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

Given history, insist on answer

Peter Gott United Media

Dear Dr. Gott: I recently had a CT scan. The doctor said I had ditsels, or ditzels, in my lungs and liver. She told me it was nothing but also said they may want me to come back in three to six months for another scan. What is this, and can it become cancerous? I recently had a small cancerous mass removed from my breast. The lymph nodes were negative. Please give me your opinion.

Dear Reader: I do not know what a “ditzel” is. A shadow? A lump? A streak?

You (and I) need a stricter definition of the CT finding. Given your history of breast cancer, I would be somewhat aggressive in my approach to this “ditzel” problem. You may need an MRI scan, a biopsy and/or a consultation with a pulmonologist. In any case, I would not wait three to six months for a resolution. If your physician’s explanation of the X-ray abnormality fails to impress you, request a consultation with a lung specialist.

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

Dear Dr. Gott: My husband and I are both in our late 60s. We’ve always had a healthy sex life until the last couple of years. Whenever we have intercourse, it hurts me so bad, and it’s getting worse. I’ve been to two family doctors and two gynecologists. One doctor told me the same thing happens to her, but no solution. The gynecologists both could find nothing wrong.

I’ve tried the K-Y and other things, but nothing does any good. Please, isn’t there something out there that will help me? I’ll be waiting to hear from you in the paper.

Dear Reader: During and after menopause, most women suffer from vaginal narrowing and inflammation caused by inadequate levels of female hormones.

Because your situation is obviously affecting your quality of life, I suggest that you try a topical estrogen cream. Your gynecologist can prescribe it as a trial. Use it daily but not before sexual activity, because your husband may absorb it through his penis, leading to sexual difficulties.

Let me know if the cream is effective.

Dear Dr. Gott: Please advise the best time of day to drink prune juice for constipation.

Dear Reader: Although the timing is not crucial, most people find that drinking 8 ounces of hot prune juice in the morning works well.

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