DEAR DR. DONOHUE: I am a 55-year-old man who finally bit the bullet and had a colonoscopy. My doctor had badgered me to have one for the past five years. I don’t have cancer. I don’t have polyps. I do have diverticulosis. I didn’t know I had it before the scope exam. I’ve never had even a twinge of pain. What is this, and what do I need to do about it? — H.L.

ANSWER: A diverticulum is a small, balloonlike protrusion of the colon lining through the muscle wall of the colon and onto its outer surface. By “small,” I mean that diverticula range from 0.2 inches to 0.4 inches in largest diameter, around the size of a pea. Their cause appears to be a lack of fiber in the diet. In places where the diet has lots of fiber, diverticulosis is rare. In North America, it’s rampant. Fiber keeps undigested food from drying out. Dried food residue requires powerful contractions of the colon muscle to push it along. Those contractions also push the colon lining through the colon wall, creating a diverticulum.

Diverticulosis is frequently a silent affair, not causing any troubles. Diverticulitis, on the other hand, is an inflammation and infection of diverticula. That is quite painful. It produces abdominal pain on the left, lower side of the abdomen, often with nausea and vomiting. The diverticula also can burst and release bacteria into the abdominal cavity, a serious situation. Severe diverticulitis must be treated in the hospital with IV fluids and IV antibiotics.

To prevent diverticulosis from becoming diverticulitis, increase your fiber intake. Fiber is the indigestible coverings of many fruits, vegetables and grains. White flour is refined wheat — wheat without its outer coat, the bran. Bran and other sources of fiber draw water into undigested food and make it easily pushed along the entire length of the colon. We’re supposed to get 25 to 35 grams of fiber a day. Beans, whole-grain cereals, whole-grain breads, dates, prunes, unskinned apples and pears are examples of fiber-rich foods. If you cannot get enough fiber from foods, then commercial products such as Fiberall, Metamucil, Citrucel and FiberCon can provide it for you.

The booklet on diverticulosis provides more details on this common condition and its complication diverticulitis. To order a copy, write: Dr. Donohue — No. 502, Box 536475, Orlando, FL 32853-6475. Enclose a check or money order (no cash) for $4.75 U.S./$6. Can. with the recipient’s printed name and address. Please allow four weeks for delivery.

DEAR DR. DONOHUE: I have a soft, round lump on my back about 2 inches in length. It doesn’t hurt. I know it’s a lipoma because three doctors have told me so. None ever suggested I have it removed.

My wife wants it off. She’s afraid it might turn to cancer. Do lipomas do that? Is the operation a big one? — D.F.

ANSWER: Lipomas are very common. They’re encapsulated collections of fat cells, and they feel soft and jellylike.

If they are uncomfortable, they can be removed easily. Many surgeons are equipped to remove them in their offices.

Lipomas rarely become cancers. I suppose there are documented cases of this happening, but those cases are most uncommon.

DEAR DR. DONOHUE: Six months ago my husband, 78, had an artificial hip installed — if that’s the right word. The operation was a complete success, and he was up and walking shortly after the surgery.

However, since he’s been home, he does nothing but sit. He says he’s afraid he’ll wear out the new hip. I thought that the operation was done to make people more active. Isn’t that so? — O.P.

ANSWER: It is so. Mobility and freedom from pain are the reasons why artificial hips have gained such high regard. Your husband isn’t going to wear out the hip. The new joint lasts up to 25 or more years. He can do anything that his doctor has not specifically said not to do.

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