By By Cory SerVaas, M.D. and Wendy Braun, R.N., B.S.N.
Dear Dr. SerVaas,
Regarding the woman whose husband was upset that she wouldn't let him put his arm on her while she slept (Nov./Dec. 2006 Medical Mailbox): the most likely explanation is that she is reacting to the added weight on her thorax, which significantly increases her effort to breathe.
Mitchell E. Davis, M.D.
Washington, D.C.
Readers may send their letters to Medical Mailbox, 1100 Waterway Blvd., Indianapolis, IN 46202. Please include mailing address. Via e-mail: medicalmailbox@saturdayeveningpost.com.