Rectal bleeding cause for concern

Dear Dr. Gott: I am a 63-year-old male in good health and have an appropriate height-to-weight ratio.

About 30 years ago, I had a four-day stay in a hospital because of internal and external hemorrhoids; this resulted in the appropriate surgical procedure.

Ever since then, I’ve spotted blood on the toilet tissue. That didn’t concern me greatly, as it was a small amount, and I more or less ignored it.

A few years ago, the amount of this blood has increased significantly. Occasionally there is none, but usually there is. Yesterday, while having a bowel movement, I squirted out about a tablespoon of pure blood with no accompanying stool.

I dare not wear light-colored trousers or shorts because invariably I’ll spot blood, resulting in unsightly red stains you know where.

I’ve mentioned this to my doctor, and he isn’t overly concerned about it. I am.

The inconvenience of appearance aside, it seems to me this is an ideal place for an infection to occur.

Dear Reader: I am less concerned by the possibility of infection than I am by the extent of your rectal bleeding. Ordinarily, anal infection is particularly painful. Yours is not.

I’m alarmed that your doctor “isn’t overly concerned,” because rectal bleeding is always a medical concern.

I urge you to insist that your doctor refer you to a gastroenterologist or a surgeon for a full exam and probably a colon study. Don’t delay.

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: After suffering for months with a nasty case of jock itch, in desperation, I tried Vicks VapoRub, and within three days the itching was gone and the skin began to heal. I have been symptom-free for over two months.

Thank you for having an open mind and using your column as a forum for sharing this information.

Dear Reader: Most cases of “jock itch” (a brother to athletes’ foot) are caused by a fungal skin infection. Ordinarily, over-the-counter preparations or more expensive prescription lotions will clear up the infection, but not always.

Therefore, VapoRub is an appropriate option. Also, it is cheap and safe.

I’d like once again to reiterate that I have no financial interest or relation to the Vicks company.