True to form, spring has arrived. In Kansas, that also means that, in addition to warmer temperatures and emerging gardens, storm clouds will be on the horizon. Severe thunderstorms, hail and the occasional tornado are a fact of life. So is the inevitable recovery by Kansas residents when nature takes a toll on roofs and other structures.
Dear Amy: I met “Shari” through other friends. We got along well, and always had a great time.
DEAR DR. ROACH: I am an 82-year-old male. I have been taking finasteride and tamsulosin for two years now for enlarged prostate. Since December 2021, I started having lower back pain and hip pain when walking. Aside from both high blood pressure and cholesterol, for which I take medications, I am in good shape. I walk 3 to 4 miles per day and do stationary bike plus all house/ garden repairs, including snow removal. My question is: Could the back and hip pain be the result of taking finasteride? According to the information on this drug’s side effects, it can cause prostate cancer with lower back and hip pain. My urologist said that is not correct, that new research has shown that is not true, and it is perfectly safe to take. What is your opinion? -- T.X.
Cancer is a broad term which encompasses many different diseases, and each type of cancer has different patterns and tendencies. But at its core, cancer means a group of cells which is growing uncontrollably, due to one or multiple genetic mutations.
Today is Saturday, April 2, the 92nd day of 2022. There are 273 days left in the year.
Dear Amy: My husband and his sister have been feuding for almost a year. This began when she told us via email that she couldn’t bear to see me pregnant at my baby shower.
Dear Dr. Roach: I have spinal stenosis and degenerative disc disease, along with scoliosis from childhood polio. A few weeks ago, I developed sciatica and started a course of physical therapy, but quit halfway through because it seemed to make the pain much worse. The therapist recommended I try a TENS unit. Does a TENS unit help with sciatica? -- J.S.B.
Since ancient times, marijuana has been used for medicinal and recreational purposes in many cultures. In the United States, it became illegal during prohibition, like alcohol. Later, under the Controlled Substances Act in the 1970’s, the federal government classified marijuana a Schedule 1 drug. This classification includes heroin, LSD, and ecstasy, all deemed to have no safe, effective medical use and a high potential for abuse.
Should abortion be illegal in Kansas—even in cases of rape, incest, or the life or health of a woman being at risk? How should Kansas politicians regulate Kansas women? Kansas voters get a say in these questions on August 2, 2022. Right now, abortion is legal in Kansas, but our state legislature has limited that right.
Dear Readers: Every year I step away from my column briefly to work on other creative projects. (Anyone interested in my personal essays and photographs can subscribe to my free newsletter: amydickinson.substack.com).