Dear Dr. Gott: I greatly enjoy your column and have learned much through it. some time ago, you ran an article from a reader who asked if body piercings could affect a person’s health, and you gave a list of medical procedures and appropriate tests. I think you missed an important possibility. in my experience, the young lady who would not go for counseling or testing is most likely addicted to prescription drugs. The symptoms described are common in withdrawal from opiates (which feels like the worst flu you’ve ever had). Kidney stones are often invoked ways of getting pain relievers. The frequency of the “illnesses” probably means she’s running out of medicine before it’s time to refill her prescription. The parents should check this out and may want to arrange an intervention to get her into rehab. her lack of motivation could also be due to amotivational syndrome, not uncommon in longtime marijuana users. I hope this helps.

By the way, I am a reverend doctor who is a certified addictions counselor and certified co-occurring disorders professional.

Dear Reader: You are correct that I failed to mention drug addiction as a potential cause of the young woman’s chronic illness. it is also possible that she does indeed have a medical condition, such as Crohn’s, for which pain medication was prescribed, which led to an addiction. Therefore, I stand by my previous statement urging the young woman and her parents to seek out medical attention and testing. however, to that I will add that addiction is a valid potential cause or worsening factor.

As for amotivational syndrome, this is a controversial condition. According to the World Health Organization, it is a constellation of features said to be associated with substance abuse, primarily cannabis use. These features (apathy, loss of effectiveness, low tolerance for frustration, impaired concentration and more) may be the result of chronic cannabis intoxication or may merely reflect the user’s personality, development stage or attitude.

Dear Dr. Gott: I’ve noticed in the past there have been more letters from females about reoccurring yeast infections. my wife had that problem for several years before her doctor had her A1C checked and found she was type 2 diabetic. once her diabetes was under control, she had no more problems.

Dear Dr. Gott: a while ago, you had a column about a lady with a chronic yeast infection. Many years ago, I had a recurring problem in the same area. For months, my OB/GYN and I tried a variety of pills and ointments, but the irritation always returned. I discovered the cause by accident. when we were traveling in our motor home, I had no problem. But it came back as soon as we returned home. The culprit was the extra-soft toilet paper we used at home. I have been using the simple septic-tank-friendly paper ever since and have no more irritation.

Dear Readers: Diabetes increases the risk of developing skin and yeast infections. Undiagnosed, uncontrolled or poorly controlled diabetes increases the risk. it also increases the chances of nerve and kidney damage, cardiovascular disease, cancer, foot damage, brain problems and more. Diabetes can be diagnosed with a simple blood test.

now to the extra-soft toilet paper. I have never heard of this causing a problem so this is completely new to me. I chose to print your letter because switching toilet-paper brands/types is a simple, inexpensive change that may be extremely beneficial to many people.

Write to Dr. Gott c/o United Media, 200 Madison Ave., 4th fl., new York, N.Y. 10016.

Ying edited the following:

I have had hepatitis. how do I find out what type (A,B,C,D) I had? is there a hepatitis registry?

BeckyI don’t think hepatitis goes away. if you had it, you still have it. you should call your doctor, who would have that on record.

lynn76you can find out from the doctor that diagnosed you with the hepatitis. Hepatitis A is the only one that goes away. Also there is a blood test a doctor can do that shows which type your body made antibodies against.

emerald_lotus2006There are usually ways to determine. for example, you cannot have Hep D without Hep B, Hep. D’s genome lacks essential genes.

Hepatitis A or infectious jaundice is an enterovirus transmitted by the orofecal route, transmitted to humans through methods such as contaminated food. it causes an acute form of hepatitis and does not have a chronic stage. The patient’s immune system makes antibodies against hepatitis A that confer immunity against future infection. People with hepatitis A are advised to rest, stay hydrated and avoid alcohol. A vaccine is available that will prevent infection from hepatitis A for life. it can be spread through personal contact, consumption of raw sea food or drinking contaminated water. Hepatitis A is primarily spread in third world countries, and can also be more often found in southern Europe than in northern and western Europe. Hepatitis A is transmitted fecal-orally, generally by ingesting contaminated water or food. Strict personal hygiene and the avoidance of raw and unpeeled foods can help prevent an infection. Infected persons already begin excreting the hepatitis A virus with their stool two weeks after the appearance of the first symptoms. The time between the infection and the start of the illness can run from 15 to 45 days, and approximately 15% of sufferers may experience relapsing symptoms from six months to a year following initial diagnosis.

Hepatitis B can cause both acute and chronic hepatitis. Chronic hepatitis develops in the 15% of patients who are unable to eliminate the virus after an initial infection. Identified methods of transmission include blood (blood transfusion, now rare), tattoos (both amateur and professionally done), horizontally (sexually or through contact with blood or bodily fluids), or vertically (from mother to her unborn child). However, in about half of cases the source of infection cannot be determined. Blood contact can occur by sharing syringes in intravenous drug use, shaving accessories such as razor blades, or touching wounds on infected persons. Needle-exchange programmes have been created in many countries as a form of prevention. in the United States, 95% of patients clear their infection and develop antibodies against hepatitis B virus. 5% of patients do not clear the infection and develop chronic infection; only these people are at risk of long term complications of hepatitis B.

Patients with chronic hepatitis B have antibodies against hepatitis B, but these antibodies are not enough to clear the infection that establishes itself in the DNA of the affected liver cells. The continued production of virus combined with antibodies is a likely cause of immune complex disease seen in these patients. A vaccine is available that will prevent infection from hepatitis B for life. Hepatitis B infections result in 500,000 to 1,200,000 deaths per year worldwide due to the complications of chronic hepatitis, cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma. Hepatitis B is endemic in a number of (mainly South-East Asian) countries, making cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma big killers. There are three, FDA-approved treatment options available for persons with a chronic hepatitis B infection: alpha-interferon, adefovir and lamivudine. in about 45% of persons on treatment achieve a sustained response.

Hepatitis C (originally “non-A non-B hepatitis”) can be transmitted through contact with blood (including through sexual contact). Hepatitis C may lead to a chronic form of hepatitis, culminating in cirrhosis. it can remain asymptomatic for 10-20 years. no vaccine is available for hepatitis C. Patients with hepatitis C are prone to severe hepatitis if they contract either hepatitis A or B, so all hepatitis C patients should be immunized against hepatitis A and hepatitis B if they are not already immune. However, hepatitis C itself is a very lethal virus and can cause cirrhosis of the liver. The virus, if detected early on can be treated by a combination of interferon and the antiviral drug ribavirin. The genotype of the virus determines the rate of response to this treatment regimen.

Hepatitis E produces symptoms similar to hepatitis A, although it can take a fulminant course in some patients, particularly pregnant women; it is more prevalent in the Indian subcontinent.

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hepatitis

Stephaniewell, it would not be hepatitis a because that is a disease that runs it’s course and then your done (unless you get food poisoning again).hepatitis b-you can be chronic or a carrierhepatitis c- is usually just chronic. about 15% of those that have hepatitis c built up antibodies and is just a carrier (non active)-however, i don’t particulary believe in “just carrying” the hepatitis c as it runs its see-saw course as a natural conciquence.hepatitis d you will not have unless you are infected with hepatitis b.hepatitis e and d are rare in the united states.

people don’t understand a lot about hepatitis. you are usually only yellow (bilirium and toxic waste build up) when the disease is acute (fast acting). hepatitis c can take years and even decades before you notice really serious side effects. hcv was thought of as a symptomatic, however, the more research being done indicates that many have bi-directional diseases associated with having hcv and liver damage does not have to be more pronounced to have bi-directional diseases.doctors only run standard blood labs and if your alt and ast levels appear normal (many with active hcv have this occurance) means you are not sick.the only way to find out about hepatitis b or c is to be tested for antibodies, even if you have no known risk factors (especially for hepatitis c).

make an appointment with your gastro and go from there.the sooner the better. chances are you will need antiviral chemotherapy if you have b or c.

if you are a veteran, your risk for c is much much higher due to mass innoculations, however, you can acquire hcv just seeing dentists before 1994. ( i say 1995 just to be sure). there are many other ways of contracting hcv, but it only happens when there is blood to blood transmission. hcv is not a “true std”. hcv corpuscles are not the active forms of hcv (this is found in semen and vaginal fluid.)

you could also have a form of hepatitis not relative to viral infections, this type is caused by hereditary factors. NASH and auto-immune hepatitis as well as a few others. the only way to tell is to ask your doctor. he will know how to run the correct testing.good luck.

Douglas RHow do you know you HAVE hepatitis.if you go to the Dr and have a hepatitis screen it will tell what kind of hepatitis YOU have.you don’t get over hepatitis like it is a cold it goes into remission.has the people around you been tested they need to be.it is easier to spread than aids so if you are sure you have the sickness you and the people you have had contact with needs to be checked.just a blood test.And why do you want a registry it is not a crime or something to tell the world about.

Share your answer? Leave your own answer in the comments! explains the prevention, causes, symptoms, modes of transmission, and treatment of hepatitis C.File R/d | Recover Deleted Files or Permanently Delete ThemFile Recovery and Delete – File R/d allows the user to browse and search drives for deleted files and preview the results for free using the highest rated technology in the background. Recover and permanent deletion of the found data is available at cost.File R/d | Recover Deleted Files or Permanently Delete Them

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• is there another way to cure or put into remission the hepatitis c virus other than interferon treatments?
• is there another way to cure or put into remission the hepatitis c virus other than interferon treatments?
• Hepatitis c Info: Spontaneously cleared HCV infection, is there a possibility of resurgence/transmission still?
• Hepatitis c Info: Spontaneously cleared HCV infection, is there a possibility of resurgence/transmission still?

John Arts Abundant Living johnarts.co.nz

These days it seems that everyone is intolerant to some type of food. Most commonly it is gluten in grains, lactose in dairy products, seafood and various nuts. while I have no doubt that in the past these intolerances were under-diagnosed, there has been a steady rise in people with a range of problems related to food allergies and intolerances. A food allergy involves an immune response against food compounds, while intolerance theoretically does not and is more of a digestive problem.

If you or your family have, or suspect any GI tract problems, I recommend that you first see your doctor who can arrange a whole range of tests and may refer you to a specialist for further diagnosis. For minor or low grade GI problems such testing is often inconclusive, but it is important to eliminate any serious problem. I have a granddaughter who often complained of sore tummies and a series of tests showed she was highly gluten intolerant. A change of diet and adding some supplements has resulted in a happy and contented child.

The big question is of course what causes these food allergies and intolerance problems like IBS (irritable bowel syndrome)? the second question is of course what to do about it. This is one area where natural therapies excel, and creating a diet, nutrition and supplement programme can really help. while true food allergies cause a faulty immune system response even low grade food intolerances can cause inflammation in the GI tract. This can cause any number of symptoms from stomach pain, bloating, gas, and abnormal bowel habits. Most GI tract problems have an element of inflammation. This includes allergies, intolerances or serious autoimmune diseases like Crohn’s or Ulcerative Colitis.

If the problem is more minor I like to try lowering GI tract inflammation before food elimination, as complete removal may increase the intolerance and create a worse situation. however if after a few months this approach fails then I would normally recommend a naturopath or nutritionist to create a full diet programme. however it is really surprising how many people can get a great response by adding a range of anti-inflammatory nutrients and co factors, that help to take the inflammation out of the GI tract, and help the immune system start to function properly.

John Arts is the founder of Abundant Health. For product information visit abundant.co.nz if you have questions or would like a free health plan you can contact John at or phone 07 578 9051 or 0800 423 559. You can join his newsletter at johnarts.co.nz

The symptoms of Lyme disease are red rashes, flu-like symptoms, joint pains and neurological symptoms. Check for them if you get a tick bite. Lyme disease is caused by a tick bite that may lead to disabilities and complications including Chronic arthritis, permanent joint pain, meningitis, heart inflammation and abnormalities, memory problems, and many other unpleasant side effects.

Lyme disease may not take away your life, but it can seriously damage your future. Lyme disease systems followed by a tick bite can lead to dangerous health problems.

Watch out for red rashes and flu-like symptoms

Once bitten by a tick that carries Lyme disease, you may experience a rash at the site of the bite. Shortly thereafter, you could experience flu-like symptoms that include chills, fever, headache, and pain in the joints and muscles. the rash usually gets larger and spreads over time, while the flu-like symptoms can last over quite a long period of time. If you start to notice these symptoms, make an appointment with your doctor who can provide you with a precise diagnosis and recommend a course of treatment. Doctor-prescribed antibiotics will generally be able to deal with Lyme disease in the early stages of the infection.

See if you have aggravating joint pains

There are some people who don’t feel the beginning symptoms of Lyme disease. When you start feeling muscle aches and joint pains you may not be aware that these are symptoms of Lyme infection getting worse. If not immediately treated, chronic arthritis can result as joints becoming increasingly painful as time passes. If you start to feel this type of pain a few weeks after being bitten by a tick, make sure that you see your doctor to guard against further problems.

Neurological symptoms are something to be aware of

If Lyme Disease isn’t treated in its early stages, neurological symptoms may appear. These symptoms include numbness in arms and legs, poor focus and memory retention, stiff neck, and even facial nerve paralysis. Fainting and heart problems are symptoms that occur at a later stage in Lyme disease.

Be sure to let your doctor know if any aches and pains develop in the days or weeks following a tick bite. If you’ve been bitten by a tick, and are concerned you may have Lyme disease, get a checkup immediately even if you don’t experience a rash or any other symptoms. Please note that different people may experience Lyme disease differently and might not exhibit all of these symptoms. Some people show very few symptoms; however, others who already have health complications will most likely have more Lyme Disease symptoms. Additional symptoms to watch for are throat soreness, pain of the jaw, inflammation of the eye, infection in the ear and issues with the liver.

Go to the Lyme Disease Blog to learn more about the common symptoms of Lyme. lymediseaseblog.com/lyme-disease-symptoms/

Dr Vinod Moudgil, 64, had not told patients why they were receiving the ‘unusual’ drug for their symptoms and did not seek ethical approval from the health authorities, it is alleged.

In one case the GP gave the allergy pills to a woman with a blocked ear, the General Medical Council heard.

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Moudgil also faces an allegation of deficient professional performance after failing a test of his knowledge and skills.

The doctor, who has worked at the Alton Practice in Wimbledon, south east London, since December 2002, was investigated when patients queried their prescriptions.

Christopher Hamlet for the GMC said: “Dr Moudgil was prescribing a drug called Fexofenadine, which is an antihistamine, to a number of patients whose symptoms did not accord with the licensed use of that drug and where there was no other clinical reason to prescribe that drug.

“Dr Moudgil admits that allegation and he admits that he did so by way of a clinical trial for which he received no patient consent, and for which he had not received proper authority or ethical authority that was required to conduct such a trial.”

Moudgil was prescribing twice as many allergy tablets as other clinics in the Wandsworth Borough, the GMC was told.

He would prescribe the drug out of season for ‘unrelated’ conditions such as laryngitis, neck and back aches, it is claimed.

Chief pharmacist for the area, Nicholas Beavon, became concerned after the practice manager Amar Alissa and GP husband Dr Ali Alissa alerted him.

In a statement to the GMC mr Beavon said: “The number of prescriptions issued was approximately twice that of the highest number issued in any other practice.

“Dr Alissa said he noticed Dr Moudgil prescribing fexofenadine out of season and for problems such as laryngitis.

“Patients had been coming to see him because they had not understood why they had been prescribed it.

“Dr Alissa told me that he had approached Dr Moudgil about this matter and he said he was doing research into head and neck pain.

“I ran some further checks and it was clearly apparent that Dr Moudgil’s prescribing was far out of line with other practices in the area.

“I carried out a search for fexofenadine prescriptions and the results ran for several hundred prescriptions.”

But Moudgil had not applied for ethical approval for his clinical trial and had not informed the patients they were taking part, it is claimed.

Practice manager and patient Amar Alissa first went to see the GP with blocked ears.

But despite asking for ear drops she was given the antihistamine.

Moudgil was asked to undergo a GMC performance assessment between August 2008 and may 2009.

But in seven of the tests his score was ‘unacceptable’. In a further four it was ‘cause for concern’, it is claimed.

Moudgil, of Wimbledon, qualified in India in 1971 and came to the UK in 1978.

He has admitted all 12 charges against him, including running a clinical trial without ethical approval.

He has admitted that his professional performance was deficient.

The hearing continues.