chatwithketch

Q: Hello ma’am, I have a very serious and dangerous issue. I need your help please. Save me from killing myself. I am a sickle cell patient. I was introduced to Pentazocine early last year. Before I knew it, I got addicted. From August last year till date, I took 2 or 3 ampoules every day. Please, save me. I don’t want to die or damage my heart or go mad please.

A: The first step towards dealing with an addiction is realizing that you have one. You’re already at this point. Killing oneself never helped anyone (whether intentionally or through a process that you know will inevitably lead to this)…the one taking his life is essentially saying that they’ve given up on life! And yet, life is so beautiful and has so much to offer. Every morning brings with it, the sheer miracle of life, being surrounded by people who love us and the resolve to do it better today than yesterday! I just lost a friend today and that’s why your mail struck an even stronger chord (…and no, she didn’t take her own life). She was someone who saw enough in my ideas to start me on my TV journey. People always think that you need to know someone to succeed. Not true! You just need someone who believes in you and is willing to go all out for you. This starts when you believe in yourself first and hey, you can’t be believing in yourself and wanting to die at the same time!

And remember all the people who love you, people who are rooting for you, people who, practically, feel as much pain as you do whenever you’re unhappy…think of these people and remind yourself that they make life beautiful for you.

More specifically to your matter, pentazocine is a pain killer, originally thought to be non-addictive, but that has since been found to be a drug of addiction that affects mood and behavior. This drug is used for moderate to severe pain and I assume that this was prescribed during an episode of bone crisis, perhaps. It can be taken as tablet or as an injection which should be taken under a doctor’s supervision. So, it’s worrisome to me how come you have an abundant supply of this drug. Are you buying it or getting a supply from somewhere?

Pentazocine can cause addiction and subsequently people addicted to this can go into withdrawal if they try to stop taking it because they have already become physically dependent on it. The drug appears to make addicts more sociable, euphoric and serene. The presence of underlying psychological problems like depression can compound this issue.

To wean yourself off this, it’s usually best to get into a voluntary program for drug addiction where there will be a combination of clinical psychologists and psychiatrists. A long hard look at one’s life including unhealthy relationships, toxic home/family environment etc will be encouraged. The program will involve detoxification, exercise, counseling and other creative activities like music, art, dance, drama etc Getting enrolled with a help group will also be helpful, if this can be found.

If you perhaps live in an area where none of the above can be readily achieved, you may have to go it alone…perhaps with the support of family. There are two options: cold turkey (where you stop completely at once and ride out the withdrawal symptoms) or where you stop gradually and you reduce the dose of drugs from 3 ampoules daily, to 2 and then 1 and then on alternate days until it’s completely tapered off.

I will speak with a clinical psychologist friend tomorrow and see if I can get you more specific help. Do you live in Nigeria? Please inbox me your location so that even if you’re not in Lagos, he can suggest a good alternative.

Life is beautiful…don’t be in a hurry to let go.

In memory of my friend and mentor: Pamela ‘Uchenna’ Ofoegbu (beautiful inside and outside). I know you’re at peace and you’re resting. I truly hope I will be able to show kindness one way or another to your children. Rest in peace…

Have a good night y’all

Q: Well done Dr. Please, I have this itching vagina for which I was given Fluconazole and some other antifungal drugs for insertion and after taking them, the situation still occurred again. I went to another clinic and was given the same drugs and Ciprotab. But I still feel this itching especially after my menses. Please, what else can I do because I am TTC (trying to conceive)?

Q: Good day ma’am. My vagina sometimes itches especially when I am about starting my period. What is wrong?

A: Vaginal thrush, which is one of the commonest causes of vaginal itching with thick creamy white vaginal discharge. It occurs when the normal balance in the vagina is distorted allowing yeast to overgrow the area.
Conditions that can lead to this thrush include:
• Pregnancy
• Diabetes Mellitus
• Changes in menstrual cycle as described in the two cases above
• Oral Contraceptive use
• Antibiotic use
• Not changing out of wet clothes immediately eg swim suits
• Not wiping from the front to the back after using the toilet
• Using douches, perfumed sprays and perfumed soap in the genital area
• Wearing tight clothes and tight undergarments

So, even if treatment has been received and one complied 100% with it, not addressing the issues mentioned above may lead to recurrence.

If the lifestyle issues have been addressed and yet the episodes still recur, please see your doctor to rule out a medical cause like Diabetes Mellitus….or perhaps pregnancy for the first case 🙂

For more on this, please click on the links below:

Daily Health Tips: Why Do I Have Recurrent Candidiasis?

Daily Health Tips: Is It Safe To Treat Candidiasis In Pregnancy?

Daily Health Tips: Toilet Infection…seriously???

Remember to visit our blog http://www.chatwithdrketch.com and search for any health issue you wish to have addressed. You will find all the posts I have made on that subject. If you require more clarification, please post on our facebook, twitter or blog pages.

Welcome to the month of November y’all and have a great week 😀

To round off our third season focused on calcium, healthy bones and teeth, please answer the question below:

Mention 5 tips for proper breastfeeding as discussed on our show.

Terms and Conditions
The first person to answer correctly, will win our prize.

Terms and conditions:

Participants must be followers of this blog. If you’re not a follower, follow our blog to qualify.

The first correct answer is the winner of the prize.

Only one answer per participant will be accepted.

Answers are based on the episodes of our 5 minute show which aired on AIT and Silverbird TV from August to October, 2014

If a participant provides more than one answer, the first answer will be used.

Edited answers will be disqualified.

This challenge lapses by 11.59 pm on Monday, the 3rd of November, 2014

So, what are you waiting for?! Best of luck, guys!

Winner for Nutrition Facts and Fiction is Joy Nezieanya Obiesie.

Winner for Tips For Good Nutrition is Lawrence Anyanwu

Congratulations, y’all 😀

Please send your phone numbers to our facebook inbox for your E-top up.

Cheers

Q: Good evening, Doctor. Please what causes rashes/sores and pain in the mouth, the roof of the mouth, to be precise. Thank you.

A: There are a couple of ailments that can cause sores in the mouth and of course the roof of the mouth called the palate. They include:

Fever blisters known as cold sores can cause this and the pain associated with this condition is worse when hot, spicy or acidic foods like lemon are taken. They are mostly found around the lips. These sores are contagious but most times clear up without the need for medication. Sometimes, antiviral drugs are administered.

Canker sores are not contagious but just like fever blisters, most times, they disappear without any definitive treatment within a week.
Infections of the mouth (viral, fungal or bacterial), deficiency of minerals, smoking etc are some factors that may causes sores in the mouth and subsequent pain in the roof of the mouth.

To reduce the pain of this or prevent its happening, try these:
• Reduce your intake of foods that precipitate this like spicy or acidic foods
• Reduce your stress levels as this could precipitate conditions like fever blister
• Quit smoking
• Avoid medications that appear to trigger this
• Swishing milk around in your mouth or gargling with cool or salty water is also helpful in dealing with the pain

If these do not work or you find the symptoms worsening, develop a fever or perhaps develop find it difficult to swallow, please see your doctor immediately.
Have a great weekend y’all 😀

Q: Hi Dr Ketch, I have this pain on my chest-between my breast and the shoulder region. I am a mother of 2 and my last child is 4 years old. I told you last time about my weight. I started having issues with my weight which I think is as a result of my weight. I am over 35 years and my BMI is 164.When I went to the clinic to see a doctor, I was asked to run a lipid profile test. I did this and the doctor said that my cholesterol is border-line. And my BP was 140/105mHg. I was given some drugs and was told to start exercise. I started exercise since August 25th, and I am still on it. I have lost about 10 pounds since then although the pain has increased. I also have knee and waist pain. My knee was swollen but by the help of God, the knee swelling is coming down and the pain has reduced slightly. I noticed after some push ups and dumbbell exercises, the pain is more on my chest. Why?

A: Congratulations on the weight you have lost already. It is no mean feat and has set you firmly on your road to wellness.

To summarize, your main issues are:
• High blood pressure
• High BMI in the morbidly obese category
• Knee, chest and waist pain
• Border-line cholesterol

You have taken the first step which is recognizing that you have a problem and doing something about it. The issues are really al inter-related. High blood cholesterol can lead to the deposition of fatty deposits in the blood vessels which can lead to an increase in blood pressure. Being overweight can significantly contribute to high blood pressure and also joint pains. BMI is calculated using the formula weight divided by height x height. A measure of 164 is in the category of morbidly obese! I hope you mistakenly wrote that figure or have perhaps do not know how to calculate this. Please visit my blog, http://www.chatwithdrketch.com and type BMI into the search box. You will find my posts on BMI there.

Chest pains should always be checked out in the hospital. I sincerely hope that the chest pain is not due to a complication of these situations and hopefully is just due to wrong positioning during exercise. Do you have a trainer who oversees your exercise routine? Please get one. You must not over-do it. This weight was not added in one day and can certainly not be lost in one. Even if the BMI is real, it can be worked on. I know of a support group for people working on their weight. I’ll get their information and forward to you. Please remind me over the weekend.
Two things you need to focus on: diet and exercise.

Eat right…more vegetables in your diet. Take of empty carbs as in pastries, cakes, soda and eat more complex carbs like local rice, oats, whole wheat meal, grains really etc. Remember to stay within the recommended portions which is quarter of a plate. Eat more white meat: fish, chicken breast etc Chicken breast is high in saturated fats and will also compound a bad matter.
Include activity into your day: At least 30 minutes of exercise or activity daily. Take a walk, dance, swim, run, walk around while on the phone etc. Whatever you do, make sure you rack up to 150 minutes weekly.

High blood pressure can be managed and is also amenable to lifestyle modifications like the ones mentioned above. In addition, reduce salt intake, reduce oil intake and when you need to use it, use healthy versions like Olive oil. Cook your veggies in a healthy way, reduce stress etc.
For more on hypertension, please click on the links below:

Daily Health Tips: My High Blood Pressure Risks

Daily Health Tips: Blood Pressure – The Fact Behind The Figures

More importantly, keep reminding yourself why you’re on this journey. It’s not for your husband, nor for your babies, nor to get people off your back. This is for you! You have to feel good, inside and outside to do good. And you want to be healthy to accomplish all your desired goals.

All the best…loads of hugs and love.

Have a great night y’all 😀

Dear all,

Thanks for constantly visiting this page for wellness information that affect you and yours. Please note that due to the volume of questions we get on a daily basis, it may take us a little while to get to your question…but we will get to you.

In the meantime, y’all could try visiting my blog too to find answers for your questions. 😀 For instance, if your question is on breastfeeding, then visit http://www.chatwith drketch.com and type in breastfeeding. You will be presented with all my posts on that subject. You can now choose which post is most appropriate for you. If the blog doesn’t have the answer you’re looking for, still go head and post them here on the page or inbox or email. We will answer…that’s why we’re here: to make your lives that much better by answering your wellness questions 😀
And now, our question for the day:

Q: Doctor, good afternoon. I really appreciate ur efforts in educating d masses medically. I have something bothering my mind. When I had my baby, she seemed to have tongue tie. But the pediatrician said its nothing at 5 months. But she can’t lift d tongue up very well. When she plays with her tongue she moves it about but the tip of the tongue does not pass her lips. I’m really scared. I don’t want to take chances. Will my baby talk?
A: Thanks for writing in.

In babies with tongue tie, there’s a tight piece of skin holding the tongue down from the underside of the tongue to the floor of the mouth. This is also called ankyloglossia and could affect baby’s ability to latch on properly to suckle (as the tongue does not cover the lower gum). This can lead to baby chomping on mum’s nipple with resultant sore nipples.

First thing, do not be scared. Even if indeed, she has tongue tie, it’s not a huge problem. Some doctors believe that if it’s not affecting baby’s feeding, then it should be left well alone. But others believe, it should be taken out as there’s also a possibility that it could cause speech problems later.

The treatment, if required, is cutting through the tight piece of skin holding the tongue down. The area is usually numbed before this procedure is carried out. Older babies and adults may have to be put to sleep first (general anaesthesia).

If you disagree with your doctor about the treatment he has suggested, please seek a second opinion. Perhaps visiting a teaching hospital may present you with many options for qualified medical opinion

Have a good night, y’all 😀

Q: Good evening ma’am. Thanks for your lecture on how to make yoghurt. Please after making the yoghurt, how long will it stay in the fridge or freezer before it goes sour or should it be stored the way you taught on how to store milk or should it be consumed immediately after preparation? Thanks

A: I’ve received a lot of questions about the recipe for yoghurt and its usefulness ever since the 3rd season of our show aired and I had shown one other recipe for yoghurt.

I’ll share with you my personal easy-peasy recipe for yoghurt. This recipe uses powdered milk.

Mix one part of milk to four parts of warm water (you could use a measuring cup and this means one measuring cup of milk will be mixed with four measuring cups of warm water; if you use a bowl, then one bowl of milk to four bowls of milk etc.). Add a quarter measure (cup, bowl or whatever is your measure) of already made yoghurt that has probiotics in it to the mixture. This could be store bought yoghurt or some that you have stored from the last batch of yoghurt you made. Stir the mixture and cover in an airtight container for about 4 to 8 hours. I usually leave mine overnight. Give a final mix and there you’ve got it, your own delicious home-made yoghurt.
Note that I didn’t add sugar. I usually don’t. If you must, add a little. Otherwise, cutting up some apples into it and/or adding some nice crunchy nuts makes this taste even more delicious. Remember that you can also blend this up with some fruits and make a delicious smoothie 😀 I feel hungry already ;D

Now, how to store…just like for milk: Do not store on the fridge door. Store at the back of the fridge where it is coldest. Be sure to finish it up within three days and do not store close to strong smelling foods as they very readily take on those smells…imagine drinking onion-flavoured yoghurt 😀 Disgusting. Can you store in the freezer? Well, yes. But freezing gives yoghurt a different texture when it thaws. You may not like it. If you don’t mind though, then hey, freeze away 🙂

Have a great night y’all 😀