomen that has multiple metabolic functions, including the production of insulin and digestive juices.

Pancreas inflammation can be painful and dangerous. To what degree depends on the cause and the extent of organ damage.

For example, excessive alcohol consumption may lead to pancreatitis that usually disappears if the patient stops drinking. In contrast, pancreatic inflammation caused by stones in the organ may be resistant to treatment.

Symptoms are severe abdominal pain that radiates to the back, fever, loss of appetite, nausea and vomiting. A yellowing of the skin, known as jaundice, also can be present.

Pancreatitis, if severe, can be life-threatening, and the remedy depends on the cause. This condition should be monitored by a gastroenterologist, a specialist trained to treat disorders and diseases of digestion.

Ask your doctor for a referral.

To give you related information, I am sending you a copy of my newly revised health report “Medical Specialists.” 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 was wondering whether you’ve ever heard of spasms of the jaw. My sister, who lives in Washington state, can’t get any help for her problem.

She is taking Fosamax for osteoporosis, and her jaw aches, usually at night when she retires for the evening. Lately it also has been hurting earlier in the afternoon.

She said it is very painful and annoying.

Dear Reader: Fosamax can cause a rare but serious side effect called mandibular necrosis (deterioration of the jaw bone), which is painful. Your sister should stop taking Fosamax immediately and return to her doctor.

If her pain lessens (or, better yet, disappears), you’ve got your answer.

On the other hand, if her spasms persist, she should be examined by a dentist, because she could have a dental abscess.

Dear Dr. Gott: I have had peripheral neuropathy for five or six years. My doctor put me on Neurontin, and it helped a little, but the pain was still really bad.

Sometimes I’d lie on the floor and cry because it was so painful.

I saw your column about Vicks VapoRub. I immediately rubbed some on my feet, and in less than five minutes, the pain was gone.

I slept the first pain-free night in three years. I’m using it once a day, and the feeling is coming back, but no pain.

Thank you, thank you, thank you.

Dear Reader: Wow! You really made my day! I am publishing your letter in hopes that other patients with neuropathy can be helped by this product, at considerable savings and safety.

One of the most common topics that I am asked to address is neuropathy. To date, I have found no easy solutions, just Neurontin.

So I am thrilled to be able to share your experience in hopes that it will help other people reduce nerve pain. Please contact me, readers, about this important issue.