Dealing with the health effects of traumatic events
DEAR DR. ROACH — I am a 63-yearold male with well-controlled coronary artery disease. I also have chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy. Last June, I was in a horrific automobile accident where a person hit me head-on. It took an hour for responders to extract me from my car. I was in intensive care for eight days, suffering from multiple fractures and requiring several surgeries, with more to come. The day before my second surgery, my father passed away unexpectedly. Naturally, I temporarily postponed the surgery. Thirty-two days after my father’s passing, my mother passed away, also unexpectedly. During the wake for my mother, a well-wisher told me that due to the stress and trauma as well as my underlying medical conditions, my life will be shortened. I am having difficulty, but I am dealing with everything. I could find no information about this. Have you ever heard of this? — D.F.P.
ANSWER — I am sorry to hear about your difficulties and wish you a steady recovery.
It amazes me what even well-meaning people can say. This person’s intentions may have been good, but it was neither wise nor kind to say it.
The research shows that life-changing events — such as death of a parent or spouse, serious accident or injury, or other similarly traumatic event — do indeed raise the risk of mortality in the near term. More than one event has an even greater effect. However, the excess mortality risk is mostly in the year following the stressful life events. In other words, if you can get through the surgeries and this next year after your parent’s passing, there is not likely to be long-term risk.
Sometimes severe trauma and surgeries can affect a person’s mobility. Depression and post-traumatic stress disorder are other issues you are at risk for. It’s particularly important for you to exercise as best you can with your injuries, be very aware of your mental health and get professional help if needed.
DEAR DR. ROACH — I have some orthopedic shoes that are worn out. When I walk in them, I can walk only two blocks before my calves get sore. I had a CT scan of my lower legs. It showed some narrowing of the blood vessels to my legs. Is it the orthopedic shoes or the narrowed blood vessels that are making my calves sore? — J.
ANSWER — If the orthopedic shoes are the only ones that cause the calf soreness, it’s a good bet that the shoes are causing the soreness. As an aside, don’t wear wornout shoes. Spend the money on new shoes when the old ones wear out.
However, soreness or fatigue in the backs of the calves after a specific amount of walking is a textbook symptom of inadequate blood supply to the legs. This is usually caused by cholesterol plaques in the major arteries of the legs, and the symptom is called claudication. It very frequently goes undiagnosed, and it’s important to diagnose it, not only to help the symptoms, but to prevent critical loss of blood flow to the legs. Moreover, blockages in the legs often go along with blockages in the arteries to the heart and brain, and medical treatment of blockages, including diet, exercise and medication, can reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke. Nearly everyone with such blockages should be on a statin drug and aspirin. Most people could improve their diet.
Dr. Roach regrets that he is unable to answer individual letters, but will incorporate them in the column whenever possible. Readers may email questions to ToYourGoodHealth@med. cornell.edu or send mail to 628 Virginia Dr., Orlando, FL 32803.
MICHAEL JACKSON DEJAVU
WHEN: 7 p.m. WHERE: Country Roads RV Village, 5707 E. 32nd St. GOING ON: Justin Dean who bears a remarkable resemblance to Michael Jackson has performed extensively in Las Vegas; tickets can be purchased in advance or at door COST: Reserved seating $27, $30, $35 INFO: 928-344-8910, ext. 2
ORATORICAL CONTEST
WHEN: Entries due Friday GOING ON: Sunrise Optimist Club of Yuma’s Oratorical Contest is open to all students who are under the age of 18 as of Oct. 1, 2019; speech topic “Just iMagine a World without Boundaries”; a copy of passport or birth certificate will be required of winners, do not send birth certificate with application; winner advances to the Optimist District level contest April 25; district winners receive a plaque, $2,500 scholarship and advance to the regional/world championships at St. Louis University July 15-17; prizes awarded for 1st, 2nd and 3rd; all participants and parents will be invited to celebrate at an upcoming Sunrise Optimist meeting INFO: Contact Denise Davis at 34retsbew@gmail.com for applications, rules
COLLECTING DONATIONS
WHEN: During the month of February WHERE: Yuma Ballet Academy, 3942 S. Avenue 4-1/2E GOING ON: Ballet Yuma is collecting donations for Amberly’s Place during February; donations can be toiletries, all sizes of diapers (mostly size 4, 5), baby formula/food, new quilts/blankets, nonperishable snack items, water bottles, juice boxes, all sizes of Ziploc bags, plastic utensils, cups and plates, cell phones INFO: Contact Jenn Coleman at 928446-6770 or email jennyjumpup@ gmail.com
LOOKING FOR STUDENTS
WHEN: April 2020 GOING ON: Fourth Avenue Junior High school is looking for previous students of the school to participate in their 100th-year celebration; volunteers will be asked to share their memories/experiences of their time at the school; previous students will be asked to share stories with the community relating to specific decades INFO: If interested, contact the school directly at 928-502-7000
COCOPAH INDIAN TRIBE
WHEN: 10 to 11 a.m. WHERE: Sanguinetti House Museum, 240 S. Madison Ave. GOING ON: Hear stories of Cocopah history, traditions and treasured artifacts during this special garden presentation; danish, coffee served; tickets sold at door COST: $10 per person INFO: RSVP to ykruse@azhs.gov or 928-782-1841
CLALLAM COUNTY PICNIC
WHEN: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. WHERE: West Wetlands Park, Ramada 33, 1st Street and 12th Avenue GOING ON: Current or former residents of Clallam County are welcome; bring a sack lunch, a beverage, chair
YPG OVERVIEW
WHEN: 3 to 4 p.m. WHERE: Main Library, Meeting Room A, 2951 S. 21st Drive GOING ON: Specific proving ground capabilities include testing of artillery, mortars, mines, ground and aircraft weapons, target acquisition and fire control systems, wheeled and tracked vehicles, and air delivery material, equipment and techniques; program is for all ages, free
NEBRASKA BREAKFAST
WHEN: 9 a.m. WHERE: Westwinds RV Park & Golf Resort, 9797 E. 32nd St. GOING ON: Current and former residents of Nebraska are welcome for breakfast buffet COST: $10 person INFO: Call Marge Ritz at 308-7500594
GARDENING WITH NATIVE PLANTS
WHEN: 10:30 a.m. WHERE: Wellton Library, 28790 San Jose Ave. GOING ON: Learn how to create a garden with plants native to the desert southwest with master gardeners Nancy Meister and Deirdre MacDonald from UofA Cooperative Extension; free