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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

See gastroenterologist, mention IBS

Peter Gott United Media

Dear Dr. Gott: For the past two years, I have lived with recurring abdominal pain. My doctors have run multiple tests, all normal.

I am enclosing a review of my symptoms and testing in hopes that you can shed some light on this problem.

Dear Reader: Your pain log for 2004 is two typewritten pages long. The testing diary is meticulous.

To summarize, you have almost daily mild-to-severe “lower stomach” discomfort, sometimes associated with diarrhea. You are otherwise in good health. Your abdominal ultrasound and CT scan were normal. Your doctors are stumped.

By the process of elimination, you have been found free of any significant bowel disorder. It seems to me that your clinical picture is quite typical of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), a relatively common disorder of unknown cause. IBS is usually marked by periodic abdominal distress, often associated with diarrhea or constipation.

I assume from your comments that you have been examined by a gastroenterologist. If not, you should be. At that time, raise the issue of IBS. Unless I miss my guess, the specialist will counsel you and, if appropriate, prescribe medication such as Zelnorm, a new therapy for IBS.

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, stamped envelope and $2 to Newsletter, P.O. Box 167, Wickliffe, OH 44092. Be sure to mention the title.

Dear Dr. Gott: My family has been battling Lyme disease for several years. My son, daughter and husband have received oral antibiotics and, recently, prolonged courses of intravenous antibiotics.

Local infectious-disease doctors say that my family has been adequately treated, the continuing positive Lyme blood tests are inconsequential and the doctors don’t care to become involved. Our family physician is running out of options. Do you have any recommendations?

Dear Reader: Although the infectious-disease experts may be correct, I worry that someone may be missing something. Even after extensive antibiotic coverage, some patients continue to test positive for Lyme disease; in a small minority, the positive testing may, indeed, reflect a smoldering chronic infection that needs resolution.

In my opinion, this situation should be addressed by Lyme authorities in a medical center or teaching institution. Ask your primary care physician to refer your family to the appropriate experts.

Dear Dr. Gott: Is an osteopath adequately trained in medical matters?

Dear Reader: Yes. Many years ago, osteopaths were not trained to follow traditional medical disciplines. However, today most are fully capable. While it’s true that some osteopaths continue to practice alternative medicine, the majority of practitioners are licensed the same way as MDs, and are held to the same standards.