DEAR DR. DONOHUE: I think I have irregular bowel syndrome. Has it anything to do with diabetes? I have real bad stomach cramping and pain, and a lot of bowel movements.

I’ve been tested for everything else. All my tests have come back normal. What can be done? — N.N.

ANSWER: I’m sure you mean irritable bowel syndrome. However, I like the “irregular” word and believe it is most appropriate.

To qualify for a diagnosis of irritable bowel syndrome, a person must have abdominal pain at least three days a month for the past three months. The pain greatly eases after a bowel movement. Bowel movements change in their appearance. Diarrhea, constipation or alternating diarrhea with constipation is another important sign. I know of no connection between irritable bowel syndrome and diabetes.

Just as you say, all blood tests, all scope exams, all X-rays and scans of the digestive tract are normal. It is important that the doctor consider other digestive-tract illness like celiac disease and lactase deficiency, for which there are diagnostic tests.

Keep a diary of what you eat. See if you can relate a particular food to a worsening of your symptoms. If you can, eliminate it and keep looking for other food triggers. Fiber is helpful for both constipation and diarrhea. Psyllium (Metamucil, Fiberall, Konsyl, Perdiem) are fiber products most often chosen. Lomotil and Imodium work to control diarrhea. Bentyl or Paxil are useful for pain.

DEAR DR. DONOHUE: I found a lump on my left testicle. It turned out to be a spermatocele. Will it go away? Is sperm backing up into it? Will it cause infections?

I am 57. My doctor had me get a PSA test that was a bit high. He retested, and it was still high. He told me I had a 30 percent chance of having prostate cancer. He took a biopsy. It hurt, and I leaked fluid during and after the test for a week. The test came back as not showing cancer, but it did show atypical cells. Three weeks later the doctor did another biopsy, which really hurt. I bled for two weeks after it. The report was the same. The doctor wants another biopsy in five months. Does my spermatocele have anything to do with all this? — P.

ANSWER: A spermatocele is a small cyst about 2/5 of an inch (1 cm) in diameter. It develops on one of the ducts through which sperm exit the testes. It is not serious and doesn’t develop into anything serious. It most likely will stay with you forever. It has nothing to do with your prostate gland. Forget it. Sperm isn’t stored in it.

Question two is complicated and hard to answer. “Atypical” isn’t cancer but it isn’t normal either. Two biopsies in a short span showed the same change. At this point, I tell you what I would do. I would ask the doctor to have those biopsies sent to a major institution like the Armed Forces Institute of Pathology in Washington, D.C. A meeting of the minds at such a place will give you, I hope, a definite answer to the question of prostate cancer. This is something done all the time. It shouldn’t ruffle anyone’s feathers.

The booklet on the prostate gland answers many questions dealing with it. Readers can obtain a copy by writing: Dr. Donohue — No. 1001, Box 536475, Orlando, FL 32853-6475. Enclose a check or money order (no cash) for $4.50 U.S./$6. Can. with the recipient’s printed name and address. Please allow four weeks for delivery.

DEAR DR. DONOHUE: I love children. What about Gardasil vaccine? Should they receive it? — S.L.

ANSWER: The Gardasil vaccine protects females from cancer of the cervix. The best time for getting it is the ages of 11 and 12. It can be given up to age 26. It is more effective if given before a girl has been exposed to the papillomavirus, the cause of cervical cancer.

A second vaccine for the same protection is available. It is called Cervarix. Girls should be immunized with either of these vaccines.

Dr. Donohue regrets that he is unable to answer individual letters, but he will incorporate them in his column whenever possible. Readers may write him or request an order form of available health newsletters at P.O. Box 536475, Orlando, FL 32853-6475. Readers may also order health newsletters from www.rbmamall.com.

Copy the Story Link