DEAR DR. GOTT: My husband is a young 85-year-old in very good health. He doesn't smoke or drink alcohol, plays golf once or twice a week and does light work around the house. He has a mild case of asbestosis and a hiatal hernia.
    For about six or seven years, he has been experiencing, a couple of times a week, food getting stuck in his esophagus. Most of the time, he has to excuse himself and go to the bathroom, where he has to vomit it back out. His doctor has never ordered a barium swallow or any other tests to determine whether there is a problem that can be seen. He tells him to cut his food up into very small pieces, to eat slowly and drink water to help it go down. I feel that after this length of time, he needs to have some tests to evaluate his problem. Other people that I have known have had to have their esophagus dilated, which alleviates the problem for a period of time. He doesn't suggest to his doctor that he would like some tests because he fears anything done in that area. (He's claustrophobic.)
    DEAR READER: I agree with you entirely: Your husband should have testing performed. In particular, a swallowing study — a painless and safe X-ray test — will help diagnose his swallowing difficulty. Ask his primary care physician to order the test. If he refuses, your husband could see a gastroenterologist. Don't delay in following up on this problem. It could be be serious or relatively benign. In either case, his quality of life is being affected.
    To give you related information, I am sending you a copy of my updated Health Report "Hiatal Hernia, Acid Reflux and Indigestion." Other readers who would like a copy should send a long, self-addressed, stamped envelope and $2 to Newsletter, PO Box 167, Wickliffe, OH 44092. Be sure to mention the title.
    DEAR DR. GOTT: Your article about doctors today not taking enough time with patients hit the nail on the head. I'm a good patient, an older lady, always on time and bring in my list of questions. But now my patience is running out. I've always been happy with my female doctor. Yes, her staff does a fine job, too.
    This year, as she was doing my yearly physical and my vaginal exam, my legs apart, she said, "OK, read your questions." I was flabbergasted. How's that for a hurried exam.
I've had it with hurried exams all the time. Should I tell her why I'm leaving?
    DEAR READER: Although I'll agree that your doctor acted somewhat inappropriately, I don't believe that you should leave her care; you have enjoyed a long and trusting relation with her.
I would rather that you confront her with your concerns and see whether she apologizes and explains her hurried exam. Give her another chance, and let me know how this situation plays out.