DEAR DR. GOTT: I am a 78-year-female, 4′ 10” and 102 pounds. About three summers ago I had a CT scan and colonoscopy for lower abdominal pain and bouts of constipation and diarrhea. Both were negative. I was told it was probably irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and to take fiber pills and milk of magnesia when needed. I also take Losartan-HCTZ, Ambien, and am on a Fenanyl patch for arthritis pain.
I heard about an herb, L. acidophilus, which I tried without any relief. When I called the herb shop, they wanted me to come in for iridology. I was told they could look into my eyes and see what was going on in there. Is this just another scam? I don’t see how looking into the eyes could tell you what is going on in the colon. The man who does this has an ND after his name but I don’t know what that means.
DEAR READER: ND stands for doctor of naturopathy. These individuals use alternative therapies only for the diagnosis and treatment of medical problems, to include acupuncture, iridology, reflexology, herbal remedies, and more. ND’s are NOT medical doctors and cannot prescribe medication. Some states don’t allow ND’s to order traditional medical testing while others don’t even require practitioners to be licensed.
Iridology is the diagnosis of medical conditions through abnormalities of the pigment of the iris (the colored part of the eye). The belief is that different medical problems affect the color and patterns of the iris.
That said, while iridology is not necessarily a scam, there is no scientific evidence that it works. In fact, there are several studies that have found that iridology results are little better than chance guesses. In one study, researchers attempted to test the validity of iridology claims on a diagnosis of cancer. One hundred ten subjects were recruited, of which 42 were controls and 68 had medically proven cancer of various types. An experienced iridologist viewed each patient (without knowing gender or any medical details) and was allowed to give five possible diagnoses for each patient. His results were then compared with the medical diagnoses provided by each patient. He only correctly diagnosed three of the study subjects.
While looking at these studies, I came across an article written by a former iridologist who gave up his practice. I found it very eye opening on the practice, its inconsistencies and its flaws. You can read it by clocking on (www.quackwatch.com/01QuackeryRelatedTopics/confessions.html).
As for your bouts of constipation and diarrhea, IBS is a definite possibility. However, I would look more toward your medications. Fentanyl is known to cause constipation. Losartan-HCTZ used to treat high blood pressure, may cause abdominal pain. Ambien, a sleep aid, is known to cause diarrhea, constipation and abdominal pain. Speak with your doctor about the possibility of switching to another medication. You may even wish to discontinue your sleep aid entirely and try alternative options. Ensure your room is dark and there are no distractions such as a television or radio. Try taking melatonin an hour or two before retiring. If you can’t sleep, get out of bed and read a book or magazine (something not too engrossing in order to let your mind relax) for 15 or 30 minutes and then get back into bed. Try taking a walk every night before retiring in order to tire yourself out. Drink a warm cup of tea such as one of the several kinds marketed toward relaxation and sleep Yogi Bedtime tea, Stash Chamomile Nights tea or Traditional Medicinals Organic Nighty Night tea.
Readers who are interested in learning more can order my Health Reports “Irritable Bowel Syndrome”, “Osteoarthritis”, and “Sleep/Wake Disorders” by sending a self-addressed, stamped number 10 envelope and a $2 (for each report) US check or money order to Dr. Peter Gott, PO Box 433, Lakeville, CT 06039. Be sure to mention the title(s) when writing or print an order form from my website, www.AskDrGottMD.com.
