FW: WDDTY e-News Broadcast - 21 March 2006

[Guest guest]

WHAT DOCTORS DON'T TELL YOU READERS' BROADCAST - E-news broadcast. 241 -

21 March 2006

Contents

Your thoughts and suggestions on:

Ganglion

Crumbling vertebrae

Tonsillectomy – follow up

Skin infection

Shoulder, neck and arm pain

Your further thoughts on:

Blastocystis hominis

Fungal foot infection

Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD)

Halitosis

Decreasing testosterone.

Zinc overload

Chicken pox or impetigo?

Readers' health queries:

Foreskin infection

SLT laser treatment

Internal strawberry birthmark

Yersinia

Leg ulcers

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Your thoughts and suggestions on. . .

Ganglion: This reader has a lump on the inside of her wrist, attached to a

tendon. Her GP has told her it is a ganglion and that if it gets bigger or

begins to cause mechanical problems she will have to have surgery in order

to remove it. But, he says, it is likely it may grow back. Does anyone know

of any non-surgical methods by which she could dissolve this and prevent it

from growing back?

Many readers speak of treating a ganglion the old fashioned way – hitting it

hard with a bible or hard book. Although this might sound brutal, one reader

says he slammed his wrist with a lot of force onto a tabletop and his cyst

immediately began getting smaller and smaller as well as less painful. Now,

six months later the cyst is completely gone and there is no pain.

However, Furman could not find anyone brave enough to whack her

ganglion with a large flat object, so instead she undertook three

acupuncture sessions which worked very well for her. She has not had any

problems with her cyst since.

Several other readers have recommended homeopathy. Louise Mc has found

that using a high potency of ruta graveolens and 12 tissue salts works very

well for ganglions. But, it’s always best to consult a qualified homeopath.

One other reader suggests taking essential fatty acids and Ligazyme capsules

from Biocare. Take these in conjunction with gently massaging the hand and

wrist and the ganglion should subside.

The ganglion could also be due to RSI (repetitive strain injury). A reader’s

husband used to get one every time he drove long distances as a result of

the way he held the steering wheel. If you use a computer then it might be

worth using a wrist support for the mouse and keyboard. A good

physiotherapist should be able to suggest exercises to help.

In addition, massaging with anti-inflammatory essential oils may also help.

Melaleuca oil (tea tree) has been found to be useful by one reader’s

daughter-in-law while Jane Rieger says a chiropractor did the trick to rid

her daughter of her ganglion.

Finally, another reader has suggested an ancient remedy; tape an old penny

to the ganglion as tightly as you can bear. Leave in place and only remove

when bathing. This method took about two weeks for Kirstie ’s

ganglion to disappear. She says the penny causes a dark green mark on the

spot on contact, but it might be worth it in order to avoid surgery!

Crumbling vertebrae: One reader’s 95-year-old mother has been told,

following an x-ray, that one of her vertebrae is crumbling and another is

about to crumble. She is in a lot of pain and finds moving around very

difficult. Can anyone help with this please?

There were very few responses to this query but those that did reply mostly

suggest a combination of calcium and magnesium along with vitamin K2 and

vitamin D to rebuild bones.

Another reader however, recommends comfrey, propolis and horsetail as well

as drinking dandelion tea. A high fibre and low fat, low salt diet may also

be beneficial.

Tonsillectomy: This reader’s daughter has just had a tonsillectomy. Readers

kindly gave numerous suggestions over the last weeks to a father whose son

had inflamed tonsils and did not want him to have surgery. Unfortunately,

this reader’s daughter was not so lucky and, following her tonsillectomy is

in great pain. Has anyone got any recommendations for helping her heal or

suggestions on how to ease her pain?

Ian Sharwood says gargling, but not swallowing, soluble aspirin gave him

around two hours of pain relief when he suffered from terrible throat

ulcers. Grapes have also been suggested as a means to help your daughter’s

pain as they are a natural antiseptic, Rosemary Forrest says.

One reader recommends the homeopathic combination product Traumeel as a

means to ease your daughter’s pain. Arnic is effective too. Other readers

have also suggested several homeopathic remedies but be sure to consult a

qualified homeopath.

Lots of liquid, cold food such as plain yoghurt and ice cream can also

soothe the pain association with a tonsillectomy.

Skin infection: A reader’s 76-year-old mother has been diagnosed with a skin

infection caused by staphylococcus aureus and enterobacter cloacae. She has

a sort of scaly rash on several parts of her body and some swelling in one

hand where the rash is at its worst. Her doctor has prescribed her

antibiotics but her daughter is worried they may not help. Does anyone have

any suggestions to help ease this condition?

Your mother’s condition could be an indication of her body’s general

condition. Poor skin is particularly associated with stress and an

ineffective digestive system resulting in poor absorption of nutrients,

according to Brown. He recommends a daily dose of two ounces of Aloe

gel taken each morning to promote a healthy digestive tract: “Aloe will kill

bacteria and viruses as well as digesting dead tissue in the tract,”

says.

“There is remarkable anecdotal evidence to support this. Aloe is one of the

surest answers to skin disorders. We often say that Aloe works where

everything else fails.”

Kombucha (which derives from the kombucha mushroom) is very good at helping

with skin complaints like psoriasis and eczema. It’s also very good for

general health and, according to , it even tastes good – which is

always a plus! Another reader suggests visiting an aromatherapist for

massage with an anti-bacterial lotion and essential oils. She says this will

also ease the need to itch and will reduce swelling.

Manuka honey is another possible treatment. Apply it as a lotion to the

affected area and leave for as long as possible. Cara Daw recommends

Colloidal Silver for your mother’s condition. She used it to treat impetigo

by dabbing it on her spots three-four times a day. After 48 hours all traces

of her impetigo were gone. Now she always keeps some in her first aid kit.

It might be worth looking at this to treat your mother’s condition, but

another reader says it should only be a short-term remedy and you should

apply it with caution.

Shoulder, neck and arm pain: One of our readers suffers from this when she

lies down. She also has a tingling and numbing sensation down both her arms

through to the fingertips. The pain does not prevent her from doing anything

but it is noticeable and uncomfortable. She has been suffering with this for

about eight years now. She’s 54-years-old and her blood sugar is normal.

Does anyone know what might be causing this or have any suggestions on how

to treat it?

Massage therapist Ann Bath says she has encountered many people with this

problem. She says you may have a fibrosed muscle in the neck or shoulder

area causing a nerve to be crushed. Massage, however will help to treat it.

Numerous WDDTY readers recommend visiting an osteopath to check your spine

and provide treatment. Many of our readers who have suffered with similar

complaints found it either eased or ceased after visiting an osteopath.

One reader speculates that your discomfort could be linked to osteoporosis.

It may certainly be something to investigate. However, shoulder, neck and

arm pain can be treated with supplements. One of our readers suffered with

the same condition and began taking glucosomine, chrondoitin, calcium,

magnesium and zinc and all her symptoms disappeared.

Reflexologist Avril Holland asks how many pillows you use or if you have

ever suffered whiplash? Your neck may be becoming scrunched up if you use

too many pillows. It might be worth buying an orthopaedic pillow to

encourage your neck into correct alignment.

Another reader recommends thermal imaging to identify the source of the

pain. She suggests visiting the Chiron Clinic in Harley Street, London for

an upper body thermal scan. You can read more about thermal imaging in the

March 2006 (vol 16 no 12) edition of WDDTY.

You may also be suffering from thoracic outlet syndrome where the nerves to

the arms get trapped between the collarbone and the ribs. An osteopath or

chiropractor can treat this successfully.

Your further thoughts on. . .

Blastocystis hominis: A reader’s son suffers from stomach bloating,

excessive flatulence, constipation, diarrhoea and insomnia due to

discomfort. He has been diagnosed with the intestinal parasite blastocystis

hominis. His GP has prescribed antibiotics while telling him they probably

won’t work, and, if they don’t, there is nothing else he can recommend. Can

anyone please help?

A course of antibiotics did not work for one reader, who suffered from

Blastocystis hominis for years, following mercury poisoning from dental

fillings. She strongly recommends computerised electrodermal testing.

After sitting in a chair holding a metal bar, she was told she had an

amoebic parasite and was recommended the homeopathic medicine unda 39 which

‘got rid of the critters within days’, she says. Always be sure to consult a

registered homeopath.

After his daughter was diagnosed with an intestinal parasite, Kinesiologist

n Doddrell recommends berberin and grapefruit seed extract plus oil of

turpentine combined with a wheat free diet. After a month on this treatment

his daughter is showing signs of improvement.

Reader Sam suggests garlic as a simple remedy for intestinal parasites.

Garlic has been considered a remedy for various ailments throughout history.

He says the ancient Egyptians suffered from intestinal parasites, and garlic

appears in their ancient hieroglyphics and in the tombs of the Pharaohs. It

was used to combat gas gangrene in the trenches during WW1, and has

recognised anti-fungal properties. Sam says, it has certainly survived the

‘miracle drugs’ of modern medicine, and recommends giving it a try.

Fungal foot infection: Another reader is at her wit’s end due to an ongoing

problem with her daughter’s feet. Her seven-year-old daughter has been

suffering from a persistent fungal foot infection since she was two. She

manages to keep the skin infection at bay by rotating various natural

remedies, including tea-tree oil, calendula skin ointment, patchouli oil and

a special Chinese herbal skin cream. She’s had no joy with treating her

toenails however, and they are all still very badly affected. Does anyone

have any suggestions on how to treat this problem?

One reader suggests that on top of the topical treatments, it is advisable

to take a look at the sufferer’s diet with particular attention to the

amount of unrefined carbohydrates she is consuming. A fungal infection’s

favourite food is unrefined sugar, and high blood sugar levels may be

feeding the infection and contributing to its persistence.

Another reader recommends Saccharomyces boulardii taken out of the capsule

and mixed with a cream such as E45 to be rubbed on the affected areas, as

well as taking the capsules themselves.

Reader Groves says he had a similar problem with a fingernail which

cleared up effectively (although it took a couple of years) with Loceryl

nail lacquer prescribed by his GP.

One reader enthusiastically recommends propolis tincture. She says “I had a

toe infected for decades. I nearly lost my nail.” She was told to try

propolis – the substance surrounding the entrance to a beehive to stay free

of virus. She used one dropper full of propolis tincture in a cold or warm

drink, and would occasionally rub the tincture on her toe and beneath the

nail. She says: “The result was amazing to say the least. My nail grew out

quickly, healthy and strong.”

Another reader recommends trying Manuka oil preparation, which is apparently

10 times stronger than tea-tree oil.

Cytricidal grapeseed oil is brilliant for clearing up fungal infection in

toe nails, advises a final reader.

Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD): One reader’s husband suffers from bad

OCD. She does not want to see him taking drugs as she is aware of the

serious side effects. Can anyone make any suggestions that might help?

One reader suggests Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT) would work well for

OCD sufferers.

Reader Gwenda Wojcik suggests Thought Field Therapy (TFT), and recommends

Stone, practicing in London and Kent (www.tft4u.co.uk). She also

highlights the importance of nutritional issues in OCD, saying that OCD

sufferers are typically magnesium deficient. She recommends a thorough

detoxification followed by resolution of digestive imbalances by correcting

deficiencies and identifying food intolerances.

Halitosis: Another reader has noticed that her three-year-old little girl is

suffering from halitosis. It is especially noticeable in the mornings. She

doesn’t eat an unhealthy diet or spicy foods. Supplements containing

acdophillis were added to her diet in case the problem was to do with her

digestion, but these did not seem to help. Her mother is now at a complete

loss as to what to do. What do readers suggest?

Reader has an interesting story to tell about halitosis. She says

when she was growing up there was a kid down the block who suffered from bad

breath.

“We couldn’t stand to get near him,” she explains.

“I can’t remember how they found out, but he either had a kernel of corn or

a green pea in his sinus cavity. It seemed that he had somehow hiccupped or

was laughing while he was eating and it went up the back of his throat and

into the back of his sinuses.” Once it was gone, apparently his bad breath

disappeared.

One reader suggests that chronically infected tonsils could be the cause of

bad breath, as her son’s recurring tonsillitis was preceded each time by

noticeable halitosis. She recommends that the underlying cause be

identified and treated by a qualified herbalist.

Reader Liz Wicks says her daughter also suffered from halitosis, and after

eliminating dental and gut problems, she heard that it could be due to

worms, which can be a problem in nursery school. She gave her one dose of

Ovex, (available over the counter from the chemist) and the problem never

came back.

Decreasing testosterone: Another reader’s husband has recently been told

that his testosterone levels are dropping. This is probably due to a mumps

attack when he was 30 - he is now 59-years-old. Do readers have any

suggestions on alternatives for him to take instead of hormone drugs?

One reader suggests trying the herb Tribulus terrestris, which has been

shown in trials to raise testosterone levels. As well as being used by

bodybuilders wanting to gain muscle, it was also traditionally used as a

liver tonic and for reducing blood pressure, he says. It is a gentle,

fairly slow acting herb, so it needs to be taken for about one month to get

the full effect.

Reader Simmonds from Western Australia recommends Tongkat ali, an

Indonesian remedy for increasing testosterone and aiding male libido. It is

available in powder or tablet form. www.physicianformulas.com

Zinc overload: One reader’s friend suffers from zinc overload. Does anyone

know how to lower the level of zinc in your body?

Reader Graham Ewing advises that any person with the build-up of a mineral

or component in their system clearly has an imbalance of their functional

systems, in particular, pH and excretion. He recommends contacting Montague

Healthcare for Virtual Scanning Therapy.

And another reader says that coffee inhibits the absorption of zinc so a few

cups a day could help decrease levels in your body.

Chicken pox or impetigo?: This reader is unsure whether her four-year-old

son has chicken pox or impetigo. He has small red pimples, some which have

white-heads and some which have crusted over with a black scab on his body.

He is not itchy apart from when his sores have been anointed. The sores,

which are on his face, back, hands and legs, have not broken into watery

blisters. Can anyone advise her on what these sore are and how best to treat

them?

Reader Shona Ware thinks it might be molluscum contagiosum, a type of wart

virus. She says the spots are not itchy and do not weep. Her children both

had the virus for about a year, and they managed to get rid of it

homoeopathically. She suggests getting a qualified medical practitioner to

give a diagnosis before consulting a complementary health practitioner.

WDDTY READERS' HEALTH QUERIES: Write in to WDDTY at e-news@... with

any health queries you may have, whether it's ways to tackle a nasty ingrown

toenail or alternative therapies to help children with attention deficit

disorder. We'll post them on Readers' Broadcast, inviting helpful hints,

suggestions and comments from other readers, and then write up their

responses the following week. Remember, a problem shared is a problem

halved.

Note: Due to the sizeable influx of queries we get each week, it may not

always be possible to post your question in the next Reader's Broadcast.

However, it will emerge through the backlog at some point and we will try to

post them in a future edition. So please be patient and keep an eye out!

Readers' health queries. . .

Foreskin infection: A reader’s four-year-old son suffered two or three

foreskin infections a couple of years ago, which required antibiotic cream.

Her GP referred her son to a surgeon who then recommended a circumcision. He

has a very narrow opening and although he passes water easily there is some

ballooning of the foreskin. She is reluctant to have her son circumcised and

although her son has not had any infections in the last 18 months the

surgeon still recommends the operation. Does anyone have any experience with

this or can anyone suggest anything at all that might help?

SLT laser: Can anyone comment on the use of SLT laser for the treatment of

glaucoma. This reader has read a lot on SLT laser treatment suggesting it

causes little or no damage to the eye but would like to hear readers’

thoughts on the subject. Can anyone shed any more light on the matter?

Internal strawberry birthmark: This reader’s three-month-old daughter

suffers from a rare condition. She has an internal strawberry birthmark in

her windpipe, which is restricting her breathing. She was prescribed

steroids, which can help shrink it and has been told that she will either

require surgery or will be on steroids for a substantial length of time. Can

anyone offer any advice on what this reader should do?

Yersinia: This reader’s granddaughter was diagnosed with this intestinal

infection at the age of nine. It had been in her system for around five

years following an extreme bout of gastroenteritis. She is now almost

12-years-old and although the infection has cleared she is still affected by

painful joints, chronic fatigue, anaphylaxis and allergies. She is still

visiting Great Ormond Street Hospital for Sick Children but no prognosis has

been given and she cannot go to school. Does anyone have experience with

this sort of infection? And can any readers offer advice or suggestions on

what this family can do?

Leg ulcers: This reader suffers from an ulcer on her ankle bone. She has

tried homeopathy but nothing seems to help with the intense pain. The ulcer

is worse when she is lying down at night. She says the pain is like a knife

being driven into the bone before shooting up the back of her leg to her

buttocks. Can anyone help with this condition?

GIVE YOUR FELLOW READERS A HELPING HAND: If you have tips or suggestions

that you think may be useful for any of the readers' health queries, send to

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