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Daily Column

August 9, 2008 By Dr. Gott

DEAR DR. GOTT:
I am a faithful reader of your column and hope that you can give me some advice regarding information provided by several individuals.

You have repeatedly recommended niacin instead of statins for lowering cholesterol. I will be going to my doctor soon for my routine physical and plan on asking if this is an appropriate option for me as I realize every case and body is different.

My concern, however, is that many people have told me that some vitamins and supplements can cause anal leakage. I would like to know what you think of this and, if it is true, to what vitamins it applies.

DEAR READER:
To the best of my knowledge, vitamins and supplements do not cause anal leakage (also known as bowel or fecal incontinence). This is not to say that there is no possibility for problems from the medication, [Read more...]

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Daily Column

August 6, 2008 By Dr. Gott

DEAR DR. GOTT:
I’m a nearly 72-year-old female with acid reflux, irritable bowel syndrome and vaginal irritation. I read the letter where you advised a reader to stop wasting money on unproven alternative remedies. I’ve gone to doctors all my life for my ailments, but in the last few years their treatments didn’t work or caused side effects I couldn’t tolerate. That’s when I heard about alternative remedies from a friend who was forced to retired from work because of his health. He went to a physician who used alternative methods and diagnosed him with a yeast infection. My friend was helped so much he was able to return to work a new man. I approached several of my medical doctors about alternative treatments and received mixed reactions, but my primary care physician consented and sent me to one. [Read more...]

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Daily Column

June 28, 2008 By Dr. Gott

DEAR DR. GOTT:
I love your column. It’s been very beneficial to my family in many ways.

I took Zelnorm over a year ago until my doctor said the FDA had taken it off the market and it was no longer available. Since I was suffering from chronic constipation, it was very helpful in regulating my system. I’ve had nothing but problems now that I’m not using it. I’ve tried a number of prescription drugs, over-the-counter stool softeners, and just about everything I can find. Nothing works like Zelnorm did. Hopefully there will be minor changes to the drug and it will become available again in the near future. Until then, are overseas markets reliable and trustworthy? The generic name is Tegaserod and I see it can be bought from online pharmacies.

DEAR READER:
Zelnorm, a product manufactured by Novaritis, was introduced to combat irritable bowel syndrome and constipation. [Read more...]

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Daily Column

May 8, 2008 By Dr. Gott

DEAR DR. GOTT:
I believe I have damaged my kidneys with the excessive use of Excedrin over the last 30 years. My blood urea nitrogen level was flagged on my blood test with a level of 21.

I was diagnosed with irritable bowel syndrome several years ago and I frequently have to urinate.

I didn’t realize the use of Excedrin was so bad until recently. I have completely stopped using it but now wonder if the damage is reversible. Is there anything I can do to make my kidneys healthier?

DEAR READER:
Let me start by saying, a normal blood urea nitrogen (BUN) level ranges between 8 and 20. In my opinion, your level of 21, while technically abnormal, is insignificant. It is not abnormal enough to be diagnostic of kidney damage. This does not mean you do not have some degree of damage.

Over use of any medications can potentially lead to kidney damage because they are all processed within the kidney before being excreted in the urine. That is why most physicians urge patients to use medication only when and if needed, especially over-the-counters.

If you are still concerned, I recommend you make an appointment to speak with your primary physician who can explain the results and what they may mean. He or she may choose to order other tests, such as a kidney ultrasound, to determine if there is any damage and if so, the severity.

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

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Daily Column

April 8, 2008 By Dr. Gott

DEAR DR. GOTT:
I am a 35-year-old female, am relatively healthy but have chronic constipation. I am taking Zelnorm and milk of magnesia but still only have a bowel movement once a month, usually at the time my menses start. It is very painful to pass the stool because it is like a big ball.

Recently, I started feeling tired and run down after normal activity. I consulted my medical doctor who ordered a colonoscopy and blood testing. The results of the colonoscopy were negative. Blood tests indicated my red blood count was four, so I’ve been taking iron pills for three months. It is still four. Where do I go from here?

DEAR READER:
A red blood cell count of four is hardly abnormal. I don’t believe you are suffering the symptoms of anemia.

When did the constipation and fatigue start? Do they coincide? Have you been diagnosed as having Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) with constipation? (I would also like to add that having one bowel movement a month is a near physical impossibility, especially when taking Zelnorm, a drug used for the short-term treatment of IBS with constipation and milk of magnesia.)

Zelnorm shows improvement in most individuals who take it but can cause diarrhea. Milk of magnesia encourages evacuation. It seems to me that when taking both these medications, you would hardly be able to leave the house for fear of constant diarrhea. It also suggests that you may have an intestinal abnormality causing obstruction or a similar disorder.

You need to be seen by a gastroenterologist. I believe your symptoms are related to your chronic constipation. If the gastroenterologist determines there is no physical reason for the constipation and believes the fatigue is from your very slight anemia, you may wish to see a hematologist (blood specialist) for further evaluation.

To give you related information, I am sending you copies of my Health Reports “Irritable Bowel Syndrome” and “Blood — Donations and Disorders”. Other readers who would like a copy should send a self-addressed, stamped number 10 envelope and $2 (per report) to Newsletter, PO Box 167, Wickliffe, OH 44092. Be sure to mention the title(s).

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Frequent enemas not safe

February 23, 2008 By Dr. Gott

DEAR DR. GOTT: I frequently use a rubber enema bag to flush out my colon. It works but it is getting more difficult to get rid of my feces. Is there any danger in doing this? Are there other ways to do this?

DEAR READER: Colonic irrigation is unnecessary and should be avoided.

If you have chronic constipation, you should be examined by your primary care physician or a gastroenterologist. He or she can examine you to ensure there is no physical cause, such as blockage or polyps. You should then be checked for irritable bowel syndrome which can manifest itself as chronic diarrhea or constipation or a combination of both. Depending on the cause, you can then discuss treatment options such as bulking up with fiber, the use of stool softeners or perhaps you need medication.
[Read more...]

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Treating IBS by cutting out ‘trigger foods’

January 26, 2008 By Dr. Gott

DEAR DR. GOTT: I just read the article from the person suffering from spastic colon/IBS. I am a 41-year-old women who was diagnosed 23 years ago with spastic colon. I suffered miserably with the same symptoms. It was debilitating. Then I found this website about a year ago. It is www.HelpForIBS.com. It tells about trigger foods, which fiber to use to avoid bloating, fennel, ginger and peppermint teas and to avoid all dairy.

I didn’t start this way of eating until four months ago, because I didn’t think I could give up cheese and yogurt (which I didn’t really have to because there are so many delicious soy substitutes out there now). I started avoiding trigger foods and now I’m 95% better. I can actually leave my house without fear and dread of an attack. I’ve lost the big bloated stomach that wouldn’t go away no matter how little I ate.

I hope this will help. Spastic colon is a horrible and embarrassing affliction to endure.

DEAR READER: Thank you for sharing the information about “trigger foods”. If they can be avoided — leading to a lessening of IBS attacks — I’m in favor of recommending a trial period for those readers who wish to try the diet. Let me know if trigger foods really do reduce the pain and bloating.

To give you related information, I am sending you a copy of my Health Report “Irritable Bowel Syndrome”. Other readers who would like a copy should send a long, self-addressed, 4 ¼” X 9 ½” letter-sized stamped envelope and $2 to Newsletter, PO Box 167, Wickliffe, OH 44092. Be sure to mention the title.

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