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The Rectum’s “Magic Wand”
 By Dr. Gifford Jones

How many readers suffer from constant rectal irritation? And no medication has brought relief? Or how many have undergone a hemorrhoid operation and their discomfort continues? It may be that many are afflicted with a common, but often overlooked condition called, “Anusitis”, an inflamed area, just inside the anus. Relief from this annoyance may be as close as the refrigerator.

Dr. William Rudd, Director of the Rudd Clinic for Colon and Rectal Surgery, in Toronto, claims that for years doctors have failed to diagnose anusitis.

The Best Tests For 1993
 By Dr. Gifford Jones

Let’s start 1993 with a bet. I’d wager that no-one could guess what happened to my wife and me a few days ago. Here’s the only clue. It was a “His” and “Hers” situation. You’re wrong if you thought we bought “His” and “Hers” towels. Or “His” and “Hers” cars. We weren’t looking for space and arranging “His” and “Hers” vacations. Instead we left home one morning for the most unromantic of appointments, with a colonoscopy clinic. This procedure and several others are considered the top best tests in 1993.

We subjected ourselves to colonoscopy even though we were both symptom-free and felt well. Cancer of the large bowel is now one of the major malignancies. It can be in an advanced stage before symptoms appear. This is why every year increasing numbers of people die from this disease. 

Does Bacteria cause Peptic Ulcers?
 By Dr. Gifford Jones

Is there nothing sacred anymore, even at Christmas? Or have doctors been leading us astray for years on the cause of stomach ulcers? The ones who’ve told us too much tension, spicy foods, martini’s and the good life are responsible for the gnawing pain in the pit of the stomach. Well, there’s a good chance these physicians will have to eat their words. Peptic ulcers may be caused by a spiral-shaped bacterium called Helicobacter pylori. Just as you can catch a cold, you may be able to “catch” an ulcer.

A Canadian study supports this theory. Researchers discovered that children in the same household tend to infect one another with Helicobacter pylori.

What You Should Know About NSAIDS
 By Dr. Gifford Jones

“My God, how can so many people in this country be ill?” This thought entered my mind when I recently saw some statistics. Although I normally distrust such figures. For instance, last year 77 million prescriptions were written in Canada and the U.S. for non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS). Currently, millions of people are using NSAIDS such as Motrin, Advil, Midol and others to alleviate pain and reduce inflammation caused by arthritis, sore muscles, menstrual cramps and headaches. A new ruling that makes NSAIDS available without a doctor’s prescription opened a pandora’s box of mass use and potential life-threatening complications.

Did piles defeat Napoleon at Waterloo?
 By Dr. Gifford Jones

Would Napoleon Bonaparte have been victorious at Waterloo if he hadn’t been suffering from hemorrhoids? If cryosurgery had been available, would it have changed the outcome? No one knows the answer. But even when you’re not on horseback directing a battle, it’s hard to concentrate while suffering hemorrhoidal pain. Fortunately, most hemorrhoids can now be treated effectively with little discomfort by cryosurgery.

Mother’s advice was wrong
 By Dr. Gifford Jones

Has your doctor ever told you your symptoms were due to an irritable bowel? If so you’re not alone. Every year thousands of patients consult doctors for this problem. William Shakespeare and Napoleon Bonaparte were not physicians, but each was acutely aware of the irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).

The symptoms of IBS vary from patient to patient. Some people complain of persistent abdominal bloating and gas. Others suffer from stomach cramps, irregular bowel movements or explosive attacks of diarrhea. Many patients wander from doctor to doctor. In the process they take too many drugs and are subjected to too many X-rays. 

How much gas is too much?
 By Dr. Gifford Jones

It happens to Kings, Queens and the rest of us every day. Rectal gas (flatus) must be passed. Most of us wish we were alone in the middle of the Sahara Desert. But whether driving with friends or seated at a sedate dinner party, one unguarded moment means the eyes of the world seem to focus on the guilty. Flatus is a constant reminder that we’re human. Some humans are unfortunate enough to pass astronomical amounts of flatus. They deserve commendation in the Guinness Book of Records. But how much flatus is normal? And can a computer help patients with this problem?

Just because it’s there, you don’t have to go
 By Dr. Gifford Jones

Sir Edmund Hillary when asked why he felt compelled to climb Mount Everest, replied, “Because its there.” I agree challenge and travel to distant lands adds spice to life. But like mountain climbing, wandering the world has its hazards. I recently journeyed to Casablanca and Marrakesh in North Africa to attend an international medical conference. I returned home weak, dehydrated, many pounds lighter and, I hope, a lot wiser. During the ordeal I drafted the Gifford-Jones dictum about travel, “Just because it’s there, you don’t have to go.” This is sound advice even if you’re in perfect shape. It has particular merit for the disabled and those with other medical problems. 

The lazy bowel
 By Dr. Gifford Jones

Are you taking antacid tablets you don’t need? Or using anti-ulcer drugs that don’t ease your stomach troubles? I recently discussed this perplexing problem with Dr. Michel Boivin, Professor of Medicine at the University of Montreal. His answer threw new light on the cause of gastrointestinal disorders and suggested a new way to treat them.

Stomach ulcers have always been associated with excess production of hydrochloric acid in the digestive system. To combat the painful symptoms doctors routinely advised frequent small feedings and liberal amounts of milk to soak up excess acid. They also ordered antacids to counteract the irritating actions of gastric juices. Or prescribed anticholinergic drugs which decreased the activity of the nerves stimulating cells to produce hydrochloric acid. 

The name of the disease doesn’t matter when it strikes
 By Dr. Gifford Jones

“Please, Dear Lord, above all other wordly goods grant me a bathroom.” I doubt there are many travellers who haven’t raised this silent prayer to the Almighty. Some fervently issue this entreaty on a bus when the next stop is still miles away. Others in a state of desperation, lift this plea to Heaven when a plane is delayed on the runway and the toilet’s door is still locked. Traveller’s Diarrhea can strike with the speed of lightning. Andwhen it does, the last problem on your mind is whether it’s called Montezuma’s Revenge, the Hong Kong Trots or the Casablanca Crud.This year thousands of Canadians will once again repeat this prayer to the Almighty. Other travellers who take prophylactic antibiotics will prevent the ubiquitous malady. Who should and who shouldn’t take this medication?

Don’t leave home without one
 By Dr. Gifford Jones

The T.V. ad says we should never leave home without one. They’re right for some countries. But I’d prefer cash and a unique new drinking cup for many other nations of the world. Last week we discussed why some high priority or susceptible travellers should consider using prophylactic antibiotics to prevent Montezuma’s revenge, the Hong Kong trots and the Casablanca cruds.

But when there’s a 50 per cent chance of developing this malady in some countries it’s good insurance to have more than antibiotics in your bag. That’s why a relatively unknown “Pentacide cup” is a must for every traveller’s bag. 

Are You Damaging Your Liver?
 By Dr. Gifford Jones

“What causes liver disease?” Ask anyone this question and 99 percent will answer, “It’s imbibing in too much Cabernet Sauvignon or other alcoholic drinks”. But today the liver can be injured by a host of less known, but equally hazardous habits. So how are you being unfriendly to your liver? And what can we learn from the “Mayflower”, the ship that carried Pilgrims to this continent in 1620? 

Sacrifice Part of Your Stomach To Lose Weight?
 By Dr. Gifford Jones

“Desperate diseases require desperate cures”, wrote the immortal bard, William Shakespeare. For grossly obese patients this means putting part of the stomach and small intestine out of commission (bariatric surgery). But this is not minor surgery and patients should know the risks before making this desperate decision.

Anusitis and Other Causes of Rectal Bleeding
 By Dr. Gifford Jones

“Why didn’t you come to see me earlier? It could have saved you months of worry,” I recently asked a patient. She had delayed seeing me because of rectal bleeding and she was terrified I’d tell her the diagnosis was cancer. Yet her only complaint was anusitis, an often overlooked rectal condition. But whether it’s anusitis or a serious problem a cardinal rule is never, never ignore rectal bleeding.

Beijing Trots And Other Travel Hazards In 2008?
 By Dr. Gifford Jones

How many people will travel to China for the Olympics this summer or elsewhere on this planet? I don’t know. But I do know many will raise this silent prayer to the Almighty, “Please, above all other worldly goods, grant me a bathroom”. Desperately needing a toilet is as close to panic as it gets when one isn’t available. But toilets can be the least of your worries if you fail to take other precautions when travelling. 

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