Colonoscopies can be lifesaving procedures

Dear Dr. Gott: This is referring to the letter in your column from the person who stated that a routine colonoscopy was useless.

Two years ago, while in for my yearly physical, my doctor suggested a colonoscopy screening, since I was 68 years old. I told him I had no problem since I had a bowel movement every day and had no discomfort or problems.

He insisted and set me up for a test. I had five large polyps. Thank heaven they had not turned to cancer yet. My doctor said one was very large and had been there a long time.

Please keep telling people to have colonoscopies done. They are painless and not uncomfortable. Now I will have one every five years.

Dear Reader: Your letter reflects the experiences that many readers have had with respect to routine colonoscopies. In some cases, the procedure has truly been lifesaving. Thanks for writing.

To give you related information, I am sending you a copy of my health report “Diverticular Disease.” 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: I read your column daily, have tried some of the home remedies you suggest and have achieved some success.

Now I have one for you. About two years ago, at age 63, my cholesterol was tested at 265. Of course, my doctor wanted to prescribe statins. I refused to take this medication because of all the publicity about the side effects of these drugs. I have so many allergies and am so sensitive to drugs that I don’t like to take anything that isn’t natural. A good friend told me about flaxseed oil, taken about twice a day. In two years I’ve gone from 265 to 203!

Yes, I did make some diet changes (not drastic) and started exercising more (again, not drastic). I admit to “cheating” on both exercise and diet, but I feel I got great results. My doctor was amazed. Please pass this information on to your readers. I used Nature Made, 1,000 milligrams. Suggested dosage: Take one softgel two to three times daily with a meal.

Dear Reader: Again, here is an alternative treatment, along with niacin, that may lower cholesterol levels. I had not heard of this therapy being successful before I read your letter. So, readers, let me learn of your experiences with flaxseed oil.

To give you related information, I am sending you a copy of my health report “Understanding Cholesterol.” 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.