YOUR HEALTH

DEAR DR. DONOHUE: I have pseudogout in the ring-finger joint of my left hand. I had to have my engagement and wedding rings cut off since the finger was swollen. Is there such a thing as having a finger joint replaced? -- D.Q.

ANSWER: False gout -- the meaning of "pseudogout" -- got the name because it looks so much like gout. In gout, uric acid crystals infiltrate joints. In pseudogout, crystals of calcium pyrophosphate diffuse into a joint or joints, and pile up in the cartilage around joints. It most often occurs after age 60, for reasons that have not been discovered.

A pseudogout attack is similar to a gout attack. The joint swells, becomes hot and is quite painful. The knee is often the first joint involved, but the wrist, elbows, shoulder, hips and fingers can come under attack. The attack usually peters out, but recurrent attacks are common.

Finger joints can be replaced, but don't rush for a surgical appointment. Medicines can often control this illness, just as they control gout. The anti-inflammatory drugs -- Aleve, Advil, Motrin and many more -- are the first ones turned to. Colchicine, a gout medicine, works for pseudogout too. Cortisone injections into the affected joint can be relied on to soothe the inflamed joint when oral medicines fail. The injection serves two purposes: Withdrawing joint fluid can prove the pseudogout diagnosis, and the injection of medicine can stop the inflammation.

The booklet on gout and pseudogout explains these two illnesses in depth. Readers can obtain a copy by writing: Dr. Donohue -- No. 302, Box 536475, Orlando, FL32853- 6475. Enclose a check or money order (no cash) for $4.75 U.S./$6.75 Can. with the recipient's printed name and address. Please allow four weeks for delivery.

DEAR DR. DONOHUE: Please help me. I have a lot of gas, which embarrasses me. My doctor gave me two different medicines that didn't work. My last hope is hearing from you. I have tried Beano and Gas-X. -- R.V.

ANSWER: OK, let's take care of this without medicines.

Intestinal gas comes from bacteria feeding on undigested food, mostly carbohydrates. Minimize the carbohydrates in your diet. Cut way down on sugars and starches -- breads, bagels, pasta, noodles, potatoes and the like. Some vegetables should be on your "avoid" list. I'm sure you know not to eat beans, particularly baked beans. Stay away from Brussels sprouts, asparagus, onions, cabbage, broccoli and peas. Eat only small amounts of fruits. Don't eat food or drink beverages or chew gum that contains sorbitol. You'll have to read labels; it's a sugar substitute. Cut down on all soft drinks. You can eat all the rice you want. It's not supposed to generate gas.

Be strict about this for a week. If it works, then start adding food back to your diet, one item at a time, and see which food is a gas producer for you.

Dr. Donohue regrets that he is unable to answer individual letters, but he will incorporate them in his column whenever possible. Readers may write him or request an order form of available health newsletters at P.O. Box 536475, Orlando, FL32853-6475. Readers may also order health newsletters from www.rbmamall.com. 2006 North America Syndicate Inc.All Rights Reserved