FLATULENCE

This is probably not a very socially acceptable topic but I’ve noticed changes in myself over the last few years.  This is yet another reason I don’t travel well or share a room.  I’m definitely an old person now.  I have my little routines that are probably annoying to others.  Luckily I did a lot of traveling when I had my hubby with me. I’m just not into being away from the comforts of my itty bitty home.

I seem to toot more than I used to.  As I am mainly in my little room, I usually burn a candle to scent the air.  I also have two different scents of Mrs. Meyer air fresheners, Snowdrop and Rose.  And, of course the best of all … wooden matches!

Mr. Google provided a lot of information about flatulence or passing gas..  I’m going with age related!

• Metabolic changes
  As people age, their metabolism slows down, which can slow down the movement of food through their colon and lead to more gas. 

• Weakened sphincter muscles
  As people age, their sphincter muscles can weaken, making it harder to hold in gas. This can make gas more noticeable, especially in social situations. 

• Decreased digestive enzyme production
  As people age, their bodies produce less lactase, the enzyme needed to digest dairy products. This can lead to more gas when eating dairy products like cheese and milk. 

• Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth
  Older people are at a higher risk for developing small intestinal bacterial overgrowth, which can cause bloating and increased flatulence. 

Dairy doesn’t always agree with me so I’m glad there are fortified plant milks to choose from (I like oat)(yes, I have tried Lactaid products and tablets)(And Beano).  I have a hard time giving up broccoli and beans and other gas producing foods (hummus anyone?).  So I just have to deal with the aftermath.

I do use Benefiber and probiotics but can’t say that I notice any difference. 

Do you have this issue?  What do you do?  I’m just so embarrassed if someone has to use the toilet after me …..

I'M B-A-C-K!!

Well THAT was interesting.  I will no longer be taking Ibandrote (or any other drug in that family) again.  

This third dose was taken the day before my root canal.  A few hours after the root canal (lovely experience, I must say) all of my bones and joints began to hurt.  By the next day, most of my joints didn't want to work at all.  My family was leaving on a 5 day camping trip so I didn't want them to worry and stay home.

I was taking Aleve 3x a day and Tylenol 3x a day.  Yet my knees (which are titanium) and my fingers were unusable.  I texted my neighbor (who still has her strong husband) to let them know and we agreed that I would text them every day or in the case of an emergency.  The hardest part was shuffling to the bathroom and getting up and down (in time).  After 4-5 days, it began lessening.

I did call the endodontist to verify what numbing agent they used just in case.  Lidocaine.  I didn't even take the sedative and there was no pain at all.  One thing I was NOT expecting is that I have to visit my dentist for fillings after each (of three) root canals.

Apparently my sister also had negative side effects with Fosomax and one other.  She now visits a specialist in NYC for an annual injection of Reclast.  It is working for her.  The big issue is not being able to take it for more than 3-5 years.   I have a wellness check with my PCP this month and I'm going to see if just calcium with work for now.  

Sorry this is so short but we are having wicked a thunderstorm (very rare in Portland) with prediction of 1" hail!  So I'm going to schedule the sending of this post and will be back next week.

Any topics you'd like me to research?

SICK LEAVE

Taking a week of sick leave.  

Started with a root canal on Monday (easy breezy) followed by a week of bad side effects from Ibandrote (monthly osteoporosis treatment).  No more Ibandrote for me!

SKINNY THROAT

Three people I know have recently had their throats stretched.  I had never heard of such a thing so I turned into Dr. Google to learn a bit more. 

Esophageal stretching or dilating is a procedure that is done when the Upper Esophageal Sphincter (UES) is not opening well, due to radiation treatment, muscle weakness (Parkinsons Disease), or other causes.  This is a procedure that widens a narrowed area of the esophagus to make swallowing easier and relieve discomfort. During the procedure, a doctor guides a balloon or dilator down the throat and into the esophagus, where it expands to widen the passageway.

(Modern medicine has much improved on this procedure.  In the 17th century medical people used curved whale bones to stretch the throat).

The frequency of esophageal dilation, or stretching, depends on the cause and extent of the narrowing. One friend has gone back once a week for three weeks.  Dilation is an outpatient procedure by an otolaryngologist (ear, nose and throat doctor) or, more likely, a gastroenterologist (stomach and bowel disorder doctor).

The effects of this procedure can wear off over time. Likely you will need three month check ups, then twice a year and if all goes well, annually.

Can esophageal strictures be prevented?  Not all causes are preventable, but some of the most common ones are. If you have symptoms of esophagitis or chronic acid reflux — like heartburn or chest pain — see your healthcare provider. It’s important to realize that these symptoms aren’t just a nuisance but a sign that real damage is occurring. They’re also usually treatable, once your healthcare provider has determined the cause.  In fact, one friend has controlled her heartburn by sleeping with her head raised and not eating for two hours before laying down.

All three have had good success and I have learned this is more common than you'd think!