Relating to the Gaffigans
I always find something pertinent in Brain & Life, and the most recent issue was no exception. While I don't have a brain tumor, I do have Ramsay-Hunt syndrome, and I found many similarities between Jeannie Gaffigan's experiences ("Humor in a Brain Tumor," December 2018/January 2019) and my own. I too aspirate my food and have learned techniques to help me swallow without choking. I underwent 18 months of physical therapy in order to relearn how to speak, swallow, and talk. I still have a perpetual grimace, which people see as a lopsided smile. I also have balance and breathing problems. But, like Jeannie, I am grateful, because my situation could be much worse. I wish Jeannie and Jim continued improvement and keep them in my prayers. - Valerie Golembiewski, Tucson, AZ
ALS Ally
Thank you for the article about Lee Selisky and his final scuba dives ("ALS Didn't Stop Lee Selisky from Taking a Final Scuba Dive," December 2018/January 2019). He had such great friends to support him in his send-off. My wife died in March of last year from amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. — Mike Burant, Stevens Point, WI
Shingles Question
The article about the shingles vaccine ("Important Reasons to Get the Shingles Vaccine," December 2018/January 2019) states that the new vaccine, Shingrix, provides better coverage than the old one, Zostavax. I received the latter 10 years ago. Should I get the newer drug now, or is Zostavax sufficient? Thank you again for a superior publication. — Linda Stone, Scottsdale, AZ
THE EDITOR RESPONDS: Anyone who received the old vaccine (Zostavax) should get Shingrix to prevent herpes zoster (shingles) and related complications, according to recommendations from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). For additional information, visit cdc.gov.
Fish Source
Thanks for your article about fish and its effect on the brain ("Eat Fish Wisely," December 2018/January 2019). Another good source of information on this topic is the Monterey Bay Aquarium website (seafoodwatch.org ), which publishes a seafood list that takes into account other factors besides mercury. — Jim Weil, Yellow Springs, OH
Exercise and Me
Your article on exercise (“Exercise and You,” April/May 2018) provided fabulous advice. However, some of the options are difficult or impossible for someone like me who has late-onset limb girdle muscular dystrophy. My disease has progressed to the point where I may have to retire this year. I had shoulder surgery recently because of a bad fall and was on sick leave for five months. I’ve been in physical therapy for three years, which has kept me out of a wheelchair. Sometimes, though, I need a walker or a cane. I always feel I should be pushed to do a more challenging program, but my therapists fear I will have muscle breakdown that won’t heal. They would rather that I not have any muscle discomfort. I feel that a small amount of soreness would be beneficial. I wish there was a way of knowing when too much is really too much. Thank you for your wonderful magazine and the advice and support you continuously provide. — Mary Ognibene, Warren, OH
Low Back Pain
I read your article about low back pain with great interest (“We’ve Got Your Back,” October/November 2018), as I have been dealing with lower back pain for about seven years. I was diagnosed with a narrowing and degeneration of the sacroiliac joint. I tried many therapies, including chiropractic, massage, physical therapy, yoga, meloxicam and gabapentin, and steroid injections. After much trial and error, I am able to maintain a fairly pain-free life through yoga and medication. — Connie Lyda, Summerville, SC
Chronic Advice
After listening to unsolicited advice many times, I’m writing to request an article on why this well-meaning intention can be so hurtful and harmful. It’s especially frustrating when the advice comes from people who know I have been actively involved in pursuing treatments, including many surgeries, even traveling out of state on occasion, and that I continue to research any possible developing treatments related to my specific condition. Their insistence on offering advice leaves me feeling invalidated, as though I have not tried or searched hard enough to find the best doctor or treatment. - Marianne Eagan, West Lafayette, IN
