Tuesday, October 19, 2010

Study: Drug doesn ' T plavix undermined.

October 7, 2010


News Review From Harvard Medical School -- Study: Drug Doesn't Undermine Plavix
Taking a heartburn drug does not make the blood thinner Plavix less effective, a new study suggests. Some people take a heartburn drug to reduce their risk of stomach or intestinal bleeding from the blood thinner. Early studies suggested that adding the heartburn drug increased people's risk of heart attacks or strokes. But the new study followed a design that is considered more accurate. It included 3,873 people who took clopidogrel (Plavix). They were randomly assigned to also receive the heartburn drug omeprazole (Prilosec) or a placebo. Everyone took aspirin. In the next 6 months, 109 people died, had a heart attack or stroke, or needed a heart procedure. The rate of these events was slightly lower for people who took Prilosec than for those who got the placebo. About 1.1% of people who took Prilosec developed stomach or intestinal bleeding. The rate was 2.9% for those taking a placebo. The New England Journal of Medicine published the study. HealthDay News wrote about it October 6.

By Robert H. Shmerling, M.D.
Harvard Medical School


What Is the Doctor's Reaction?
Clopidogrel and omeprazole are among the world's most widely prescribed drugs. Clopidogrel (Plavix) is a mild blood thinner. It is the second most commonly prescribed drug worldwide. Omeprazole (Prilosec and others) is used to treat heartburn and stomach ulcers. It's the sixth most commonly prescribed generic drug.
Clopidogrel is typically prescribed along with aspirin. The two drugs together are particularly helpful after heart procedures for narrowed coronary arteries. They can help to prevent blood clots.
Omeprazole is often prescribed for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). This disease is a cause of heartburn. It also can damage the esophagus.
Many people need to take the heartburn drug and the blood thinner together. Doctors often prescribe omeprazole to protect the stomach from ulcers and bleeding that clopidogrel and aspirin may cause.
But recent research has suggested that clopidogrel may not work as well for people who also take omeprazole. If that's true, this common combination could increase the risk of having a heart attack.
New research looks at the risks and benefits of taking these two drugs together. The study included nearly 4,000 people. Everyone in the study took clopidogrel and aspirin for 6 months. In addition, half took omeprazole and half took a placebo.
Here's what the researchers found:
  • About 2.9% of those who took a placebo had major stomach problems, including bleeding. Only 1.1% of those taking omeprazole had these problems.
  • The rate of heart and artery problems, such as heart attack, was similar for the two groups -- 5.7% of those taking placebo and 4.9% of those taking omeprazole. This suggests that adding omeprazole did not make the blood thinners less effective.
  • Side effects were similar in two groups, although diarrhea was more common among those taking omeprazole.
This study did not include as many people as planned because of funding problems. As a result, the researchers could not state for certain that clopidogrel remained just as effective despite the use of omeprazole. A much larger study would be needed to be sure about that conclusion. But the results are encouraging. If confirmed, these findings suggest that taking a drug to prevent stomach bleeding does not make clopidogrel less effective.
What Changes Can I Make Now?
If you've stopped taking omeprazole because of concerns it will make clopidogrel less effective, talk to your doctor. Discuss the results of this study. It may be reasonable to resume omeprazole.
Do what you can to prevent the need for any of these medicines.
To reduce your chances of coronary artery disease:
  • Don't smoke.
  • Work with your doctor to maintain a normal blood sugar and blood pressure. Take your medicines as prescribed. If you have diabetes or high blood pressure, discuss treatment options with your doctor.
  • Exercise regularly.
  • See your doctor regularly to monitor your heart health.
To lessen your risk of stomach ulcers or heartburn:
  • Limit your use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen or naproxen. These drugs can be quite effective for pain or fever, but your doctor can tell you about safer alternatives. Take the lowest effective dose for the shortest time possible (as directed by your doctor).
  • Wash your hands well before meals and after using the restroom. This may prevent spread of an infection (called H. pylori) involved in some stomach ulcers.
  • If you have had an ulcer in the past related to H. pylori, a course of antibiotics may prevent future ulcers.
  • Don't smoke.
  • Drink less alcohol.
Be sure you understand the reasons for the medicines you take. It's generally obvious why someone is taking clopidogrel. But I've met many people who were taking omeprazole without really knowing why. For some, the drug was started while they were in the hospital and never stopped. For others, it was because they used to take an NSAID, which increases the risk of stomach ulcers. But when the NSAID was stopped, the omeprazole was not.
What Can I Expect Looking to the Future?
For many people, interactions between drugs are more important than the side effects of a single drug. You can expect researchers to continue to study drug interactions and to discover new ones.
But the first step is proving that a possible drug interaction is real. That's why well-designed research like this study is so important.

Monday, October 18, 2010

Young children sleep Positioners pose suffocation risk

The FDA and the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) are warning against the use of infant positioning products after two recent deaths because of suffocation.
Some manufacturers have advertised that their products prevent SIDS, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), or flat head syndrome, a deformation caused by pressure on one part of the skull.
The federal government is aware of 12 reports of infant deaths in the last 13 years attributed to the sleep positioners. The Consumer Product Safety Commission has received "dozens of reports of babies who were placed on their back or side in the positioners only to be found later in hazardous positions within or next to the product," the according to a statement from the FDA.
"We urge parents and caregivers to take our warning seriously and stop using these sleep positioners so children can be assured of a safe sleep," says Inez Tenenbaum, chairman of the Consumer Product Safety Commission.
FDA pediatric expert Susan Cummins, M.D., M.P.H, says, "The safest crib is a bare crib. Always put your baby on his or her back to sleep. An easy way to remember this is to follow the ABC's of safe sleep--Alone on the Back in a bare Crib."
Although in the past FDA has approved a number of these products for GERD or flat head syndrome, new information suggests the positioners pose a risk of suffocation. As a result, FDA is requiring makers of FDA-cleared sleep positioners to submit data showing the products' benefits outweigh the risks. FDA is also requesting that these manufacturers stop marketing their devices while FDA reviews the data.
Infant sleep positioner manufacturers who are making medical claims without FDA clearance must stop marketing those products immediately, agency experts say, adding there's no evidence the devices have benefits that outweigh the risk of suffocation.

Sunday, October 17, 2010

Digestive disorder and ulcer treatments

With Thanksgiving not that far away, here are some thoughts on having a well-tuned digestive system in anticipation for that big dinner.
By preparing, I do not mean starve yourself for two weeks so that you have room to gorge out on dinner.
A well-tuned digestive system works better than starvation. Your quality of life depends on it.
Many factors may contribute to digestive disturbances that can cause conditions such as an ulcer or heartburn, sometimes referred to as gastroesophageal reflux disease.
Lifestyle choices such as stress, poor eating habits, alcohol consumption and smoking can contribute to these conditions.
There are many symptoms that indicate heartburn. The most common are “burping up,” regurgitating often during the day, a heavy feeling in the chest or abdomen or a burning feeling in the throat, chest or stomach.
Some of the symptoms that may indicate an ulcer include a burning feeling in the stomach area before, during or after a meal, usually in waves that last several minutes; painful digestion, heartburn and increased acid production indicated by “sour stomach” blackened stools and nausea.
It seems very common for people to take antacids or similar products for relief of stomach pain and upset.
This is definitely not solving any problems. In fact, that solution may actually contribute to the problem.
Other medications that are commonly prescribed for people with gastroesophageal reflux disease are Omeprazole, in a class of drugs called proton pump inhibitors (PPI), which block the production of acid by the stomach.
When stomach acid is blocked, food will sit in your digestive tract and will not digest.
Imagine after months of taking these drugs, what kind of fermenting mass of semi-digested food you would have sitting in your digestive tract. It really is quite scary.
There are other drugs in the same class as Omeprazole including lansoprazole (Prevacid), rabeprazole (Aciphex), pantoprazole (Protonix), and esomeprazole (Nexium).
There are many side-effects to these drugs such as diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, headaches, rash and dizziness to name a few.
Homeopathy offers some excellent remedies that can provide relief gently, safely and with no side-effects for many digestive related problems.
If you do have a chronic ongoing complaint, it is probably best to see a homeopath for constitutional treatment.
The following list of remedies is just a sampling of some homeopathic remedies that may help for an acute digestive disturbance:
Nux Vomica: This remedy is indicated for symptoms of digestive upset that include, sour, and bitter burping. It can be accompanied by nausea and vomiting every morning. The person generally will have quite a high-stress lifestyle.
Carbo Vegetabilis: This remedy is indicated when there seems to be a sense of rawness in the stomach that rises up into the esophagus to the middle of the chest. There can be bloating and distention in the stomach.
Arsenicum: With this remedy, the key indications are burning sensations in the stomach with a sense of internal chilliness. The heartburn symptoms will almost feel like the person was just gulping up acid that burns the throat and leaves it raw.
With all the remedies above, start with a 30 CH potency every few hours for a day or two. If this does not provide relief, try the next best remedy.
Homeopathic remedies in acute situations generally work quite rapidly. Homeopaths tend to use the term “susceptibility to disease,” meaning that even though modern science has determined the cause of some diseases, it has not determined or explained how a person becomes susceptible to these conditions in the first place.
You may also want to try digestive enzymes available at your local natural health store.
John G .Sherman is
a professional classical homeopath in Kelowna .

Dr. Siegal cookie diet leads CalciOs


By Allison Cerra
VIENNA, Va. (Sept. 24) Dr. Siegal's Cookie Diet has expanded its offerings to include calcium-fortified cookies designed to treat occasional heartburn.
CalciOs cookies are vanilla-flavored cookies, each one providing 30% of the daily value of dietary calcium, Dr. Siegal's Cookie Diet said. The cookies contain calcium carbonate, designed to treat heartburn relief. CalciOs also are free of artificial colors and preservatives.

Saturday, October 16, 2010

Small purple pill is under microscope

'Little purple pill' is under microscope

Heartburn drugs, while effective, might be doing more harm than good.

Dr. Marcus Thygeson once wrote his patients countless prescriptions for heartburn drugs such as Prevacid, Prilosec and Nexium -- the "little purple pills'' of TV ads.
But several months ago, when his own doctor advised him to start taking the pills, he refused. "It was all I could do to get out of the office without a prescription," he said.
The Twin Cities gastroenterologist has come to see the popular pills as a symbol of the excesses of modern medicine -- a powerful medication "handed out like water" in his words, amid mounting evidence that it may do many people more harm than good.
"It's a drug we've become very cavalier about," says Thygeson, president of the Center for Healthcare Innovation at Allina Hospitals & Clinics. "Now it's like front-line therapy if you so much as belch."
The heartburn drugs, known as proton-pump inhibitors (PPIs), are designed to reduce the body's ability to pump acid into the stomach. Today, they are among the nation's best-selling medications, with more than 119 million prescriptions written last year, in addition to over-the-counter sales. Experts have called them a godsend for ailments like acid reflux, a major cause of heartburn.
Yet there's a growing consensus that millions of people are taking the pills needlessly, or far longer than necessary, wasting billions of dollars and in some cases triggering significant side effects.
Some skeptics even dare to ask why so many Americans are taking pills, which can cost up to $200 a month, to control digestive problems that can be tied to their own bad habits, particularly at the dinner table.
"I'm not blaming patients -- it's the path of least resistance," said Dr. Greg Plotnikoff, an internist at Abbott Northwestern's Penny George Institute for Health and Healing in Minneapolis. Fixing the underlying problem, he said, may require losing weight, avoiding certain foods or other lifestyle changes. A pill can seem like an easy alternative.
In the past few years, though, scientists have raised concerns about long-term side effects, such as bone fractures and pneumonia. One study in 2009 even found that the drugs, when stopped abruptly, can cause the very symptoms they were designed to prevent.
The drug manufacturers and some leading experts have disputed those findings. But insurers and doctors alike are starting to have second thoughts.
"When you put a patient on a PPI, you're essentially setting them up to be on it for a lifetime," said Thygeson. "I think we need to back away from those drugs."
Grateful -- at first
Bernice Koniar had every reason to feel grateful when her doctor started her on heartburn medication. She had just learned she had gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), a cause of chronic acid indigestion and all-around misery.
And there was nothing more effective for that condition, experts said, than this new class of acid-suppressing drugs.
Actually, they were the second big breakthrough. The first, cimetidine (Tagamet), revolutionized treatment by blocking acid production for short periods.
Then Prilosec, the first proton-pump inhibitor, made its debut in 1989.
"This drug was a miracle," said Dr. Robert Ganz, a Twin Cities gastroenterologist and associate professor at the University of Minnesota. It was remarkably effective for GERD, a condition that causes stomach acid to leak into the esophagus, which in turn can cause burning sensations, nausea and even permanent damage.
In the past, he said, doctors could offer little beyond temporary relief (Tums or Mylanta) or, for severe cases, surgery. "Without this drug, you'd have 20 million people going to surgery," he said. "This drug was one of the great pharmaceutical discoveries ... of all time."
It's now a certified blockbuster, with $13.6 billion in sales last year (more, counting over-the-counter sales).

Heartburn Remedies

Friday, October 15, 2010

Get rid of these unsightly spider veins

Published: Tuesday, September 21, 2010 at 1:00 a.m.
Last Modified: Monday, September 20, 2010 at 9:46 a.m.
Q:Is there anything that can be done for spider veins? -- Dolores, Highland Park, Ill.

A:Spider veins can make your legs and even your face look like you've been to a cut-rate tattoo artist. These hair-thin, dilated veins just beneath the skin don't actually resemble the creepy-crawlies they're named for. They're more like red, blue or purple sunbursts or tree branches. Any way you describe them, big ones can be so unsightly that you may briefly consider a burqa as beachwear.
There are a couple of ways to get rid of spider veins. For more than 70 years, doctors have been erasing them with sclerotherapy -- injections of an irritating solution that causes the blood to clot and the walls of the dilated vein to stick together. Yes, it stings for a minute. The lines gradually fade over weeks to months.
Option two is usually used for spider veins on your face, which are often too small to "scler." Instead, a dermatologist or plastic surgeon can zap them with a laser or electric needle.
What causes spider veins? Partly genetics (do your mom's legs look like an interstate road map?). Possibly estrogen, from pregnancy, the pill or hormone therapy. And the usual suspects: aging (though 75 percent of women over 18 have them), sun exposure, obesity, lack of activity and wearing too-small Spanx or anything super-tight that puts pressure on veins. You can't control your genes, but losing weight, wearing sunscreen, working out and buying Spanx that fit will give you a shot at preventing more spider veins.

Allegan-based Perrigo seeks approval for generic heartburn treatment

ALLEGAN — Store-brand products maker Perrigo Co. said Friday that it has filed an Abbreviated New Drug Application to market a generic, over-the-counter version of heartburn treatment Zegerid.

The product is for the treatment of frequent heartburn.

Perrigo’s product will be a generic equivalent to Schering-Plough’s Zegerid-OTCTM, a proton pump inhibitor (a drug that causes a significant reduction of gastric acid) and an antacid.

 In a statement, Perrigo said annual sales of the over-the-counter name-brand treatment are estimated to be about $60 million.

Even if approval is granted by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, legal action is pending. Schering-Plough filed suit in September alleging Perrigo’s product will infringe on its patent. Santarus Inc. and the Curators of the University of Missouri, the licensor and owner of the patents, are co-plaintiffs in the lawsuits.

Thursday, October 14, 2010

Dr. Siegal cookie diet leads CalciOs

Unfortunately, I could read the content fromt of this page.

View the original article here

Black tongue - the strange side effects of Pepto-Bismol

Black tongue happens to be one of the strange side effects of Pepto-Bismol. Find out why this happens here.

Various kinds of medication for nausea - Pepto-Bismol included - contain the ingredient Bismuth subsalicylate, a drug with multiple compounds that helps in treating heartburn, nausea, diarrhea, indigestion, and various other temporary stomach problems. As a tablet, Bismuth subsalicylate has to be consumed with water, but if exposed to the tongue's surface by chewing, the tongue can turn black after a few hours and this can last for a few days. Black stools and a black tongue are some of the strange side effects of Pepto-Bismol that aren't harmful. The color only comes about because the drug interacts with the gastrointestinal tract and saliva.

Fortunately, this discoloration doesn't come with any adverse affects to human health, so having a black tongue or black strip stains on your teeth after taking some Pepto-Bismol is definitely nothing to panic about. To get rid of the stains, just brush your teeth and tongue thoroughly or get a dentist to clean your teeth and tongue for you. To completely avoid the situation altogether, brush your teeth right after taking Pepto-Bismol or, better yet, set a long-term goal to get a good assessment on your body to manage your stomach at all times.

Follow a healthy diet filled with lean proteins, fruits and vegetables to control your body's PH and keep it at a mild alkaline or neutral level. Also, try to sleep for eight hours every night to ease your body and get it ready for stress. If you ever get an upset stomach, drink some chamomile or peppermint tea with honey to help ease it. This way, you will never have to worry about a black tongue or any of the strange side effects of Pepto-Bismol again.

Wednesday, October 13, 2010

Heartburn of remedies for pregnant

A woman's body undergoes a number of changes, during pregnancy, due to the surge of hormones. Some of the changes can be pleasant, while some are not so pleasant. There are also a number of disorders that can occur during the entire term. These disorders are mostly temporary and will go away after the delivery. To name a few, a pregnant woman can suffer from constipation, gas, acne and in some cases even gestational diabetes. The most common complaint of pregnant women, especially, during the early stages of pregnancy, is heartburn. This condition is quite normal and there is no need to panic. Before we take a look at the heartburn remedies for pregnant women, let us discuss about the causative factors of this annoying health condition.

As mentioned earlier, heartburn is a common complaint among most of the pregnant women. The degrees of severity may vary from person to person. Some women may experience mild heartburn symptoms, whereas, some of them may have a severe complaint. The pressure applied on the stomach by the growing fetus and the relaxation of the soft tissues in preparation for birth are some of the reasons for what causes heartburn during pregnancy.

Other reasons may be indigestion, softening of the esophageal sphincter and increase in the levels of progesterone. Heartburn in pregnancy can be brought under control with the help of some natural remedies as well as some over-the-counter medications, prescribed by a medical practitioner. Here are a few natural as well as clinical heartburn remedies for pregnant women that are quite effective without causing any side effects.

Remedies for Heartburn for Pregnant Women

Heartburn can cause discomfort, especially, during the last trimester, since the baby has completely developed putting extra pressure on the stomach. You can try these heartburn remedies for pregnant women, without worrying about the side effects.
  • One of the best heartburn remedies for pregnant women is to keep a check on the diet. Avoid eating spicy or greasy foods as these may aggravate heartburn. Instead follow a heartburn diet, which includes fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grain products and legumes. These foods are easily digested and are also known to improve digestion. It is also advisable to eat small meals at regular intervals instead of having large meals for proper digestion.
  • Drinking plenty of water and other fluids like cold milk or fruit juices is also considered as the best heartburn home remedies for pregnant women. The fluids will neutralize the acids in the stomach and hence, provide relief from this condition.
  • One of the natural heartburn remedies for pregnant women is to chew mint leaves, asafoetida tablets or drink chamomile tea which will improve digestion and relieve heartburn during pregnancy.
  • Another of the effective heartburn remedies during pregnancy is to drink aloe vera juice, thrice a day. Aloe vera juice has a soothing effect on the stomach and reduces acidity.
  • Yogurt, which is a rich source of probiotic culture, is considered to be an effective heartburn remedy and is safe for consumption for pregnant women.
  • Drinking honey mixed with warm milk or water is said to keep the symptoms of heartburn and acidity during pregnancy at bay.
  • There are also a few over-the-counter antacids that can help relieve heartburn. Before taking medication of any kind, consulting your gynecologist is advisable.
  • Apart from these above mentioned heartburn remedies for pregnant women, walking after meals, mild exercises, and sleep postures also play a major role in curing heartburn during pregnancy.
These were some heartburn remedies for pregnant women. Visit a gynecologist if the heartburn persists, who may prescribe medications that provide relief. Don't let a heartburn dampen your spirits of enjoying your motherhood. Take care!

Tuesday, October 12, 2010

GERD resources for your practice and patients

INDICATIONS

In adults (≥18 years of age), ACIPHEX 20 mg is indicated for: treatment of daytime and nighttime heartburn and other symptoms associated with GERD; short-term, up to 4 weeks, treatment in the healing and symptomatic relief of duodenal ulcers; short-term, 4 to 8 weeks, treatment in the healing and symptomatic relief of erosive GERD; and maintenance of healing and reduction in relapse rates of heartburn symptoms or erosive GERD (controlled maintenance studies do not extend beyond 12 months).
In adolescent patients 12 years of age and above, ACIPHEX 20 mg is indicated for: short-term, up to 8 weeks, treatment of daytime and nighttime heartburn and other symptoms associated with GERD.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

ACIPHEX is contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to rabeprazole, substituted benzimidazoles, or to any component of the formulation.
As with all PPIs, patients treated concomitantly with warfarin may need to be monitored for increases in INR and prothrombin time, which may lead to abnormal bleeding and even death.
In adolescents, the related reported adverse reactions that occurred in ≥2% of patients were headache and nausea. The adverse reactions reported without regard to relationship to ACIPHEX that occurred in ≥2% of patients were headache, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain.
In adults, clinical trials revealed the following adverse reactions appearing in ≥2% of ACIPHEX patients and with a frequency greater than placebo: pain, pharyngitis, flatulence, infection, and constipation.
Symptomatic response to therapy does not preclude the presence of gastric malignancy.
ACIPHEX inhibits gastric acid secretion and may interfere with the absorption of drugs where gastric pH is an important determinant of bioavailability (e.g., ketoconazole, iron salts and digoxin).
ACIPHEX may reduce the plasma levels of atazanavir.
Rabeprazole has been shown to inhibit cyclosporine metabolism in vitro.

Monday, October 11, 2010

"Outta older heartburn!"

My doctor says it is fine to take pepcid so i have been for like 2 weeks, buti found out it was  a catagory b or something. Now I dont quite understand that, when they say the benefits out weigh the risk, What is the risk! I dont want to risk my baby for anything! So I tried to stop it yesterday and the acid is unbearable I took tums all day and they did nothing , I even woke up with laryngitis this morning from it.So I want to take the pepcid again but i cant help but think i am hurting my baby.Can anyone explain catagory B better to me and is anyone else suffering like me?

Incisionless surgery treats heartburn

Dr. Laurence Gibson


WAUKEGAN — Surgery without an incision is now a possibility for those diagnosed with gastroesophageal reflux disease. People suffering from reflux — heartburn — can now get back to living with the help of the new Transoral Incisionless Fundoplication procedure offered at Vista Health System.
Dr. Laurence Gibson will conduct question-and-answer seminars about the condition and the surgery at 6 p.m. Oct. 4 at Vista Medical Center East, 1324 N. Sheridan Road, Waukegan; and at 6 p.m. Oct. 25 at Vista Surgery Center, 1050 Red Oak Lane, Lindenhurst.
“The TIF procedure with the EsophyX device can significantly improve quality of life for patients,” said Dr. Gibson, a board-certified surgeon.
“GERD is an anatomical problem which needs an anatomical solution. Reflux medications like PPIs (proton pump inhibitors) can help relieve a patient’s heartburn symptoms but do not solve underlying anatomical problems or prevent further disease progression,” he said.
“Even on PPIs, many patients are still unable to eat the foods they want or have to sleep sitting up to reduce nighttime reflux. In addition recent studies have shown that long-term use of PPIs can lead to inadequate absorption of minerals such as calcium and can result in bone fractures. After the EsophyX TIF procedure, clinical trials show that most patients can eat and drink foods they avoided for many years. Reflux no longer impacts their life like it previously did.”
EsophyX is based on established principles of surgical repair of the antireflux barrier, but it is performed transorally (through the mouth).
The EsophyX TIF procedure reduces hiatal hernia and creates a valve between the stomach and esophagus, restoring the natural, physiological anatomy to prevent gastroesophageal reflux. Because the procedure is incisionless, there is reduced pain, reduced recovery and no visible scar.
The EsophyX TIF procedure represents the next step in the evolution of surgery. Laparoscopic procedures typically reduce skin incisions from open surgery to three-to-five port holes. However, laparoscopy still involves the same internal incisions and organ dissection as open surgery. EsophyX TIF requires neither internal incisions nor dissection. EsophyX also allows for early intervention.
With millions of Americans diagnosed with GERD and not fully satisfied with their treatment options, EsophyX offers an excellent alternative.
“We are very excited to offer our patients the incredible benefits of a surgical procedure without incisions,” said Dr. Gibson said.