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Saturday, December 25, 2010 – Daily News – 5A FEATURES Colonoscopy revisited DEAR DR. GOTT: I believe you did your read- ers a disservice in your Nov. 13 arti- cle on colonoscopy. You should have indi- cated that it’s not as safe as you may have your readers believe. I person- ally know of two men who underwent this operation and had their colons cut. This caused one to undergo massive surgery at a local hospital, and he ended up with a colostomy. The other spent many months in rehab over this “simple” surgical procedure. I am 71 and will not undergo a colonoscopy for any reason! It’s nowhere as safe as one is led to believe. You should have mentioned this to your readers. I’ll take my chances with cancer ver- sus walking around for the rest of my life with a bag attached to my body. DEAR DR. GOTT: In 2007, my 77-year-old sis- ter had a colonoscopy. I dropped her off at the hos- pital in the morning, and she never came home. Her colon was perforated, she developed an infection, her colon was removed, her kidneys shut down, and she ended up with a colostomy bag. She was in ICU for 30 days on dialy- sis and a respirator. Because she didn’t want any “heroic measures,” she was taken off the res- pirator and died two days later. In the next week, two friends called to say they each had a relative die after a botched colonoscopy. Up to that point, I never knew this could happen. I think you owe it to your readers to tell them that there is risk in this procedure. I will never have one done. DEAR DR. GOTT: I don’t know why you, with any kind of good con- science, can refer to colonoscopy so casually. It ruins three days of a per- son’s life, costs a lot of money even with insur- ance, and the quality and safety of the procedure depends wholly on some- one who doesn’t care about you and will never see you again. You need to tell any person who is being coerced into it to tell the truth. You will spend at least two days fasting and drinking a gallon of sweat- flavored liquid or a phos- phate that can cause severe cramps and heart irregu- larities. You will be charged a minimum of $400 and a maximum of more than $1,000 up front because once the trauma is over and you survive, they worry you won’t pay. You will be humiliated and degraded. Research the laxatives used, get some- one middle-aged whose hand doesn’t shake, have a consult before- hand, make them promise to stop if you ask them to, and if anyone tells you not to worry, run as fast as you can. Dr. Peter Gott DEAR DR. GOTT: You omit- ted two things in your recent response on colonoscopy. I went for my first and had the IV placed. My doctor said she would be back in a couple of minutes to get me. She came back indicating there would be a delay. I asked about the risks. She said that about one in every 500 procedures could result in perforation. When I asked if it could just be sutured back together, she said no, it must heal on its own. When I asked what hap- pens if it doesn’t heal, I was told the colon must be removed. I said I like my colon and want to keep it. She went on to say the benefits outweigh the risks. She ultimately removed three polyps that tested pre-cancerous, and I’m glad I had it done. I will go back as recom- mended. The thing is — everyone I talk to now who has had one was never told of the risks involved. There should be informed consent. DEAR DR. GOTT: Catching cancer early is good, so I am not suggest- ing a colonoscopy be skipped or put off. My own experience has been that the “twilight” sedative has a known memory-loss component that is said to wear off. In people over 60, I am not sure its effects completely disappear. My anal muscles don’t seem to function as well, even years after having the tube inserted and removed. I don’t know if this relates to the colonoscopy or my age. Consequently, panty liners and wash up following bowel movements is nec- essary. Having a good doctor and good hospital now may be a ticket to a longer life, despite some risks and side effects. DEAR READERS: Overall, colonoscopy is generally safe; however, as with any invasive proce- dure, complications can and do occur. It is estimat- ed that problems occur in 0.35 percent of colonoscopy cases. When a polyp is discovered and removed, the risk increases to about 2 percent. Each year, more than 50,000 people die from colorectal cancer, a condition that is preventable. Colonoscopy does save lives, but I apolo- gize for not stressing the possible downside. I can only recommend that patients be under the care of a qualified gastroen- terologist who can answer all questions prior to any procedure being scheduled. ATTENTION ATHLETES Baseball/Softball Fusion Camp Have your best season yet This 4 week camp combines speed training, sport specific conditioning, plyometrics, and core training. This camp will make you a better mover. Become more efficient at the movements of your sport! January 4th-27th Tuesday and Thursdays 4:00-5:00 At Tehama Family Fitness Center Cost $50 Instructed By: Troy Lalaguna, CSCS and Divsion 1 Softball athlete Aubrie Stroman Tehama Family Fitness Center 2498 South Main St • Red Bluff 528-8656 www.tehamafamilyfitness.com Theatergoer thanks thoughtful tandem Dear Readers: Merry Christmas to one and all. In honor of the holiday, here is a short poem, author unknown: May the spirit of Christ- mas bring you peace, The gladness of Christmas give you hope, The warmth of Christmas grant you love. Dear Annie: There are some wonderful people in this world, but it seems we only hear about the bad things that happen. On Octo- ber 10, I went to New York with a bus group to see a Broadway musical. The bus arrived early to give us some free time to explore the city. My friend Carl and I went to look at the shops inside a hotel and have a sandwich before show time. The hotel had a huge automatic revolving door, each section capable of holding several people. Carl went into one section, and I followed in the next one. As I entered, my shoe caught on something and I fell flat on the floor. I am nearing 80 and have two bad knees. There was no way I could get up, and the door was still moving. As I crawled along, I looked up to see two darling little hands reaching down to help me. The little boy could not have been more than 9 or 10. He wasn’t quite strong enough to pull me up, but fortunately, another Good Samaritan behind me got his arms under mine, Annie’s Mailbox by Kathy Mitchell and Marcy Sugar and the two of them got me to my feet. I never saw the person behind me. I was rather dazed. I hope you will allow me to use your column to thank him and also to express my gratitude to that wonderful boy who was so courageous and thoughtful to help a stranger in need. His lit- tle hands will live in my heart forever. My thanks also to the boy’s mother and father, because children learn kind- ness from their parents. I will always remember them — and all New Yorkers, who sometimes get an undeserving bum rap. I hope they read this and know that I thank them from the bottom of my heart. — Nancy in Fort Myers, Fla. Dear Nancy: What a charming thank-you note. We hope they see it, too. Dear Annie: This is for ‘‘Loving and Missing All at the Same Time’’ and all parents of freeloading chil- dren. I am a 28-year-old male who was spoiled growing up. My every wish was entertained. No surprise that when it came time to spread my wings, I failed to launch. I was terrified of growing up and its attendant responsi- bilities. I tried moving out a few times, but never took it seriously because I knew my safety net (my parents) was always there to bail me out. When I lived with them, I was a dis- respectful and lazy slob who never contributed to the household. My lov- ing parents, especially my mother, put up with it for many years, but they finally put their collective foot down. Because they stood up to me, I can proudly say that I am a man. I now live in a luxury apartment with my wife. We take pride in our place and keep it spotless. Money is tight, but I manage my finances and work hard. I can now say no to myself because my parents finally did. And I have a better relationship with them and the rest of my family now than I did before. Please, parents, don’t be afraid to say no to your children. They will thank you for it later. — Riverside, Calif. Dear Riverside: You are a rare bird to recognize how indulged you were and how that swift kick enabled you to grow up and get your act together. Not all children are mature enough to appreciate that kind of parental guid- ance. Bravo. Annie’s Mailbox is written by Kathy Mitchell and Marcy Sugar, longtime editors of the Ann Landers column. Please e-mail your questions to anniesmailboxcomcast.net, or write to: Annie’s Mailbox, c/o Creators Syndicate, 5777 W. Century Blvd., Ste. 700, Los Angeles, CA 90045. Group seeks to fill coffers, pool Courtesy photo The Blues for the Pool Committee continues to ask for donations for the 400 Club until the pool can be filled for the 2011 summer.The committee is looking for individuals, groups and businesses to donate to make the opening and operation of the pool in 2011 possible. Two sponsorships options are available —$100 and $400. For $100, you will receive name on a banner displayed at the pool and in the Daily News and a membership card good for five free public swims. For $400, you will receive your banner displayed at the pool in addition to the $100 premiums. For information, call 529-0556. Donations can be mailed to Blues for the Pool, 1500 So. Jackson St., Red Bluff, 96080. Pictured is Danielle Caito, pool manager.