Killing nail fungus takes patience

Dear Dr. Gott: I am nearing 69 years of age and have been fighting nail fungus for many years.

In the past, I was on two treatments that my doctors tell me can cause kidney problems if I were to start them again.

I have been using a small rotary tool to grind my nails down to keep the nail bed clean and also have used Vicks VapoRub, but the fungus always comes back.

My question for you is, is it practical to have all my toenails removed so I won’t have to fight this problem as I get older?

Dear Reader: No medical product is 100 percent effective. The Vicks VapoRub therapy for nail fungus is no exception; it doesn’t always work.

However, such fungus simply may be resistant.

Over time, you should notice, at the very least, that your nails improve. But repeated applications, often for months at a time, may be necessary.

Rather than considering the unpleasant option of nail removal, I suggest that you keep your nails short and apply VapoRub twice daily when necessary. You should be able to control the situation satisfactorily.

Dear Dr. Gott: I have been diagnosed with a prolapsed bladder, which is rather advanced, as it is protruding out of my vagina. My gynecologist hoped to correct it nonsurgically, trying various pessaries, but none worked. It was not to be.

My gynecologist and a urological surgeon have worked together in the past to correct this condition. Their approach is to raise the bladder to its proper position using a mesh device.

After that, my gynecologist will take over and remove my uterus and ovaries.

I am 83 years old and in good health except for elevated blood pressure, which my family physician is trying to correct with medication.

Since I have never heard of this procedure before, I wondered if you have. Apparently these two surgeons, working together, have performed over 300 of these operations, and my family physician recommends that I have it done.

Dear Reader: Uterine prolapse, which usually involves the bladder as well, is a common and troubling affliction. It may respond to special exercises and pessaries if it is mild to moderate in severity.

In situations such as yours in which the condition is severe, corrective surgery – hysterectomy and bladder suspension – may be necessary.

If your doctors agree that this surgery will improve your quality of life, I would encourage you to have the procedure performed.

To give you related information, I am sending you a copy of my health report “An Informed Approach to Surgery.” Other readers who would like a copy should send a long, self-addressed, stamped envelope and $2 to Newsletter, P.O. Box 167, Wickliffe, OH 44092. Be sure to mention the title.