DEAR DR. GOTT: I am happy to see that others enjoy joking as much as I do. Sadly, jokes about sex are sometimes more inappropriate than the joker knows.

Many years ago, when I was enduring a difficult pregnancy and unable to have sex, my husband began an emotional affair that threatened to become physical. Our doctor didn’t know this and made an overwhelmingly inappropriate joke, the point of which was that having sex could cure whatever ails a woman. I was shocked and angered, while my husband thought it was hilarious. Our physician thought he knew us well. Clearly, thoughtlessness was his crime, but after informing him of his gaffe, I immediately switched doctors. Needless to say, this episode delayed the healing of the relationship between me and my husband. Sex is one highly sensitive topic that is often hidden from doctors.

DEAR READ<$> Frankly, I don’t find the doctor’s comment to be amusing. More important, his joke was improper.

I have emphasised repeatedly that humour is a vital addition to the medical world and adds to good health. But good judgement is vital. I tease my patients frequently but try to exercise common sense at the same time. You are correct that doctors may not be aware of personal issues that are not funny.

DEAR DR. G:<$> I have had a blood clot in my leg for months now. Doctors tell me there is no way to dissolve it. I find that hard to believe. Will it go away in time, or will I have it for the rest of my life? I am 67 years old.

DEAR RER:<$> You are flirting with disaster. Deep venous thrombosis (a blood clot in the leg) can lead to death if it is not treated, because pieces of the clot can break off and travel to the lungs, causing pulmonary damage.

Depending on the size of the clot and the length of time it has been present, aggressive therapy is appropriate: clot removal or placement of a filter in the vena cava.

At the very least, you need to be taking Coumadin to prevent more clots from forming. Don’t delay in asking your family doctor to refer you to a vascular surgeon. You need an expert’s opinion.

To give you related information, I am sending you a copy of my Health Report “Blood: Donations and Disorders.” Other readers who would like a copy should send a long, self-addressed, stamped envelope and $2 to Newsletter, PO Box 167, Wickliffe, OH 44092. Be sure to mention the title.

DEAR DR.TT:<$> I have found the best use yet for Vicks. I’ll bet you haven’t heard this one.

I have a cat that sits in my bedroom window clawing at the screen to make an escape hole. I was rubbing Vicks on the calves of my legs for my Restless Legs Syndrome, and I rubbed a little on the screen. He not only doesn’t claw the screen, he doesn’t even sit in the window. So Vicks has helped my RLS and RCS (Restless Cat Syndrome).

DEAR DER:<$> Vicks for RLS is a new one on me, but I like the RCS treatment. Good work. Doctor Gott is a retired physician and the author of the new book “Dr. Gott’s No Flour, No Sugar Diet,” available at most chain and independent bookstores.