Health concerns stymie elderly patient
Q. I am 80 years old. My doctor doesn't seem too concerned that I've been diagnosed with diverticulosis involving the entire colon. How concerned should I be? Can this become worse? At present, I have little pain and no bleeding. When I told my doctor that I usually have pain in the morning, she said it was probably my spine giving me problems. A CT scan revealed stenosis and disc herniation, but my back condition hasn't worsened since 2002. What should I worry about most? Should I see a spine doctor in case I eventually get worse? Or should I concentrate on my diverticulosis? I'm afraid to exercise and have been very careful.
A. Diverticular disease is a condition of the digestive tract characterized by small pouches that protrude through the muscular wall of the large intestine. When a number of pouches are present, the condition is known as diverticulosis. When inflammation occurs, the condition is known as diverticulitis.
Diverticulosis is rather common and occurs frequently with advancing age. The condition is observed more often in women than in men. Causes may include a weakening in the wall of the colon, chronic constipation, the repeated use of laxatives and enemas, and a low-fiber diet.
Because of a lack of symptoms, the condition often goes undiagnosed. In fact, it may be discovered only during the course of a barium enema X-ray. When symptoms do occur, they often present in the lower left side of the abdomen. They can occur on the right and have been confused with appendicitis. Nausea, vomiting, bloating, pain and alternating constipation and diarrhea have been reported.
When no symptoms present, there is no need for medical treatment with the exception of the modification to a high-fiber diet. Speak with your primary-care physician or gastroenterologist regarding ways you can bring your diverticulosis under control.
Spinal stenosis is a narrowing of one or more areas of the spine. The condition can cause pain and numbness, cramping and even difficulties with bladder and bowel function. Mild symptoms can often be helped with over-the-counter pain relievers, physical therapy or a brace. More severe cases might require surgery.
There are two ways that disc herniation occurs. The first is when the disc simply slips out of place. This puts pressure on the nerves and spinal cord. The second is when there is a tear in the cartilage on the outer portion of the spinal disc. This allows the inner fluid to seep out, putting pressure on spinal nerves. Regardless of the cause, this condition can cause pain, discomfort and limited range of motion. Mild symptoms can be controlled by rest, over-the-counter pain medication, muscle relaxants, hydrotherapy and decreased activity. More severe cases will likely be controlled by prescription medication and more aggressive therapy.
If you haven't had an exacerbation of symptoms for seven years, I would consider you quite stable. Speak with your physician regarding a possible exercise regimen so you can remain as active as possible. While you should remain cautious and not overdo, you can put your fears on the back burner and enjoy life.
Q. One of my cats developed a fine raw line down the back of each hind leg. The vet said it was ringworm, but nothing he tried worked.
From the age of about 3 or 4 to 14, I spent every summer at a lake in the company of an old Chippewa chief. I remembered him boiling black-walnut hulls for the treatment of worms and parasites, including ringworm. Fortunately, a tincture of black walnut can be purchased at most health-food stores now. I bought some and "painted" it onto each area of the cats legs. She howled. I'm sure the alcohol it contained burned the raw skin, but within a minute or two, she was no longer trying to chew her legs. After that, the application didn't seem to bother her, and within a few days, the sore was almost completely healed.
Since then, I have told many friends who have used it on their cats, dogs and even children. The vet was amazed and now tells all his clients about this instead of trying medication first. Each bottle costs about $10 and lasts for about a year in the fridge.
A. I have printed your letter for the benefit of my readers. As with any alternative-medicine treatment, I recommend informing your physician before use for monitoring. Thanks for writing.
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