How can I use the type of a DataSet Table Column instead of converting it to a string first then back to a number?

I have a numeric column in a table in a dataset.  I want use that column data in an equation without pulling the value out into a local decimal.

decimal amount = decimal.Parse(segDS.Tables[0].Rows[0]["Annuity_Issued_Period"].ToString()) + decimal.Parse(lifeFitDS.Tables[0].Rows[0]["Annuity_Issued_Period"].ToString());

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I'd prefer not to so do decimal.Parse on a ToString if I don't have to.