Dr. Gott: Spoonful of soda helps the medicine go down

Dear Dr. Gott: As a senior citizen, I am forced by my gastroenterologist to have a colonoscopy every few years. As anyone who has undergone this ordeal knows, the solution that you that must drink to cleanse your system beforehand has what is undoubtedly the worst taste in the world.

Recently, while drinking the first of the 16 required glasses, I suddenly had a thought. I am willing to endure the taste as I consume each glass, but why must I continue to suffer during the 10- to 15-minute rest period between glasses? I prepared a glass of diluted soda pop and, after consuming each glass of the solution, I took a sip of my “secret” preparation, refreshed my taste buds and immediately spit the remainder into the sink. The result was that I did not have to suffer the bad taste while waiting to repeat the process. When I told the nurses at the hospital what I had done, their immediate response was, “Why didn’t we think of that?” For that reason, I concluded that my “invention” might well be worth sharing with other long-suffering senior citizens. If they follow these simple instructions, everything will come out all right!

Dear Reader: This is a great solution to a common and annoying problem. Many patients have complained to me about the taste of the preparation necessary before colon studies and have asked for something that will ease the problems. Until now, I have not had a solution. Because I believe many will benefit, I am printing your letter. Thanks for writing.

Dear Dr. Gott: I am facing a dilemma regarding medication. Following a diagnosis of atrial fibrillation, my internist and cardiologist very strongly say I must be on Coumadin to reduce my chance of stroke.

I am not interested in doing this if there is any other possible alternative. I would appreciate your thoughts on this matter.

Dear Reader: Many studies have proven that atrial fibrillation can cause a stroke if a clot forms within the heart, breaks off and is carried to the brain. Warfarin (Coumadin) appreciably reduces this risk. I advise you to follow your doctors’ recommendations.

Coumadin is available in pill form, is inexpensive and is easy to monitor. To my knowledge, there are no other inexpensive substitutes. Plavix is another medication, but is expensive and may need to be combined with aspirin for optimal effects. Other anticoagulant drugs (such as Heparin) are given by injection, are expensive and are not suitable for home care.

I suggest you take the Coumadin. With proper dosing and monitoring, it is safe.

To give you related information, I am sending you a copy of my Health Report “Coronary Artery Disease.” Other readers who would like a copy should send a self-addressed, stamped No. 10 envelope and $2 to Newsletter, P.O. Box 167, Wickliffe, OH 44092. Be sure to mention the title.