Middlesex Digestive Continues to Protect Patients from COVID-19

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Here at Middlesex Endoscopy Center, we are taking every COVID-19 precaution to ensure that patient safety is our top priority. We have implemented social distancing and are only allowing a certain number of people in the building at any given time. We have also spaced out the chairs in the waiting area so they are at least 6-feet apart. Our staff both, medical and business, will wear masks during all interactions. Medical staff will also be wearing PPE (personal protective equipment) that will be changed after every patient.

Our Patients Journey During COVID-19

To ensure that we are keeping everyone safe, we have implemented new extensive precautions which can impact your wait time. Please be aware that you could be here for up to 3 ½ hours.

We will be giving you a call the week before your appointment to go over questions regarding your health and health of others around you. We are also requiring all patients to have COVID-19 testing 48 hours prior to your procedure.  Please wear a mask if you have one. If you do not, we will supply you with one once you get to our facility.  Once you arrive for your appointment please come through the double doors, and someone will be there to greet you. That is when we will perform a final health screening before entering the building.

All procedure rooms will have a deep cleaning after every procedure, we also have Beyond Guardian Air, air purifiers in every procedure room. This air purifier captures 99.97% of particles as small as 0.1 micron, it has a five-stage filter and uses ActivePure Technology, which is used on the International Space Station.

Unfortunately, no rides are allowed into the building. Your ride will receive a call from a nurse when you are almost ready to go.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to call 978-429-2000.

Boseman’s Death Marks Importance of Colon Cancer Screening at 45

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In the wake of ‘Black Panther’ star Chadwick Boseman’s death from colon cancer at age 43, we would like to emphasize the importance of being screened for colon cancer, especially if you are aged 45 and above or have a family history of colorectal cancer.

Colon Cancer is the second-leading cause of cancer deaths in the United States for men and women combined, and cases have been rising by about 2 percent annually in recent years in people under 50, according to a recent report by the American Cancer Society. Although the majority of cases are found in older people, young onset colon cancer has increased in recent years. Experts aren’t sure exactly why. For some patients, obesity, diabetes, smoking or a family history of cancer may play a role, but not all people who develop colorectal cancer have these risk factors.

Among people over 65, rates of colorectal cancer, which includes tumors in the rectum or the colon, have actually been declining, probably due to the uptick of more regular screening. However, experts are seeing an 86 percent decrease in colon cancer screenings due to COVID-19, which will inevitably have a negative impact on life expectancy for those with the disease.The American Cancer Society advocates that everybody should begin getting screenings at age 45, but people with a family history of colon cancer should start getting tested at age 40, or at 10 years younger than the age at which their family member was diagnosed, whichever is sooner.

Colonoscopy is the only procedure that can detect and prevent colon cancer. Some are turning to Cologuard or other at-home colon cancer screening tests, which do have a miss rate of 8 percent and may produce false positives, in which a colonoscopy will still need to be performed to remove the polyps.  Many people assume that health insurance will cover both the at-home colon cancer screening test and any subsequent colonoscopy needed if a positive result arises, but that’s not the case.  Health insurance will either cover the at-home test or a colonoscopy. If the person who chooses an at-home test receives a positive result, they will need a diagnostic colonoscopy, which will not be covered by their plan since they chose the at-home test as their original screening choice. Thus, bypassing the at-home test and scheduling a colonoscopy is the best way to save time, money and prevent colon cancer.

Younger people have a 94 percent five-year survival rate for early-stage disease.  For people with late stages of the disease, the survival rate can be as low as 20 percent Early diagnosis, is the difference between life and death.  Boseman learned in 2016 that he had Stage 3 colon cancer, according to an Instagram post announcing his death. Experts say  patients with Stage 3 have an approximate 60 to 80 percent survival rate, depending on a number of factors, including whether the cancer is responsive to chemotherapy.

Rates of colorectal cancer are higher among Black communities. From 2012 to 2016, the rate of new cases in non-Hispanic Black people was 45.7 per 100,000, about 20 percent higher than the rate among non-Hispanic white people and 50 percent higher than the rate among Asian-Americans and Pacific Islanders. Alaska Natives had the highest rate: 89 per 100,000.

Colon Cancer Symptoms:

  • bloody stool or bleeding from the rectum
  • constipation, diarrhea or a change in bowel habits
  • dark sticky feces
  • feeling anemic
  • abdominal pain or cramps
  • nausea or vomiting
  • unexplained weight loss

Whether you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, please call us and schedule a colonoscopy if you are aged 45 or older or meet any of the aforementioned risk factors.  It could mean the difference between life or death.

This article was sourced by the New York Times.

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5 Signs You Need to See a GI Doctor

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Everyone endures some stomach pain or trouble once in a while — but how do you know if it’s something that will pass, or if you should bring your concerns to a gastrointestinal specialist? Recurring pain is a telltale sign of something amiss…and sudden pain is a warning sign, too. So, don’t ignore your body telling you when things are wrong!

See a gastrointestinal doctor if:

1. Your abdomen hurts

Whether it’s a sudden, intense pain or gradual pain, upper and lower abdominal pain can signify a myriad of ailments, so it’s best to check with your GI doctor to determine the cause before things potentially get worse. Anything from appendicitis to colon cancer to inflammatory bowel disease can all present with abdominal pain.

2. Your bowel movements change

You may think it’s because of something you ate — and you may be right. But a change in bowel movements can signify a larger problem that needs to be treated. Any signs of bloody stool, diarrhea, gas, bloat, and constipation can be symptoms of your intestinal system having problems — and we can help determine why.

3. You have a family history or risk factors for colon cancer (or are 45+)

It’s there in the back of your mind, so let’s get a jump on taking preventive measures to screen you for colon cancer: Including scheduling your colonoscopy. A colonoscopy is a virtually painless 30-minute procedure to look at your colon and see any potential growth, abnormalities or concerns — including pre-cancerous polyps, which can later be removed. Colon cancer is highly preventable, and regular colonoscopies can reduce the risk.

4. You have consistent heartburn, acid reflux, or GERD (Gastrointestinal Reflux Disease)

It’s just because you ate something spicy, or sour, or something, you tell yourself. But, really — WHY is your body reacting that way? It’s not normal, so your body is trying to tell you that something is wrong. GERD and that constant burning sensation you feel can damage your esophagus…which can eventually lead to difficulty swallowing.

5. You suspect lactose intolerance, gluten sensitivity, or Celiac disease

We all know that what we eat (or don’t eat) can impact our health and how we feel. Sometimes, our bodies can’t process things like lactose or gluten — which are in many foods (and even medicines and lip balm). And it’s difficult to conclusively determine that on our own without some testing to find out exactly what the issue is. In addition, Celiac disease can lead to malnutrition, and cause symptoms like seizures, infertility and more.

“As gastrointestinal specialists, we know that many of the symptoms our patients have are indicative of a treatable issue,” said Dr. Gehad Ghaith at Gastrointestinal Specialists, P.C. in Troy Michigan. “There is no need to suffer in silence. We can help and you can live a happy, healthy life!”

Schedule now with Gastrointestinal Specialists, PC and Endoscopy Center

We’re ready to determine what’s wrong and help you feel better. You can request an appointment at Gastrointestinal Specialists, PC and Endoscopy Center today!

Common Heartburn Drugs May Increase COVID Risk

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A recent study suggests taking proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) can increase the risk of developing COVID-19.

More than 60 million Americans have heartburn at least once per month, and 15 million experience symptoms every day. One of the most common medicines used to treat heartburn symptoms is proton pump inhibitors or PPIs. Proton pump inhibitors decrease the amount of gastric acid by blocking the acid-producing glands in the stomach lining.

Prilosec and Nexium Could Double or Quadruple COVID Risk

A recent study published in The American Journal of Gastroenterology discovered taking common heartburn medications like Prilosec and Nexium can increase the likelihood of contracting COVID-19. The study examined online surveys of more than 53,000 Americans with a history of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), many of whom took a PPI. More than six percent of survey respondents admitted to testing positive to COVID-19. The study found taking proton pump inhibitors once per day can double the risk of COVID-19, and taking PPIs twice per day can quadruple the risk.

Dr. Christopher Almario, an assistant professor of medicine at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles, says PPIs are useful, but heartburn sufferers must show caution. “…There’s a reason we have acid in the stomach—to digest food and to kill any bacteria we may ingest,” he said.

Previous studies already discovered links between reduced levels of stomach acid and gut problems like food poisoning, infections and traveler’s diarrhea. Dr. Almario says COVID-19 sheds in saliva, gets ingested in the stomach and can affect the gastrointestinal tract.

The study did not show a link between COVID risk and H2-blockers like Pepcid, Axid and Tagamet, possibly because H2-blockers do not block acid as actively as PPIs. In fact, a recent issue of Gut suggests H2-blockers can reduce symptoms of COVID. More research is necessary to confirm the survey results, but the findings of the study provide strong evidence to encourage caution when taking PPIs.

Talk to Your Gastroenterologist

What should you do if you are taking a PPI regularly? Call your gastroenterologist. Dr. Almario emphasizes patients should not cease taking PPIs completely. Your doctor will advise you on safe practices for taking PPIs. It is possible that an H2-blocker could be strong enough to alleviate your symptoms. Make an appointment with your GI doctor if you take PPIs like:

  • Prevacid (lansoprazole)
  • Prilosec (omeprazole)
  • Aciphex (rabeprazole)
  • Dexilant (dexlansoprazole)
  • Nexium (esomeprazole)
  • Protonix (pantoprazole)

Your doctor may have some lifestyle changes and natural treatments that can reduce heartburn and GERD symptoms, so you do not need to rely on medication.

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Low Carbohydrate, Plant-Based Diet Could Prevent Glaucoma

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A new study suggests a diet rich in plant-based fats and proteins and low in carbohydrates could reduce the risk for glaucoma, a leading cause of blindness.

Glaucoma is a disease of the optic nerve and affects more than 60.5 million people globally. Primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) is the most common form of the disease and is associated with abnormally high eye pressure due to a reduced ability of the eye to regulate fluid drainage.

According to new research from the New York Eye and Ear Infirmary of Mount Sinai, reducing carbohydrate intake and increasing plant-based proteins and fats can lower the risk of POAG with early central vision loss by 20 percent.

Plant-Based Diet Helps Prevent POAG

Researchers analyzed data from more than 185,000 participants of three cohort studies between 1976 and 2017. The researchers hypothesized that substituting protein and fat for carbohydrates would help maintain optic nerve function.

The participants answered health-related questions and completed food frequency questionnaires every two to four years. The team looked for patterns in carbohydrate intake across plant-based and animal-based fats and proteins, as well as other sources.

Plant-based sources gave more favorable results in preventing POAG than animal-based sources for a low-carbohydrate diet.

Diet Cannot Reverse Glaucoma

Dr. Louis R. Pasquale, co-corresponding author and deputy chair for ophthalmology research for the Mount Sinai Health System, said, “It’s important to note that a low-carbohydrate diet won’t stop glaucoma progression if you already have it, but it may be a means to preventing glaucoma in high-risk groups. If more patients in these high-risk categories—including those with a family history of glaucoma—adhered to this diet, there might be fewer cases of vision loss.”

Dr. Pasquale asserts a low carbohydrate diet is therapeutic for many other conditions such as epilepsy, Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease. However, more research is necessary as this was the first study looking at how diet relates to POAG development, and it was an observational study and not a clinical trial.

What is Your Glaucoma Risk?

Did you know certain individuals are at increased risk for glaucoma? Here are some of the risk factors for glaucoma:

  • Family history of glaucoma
  • 45 years of age or older
  • History of elevated inner eye pressure
  • African American
  • Diabetes
  • Nearsighted
  • Farsighted
  • History of steroid use

Take a moment to complete the Glaucoma Risk Assessment to determine if you are at elevated risk for glaucoma.

Call Your Ophthalmologist for a Comprehensive Eye Exam

There is no cure for POAG, but your eye doctor can detect glaucoma early if you stay current with your annual comprehensive eye exams.

Glaucoma rarely presents symptoms in the early stages, so schedule a comprehensive eye exam with your eye doctor to discuss your vision health. Make annual eye exams a part of your preventive care so you can enjoy clear vision for years to come.

In Many Cases, Hip Replacement Eases Back Pain

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A new study published in the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons suggests total hip replacement surgery could remedy hip pain as well as lower back pain.

Back Pain and Hip Pain in America

Back pain and hip pain are two of the most common complaints in adults. Back pain is the leading cause of disability and prevents millions of Americans from going to work and taking part in daily activities. According to the American Chiropractic Association, 31 million Americans experience lower back pain at any given time.

More than 450,000 total hip replacements are performed each year in the United States. A hip replacement is a procedure in which a surgeon removes a worn-out, painful hip joint and replaces it with an artificial joint often made from plastic and metal components. Total hip replacement has an extremely high success rate, and 95 percent of patients report experiencing relief.

Total Hip Replacement May Have Additional Benefit

There may be a solution to solve hip pain and back pain simultaneously. A research team at the Hospital for Special Surgery in New York City analyzed 500 patients who had total hip replacement surgery and followed up with the patients the following year.

More than 40 percent of patients said they experienced lower back pain before their total hip replacement surgery. Within that group, 82 percent stated their lower back pain disappeared after surgery. In fact, the pain was “completely gone,” said Dr. Jonathan Vigdorchik, a hip and knee surgeon at the Hospital for Special Surgery.

Dr. Vigdorchik found the highest success rates for eliminating hip and back pain were among patients whose spines were healthy and flexible. When a person’s spine is flexible, a weak or stiff hip can cause the spine to move more than usual, which can be painful. If the hip problem directly caused the back pain, the total hip replacement often solved both issues.

Patients whose spines had stiffened due to arthritis did not experience the same relief. Dr. Vigdorchik said since these patients already had arthritis of the spine, total hip replacement surgery was unlikely to alleviate back pain.

A thorough exam and a full panel of X-rays can be instrumental in helping physicians know whether back pain can be resolved with total hip replacement.

“Anytime [doctors are] looking at the hip, they should also look at the back, and anytime they’re looking at the knee, they should also look at the hip,” Vigdorchik said.

Make an Appointment with Your Orthopedist

Are you experiencing lower back pain in conjunction with hip pain? Call your orthopedist to make an appointment for a consultation and X-rays. A total hip replacement may provide relief for your back as well as your hip. You do not have to accept chronic pain as a way of life. One procedure could provide double benefits, so call today.

Middlesex Digestive Patients to Check In Via Clearwave Mobile App

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Middlesex Digestive is moving into the future with an online check in kiosk, which will help patients check in for their appointment from their mobile or tablet device.

This new system, Clearwave, will not only help our efforts with limiting person-to-person contact in our center during the COVID-19 pandemic but will also save patients time.

How it Works:

  • Step 1: Patient receives a text or email reminder in advance of their appointment, or a real-time text message if scheduled the same day.
  • Step 2: Patient completes the pre-check process and is informed about the virtual waiting room option.
  • Step 3: Our staff verifies patient information, reviews COVID-19 screening process and flags.
  • Step 4: Upon arrival to our parking lot, the patient calls or texts provided number to alert us or their arrival.
  • Step 5: Our staff checks the patient into Clearwave, which automatically checks patient in to the system. Staff updates the patient status when the doctor is ready.
  • Step 6: Real-time text is sent to the patient alerting them that it is time to come inside, and the appointment occurs.

We are confident our new check-in system will delight our patients.  To read more about Clearwave, please visit clearwaveinc.com.  If you have any questions, please call us at (978) 226-1351.

Reschedule Your Orthopedic Procedure Delayed by COVID-19

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If your surgery center had to cancel your total knee or total hip replacement surgery due to COVID-19, you should reschedule it as soon as possible.

Almost 84 percent of elective orthopedic procedures in the U.S. have been delayed or canceled because of coronavirus. However, most surgery centers are performing procedures at this time. Did the pandemic affect your hip, knee or shoulder replacement or spinal fusion? These next few weeks could be the perfect opportunity to schedule your procedure.

Will My Surgery Center Close Again?

There are many uncertainties related to COVID-19, and it is impossible to predict the course the virus will take. Because surgery centers are open now, you should call today to schedule your procedure. Delaying that call could mean you may have to wait much longer.

How Can I Reach My Doctor?

Your surgery center may be seeing fewer patients, but you can still contact the office to leave a message for your surgeon. If you have a routine orthopedic problem, you may call the office and speak to a nurse. Some surgeons may offer telehealth, where you can talk to your physician virtually and describe your symptoms.

What Can I Do While I am Waiting for Surgery?

If you are waiting for total joint replacement surgery for your knee, hip or shoulder, you can try some of these treatments at home:

  1. Alter your activities to avoid putting stress or strain on the affected joint.
  2. Limit climbing stairs, walking long distances or lifting heavy objects.
  3. Apply heat or ice to the joint.
  4. Take anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to reduce swelling and pain.
  5. Try to do light exercise to preserve movement in the affected joint.
  6. Talk to your doctor about getting an injection of corticosteroid into the sore joint to control pain until you can reschedule your procedure.

Call your doctor today about rescheduling your total joint replacement surgery or orthopedic procedure. You will benefit from increased mobility and better quality of life, so do not delay in contacting your surgery center.

Eye Exams and Procedures Delayed by COVID-19 Could Result in Vision Loss

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If you had to cancel your eye procedure or eye exam due to COVID-19, you should reschedule your appointment as soon as possible. Delaying annual eye exams can result in later diagnoses of glaucoma, which causes blindness, and cataracts, which can be easily treated by undergoing cataract surgery.

A recent U.S. study revealed that during the initial months of the pandemic, of all medical service lines, ophthalmology had the greatest patient volume loss. In an analysis of more than 2 million patient visits and encounters from 228 hospitals in 40 states, the study, released by Strata Decision Technology, showed ophthalmology lost 81 percent of patient volume year-over-year when comparing two-week volumes in March and April 2020 versus the same period in 2019.

Cataract surgery is one of the most common surgical procedures in the United States. About 3.6 million cataract surgeries take place annually. The study found cataract surgery volume decreased by 97 percent, the largest reduction of any surgical procedure. Glaucoma procedures dropped by 88 percent for inpatient and outpatient procedures.

Many Americans have also had their comprehensive eye exams canceled in the past several months. If you missed an eye exam and have had to reschedule, it is important to keep the rescheduled appointment. Millions of patients will be calling to make appointments for comprehensive eye exams this month, so it will only get more difficult to see your eye doctor.

What Can I Do While I am Waiting for Surgery?

If you are waiting for your eye procedure to be rescheduled, you may have to ask for help from family members and friends, while taking precautions to protect against COVID-19. It is easier for loved ones to help you if you provide them with specific requests. You may want to ask people to help you with:

  • Shopping
  • House cleaning
  • Lawn and yard care
  • Driving you to and from your eye appointments and doctor appointments

Call your eye doctor today to reschedule your eye procedure or eye exam.

COVID-19 May Increase Colon Cancer Death Rates

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Colon and breast cancer incidence may increase by 10,000 over the next decade, according to a recent article in the Washington Post. Because of coronavirus quarantine measures, thousands of life-saving, preventive screenings were canceled or postponed.

Colon and breast cancer cause one-sixth of all cancer deaths. Norman “Ned” Sharpless, Director of the National Cancer Institute, fears pandemic-related delays in cancer treatment could result in a dangerous increase in cancer death.

Sharpless asserts even a short disruption in screenings could result in a one percent increase and almost one million deaths from these cancers over the next decade. Doctors fear new cases of colon cancer could go undiagnosed for longer periods of time and could result in tumor detection at a later stage.

Although colonoscopy is not an elective surgery, most surgery centers began halting colon cancer screenings in March due to the pandemic. According to a publication by the Epic Heath Research Network, screening appointments for breast cancer, cervical cancer and colon cancer decreased by 86 to 94 percent in March 2020, compared to screening rates between January 2017 and January 2020.

Patients and hospital systems are resuming preventive screenings and testing, but it is difficult to measure the impact of delayed services. Austin Chiang, a gastroenterologist in Philadelphia, said, “On a global scale, it’s a lot of screening procedures being deferred — and maybe some cancers that could develop in this time, as well.”

What are the Colon Cancer Screening Guidelines?

The American Cancer Society recommends all adults who are at average risk for colon cancer begin screening at age 45. Even though Medicare and many insurance carriers do not cover colonoscopies until age 50, it is important to get screened. When discovered early, the survival rate of colon cancer is up to 90 percent.

Talk to your doctor about colon cancer screening recommendations so you can get screened at proper intervals. It is also wise to call your insurance provider to receive the most updated information about your plan.

Schedule your Colonoscopy Today

Did you miss your colonoscopy because of COVID-19? If so, reschedule your colon cancer screening as soon as possible. Your overall lifetime risk for developing colon cancer is five percent, and the disease rarely presents with symptoms in the early stages. Therefore, it is imperative to take action based on the recommended timeline.

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