Lung spots not to be ignored
Dear Dr. Gott: I am writing regarding the person who, after having two lung X-rays, was found to have a spot on the lung. He was told to wait six months and have another X-ray. I would like to let this person and your readers know about my father-in-law and his experience with a lung spot.
Following an X-ray, he was told he had a spot on his lung, but the doctor didn’t feel it was anything to worry about. Since he hated going to doctors, he didn’t do anything abut it. Five months later, he was in the hospital, diagnosed with lung cancer.
His oncologist recommended chemotherapy and told him he might have about a year to live. My father-in-law went ahead with the chemo, but after only two treatments, he passed away, just two months after the diagnosis.
I want your readers to know that if a doctor says not to worry about a lung spot, they should worry. Don’t wait: Do something about it now!
Dear Reader: I agree with you. Any abnormal lung X-ray should be further investigated to determine what is wrong. In most cases, it is not cancer, but there is always a possibility, especially for people who are past or current smokers or work in heavily polluted areas.
To give you related information, I am sending you a copy of my Health Report “Pulmonary Disease.” Other readers who would like a copy should send a self-addressed, stamped No. 10 envelope and $2 to Newsletter, PO Box 167, Wickliffe, OH 44092. Be sure to mention the title.
Dear Dr. Gott: I am a 77-year-old healthy male. I am not overweight.
In 2002, my doctor put me on Lipitor. At the time, my cholesterol readings were: total 143, HDL 43, LDL 87, triglycerides 63 and ratio 3.3. Now, my readings are: total 93, HDL 45, LDL 39, triglycerides 45 and ratio 2.1.
I have done a lot of research, and feel I should not have been put on Lipitor. I am now concerned that my very low cholesterol levels may be dangerous. Can the Lipitor and low cholesterol have caused damage to my body?
Dear Reader: I don’t know why your doctor put you on a cholesterol-lowering medication with your 2002 numbers. Your numbers were even below levels recommended by cardiologists for patients with a history of stroke and heart attack. They were way below recommended levels for average people.
Lipitor is a powerful medication and should be used to lower cholesterol only in people who do not respond well to dietary modifications and exercise or have had a heart attack or stroke. It should not be used to prevent these conditions.
Low cholesterol can also cause problems. Some studies done in Europe have shown that men are at increased risk of depression and suicide from cholesterol levels that are too low.
Return to your doctor and demand an explanation about why he put you on the Lipitor. In all likelihood, you can safely stop the medication. Thanks for writing, and let me know what happens.