Couple of follow-ups should suffice

Dear Dr. Gott: How many years after surgery should post-op examinations be carried out? I thought an appropriate follow-up might be once or even twice.

My husband had a colon cancer removed four years ago. He is still expected to visit his surgeon once a year (in addition to being examined by his oncologist every six months). This seems to be overdoing it a bit. Am I simply being too feisty?

Dear Reader: Surgical follow-ups depend on many factors, including the reason for the original operation, the patient’s concerns – as well as his age and general health status – and the surgeon’s commitment to providing appropriate care.

In my experience, one or two office visits should suffice – especially if your husband meets with his oncologist on a regular basis.

For the sake of completeness, I should mention that some profiteering surgeons continue to churn patients in order to squeeze more money out of insurance plans. Needless to say, this practice is unprofessional as well as unjustified.

I’m in no way suggesting that your husband’s surgeon is engaging in unethical behavior. However, I believe that you should ask him when your husband can give up the office visits and just maintain a regular relation to the oncologist. In fact, before questioning the surgeon, discuss the situation with the cancer specialist and follow his advice. There may be extenuating circumstances here of which you and I are unaware.

By the way, continue to be feisty.

Dear Dr. Gott: I’m 33 and recently had a hysterectomy because of bleeding fibroids. I’ve been told that men can tell during sex if a woman has had this surgery. Is this true?

Also, I’ve been assured that a woman is never the same physically and mentally after the operation. Is this correct? Finally, do such women make for better sexual partners?

Dear Reader: First, I am not aware that the operation itself is what enables men to discover the surgery. Rather, it’s the presence of the abdominal scar. That is the tip-off.

Second, women respond differently to hysterectomy. Although some feel they are “less a woman,” most post-surgical women feel relief from the bother of monthly periods, the possibility of pregnancy and the fate of developing uterine cancer.

With these concerns out of the way, I suspect that most post-op women are more likely to relax during sex, making them more responsive partners.

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