Question: Do I need to give up my favorite foods if I have diabetes?

Answer: There's no reason to stop eating what you love. Instead, try: A change in the way your favorite foods are prepared. Can you bake it instead of deep-frying it? A change in the other foods you usually eat along with your favorites. Maybe have a sweet potato instead of mashed potatoes? Smaller servings of your favorite foods. A little bit goes a long way. Not using your favorite foods as a reward when you stick to your meal plan. Do reward yourself, but with something other than food. A dietitian can help you find ways to include your favorites in your diabetes meal plan.


Question: Do I have to stop using low- and no-calorie sweeteners if I have diabetes?

Answer: Most of these sweeteners are much sweeter than the same amount of sugar, so you can use less. Opinions about them are conflicting, but the American Diabetes Association approves of the use of: Saccharin ( Sweet' N Low, Sweet Twin, Sugar Twin) Aspartame ( Nutra Sweet, Equal) Acesulfame potassium ( Sunett, Sweet One) Sucralose ( Splenda) Stevia/ Rebaudioside A ( Sweet Leaf, Sun Crystals, Steviva, truvia, Pure Via) You can ask a dietitian which ones are best for which uses, whether you're drinking coffee, baking, or cooking.


Question: Do you need to eat special diabetic meals if you have diabetes?

Answer: The foods that are good for people with diabetes are also healthy choices for the rest of your family. With diabetes, you do need to keep a closer watch on things like calories and the amounts and types of carbohydrates, fats, and protein you eat. A diabetes educator or dietitian can show you how to keep good records.


Question: Do you need to give up your favorite foods if you have diabetes?

Answer: There's no reason to stop eating what you love. Instead, try: A change in the way your favorite foods are prepared. Can you bake it instead of deep-frying it? A change in the other foods you usually eat along with your favorites. Maybe have a sweet potato instead of mashed potatoes? Smaller servings of your favorite foods. A little bit goes a long way. Not using your favorite foods as a reward when you stick to your meal plan. Do reward yourself, but with something other than food. A dietitian can help you find ways to include your favorites in your diabetes meal plan.


Question: Does eating too much sugar caused diabetes?

Answer: If you use insulin for your diabetes, you may learn how to adjust the amount and type you take to match the amount of food you eat.


Question: Do people with diabetes have to eat special diabetic meals?

Answer: The foods that are good for people with diabetes are also healthy choices for the rest of your family. With diabetes, you do need to keep a closer watch on things like calories and the amounts and types of carbohydrates, fats, and protein you eat. A diabetes educator or dietitian can show you how to keep good records.


Question: Can I adjust my insulin to be able to eat whatever I want?

Answer: If you use insulin for your diabetes, you may learn how to adjust the amount and type you take to match the amount of food you eat. But this doesn't mean you can eat as much as you want and then just use additional drugs to stabilize your blood sugar level. If you use other types of diabetes drugs, don't try to adjust your dose to match varying levels of carbohydrates in your meals unless your doctor tells you to. Most diabetes medications work best when you take them as directed. When in doubt, ask your doctor or pharmacist.


Question: Is protein better than carbohydrates for diabetes?

Answer: Have you heard that eating too much sugar causes diabetes? Choose foods that work along with your activities and any medications you take. They do affect your blood sugar levels, which is why you'll need to keep up with how many you eat each day. Keep an eye on your portion size too. Talk to your dietitian or doctor about how much protein is right for you.


Question: Does too much sugar cause diabetes?

Answer: Have you heard that eating too much sugar causes diabetes? The truth is that diabetes begins when something disrupts your body's ability to turn the food you eat into energy.


Question: Are all carbohydrates bad for diabetes?

Answer: Carbs are the foundation of a healthy diet whether you have diabetes or not. They do affect your blood sugar levels, which is why you'll need to keep up with how many you eat each day. Some carbs have vitamins, minerals, and fiber. So choose those ones, such as whole grains, fruits, and vegetables. Starchy, sugary carbs are not a great choice because they have less to offer. They're more like a flash in the pan than fuel your body can rely on. The foods that are good for people with diabetes are also healthy choices for the rest of your family.


Question: Are diet foods the best choice for diabetes?

Answer: Keep in mind, there might be a few carbs in these. Read the labels to find out if the ingredients and number of calories are good choices for you. When in doubt, ask your doctor, diabetes educator, or a dietitian for advice.


Question: What chemicals can help with rheumatoid arthritis and where can you get it?

Answer: Certain nutrients can help repair and protect it: Vitamin B5:potatoes, beans, bananas, turkey, fish, and liver Vitamin B6:chickpeas, chicken, pork, trout, sunflower seeds, spinach, tomatoes Copper: oysters, squid, and other seafood; beef liver; cashews and other nuts; soybeans; lentils; cocoa Zinc: lobster, chicken, beans, raisins, chickpeas, yogurt, cheese Some chemicals found in plants called flavonoids may help make your joints feel better. Apples, green and white tea, grapes, and red wine are rich in them.


Question: What is the paleo autoimmune protocol?

Answer: Paleo "friendly" foods include: Eggs Fermented vegetables and fruits Fish and seafood Fruits and veggies (most of your plate should be plant-based) Grass-fed meat (including organ meat) Nuts and seeds Paleo "unfriendly" foods include: Dairy products Grains (including corn, wheat, pasta) Refined and processed foods (like sugar, soda, pizza, packaged foods) Legumes (like beans and lentils) Vegetable oils One large study showed that a " Western" diet heavy on red and processed meat, refined grains, fried foods, and sugars raised the risk of getting RA. People who ate a diet filled with fruits, veggies, and lean proteins were less likely to have it. But the AIP takes Paleo a step further. It works on the theory that certain foods can bother your gut and cause inflammation (swelling), which also happens with autoimmune diseases like RA. With AIP, you follow the Paleo diet. But you also stop eating the following for a while: Alcohol Eggs Fruit juices and many sweeteners Nightshade veggies (tomatoes, eggplant, potatoes, peppers, tomatillos, etc.) Nuts Seed-based spices (fennel, dill, sesame seeds, and others) Seeds (including cocoa and coffee) If you start feeling better after 3 or 4 weeks, you bring back these foods one at a time. Watch for a reaction for a few days before adding another one to your diet. Stop eating the food if: Your RA comes back or gets worse Your stomach hurts or you have bowel changes, heartburn, or other intestinal distress You're low energy or tired You have headaches or dizziness You have a runny nose You notice skin changes (rashes, acne, etc.)


Question: What are key antioxidants for rheumatoid arthritis and where can you find them?

Answer: These are the key antioxidants and where you can find them: Vitamin A:green leafy veggies, chicken, turkey, carrots, pumpkin, sweet potatoes Vitamin C:citrus fruits, plums, Brussels sprouts, red peppers Vitamin E:peanut butter, sunflower seeds and oil, avocados, milk, whole grains Selenium: Brazil nuts, cottage cheese, tuna, beef RA can break down cartilage.


Question: What are paleo "friendly" foods?

Answer: Paleo "friendly" foods include: Eggs Fermented vegetables and fruits Fish and seafood Fruits and veggies (most of your plate should be plant-based) Grass-fed meat (including organ meat) Nuts and seeds Paleo "unfriendly" foods include: Dairy products Grains (including corn, wheat, pasta) Refined and processed foods (like sugar, soda, pizza, packaged foods) Legumes (like beans and lentils) Vegetable oils One large study showed that a " Western" diet heavy on red and processed meat, refined grains, fried foods, and sugars raised the risk of getting RA.


Question: What else matters in a paleo autoimmune protocol for rheumatoid arthritis?

Answer: AIP isn't just about food. Your lifestyle choices also matter. Getting the sleep you need, managing stress, exercising, and staying socially active are all important.


Question: What other diets can help with rheumatoid arthritis?

Answer: A Mediterranean-style diet may help with your RA because it also fights inflammation. You mainly eat foods from that region such as fish, poultry, unsaturated fats like olive oil, fruits, veggies, and whole grains. Omega-3 fatty acid, mostly found in fish but also in walnuts and green leafy vegetables, can ease inflammation and make swollen painful joints feel better. Adding olive oil to foods rich in omega 3's may be even more helpful, according to some studies. Antioxidant vitamins found mainly in fruits, veggies, and some nuts also may prevent tissue damage.


Question: What nutrients can help with rheumatoid arthritis and where can you get it?

Answer: Could eating like a caveman help with your rheumatoid arthritis? The idea is to flood your body with nutrient-rich foods and stay away from ones that might make your condition worse. Certain nutrients can help repair and protect it: Vitamin B5:potatoes, beans, bananas, turkey, fish, and liver Vitamin B6:chickpeas, chicken, pork, trout, sunflower seeds, spinach, tomatoes Copper: oysters, squid, and other seafood; beef liver; cashews and other nuts; soybeans; lentils; cocoa Zinc: lobster, chicken, beans, raisins, chickpeas, yogurt, cheese Some chemicals found in plants called flavonoids may help make your joints feel better.


Question: How does exercise help osteoarthritis?

Answer: Exercise is important to improve joint movement and to strengthen the muscles that surround the joints. Gentle exercises, such as swimming or walking on flat surfaces, are recommended, because they are less stressful on your joints. Avoid activities that increase joint pain, such as jogging or high impact aerobics.


Question: Do you need surgery for osteoarthritis?

Answer: When osteoarthritis pain is not controlled with other treatments, or when the pain prevents you from participating in your normal activities, you may want to consider surgery.


Question: How can devices help with osteoarthritis?

Answer: Supportive or assistive devices can help to decrease pressure on the joints with osteoarthritis. Knee supports may be helpful for some people to stabilize the ligaments and tendons and decrease pain. Canes or crutches may be helpful to take pressure off certain joints. In addition to pain relief, assistive devices improve function and prevent falls. A licensed physical therapist or other health care professional is needed to recommend what devices are best for you. There are also many available devices to help you perform routine daily activities that may be difficult, such as housework or cooking. Ask your doctor about talking to an occupational therapist to give you ideas about which devices may help.


Question: What are symptoms of osteoarthritis?

Answer: Symptoms of osteoarthritis most often develop gradually and include: Joint aching and soreness, especially with movement Pain after overuse or after long periods of inactivity Stiffness after periods of rest Bony enlargements in the middle and end joints of the fingers (which may or may not be painful) Joint swelling There are several factors that increase a person's chances of developing osteoarthritis.


Question: Can supplements help osteoarthritis?

Answer: While recent research has questioned their usefulness, some medical research has shown that the supplements glucosamine and chondroitin may relieve pain in some people with osteoarthritis, especially in the knee. There is no evidence that glucosamine can help rebuild cartilage. SAMe is another supplement with potential benefits for osteoarthritis. In fact, some research has shown it may be as effective an anti-inflammatory drugs. Remember to always let your doctor know about any supplements you're taking, because they can have side effects and interact with medications.


Question: What medications treat osteoarthritis?

Answer: The first step with medication is often over-the-counter pain relievers as needed. If over-the-counter treatments aren't effective, your doctor may decide to prescribe a stronger anti-inflammatory drug or other medication to help ease the pain. Some medications in the form of creams, rubs, or sprays may be applied over the skin of affected areas to relieve pain. For some people with persistent pain despite these pills or creams, steroids can be injected directly into the joint. Injections of hyaluronic acid directly into the knee joint can relieve pain in some people with osteoarthritis. Unfortunately, none of these will reverse or slow the progression of joint damage caused by osteoarthritis.


Question: What type of surgery do you get for osteoarthritis?

Answer: They include: Arthroscopy to clean out the damaged cartilage or repair tissues. Recent evidence has questioned its effectiveness for osteoarthritis. Joint replacement surgery to replace the damaged joint with an artificial one. The two joints most often replaced are the hip and the knee. Joint fusion to remove the damaged joint and fuse the two bones on each side of the joint.


Question: How do you treat osteoarthritis?

Answer: Osteoarthritis usually is treated by a combination of treatments, including exercise, weight loss if needed, medications, physical therapy with muscle strengthening exercises, hot and cold compresses to the painful joint, removal of joint fluid, injection of medications into the joint, and use of supportive devices such as crutches or canes. Surgery may be helpful to relieve pain when other treatment options have not been effective. The type of treatment will depend on several factors, including your age, activities and occupation, overall health, medical history, location of your osteoarthritis, and severity of the condition. Acupuncture has also been shown to provide significant and immediate pain relief in some people with osteoarthritis.


Question: How is osteoarthritis diagnosed?

Answer: The diagnosis of osteoarthritis is based on a combination of the following factors: Your description of symptoms The location and pattern of pain Physical exam X-rays Your doctor may use X-rays to help confirm the diagnosis and make sure you don't have another type of arthritis. Sometimes, blood tests will be performed to determine if you have a different type of arthritis. If fluid has accumulated in the joints, your doctor may remove some of the fluid (called joint aspiration) for examination under a microscope to rule out other diseases.


Question: If you have eczema, why is it important to shower after you exercise?

Answer: You want to get sweat, chlorine, and other irritants off your body as soon as possible. Just remember to: Keep showers and baths short, and use lukewarm, not hot, water Use a gentle, hydrating, nonfragranced cleanser, not soap Pat your skin dry with a soft towel Put on your usual lotion and any prescription treatments you have No matter how careful you are, your eczema may flare up sometimes.


Question: How can you guard against sweat as you work out when you have eczema?

Answer: The salt and acidity in perspiration can dry out your skin and make it sting. You can take steps to minimize it. Wipe off sweat as you work out. Always keep a towel with you. But don't use your shirt! If you do, all that sweat will still be touching your skin. When you work out indoors, use a fan. It helps sweat evaporate.


Question: How can wearing the right clothing as you exercise help when you have eczema?

Answer: Your workout gear needs to be light and breathable so sweat can evaporate off your body, and loose so it lets out heat and doesn't rub against your skin.


Question: How can you keep cool during a workout when you have eczema?

Answer: When you exercise, your body heats up, and heat can make your eczema worse. Split up your workouts. Stop and give your body a chance to cool down. Then start again. Drink lots of water. Always have a bottle handy. Some have a mister that allows you to spray your skin, too. Don't overdo it. If it's hot out, stay in an air-conditioned spot indoors. Stick to less strenuous workouts and do it before 11 a.m. or after 5 when it's cooler. But take some precautions. Not all of these tips will apply to you.


Question: What precautions should you take if you swim when you have eczema?

Answer: In general, swimming is good exercise if you have eczema. Slather on lotion before you swim. It will help act as a barrier to prevent dryness. Follow with a sunscreen if you're outside. Before you spend an hour in a new pool, take a quick dip and see how your skin does. Some people have a bad reaction to chlorine and other pool chemicals. Swim in clean pools. You're less likely to have a flare-up if the water's p H levels are neutral.


Question: How do SSRIs help with depression?

Answer: This process of replacing the neurotransmitter is called âreuptake.â If you're struggling with depression, the areas of your brain that regulate mood and send messages using serotonin might not function properly. SSRIs help make more serotonin available by blocking the reuptake process. This allows serotonin to build up between neurons so messages can be sent correctly. They're called âselectiveâ serotonin reuptake inhibitors because they specifically target serotonin.


Question: Are SSRIs safe?

Answer: Although it's rare, if too much serotonin accumulates in your system, you can develop a condition called serotonin syndrome. This happens most often if two different medications that increase serotonin are combined. SSRIs can also have dangerous interactions with some medicines, both prescription and over-the-counter, including herbs and supplements. Before starting on an SSRI, make sure to tell your doctor all the different kinds of medications and supplements you're taking.


Question: How long do SSRIs take to work?

Answer: Everyone is different when it comes to seeing improvements on SSRIs. But people typically start noticing positive changes after about 4 to 6 weeks of treatment. It can take several months to feel the full effect of the medication. But if you're not feeling any improvements after about 6 to 8 weeks, talk to your doctor about trying another treatment or adjusting your dosage.


Question: Do all SSRIs have the same side effects?

Answer: Since all SSRIs work in a similar way, the side effects tend to be similar no matter what kind you take. But each SSRI has a different chemical makeup, so it's possible that if you're having side effects from one, you may not experience as many or any at all if you switch to another.


Question: What are SSRIs?

Answer: They're called âselectiveâ serotonin reuptake inhibitors because they specifically target serotonin. Before starting on an SSRI, make sure to tell your doctor all the different kinds of medications and supplements you're taking.


Question: How do you treat external genital warts?

Answer: For external warts, these treatments include: Creams, gels, and ointments Cryotherapy (freezing off the warts) Surgery Acid solutions Which treatment your doctor recommends depends on things like how many warts you have, where they are, how big they are, and your own treatment preference. Options for gels, creams, and ointments are imiquimod cream, podofilox gel, and sinecatechins ointment.


Question: When is it best to use creams or ointments to treat genital warts?

Answer: If the warts are in a moist area, or in a spot where skin rubs together, talk to your doctor before using a topical medicine. If you're pregnant, you should avoid these medications.


Question: What are treatments for internal genital warts?

Answer: If you have vaginal or cervical warts, the recommended treatments are: Cryotherapy or liquid nitrogen Surgical removal Acid solution If you have warts in your urethra (the tube that carries urine from the kidneys to your bladder), your best treatment options are cryotherapy or surgical removal.


Question: What is cryotherapy and how can it treat genital warts?

Answer: Your doctor can also freeze the warts off using liquid nitrogen and a cotton-tipped applicator or a special device called a cryoprobe. The cold is applied for 10-20 seconds. If you have a lot of warts, or if they're large, your doctor may numb the area first with a local anesthetic.


Question: Can you get surgery to treat genital warts?

Answer: This can get rid of all your warts in a single visit. After giving you a local anesthetic, your doctor can remove your warts using different methods. These include: Cutting them off with scissors Shaving them off with a sharp blade (this is called shave excision) Using a laser to remove them (curettage laser) Burning them off using electrocautery, a process that uses a low-voltage electrical probe In most cases, you won't need stitches after surgery.


Question: What are the creams, gels, and ointments that can be used to treat genital warts?

Answer: Options for gels, creams, and ointments are imiquimod cream, podofilox gel, and sinecatechins ointment. Imiquimod is a cream you apply yourself to external warts to boost your immune system. You apply imiquimod 5% cream at bedtime, 3 times a week for 16 weeks. You apply imiquimod 3.75% cream every night. With either strength, you should wash the treated area with soap and water 6 to 10 hours after you put it on. You should also avoid sex while imiquimod is on your skin because it can weaken condoms and diaphragms. Podofilox and podophyllin resin are gels designed to kill the warts. After they are applied to the external wart, the area needs to air dry before coming in contact with clothing. Podofilox isn't recommended for warts on the cervix, vagina, or anal canal. It's also not meant for larger areas. If you use too much or don't let it air dry, you could spread the gel to other areas and cause irritation to skin areas. Sinecatechins ointment is made from green tea extract. Sinecatechins 15% ointment is applied to warts 3 times a day for up to 16 weeks. You should avoid all sexual contact while the ointment is on your skin.


Question: What happens if I don't get treated for genital warts?

Answer: Genital warts may go away on their own or stay the same. If you're not treated, you could also get more or larger genital warts.


Question: What are side effects for treatments of genital warts?

Answer: They're rare. They can include discoloring of the skin or scarring, especially if you haven't had enough time to heal between treatments. Rarer still is severe, chronic pain. If you have anal warts, having a bowel movement might become painful. You could also get a condition called a fistula that requires surgery.


Question: How can acid solutions treat genital warts?

Answer: You should also avoid sex while imiquimod is on your skin because it can weaken condoms and diaphragms. If you use too much or don't let it air dry, you could spread the gel to other areas and cause irritation to skin areas. If you have vaginal or cervical warts, the recommended treatments are: Cryotherapy or liquid nitrogen Surgical removal Acid solution If you have warts in your urethra (the tube that carries urine from the kidneys to your bladder), your best treatment options are cryotherapy or surgical removal.


Question: How can irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) cause depression and anxiety?

Answer: Depression and anxiety: It's common for people who have IBS to feel like they're losing control over their lives. If your symptoms are bad, you may find yourself always trying to map out the nearest bathroom. Because there's a link between your brain and gut, this kind of stress can make your IBS worse. The pain and the awkward symptoms you're dealing with can affect your mood. It may help to talk to a counselor about what's going on with you.


Question: How can irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) affect your quality of life?

Answer: Also, you may have diarrhea for a time and then be constipated. Not being able to predict how you'll feel can make it hard to go about your daily life. You also probably need to see your doctor often and are likely to miss more work than other people. It may be harder to focus when you're at your job. Managing stress, for example through exercise or meditation, can help.


Question: How can irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) cause pregnancy complications?

Answer: Pregnancy complications: Hormone changes and the physical pressure a baby puts on the bowel wall can cause digestive issues. Many women also choose to stop any IBS drugs they're taking. This can be better for the baby.


Question: How can irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) cause impacted bowel?

Answer: Here are some of the health issues it can cause: Impacted bowel: If you're constipated for a long time, stool can get blocked in your colon. Sometimes it can get so hard that you can't push it out. This is known as a fecal impaction. It can hurt and cause things like headache, nausea, and vomiting. It happens most often with older adults. See your doctor right away if you have signs this may be happening.


Question: Can I take NSAIDs if I'm being treated for high blood pressure?

Answer: NSAIDs can raise blood pressure in some people. Some people with high blood pressure may have to stop taking NSAIDs if their blood pressure goes up even though they regularly take their blood pressure medications.


Question: What are NSAIDs?

Answer: Doctors use NSAIDs to treat many things that cause pain or inflammation, including arthritis. var s_context; s_context= s_context || {}; s_context['wb.modimp'] = 'vidfloat'; American College of Rheumatology: â NSAIDs ( Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs). ; American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons: â What Are NSAIDs?â; Cleveland Clinic: â Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medicines ( NSAIDs).â; Audio Jungle; Comstock Images; Rob Bouwman; Medioimages; Jose Luis Pelaez Inc; i Stock.


Question: Do NSAIDs all work the same way?

Answer: Some NSAIDs also may be more convenient, since you only need to take them once or twice a day. But you and your doctor can lower your risk of having side effects from NSAIDs.


Question: Can finding the source of stress and getting support help manage it?

Answer: Find the source of your stress: Once you know what's causing your discomfort, you can take steps to deal with it. So identify the stress you have at work, at home, and in your relationships. Get support: Spending time with people who care about you is a key buffer. You can confide in each other or do things that are fun.


Question: What are common signs of stress?

Answer: Stress can show up in different ways. Some common signs, besides sleep loss, include depression, tension, anxiety, and poor focus. You might feel physical signs, too, like headaches, upset stomach, fatigue, appetite loss, and chest, neck, or back pain.


Question: Can improving your sleep help manage stress?

Answer: Start asking others for help, and find ways to free up more of your time. Take steps to improve your sleep: Set a regular bedtime and waking-up time, and stick to them. Before you go to bed, wind down with meditation or relaxation techniques. Just sitting quietly for a few minutes can make a difference. If your sleep problems persist, talk to a doctor. They can help you address your stress and help you figure out what's causing it.


Question: How can getting exercise help manage stress?

Answer: Get moving: Exercise eases stress by letting you blow off tension. Flexible muscles are also less likely to become tense when you're stressed. If you have a medical condition, are over age 45, or haven't been active for a while, it's best to check with your doctor before starting an exercise routine, so you know what's OK for you to do.


Question: How can eating better help manage stress?

Answer: Eat a better diet: You probably already know how smart it is to eat more fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, and less sugar, caffeine, and alcohol. When you make that shift, you'll have more energy to handle stress.


Question: How can lightening work loads help manage stress?

Answer: Controlling your stress can improve your rest. Start asking others for help, and find ways to free up more of your time.


Question: How can changing your thoughts help you manage stress?

Answer: One common mistake is to focus on the way things "should" be. Another mistake is to make broad statements based on one small fact. ( Example: " I'm failing at my job because I had one food splurge.â) Many books can teach you how to improve your self-talk. They can help you address your stress and help you figure out what's causing it.


Question: How are results from a sedimentation rate test measured?

Answer: Your sample will go to a lab. You should have the results in 1 or 2 hours. A lab technician will place your red blood cells into a tall, thin tube and check how far they fall in 1 hour. When you have inflammation in your body, abnormal proteins in your blood make red blood cells form into clumps. These clumps are heavy, so they fall to the bottom of the tube more quickly than single blood cells. The faster the blood cells sink, the more inflammation you have in your body.


Question: When might I get a sedimentation rate test?

Answer: Your doctor might order the sed rate test if you have symptoms like these: Headaches Stiff, swollen, or painful joints Pain in your shoulders, neck, or pelvis Appetite loss Weight loss without trying The sed rate test can be part of the process of discovering if you have one of these conditions: Infection (including of the bones) Cancer Arteritis (inflammation of the blood vessels) Lupus (an autoimmune disease that damages the skin, joints, and other parts of your body) Polymyalgia rheumatica (causes stiff and painful muscles) Rheumatoid arthritis (autoimmune disease in which the immune system attacks your joints) Systematic vasculitis (inflammation in your blood vessels) You might also get this test once you've started treatment for one of these conditions.


Question: What conditions are identified with sedimentation rate test?

Answer: Your doctor might order the sed rate test if you have symptoms like these: Headaches Stiff, swollen, or painful joints Pain in your shoulders, neck, or pelvis Appetite loss Weight loss without trying The sed rate test can be part of the process of discovering if you have one of these conditions: Infection (including of the bones) Cancer Arteritis (inflammation of the blood vessels) Lupus (an autoimmune disease that damages the skin, joints, and other parts of your body) Polymyalgia rheumatica (causes stiff and painful muscles) Rheumatoid arthritis (autoimmune disease in which the immune system attacks your joints) Systematic vasculitis (inflammation in your blood vessels) You might also get this test once you've started treatment for one of these conditions. The sed rate can help your doctor see how well your body is responding to treatment.


Question: What other tests might I need in addition to a sedimentation rate test?

Answer: These include: Anemia Older age Kidney problems Thyroid disease Pregnancy or having your period Obesity Drugs like birth control pills, methyldopa ( Aldomet), theophylline ( Theo-24, Theolair, Elixophylline), vitamin A, cortisone, and quinine The sed rate test can only tell your doctor that you have inflammation somewhere in your body. It can't show where the inflammation is or what caused it. Your doctor will use the sed rate test together with other tests of inflammation, such as C-reactive protein, to make a diagnosis. Talk to your doctor about the results of your sed rate test, and any other tests you have. Make sure you understand what the results mean, and how they'll affect your treatment.


Question: What is the sedimentation rate?

Answer: It's one clue for your doctor that you might have a disease linked to inflammation, like arthritis or cancer, or an infection. The sed rate test measures how fast red blood cells fall to the bottom of a tube. Inflammation creates proteins that make red blood cells fall more quickly. Another name for this test is erythrocyte sedimentation rate ( ESR). Red blood cells are called erythrocytes. Sedimentation is the process by which they fall to the bottom of the tube.


Question: What does a high sedimentation rate mean?

Answer: The sedimentation rate -- or âsed rate,â for short -- is a blood test that checks for inflammation in your body.


Question: What can affect sedimentation rate test results?

Answer: Some conditions and medicines can affect the speed at which red blood cells fall, and they may affect your test results. These include: Anemia Older age Kidney problems Thyroid disease Pregnancy or having your period Obesity Drugs like birth control pills, methyldopa ( Aldomet), theophylline ( Theo-24, Theolair, Elixophylline), vitamin A, cortisone, and quinine The sed rate test can only tell your doctor that you have inflammation somewhere in your body.


Question: How is a blood sample taken during a sedimentation rate test?

Answer: It's just a basic blood test. Let your doctor know what medicines (and supplements) you take before you have the test. Certain drugs can affect the results. Also let your doctor know if you are pregnant or are having your period. A nurse or other health care provider will take a sample of your blood, usually from a vein in your arm. He will first tie a band around the upper part of your arm to make your vein fill with blood and swell up. Then he'll clean the area with an antiseptic, and place a needle into your vein. Your blood will collect into a vial or tube. The process should only take a couple of minutes. Afterward, you'll get a piece of gauze and a bandage over the area to stop the bleeding. You may feel a slight sting as your blood is drawn. Afterward, you may have a small bruise. You might feel feel dizzy and sore, and there might be some bleeding.


Question: Where can I get help for clinical depression?

Answer: Once you decide to seek medical help, start with your primary care doctor. He or she can evaluate you to make sure that medicines or another illness are not the source of your symptoms. Your primary care doctor can also thoroughly assess your symptoms and provide treatment. If needed, he may refer you to a mental health care professional for care.


Question: How do physician assistants treat depression?

Answer: Physician Assistant: These medical health care givers are trained to identify symptoms of depression in patients and have some training in treating mental or psychiatric disorders under the supervision of a physician.


Question: Who treats clinical depression?

Answer: Health care providers in many different environments and specialties are trained to identify the presence of depression. The following are general health care providers who are qualified to treat depression: Physician: Primary care doctors (such as internists or family practice doctors) are primarily skilled in medical health care but also are trained to treat mental or psychiatric problems.


Question: How do social workers help treat depression?

Answer: Social Worker: These are specialists who provide mental health services for the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of depression and other mental or psychiatric illness in individuals, families, and groups. Their goal is to enhance and maintain a person's physical, psychological, and social functioning.


Question: How do psychologists treat depression?

Answer: Psychologist: These are doctoral degree ( Ph D or Psy D) experts in psychology and are trained in counseling, psychotherapy, and psychological testing. Psychologists are not medical doctors and are not medically trained, and therefore are not licensed to prescribe medicines to treat mental illnesses except in a few states where legislation has permitted this.


Question: How do psychiatrists treat depression?

Answer: Psychiatrist: These are medical doctors who specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of mental or psychiatric illnesses. Psychiatrists are licensed to prescribe drugs as part of their treatment regimen and are also trained in psychotherapy, a form of "talking" therapy.


Question: How do physicians treat depression?

Answer: The following are general health care providers who are qualified to treat depression: Physician: Primary care doctors (such as internists or family practice doctors) are primarily skilled in medical health care but also are trained to treat mental or psychiatric problems. They can also screen you for depression. Physicians usually recommend specialized care for patients with more than mild symptoms of depression.


Question: What are tips for traveling by air with Parkinson's disease?

Answer: Request a non-stop flight and an aisle seat. Check as many bags as possible, but remember to keep your medications in your carry-on. Use airport shuttles, or ask for a wheelchair if your gate is a far distance. Ask for early seating for a few extra minutes to board and get comfortable. Use the bathroom before you get on the plane. Airplane bathrooms are often small and not handicapped-accessible. If you are on a restricted diet, request a special meal in advance.


Question: How can cervical position help you know where you are in your fertility cycle?

Answer: Another way to learn about where you are in your fertility cycle is to check the position of your cervix. If you put two fingers into your vagina, you should feel the cervix at the end. Before you ovulate, it should feel hard and dry, like the tip of your nose. During ovulation, you should notice that it seems to have shifted higher and that it feels softer and wetter. But you should always make sure that your hands are clean before you start poking around. And since it may be hard to tell exactly what you're looking for, you may want to talk to your doctor first.


Question: What is the pattern of cervical mucus changes for a woman with a 28-day cycle?

Answer: For a woman with a 28-day cycle, the pattern of changes in her cervical mucus could look something like this: Days 1-5: Menstruation happens. Days 6-9: Vagina is dry with little to no mucus. Days 10-12: Sticky, thick mucus appears, gradually becoming less thick and more white. Days 13-15: Mucus becomes thin, slippery, stretchy, and clear -- like egg whites. This is the most fertile stage. Days 16-21: Mucus becomes sticky and thick again. Days 22-28: Vagina becomes dry. But your cycle could be very different from this pattern, which is why it's useful to mark changes on your own fertility chart. Ideally, you should check your cervical mucus every day, possibly every time you go to the bathroom. If you rub some toilet paper or your fingers -- after washing your hands -- over the opening of your vagina, you should be able to find cervical mucus. Examine the color and consistency between your fingers, and write down what you find.


Question: What are the home treatments for nausea and vomiting?

Answer: He or she will ask about the severity and timing of your symptoms, as well as take a food history and ask if you have had any contact with sick people. Home treatments can help relieve nausea. If your nausea is chronic, you'll need to find a variety of vegetables and proteins that don't upset your stomach to maintain proper nutrition. Stay away from fried or greasy foods. Steer clear of sweets. Eat small meals and eat them slowly. Rest a while after eating with your head elevated.


Question: What is causing my nausea and vomiting?

Answer: He or she will ask about the severity and timing of your symptoms, as well as take a food history and ask if you have had any contact with sick people. You will also undergo a physical exam to look for causes and signs of dehydration. Blood and/or urine tests and/or an abdominal X-ray may be taken to determine the cause of nausea and vomiting. If your nausea is chronic, you'll need to find a variety of vegetables and proteins that don't upset your stomach to maintain proper nutrition. After determining the cause of nausea and vomiting, there are prescription drugs that your doctor can give you if the symptoms are not getting better on their own.


Question: Can a corneal abrasion be prevented?

Answer: If you feel like there's something in your eye, you're going to want to rub it. Don't -- that's how you get a scratch. Do this instead: Blink your eye several times. Pull your upper eyelid over the lower eyelid. Gently rinse your eye out with clean water or a sterile saline solution. Don't try to remove anything that's stuck onto your cornea. Only a doctor should do that.


Question: What should I do while my eye heals from a corneal abrasion?

Answer: While your eye heals: Don't rub your eye. Don't wear contacts until your eye doctor says it's safe to do so. Wear sunglasses to ease discomfort caused by sunlight.


Question: What causes a corneal abrasion?

Answer: You might get a scratch if you: Poke your eye with a fingernail, pen, or makeup brush Get dirt, sand, sawdust, ash, or some other foreign matter in your eye Get chemicals in your eye Rub it too hard Wear poor-fitting or dirty contact lenses Get a certain type of eye infection Have surgery without proper eye protection Play sports or engage in high-risk physical activity without safety eyewear Overwear your contact lenses You may not feel symptoms right away. As a result, you may not be able to figure out what caused it.


Question: How will I recover from a corneal abrasion?

Answer: You should fully recover from a minor scratch without permanent eye damage. But deep scratches can cause infections, scars, and other problems. If you don't take care of them, they can lead to long-term vision problems. Report any unusual symptoms, including a return of pain after treatment, to your eye doctor.


Question: Can corneal abrasions be prevented?

Answer: If you feel like there's something in your eye, you're going to want to rub it. Don't -- that's how you get a scratch. Do this instead: Blink your eye several times. Pull your upper eyelid over the lower eyelid. Gently rinse your eye out with clean water or a sterile saline solution. Don't try to remove anything that's stuck onto your cornea. Only a doctor should do that.


Question: What should you do if you feel like something's stuck in your eye?

Answer: If you feel like there's something in your eye, you're going to want to rub it. The doctor will look at your eye and use a product called eye stain that lets him see the surface of your cornea. If something is on it or in it, he can safely remove it.


Question: What are the symptoms of corneal abrasion?

Answer: Don't -- that's how you get a scratch. If not, you might: Feel like you have sand or grit in your eye Have pain, especially when you open or close your eye Notice tearing and redness Become sensitive to light Have blurred vision Your doctor may prescribe antibiotic eyedrops or ointment to keep your eye from getting infected.


Question: What is the latent stage of syphilis?

Answer: Latent During this phase, the syphilis bacteria are still alive in your body, but you have no signs or symptoms of the infection. You're not contagious during this stage, but syphilis may still affect your heart, brain, nerves, bones, and other parts of your body. This phase can last for years.


Question: Why does polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) cause weight gain?

Answer: PCOS makes it more difficult for the body to use the hormone insulin, which normally helps convert sugars and starches from foods into energy. This condition -- called insulin resistance -- can cause insulin and sugar -- glucose -- to build up in the bloodstream. High insulin levels increase the production of male hormones called androgens. High androgen levels lead to symptoms such as body hair growth, acne, irregular periods -- and weight gain.


Question: What is polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)?

Answer: PCOS is the most common hormonal disorder in women of childbearing age and can lead to issues with fertility. Women who have PCOS have higher levels of male hormones and are also less sensitive to insulin or are "insulin-resistant."


Question: What is Metformin (Glucophage) for polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)?

Answer: Metformin is a diabetes drug that helps the body use insulin more efficiently. It also reduces testosterone production. Some research has found that it can help obese women with PCOS lose weight.


Question: What healthy lifestyle habits can keep your weight under control with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)?

Answer: In addition to taking medication, adding healthy habits into your lifestyle can help you keep your weight under control: Eat a high-fiber, low-sugar diet. Load up on fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Avoid processed and fatty foods to keep your blood sugar levels in check. If you're having trouble eating healthy on your own, talk to your doctor or a dietitian. Eat four to six small meals throughout the day, rather than three large meals. This will help control your blood sugar levels. Exercise for at least 30 minutes a day on most, if not all, days of the week.


Question: When should clinical trials be considered for nasopharyngeal cancer?

Answer: If treatment does not work, consider joining a clinical trial. Researchers are always testing new ways to treat cancer, and they need your help. Ask your doctor or nurse if there are any clinical trials on nasopharyngeal cancer in your area.


Question: What tests may be done to confirm diagnosis of nasopharyngeal cancer?

Answer: Imaging tests may include: Chest X-ray CT scan MRI Ultrasound of the neck The following tests may also be performed: Complete blood count ( CBC) and other blood tests EBV testing If you are diagnosed with nasopharyngeal cancer, other tests will be done to determine if and where the cancer has spread. This is called staging.


Question: What lifestyle habits increase the risk of nasopharyngeal cancer?

Answer: The risk for NPC goes up if you eat a diet rich in salt-cured fish and meat. Tobacco and alcohol may also increase the risk, although their link to NPC is not clear. Some scientists believe that chemicals in these things further damage the DNA in cells.


Question: Can chemotherapy treat nasopharyngeal cancer?

Answer: Chemotherapy uses drugs to kill cancer cells. By itself, it is not usually helpful for treating nasopharyngeal cancer. But it may help you live longer when combined with radiotherapy or biological drugs.


Question: How can you lower the risk of nasopharyngeal cancer?

Answer: Do not drink a lot of alcohol.


Question: Can surgery cure nasopharyngeal cancer?

Answer: Surgery to remove the tumor is not often performed because of the tumor's location near nerves and blood vessels. It may cause permanent damage to the eye and other nearby structures. Not all people with nasopharyngeal cancer can have surgery. Your doctor will consider the location and stage of your tumor when discussing your treatment options.


Question: What causes nasopharyngeal cancer?

Answer: However, the cancer has been strongly linked to the Epstein- Barr virus ( EBV).


Question: What happens if I am diagnosed with nasopharyngeal cancer?

Answer: If you are diagnosed with nasopharyngeal cancer, you will need regular follow-ups with your medical team before, during, and after treatment. Your treatment will depend on many things, including: Location of the tumor Stage of the tumor Your overall health Treatment may include: Radiation Therapy .


Question: What populations are most affected by nasopharyngeal cancer?

Answer: Fewer than one in every 100,000 people in the U. S. gets this type of cancer, according to the American Cancer Society. The cancer is most common in southern China and southeast Asia. It is also much more common in: Other parts of Asia North Africa Inuit populations of Alaska and Canada Chinese and Hmong immigrant groups in the U. S. In the U. S., nasopharyngeal cancer has also been seen in African- Americans, Hispanics, and white people.


Question: Where is the nasopharynx?

Answer: The nasopharynx is precariously placed at the base of your skull, above the roof of your mouth. Your nostrils open into the nasopharynx. When you breathe, air flows through your nose into your throat and nasopharynx, and eventually into your lungs.


Question: What is another name for nasopharyngeal cancer?

Answer: Nasopharyngeal cancer is also called nasopharyngeal carcinoma ( NPC).


Question: What happens if my exam for nasopharyngeal cancer is abnormal?

Answer: If the exam is abnormal, your doctor may recommend a biopsy. A biopsy is the removal of a small amount of tissue for examination under a microscope. A biopsy may be taken during the nasopharyngoscopy. If there is a lump in your neck, the biopsy may be done by placing a very thin, hollow needle into the lump.


Question: How is chemotherapy used to treat nasopharyngeal cancer?

Answer: Chemotherapy uses drugs to kill cancer cells. By itself, it is not usually helpful for treating nasopharyngeal cancer. But it may help you live longer when combined with radiotherapy or biological drugs.


Question: How is radiation therapy used to treat nasopharyngeal cancer?

Answer: Radiation therapy uses X-rays to kill cancer cells and stop them from growing. It is usually part of the standard treatment for early stage nasopharyngeal cancer. One type called IMRT delivers high-dose radiation directly to the tumor while minimizing damage to nearby healthy tissue. It may cause fewer side effects or complications than conventional radiation treatment to the nasopharynx, which can lead to: dry mouth inflammation of the lining of your mouth and throat blindness brain stem injury death of healthy tissue tooth decay Chemotherapy.


Question: How is nasopharyngeal cancer treated?

Answer: If you are diagnosed with nasopharyngeal cancer, you will need regular follow-ups with your medical team before, during, and after treatment. Your treatment will depend on many things, including: Location of the tumor Stage of the tumor Your overall health Treatment may include: Radiation Therapy .


Question: What tests are used to diagnose nasopharyngeal cancer?

Answer: Imaging tests can help spot nasopharyngeal cancer or determine if it has spread. Imaging tests may include: Chest X-ray CT scan MRI Ultrasound of the neck The following tests may also be performed: Complete blood count ( CBC) and other blood tests EBV testing If you are diagnosed with nasopharyngeal cancer, other tests will be done to determine if and where the cancer has spread.


Question: How can clinical trials help with nasopharyngeal cancer?

Answer: If treatment does not work, consider joining a clinical trial. Researchers are always testing new ways to treat cancer, and they need your help. Ask your doctor or nurse if there are any clinical trials on nasopharyngeal cancer in your area.


Question: Who is more likely to get nasopharyngeal cancer?

Answer: You are more likely to get this type of cancer if you: Are male Eat a diet rich in salt-cured fish and meats Have a family history of nasopharyngeal cancer Have certain genes linked to cancer development Have come in contact with EBV Some, but not all, studies have found a higher risk of nasopharyngeal cancer in people who: Smoke Drink a lot of alcohol Work around wood dust or a chemical called formaldehyde Symptoms of nasopharyngeal cancer may include: Lump in neck (most common) Blurry or double vision Ear infections that recur Face pain or numbness Headache Hearing loss, ringing in the ears, or a feeling of fullness in the ear Difficulty opening mouth Nosebleeds Stuffy nose Sore throat Keep in mind, such symptoms are more likely to occur with many other diseases and health conditions that are far less serious than nasopharyngeal cancer.


Question: What increases the risk for nasopharyngeal cancer?

Answer: The risk for NPC goes up if you eat a diet rich in salt-cured fish and meat. Tobacco and alcohol may also increase the risk, although their link to NPC is not clear. Some scientists believe that chemicals in these things further damage the DNA in cells.


Question: Who gets nasopharyngeal cancer?

Answer: Fewer than one in every 100,000 people in the U. S. gets this type of cancer, according to the American Cancer Society. The cancer is most common in southern China and southeast Asia. It is also much more common in: Other parts of Asia North Africa Inuit populations of Alaska and Canada Chinese and Hmong immigrant groups in the U. S. In the U. S., nasopharyngeal cancer has also been seen in African- Americans, Hispanics, and white people.


Question: What happens if you are diagnosed with nasopharyngeal cancer?

Answer: Imaging tests may include: Chest X-ray CT scan MRI Ultrasound of the neck The following tests may also be performed: Complete blood count ( CBC) and other blood tests EBV testing If you are diagnosed with nasopharyngeal cancer, other tests will be done to determine if and where the cancer has spread. This is called staging.


Question: What is a nasopharyngoscopy?

Answer: A flexible, lighted tube may be placed through your mouth or nose to help the doctor better view the nasopharynx. If the exam is abnormal, your doctor may recommend a biopsy.


Question: How is Epstein-Barr virus linked to nasopharyngeal cancer?

Answer: Nasopharyngeal cancer is a rare type of head and neck cancer. Although EBV infection is common, not everyone who has EBV will get nasopharyngeal cancer. In the U. S., most people who have had an EBV infection never have long-term problems. Scientists are still researching how EBV leads to nasopharyngeal cancer, but it may be related to genetic material ( DNA) from the virus affecting the DNA in the cells of the nasopharynx. The change in DNA causes cells to grow and divide abnormally, causing cancer. Biologic drugs affect how your body's immune system fights disease.


Question: What is nasopharyngeal cancer?

Answer: Most patients with nasopharyngeal cancer have a lump in the neck. This is called a nasopharyngoscopy. It is usually part of the standard treatment for early stage nasopharyngeal cancer.


Question: Does everyone who get Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) get nasopharyngeal cancer?

Answer: Nasopharyngeal cancer is a rare type of head and neck cancer. Although EBV infection is common, not everyone who has EBV will get nasopharyngeal cancer. In the U. S., most people who have had an EBV infection never have long-term problems. Scientists are still researching how EBV leads to nasopharyngeal cancer, but it may be related to genetic material ( DNA) from the virus affecting the DNA in the cells of the nasopharynx. The change in DNA causes cells to grow and divide abnormally, causing cancer. Biologic drugs affect how your body's immune system fights disease.


Question: What happens if your exam for nasopharyngeal cancer is abnormal?

Answer: Most patients with nasopharyngeal cancer have a lump in the neck. A biopsy is the removal of a small amount of tissue for examination under a microscope. A biopsy may be taken during the nasopharyngoscopy.


Question: What biologic drugs are used to treat nasopharyngeal cancer?

Answer: You are more likely to get this type of cancer if you: Are male Eat a diet rich in salt-cured fish and meats Have a family history of nasopharyngeal cancer Have certain genes linked to cancer development Have come in contact with EBV Some, but not all, studies have found a higher risk of nasopharyngeal cancer in people who: Smoke Drink a lot of alcohol Work around wood dust or a chemical called formaldehyde Symptoms of nasopharyngeal cancer may include: Lump in neck (most common) Blurry or double vision Ear infections that recur Face pain or numbness Headache Hearing loss, ringing in the ears, or a feeling of fullness in the ear Difficulty opening mouth Nosebleeds Stuffy nose Sore throat Keep in mind, such symptoms are more likely to occur with many other diseases and health conditions that are far less serious than nasopharyngeal cancer. But it may help you live longer when combined with radiotherapy or biological drugs. Biologic drugs. Biologic drugs affect how your body's immune system fights disease. They include monoclonal antibodies such as cetuximab ( Erbitux), pembrolizumab ( Keytruda), and nivolumab ( Opdivo). Clinical trials .


Question: How is palliative therapy used to treat nasopharyngeal cancer?

Answer: Nasopharyngeal cancer is a rare type of head and neck cancer. Palliative therapy. The goal of palliative treatment is to control symptoms related to cancer and cancer treatment and make you as comfortable as possible.


Question: Having rheumatoid arthritis increases the odds of getting what types of cancer?

Answer: RA itself increases your odds of getting some types of cancer, like lymphoma. Scientists looked into whether RA drugs play a role in that increased risk. They found that chronic inflammation, not medication, is probably to blame. Some biologics may even keep cancer at bay because they keep inflammation in check.


Question: What is the link between drugs and melanoma?

Answer: Another found that taking anti- TNFs was linked to a lower risk of cancer than taking DMARDs alone. You might have a slightly higher chance of getting blood cancer, but not much. Researchers also checked the link between anti- TNFs and melanoma, the most lethal form of skin cancer. Once again, they found no connection.


Question: What is the link between rheumatoid arthritis and getting cancer again?

Answer: Another study gives reassurance if you have RA and a history of cancer. Scientists looked at whether anti- TNFs or rituximab boosted cancer cases. The good news: The drugs don't seem to raise your odds of getting cancer again.


Question: What type of drugs are biologics?

Answer: These drugs, which are sometimes called TNF inhibitors or TNF blockers, are biologics like: Adalimumab ( Humira) Adalimumab-atto ( Amjevita), a biosimilar to Humira Certolizumab ( Cimzia) Etanercept ( Enbrel) Etanercept-szzs ( Erelzi) a biosimilar to Enbrel Golimumab ( Simponi, Simponi Aria) Infliximab ( Remicade) Infliximab-abda ( Renflexis), a biosimilar to Remicade Infliximab-dyyb ( Inflectra), a biosimilar to Remicade Recent studies show they may slightly raise your chance of getting nonmelanoma skin cancers.


Question: What is the first treatment often used for rheumatoid arthritis and its risk for cancer?

Answer: Methotrexate is often the first treatment given to people with RA. But it could make you more likely to get some cancers, especially skin cancer.


Question: What do some studies show in patients with rheumatoid arthritis and their link to cancer?

Answer: One study found methotrexate may be tied to melanoma, non- Hodgkin's lymphoma, and lung cancer. A second found that if you have RA and had a nonmelanoma growth in the past, you might have a greater chance of getting nonmelanoma skin cancer. The risk may be even higher if you take methotrexate with a TNF inhibitor. Two other DMARDs that are sometimes used to treat RA -- cyclophosphamide and azathioprine -- may also be tied to certain cancers.


Question: What is the link between rheumatoid arthritis drugs and cancer?

Answer: Years ago, some early research found that certain rheumatoid arthritis ( RA) drugs, especially ones called biologics, might make you more likely to get cancer. But a number of recent studies show that in general, this isn't the case.


Question: What should a patient do if they are concerned about cancer?

Answer: Don't let fear of cancer stop you from taking the RA treatment your doctor suggests, especially given the benefits these drugs offer. Be sure to ask about the pros and cons of taking a recommended drug, as well as the risks and benefits of not taking it.


Question: What are good habits to practice if you have Crohn's disease?

Answer: Regular exercise can also help you feel better. So can other simple activities. Try the following: Throughout the day, pay attention to your breathing and slow it down. Take time to be outdoors. Meditate, pray, or practice yoga. Spend time with positive people whose company you enjoy.


Question: How can you seek support if you have Crohn's disease?

Answer: You can have some tough days with Crohn's or any other long-term condition. So ask for help and support. Family, friends, and neighbors are often willing to step up. Sometimes they're not sure how to do that. So if someone says, â Let me know if I can do anything,â give them some ideas about what would be helpful. You might like to talk to others with Crohn's disease. Look into online and local support groups. Ask your doctor or nurse about resources in your area.


Question: How can you get help if Crohn's disease makes you feel anxious or down?

Answer: Your family and close friends might also be able to recommend someone. You may also want to look for a support group, where you can talk to people who can relate to what you're going through. If it turns out that you have a medical condition like depression or anxiety, your doctor may recommend medication to help with those symptoms.


Question: How can you nourish yourself if you have Crohn's disease?

Answer: Crohn's disease may make it harder for your body to take in calories and important nutrients. At times, your doctor may recommend that you add to your diet. He may suggest that you take supplements. These may be high-calorie drinks loaded with vitamins. You may also need to take specific vitamins, like B12 or D, or certain minerals like iron or calcium. You could also ask your doctor if it would help for you to work with a nutritionist.


Question: How can bringing a buddy to doctor visits help you manage Crohn's disease?

Answer: Your family and close friends might also be able to recommend someone. Sometimes they're not sure how to do that. Since you'll need to follow all medical instructions, ask for them in writing if it helps you remember.


Question: Do you need tube feedings for severe Crohn's disease?

Answer: When this happens, your doctor uses what's called a nasogastric tube, which goes in your nose and stomach. If the nasogastric tube isn't an option, the doctor may place a tube directly into your stomach through a cut in your belly. This rarely happens, and in either case tube feeding is almost always temporary. These may help ease some of your symptoms.


Question: Can you manage Crohn's disease symptoms on your own?

Answer: To treat your Crohn's disease, your doctor will recommend what medicines to take and whether you might need surgery. Regular exercise can also help you feel better.


Question: When do I need neuropsychological tests?

Answer: Neuropsychology looks at how the health of your brain affects your thinking skills and behavior. You usually take a neurological test when you have a noticeable change in your thinking or memory. They help doctors figure out whether your problems are caused by any of the following: Disease, such as Alzheimer's Brain injury Emotional disorders, such as depression or anxiety Normal brain changes related to getting older It is especially important for doctors to find out about thinking problems in cases where the patient has a movement disorder, such as Parkinson's disease.


Question: What are some examples of neuropsychological tests?

Answer: They're called neuropsychological tests. Neuropsychology looks at how the health of your brain affects your thinking skills and behavior. For instance, if you see a picture of a dog and a cat, you might answer that they're both animals or that they are both pets. Verbal communication test: Name some items as the person giving the test points at them. Motor tests: These might include tasks such as inserting pegs into a pegboard using one hand and then the other. You might also be given tests to see how your hearing and vision affect your thinking and memory.


Question: What happens after my neuropsychological testing?

Answer: Neuropsychology looks at how the health of your brain affects your thinking skills and behavior. The treatment plan could include more medical tests, such as a CT or MRI scan of your brain. Treatment might also include counseling if the diagnosis is depression. Whatever the results are, they will become part of your permanent medical history. They will be helpful in understanding your current health picture and your future medical needs, too.


Question: How should I prepare for neuropsychological tests?

Answer: Neuropsychology looks at how the health of your brain affects your thinking skills and behavior. There are a few things you should do before the test, however: Get a good night's sleep, since being tired affects how you think. Eat a good breakfast. Don't drink anything with alcohol in it the night before the test. Ask your doctor about whether you can take any medications, including sleep medicine, the night before. Tell the psychologist about any previous psychological tests you've taken. You or a loved one should bring a list of all your medications. If you have trouble answering questions about your medical history or symptoms, bring someone along who can.


Question: What areas are covered by neuropsychological testing?

Answer: Neuropsychology looks at how the health of your brain affects your thinking skills and behavior. These tests help your doctors look at your attention span and how well you concentrate on things. Other areas covered by neuropsychological testing include: Your ability to think, understand, learn, and remember (cognition) Memory Motor function (walking, coordination, etc.)


Question: What are neuropsychological tests?

Answer: If you're having trouble concentrating or making decisions, some simple tests might be helpful in figuring out what's wrong. They may also be done on a computer. You might also be given tests to see how your hearing and vision affect your thinking and memory. You usually take a neurological test when you have a noticeable change in your thinking or memory.


Question: How can I prevent ulcers?

Answer: Researchers are trying to develop a vaccine to prevent infection.


Question: What are tips to help prevent ulcers, or to help them heal?

Answer: Some helpful tips to prevent or allow healing of ulcers include: Avoid foods that irritate your stomach. Use common sense: If it upsets your stomach when you eat it, avoid it. Everyone is different, but spicy foods, citrus fruits, and fatty foods are common irritants. Stop smoking. Take nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs ( NSAIDS including aspirin and ibuprofen) with food, as this may decrease your risk of irritating the lining of your stomach Learn how to control your stress levels.


Question: How can lupus lead to elbow pain?

Answer: Lupus: This is another illness where your immune system attacks healthy parts of your body, including your joints and organs. It more commonly affects your hands and feet, but it can cause problems in your elbow.


Question: How can trapped nerves lead to elbow pain?

Answer: Trapped nerves: You might be familiar with carpal tunnel syndrome, where a nerve that passes through your wrist gets squeezed and causes some wrist and arm issues. You can have similar problems in your elbow. If you have cubital tunnel syndrome, one of the main nerves in your arm (the ulnar nerve) gets squeezed as it runs along the inside of your elbow and passes through tissue called the cubital tunnel. You may have burning or numbness in your hand, arm, and fingers. If you have radial tunnel syndrome, you have a similar issue with the radial nerve as it passes through the radial tunnel near the outside of your elbow. You may have burning or numbness on your outside forearm and elbow.


Question: How can bursitis lead to elbow pain?

Answer: Bursitis: Often caused by repeating the same motion over and over, you can also get bursitis from an accident or infection. Bursa are small sacs with fluid in them. You have them in your joints to help cushion your bones, tendons, and muscles. They also help skin slide over bone. But they can get swollen and cause you pain. Often, bursitis is simply treated with pain medicine and starts to get better within a few weeks.


Question: How can arthritis cause elbow pain?

Answer: Arthritis: Many types of arthritis can affect your elbow, but the main ones are rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. Rheumatoid arthritis is the most common type of arthritis in the elbow. When you have it, your immune system attacks your body's healthy tissue and causes swelling in your joints. You get osteoarthritis when your elbow cartilage breaks down over time, which means the bones rub together and cause pain and stiffness.


Question: Why does my elbow hurt?

Answer: !s_sensitive, chron ID: $('article embeded_module[type=video][align=top]:eq(0)').attr('chronic_id'), continuous Play: true, cp Options: { flyout: true }, display Ads: true, mode: 'in-article', sticky: true }) }); }); } else { $(function(){ $('.responsive-video-container').remove(); }); } Your elbow lets you throw, lift, swing, and hug, for starters. You can do all this because it's not a simple joint. And that means there are a lot of ways things can go wrong. Your elbow's a joint formed where three bones come together -- your upper arm bone, called the humerus, and the ulna and the radius, the two bones that make up your forearm. Each bone has cartilage on the end, which helps them slide against each other and absorb shocks. They're lashed into place with tough tissues called ligaments. And your tendons connect your bones to muscles to allow you to move your arm in different ways. If anything happens to any of these parts, not to mention the nerves and blood vessels around them, it can cause you pain.


Question: What one-time injuries cause elbow pain?

Answer: Here are some of the different ways your elbow can hurt: Some injuries, hopefully, are one-off events, like when you fall or get hit hard while playing a sport. Dislocated elbow. When one of the bones that forms the elbow gets knocked out of place, you have a dislocated elbow. One of the more common causes is when you put your hand out to catch yourself during a fall. It can also happen to toddlers when you swing them by their forearms -- that's called nursemaid's elbow. Strains and sprains: File these under, â Oof, I think I pushed it a little too far.â When muscles get stretched or torn, it's called a strain. When it's ligaments, it's a sprain.


Question: What will your occupational therapist do during your appointment?

Answer: Your OT may: Prescribe and train you to use assistive devices like raised toilet seats or wheelchairs Teach you new ways to button a shirt, tie your shoes, get in and out of the shower, or work on your computer Help older adults prevent falls in their home or in public areas Treat adults who've had a stroke to improve balance, change their home to prevent injuries, build muscle strength, or adapt to their memory or speech problems Organize your medications or household tools Address behavior problems in kids who act out or hit others Build hand-eye coordination so you can hit a tennis ball Work on motor skills so you can grasp a pencil Just about anyone who struggles to do any kind of task may need it.


Question: How can occupational therapy (OT) help you?

Answer: It can help you do specific things like: Eat without help from others Take part in leisure activities Do office work Bathe and get dressed Do laundry or clean up around the house They get special graduate training in occupational therapy.


Question: What is involved in occupational therapy (OT)?

Answer: You'll meet with a health professional called an occupational therapist who can come up with ways to change your movements so you can get your work done, take care of yourself or your home, play sports, or stay active.


Question: What training does an occupatinal therapist get?

Answer: It can help you do specific things like: Eat without help from others Take part in leisure activities Do office work Bathe and get dressed Do laundry or clean up around the house They get special graduate training in occupational therapy. You'll probably hear them called OTs. They must be licensed and pass a national exam to be certified to practice. Some OTs go through more training so they can focus on certain types of treatment, like hand therapy, treating people with low vision, or working with children or older adults.


Question: Who needs occupational therapy (OT)?

Answer: If you have one of these health problems, ask your doctor if OT could help you: Arthritis and chronic pain Stroke Brain injury Joint replacement Spinal cord injury Low vision Alzheimer's disease Poor balance Cancer Diabetes Multiple sclerosis Cerebral palsy Mental health or behavior issues It can also help kids with birth defects, ADHD, juvenile arthritis, autism, or severe injuries or burns.


Question: What is an occupational therapy assistant?

Answer: Some OTs go through more training so they can focus on certain types of treatment, like hand therapy, treating people with low vision, or working with children or older adults. Occupational therapy assistants help with some parts of your treatment. They don't assess you or create your therapy plan. An OT assistant needs an associate's degree. OT's and OTA's often work with your doctor, physical therapist, psychologist, or other health professionals.


Question: Who can benefit from occupational therapy (OT)?

Answer: This type of treatment can help if you have pain, injury, illness, or a disability that makes it hard for you to do your job or schoolwork, care for yourself, complete household chores, move around, or take part in activities. Your OT may: Prescribe and train you to use assistive devices like raised toilet seats or wheelchairs Teach you new ways to button a shirt, tie your shoes, get in and out of the shower, or work on your computer Help older adults prevent falls in their home or in public areas Treat adults who've had a stroke to improve balance, change their home to prevent injuries, build muscle strength, or adapt to their memory or speech problems Organize your medications or household tools Address behavior problems in kids who act out or hit others Build hand-eye coordination so you can hit a tennis ball Work on motor skills so you can grasp a pencil Just about anyone who struggles to do any kind of task may need it. If you have one of these health problems, ask your doctor if OT could help you: Arthritis and chronic pain Stroke Brain injury Joint replacement Spinal cord injury Low vision Alzheimer's disease Poor balance Cancer Diabetes Multiple sclerosis Cerebral palsy Mental health or behavior issues It can also help kids with birth defects, ADHD, juvenile arthritis, autism, or severe injuries or burns.


Question: What can you expect at your first occupational therapy (OT) appointment?

Answer: They don't assess you or create your therapy plan. They can show you how to do daily chores better. Next, they'll work with you to come up with a therapy plan and set goals designed for your needs, disability, or limits. Your OT can train you to adapt your movements, improve your motor skills or hand-eye coordination, or do tasks in new ways. Your therapist may come to your home, workplace, or school to create a treatment plan.


Question: What is occupational therapy (OT)?

Answer: This type of treatment can help if you have pain, injury, illness, or a disability that makes it hard for you to do your job or schoolwork, care for yourself, complete household chores, move around, or take part in activities. You'll learn how to use tools (you may hear them called assistive devices) if you need them. You'll meet with a health professional called an occupational therapist who can come up with ways to change your movements so you can get your work done, take care of yourself or your home, play sports, or stay active. It can help you do specific things like: Eat without help from others Take part in leisure activities Do office work Bathe and get dressed Do laundry or clean up around the house They get special graduate training in occupational therapy. You'll probably hear them called OTs. In short, the therapist looks at how you do any kind of activity or task. They can show you how to do daily chores better.


Question: How can an occupational therapist help you?

Answer: This type of treatment can help if you have pain, injury, illness, or a disability that makes it hard for you to do your job or schoolwork, care for yourself, complete household chores, move around, or take part in activities. Your OT may: Prescribe and train you to use assistive devices like raised toilet seats or wheelchairs Teach you new ways to button a shirt, tie your shoes, get in and out of the shower, or work on your computer Help older adults prevent falls in their home or in public areas Treat adults who've had a stroke to improve balance, change their home to prevent injuries, build muscle strength, or adapt to their memory or speech problems Organize your medications or household tools Address behavior problems in kids who act out or hit others Build hand-eye coordination so you can hit a tennis ball Work on motor skills so you can grasp a pencil Just about anyone who struggles to do any kind of task may need it. Your therapist may come to your home, workplace, or school to create a treatment plan.


Question: Where do you get occupational therapy (OT)?

Answer: This type of treatment can help if you have pain, injury, illness, or a disability that makes it hard for you to do your job or schoolwork, care for yourself, complete household chores, move around, or take part in activities. Your therapist may come to your home, workplace, or school to create a treatment plan. OTs also work in many places like these: Hospitals Rehab centers Outpatient clinics Nursing or assisted living homes Schools Private practice offices Prisons Corporate offices Industrial workplaces


Question: How can biologic response modifiers (biologics) help with treating arthritis?

Answer: Approved to treat certain forms of inflammatory arthritis such as psoriatic arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and ankylosing spondylitis, biologic response modifiers (biologics) work by altering the function of the immune system that attacks the joints. These drugs must be administered by intravenous (by vein) infusion or by an injection, and they are more expensive than other arthritis drugs.


Question: How do DMARDs help treat arthritis?

Answer: These drugs are often able to alter the course of some forms of inflammatory arthritis -- diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, or ankylosing spondylitis -- that can destroy the joints. Often these drugs are the first ones used for these diseases. DMARDs work by interfering with or suppressing the immune system that attacks the joints in people with certain forms of inflammatory arthritis. Aggressive treatment of arthritis often involves using one or more DMARDs.


Question: How can hyaluronan injections help with treating knee osteoarthritis?

Answer: There are several versions of hyaluronan injections, also called viscosupplementation, that are used to treat osteoarthritis of the knee. They are injected directly into the joint. Some studies have shown some benefit for reducing pain for periods of up to six months, but others have shown more limited results.


Question: How can medicines help treat gout?

Answer: DMARDs work by interfering with or suppressing the immune system that attacks the joints in people with certain forms of inflammatory arthritis.


Question: When are topical pain relievers helpful for arthritis?

Answer: Your doctor can help you choose what drugs are best for your particular disease. var s_context; s_context= s_context || {}; s_context['wb.modimp'] = 'vidfloat'; if(webmd.useragent && webmd.useragent.ua.type === 'desktop'){ webmd.ads2.disable Initial Load(); webmd.ads2.disable Ads Init = true; $(function() { webmd.p.pim.increment(); $('.responsive-video-container').insert After('.module-social-share-container'); require(['video2/1/responsive-player/video-loader'], function(video Loader) { video Loader.init({ autoplay: webmd.useragent.ua.type === 'desktop' && ! !s_sensitive, chron ID: $('article embeded_module[type=video][align=top]:eq(0)').attr('chronic_id'), continuous Play: true, cp Options: { flyout: true }, display Ads: true, mode: 'in-article', sticky: true }) }); }); } else { $(function(){ $('.responsive-video-container').remove(); }); } These topical drugs can help provide pain relief for people with arthritis that is in just a few joints, such as a hand, or for people whose pain isn't severe.


Question: How can nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory painkillers (NSAIDs) help with treating arthritis?

Answer: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or NSAIDs are available both over-the-counter and by prescription. Almost everyone with arthritis has taken or is taking one of these drugs. Prescription doses can help curb joint inflammation.


Question: How soon will I notice the benefits of disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) when treating arthritis?

Answer: It also often takes weeks for you to notice the benefits of taking a DMARD. Therefore, they are often combined with a faster-working drug such as an NSAID, another painkiller, or steroids to help relieve some arthritis symptoms.


Question: What medications can help with treating arthritis?

Answer: Your doctor can help you choose what drugs are best for your particular disease. There are several versions of hyaluronan injections, also called viscosupplementation, that are used to treat osteoarthritis of the knee.


Question: How can steroids help treat arthritis and what are the side effects?

Answer: Although effective, steroidscan have many side effects, especially when taken as a pill andused long term. Often, doctors try to avoid these problems by injecting the steroid into the affected joint or trying other medications in combination to keep the dose of steroids as low as possible. These drugs are often able to alter the course of some forms of inflammatory arthritis -- diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, or ankylosing spondylitis -- that can destroy the joints.


Question: How does counseling help in your treatment for erectile dysfunction (ED)?

Answer: If your ED is caused by psychological or emotional issues, consider seeing a counselor or therapist. She can teach you ways to reduce the anxiety related to sex. You can even invite your partner to talk about new ways to explore intimacy and different techniques to treat the physical causes of your ED.


Question: Can acupuncture help if you have erectile dysfunction (ED)?

Answer: Acupuncture may help some men with ED, but most studies provide no conclusive evidence about the effectiveness of the treatment. But acupuncture is safe, and if you want to give it a try, you should.


Question: Do flavonoids prevent erectile dysfunction (ED)?

Answer: According to a 10-year study of more than 25,000 men, those who ate a diet high in flavonoid-rich foods were less likely to have ED. Whether that means flavonoid supplements can help with ED still needs to be studied.


Question: Is it OK to take supplements for erectile dysfunction (ED)?

Answer: Keep in mind that most nutritional supplements aren't regulated by the FDA as drugs or foods. Instead they're regulated as dietary supplements. That means they have to meet certain quality standards, but it doesn't guarantee that they're safe for everyone. That's why you should always talk with your doctor before taking any supplements. And stay safe by following these tips: Avoid supplements from outside the U. S. Check with the FDA for supplements under review Don't exceed recommended dosage Take only one supplement at a time


Question: How does diabetic neuropathy due to diabetes affect feet?

Answer: Diabetes can cause two problems that can affect your feet: Diabetic neuropathy. Uncontrolled diabetes can damage your nerves. If you have damaged nerves in your legs and feet, you might not feel heat, cold, or pain there. This lack of feeling is called "sensory diabetic neuropathy." If you do not feel a cut or sore on your foot because of neuropathy, the cut could get worse and become infected. The muscles of your foot may not work properly because nerves to the muscles are damaged. This could cause your foot to not align properly and create too much pressure on one part of your foot. Peripheral vascular disease.


Question: How should you manage corns and calluses if you have diabetes?

Answer: Gently smooth corns and calluses with an emery board or pumice stone. Do this after your bath or shower, when your skin is soft. Move the emery board in only one direction.


Question: How can you manage dry skin on the feet?

Answer: Dry skin can crack, which can allow germs to enter. Use moisturizing soaps and lotions to keep your skin moist and soft.


Question: What should you do if you have dry feet and diabetes?

Answer: If the skin on your feet is dry, keep it moist by applying lotion after you wash and dry your feet. Do not put lotion between your toes. Your doctor can tell you which type of lotion is best.


Question: How can you keep blood flowing to your feet if you have diabetes?

Answer: Put your feet up when sitting, wiggle your toes and move your ankles several times a day, and don't cross your legs for long periods.


Question: How can you wash your feet to avoid foot problems?

Answer: Wash your feet in warm water every day, using a mild soap. Test the temperature of the water with your elbow because nerve damage can affect sensation in your hands, too. Do not soak your feet. Dry your feet well, especially between your toes.


Question: How often should you check your feet for problems if you have diabetes?

Answer: Check your feet every day for sores, blisters, redness, calluses, or any other problems. If you have poor blood flow, it is especially important to check your feet daily.


Question: How does peripheral vascular disease due to diabetes affect feet?

Answer: Peripheral vascular disease. If you have poor blood flow, it is especially important to check your feet daily. Diabetes affects the blood vessels that supply your fingers and toes. When blood flow is cut off, tissue can die.


Question: What is athlete's foot and how is it treated?

Answer: Athlete's foot . Medicines that kill the fungus can treat athlete's foot. These medicines come in pills or creams. Dry skin can crack, which can allow germs to enter.


Question: How can you best manage and avoid foot problems if you have diabetes?

Answer: A callus is a buildup of hard skin, usually on the underside of the foot. If you have a foot problem that gets worse or won't heal, contact your doctor. Make sure your diabetes doctor checks your feet during each checkup. See your podiatrist (a foot doctor) every 2 to 3 months for checkups, even if you don't have any foot problems.


Question: What causes bunions to form and what can you do about them?

Answer: A bunion forms when your big toe bends toward your second toe. Often, the spot where your big toe joins your foot becomes red and callused. This area also may stick out and become hard. They may run in the family, but most often they're caused by wearing high-heeled shoes with narrow toes. These shoes put pressure on your big toe, pushing it toward your second toe. Felt or foam padding may help protect the bunion from irritation. If the bunion causes severe pain or deformity, you might need surgery to realign your toes.


Question: What is a toe corn and how is it removed?

Answer: A corn is a buildup of hard skin near a bony area of a toe or between toes. Corns may happen because of pressure from shoes that rub against your toes or cause friction between your toes. After your bath or shower, use a pumice stone to gently remove the built-up tissue. Do not use over-the-counter remedies to dissolve corns. DO NOT try to cut the corn or remove it with a sharp object. If you have a persistent problem or if you have a nail infection, you may need a doctor's care.


Question: What is a foot ulcer and what should you do if you have one?

Answer: A foot ulcer is a break in the skin or a deep sore. Foot ulcers can happen from minor scrapes, cuts that heal slowly, or from the rubbing of shoes that do not fit well. Ask your doctor for advice on how to best care for your ulcer. The common treatment is to drain the abscess.


Question: What is a fungal infection of the nails and how is it treated?

Answer: Nails that are infected with a fungus may become discolored (yellowish-brown or opaque), thick, and brittle and may separate from the rest of your nail. In some cases, your nail may crumble. The dark, moist, and warm environment of shoes can help a fungus grow. An injury to your nail can also lead to a fungal infection. Fungal nail infections are hard to treat. Medications applied to the nail are available, but they only help a small number of fungal nail problems. Your doctor might also remove the damaged nail. In severe cases, you may need surgery to straighten your toes.


Question: How can diabetic neuropathy affect your feet?

Answer: Diabetes can cause two problems that can affect your feet: Diabetic neuropathy. If you have damaged nerves in your legs and feet, you might not feel heat, cold, or pain there. This lack of feeling is called "sensory diabetic neuropathy." If you do not feel a cut or sore on your foot because of neuropathy, the cut could get worse and become infected. The muscles of your foot may not work properly because nerves to the muscles are damaged. This could cause your foot to not align properly and create too much pressure on one part of your foot. Peripheral vascular disease. Up to 10% of people with diabetes will get foot ulcers.


Question: Does smoking cause foot problems in people with diabetes?

Answer: Your doctor can tell you which type of lotion is best. Smoking can make problems with blood flow worse.


Question: What can you do to prevent foot problems from diabetes?

Answer: Here are some tips for good foot care: Take care of yourself and your diabetes. Follow your doctor's advice regarding nutrition, exercise, and medication. Keep your blood sugar level within the range recommended by your doctor. Wash your feet in warm water every day, using a mild soap. Test the temperature of the water with your elbow because nerve damage can affect sensation in your hands, too. Do not soak your feet. Dry your feet well, especially between your toes. Check your feet every day for sores, blisters, redness, calluses, or any other problems. If you have poor blood flow, it is especially important to check your feet daily. If the skin on your feet is dry, keep it moist by applying lotion after you wash and dry your feet. Do not put lotion between your toes. Your doctor can tell you which type of lotion is best. Gently smooth corns and calluses with an emery board or pumice stone. Do this after your bath or shower, when your skin is soft. Move the emery board in only one direction. Check your toenails once a week. Trim your toenails with a nail clipper straight across. Do not round off the corners of toenails or cut down on the sides of the nails. After clipping, smooth the toenails with a nail file. If you have diabetes, contact your doctor if you have any of these problems: Changes in skin color Changes in skin temperature Swelling in the foot or ankle Pain in the legs Open sores on the feet that are slow to heal or are draining Ingrown toenails or toenails infected with fungus Corns or calluses Dry cracks in the skin, especially around the heel Foot odor that is unusual or won't go away Skin and bone infections.


Question: How can I ease side effects of my treatment for B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia?

Answer: Since chemotherapy can sometimes upset your stomach, you can try changing some of your eating habits. For instance, stay away from fried or spicy foods. You can also try eating five or six small meals a day rather than the traditional three meals. If your treatment makes you tired, try to take short naps. You also might find that short walks can help boost your energy. If you're stressed about your treatment, sometimes deep breathing or meditation can help you relax. Reach out to family and friends who can give you emotional support when you need it.


Question: What should I expect after treatment of B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia?

Answer: After your treatment is over, you'll have regular visits to your doctor so she can check to make sure your cancer hasn't returned. Your doctor will also check for any lingering side effects of your therapy. For some people, treatment makes the cancer go away. For others, the cancer may not go away completely, or it may return. If that's the case, you may need regular treatment with chemotherapy or other drugs to keep it in check for as long as possible. It's possible that treatment to fight B-cell ALL may stop working. If that happens, you may want to focus on making sure you're as comfortable as possible, known as palliative care. You may not be able to control your cancer, but you can control choices about how you'll live your life. You don't have to face things alone. Consider joining a support group, where you can you share your feelings with others who understand what it's like.


Question: How does a stem cell transplant work for B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia?

Answer: Before the transplant, you'll likely need to get treated with high doses of chemo for about a week or two. This can be a tough process, because you may get side effects like nausea and mouth sores. When the high-dose chemo is done, you'll start the transplant. The new stem cells are given to you through an IV. You won't feel any pain from this, and you're awake while it's happening. After your transplant, it could take 2 to 6 weeks for the stem cells to multiply and start making new blood cells. During this time you may be in the hospital, or at the very least, will need to make visits every day to get checked by your transplant team.


Question: How does chemotherapy with stem cell transplant help treat B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia?

Answer: Some people with B-cell ALL may need large doses of chemotherapy. But doctors hesitate to give large amounts, because it can damage your bone marrow. That's where a stem cell transplant can help. After your high-dose chemo, you'll get a transplant of stem cells that can help get your bone marrow working right again.


Question: How does chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy help in treating B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia?

Answer: CAR T-cell therapy uses some of your own immune cells, known as T cells, to treat your cancer. Doctors take the cells out of your blood and change them by adding new genes. The new T-cells can work better to find and kill cancer cells.


Question: Are there follow-up tests done after B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia is diagnosed?

Answer: You may also get a test called a spinal tap (lumbar puncture). It checks to see if cancer cells have spread to the brain and spinal cord. For this test, your doctor gives you a shot to numb your lower back. Then he puts a needle in the area around your spinal cord to remove some fluid called CSF (cerebrospinal fluid). You might get these drugs in three phases over about 2 years.


Question: How does targeted therapy help treat B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia?

Answer: Are there side effects? In this treatment, you take drugs that move through your bloodstream and kill cancer cells throughout your body. You might get these drugs in three phases over about 2 years. This treatment doesn't work for everyone, but it puts a lot of people into remission and may help keep the cancer from coming back.


Question: How is B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia diagnosed?

Answer: Your doctor will do a physical exam and ask you questions about your medical history. Peripheral blood smear. It looks for changes in the number of blood cells and how they look. The results of these tests can reveal signs that you may have B-cell ALL, such as too many young white blood cells or too few of the two other types of blood cells -- red blood cells and platelets. You may also need to get a bone marrow test. Your doctor will take samples of your bone marrow, usually from the back of your hip bone.


Question: How is B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia treated?

Answer: The goal of the first phase is "total remission" -- to kill the leukemia cells and get rid of all your symptoms. Your doctor may call it the induction phase. If you go into remission, the next stage is to kill any leftover leukemia cells that aren't active but could grow later, causing the disease to return. Your doctor may call this phase of treatment the consolidation phase or "post-remission therapy." You might get these drugs in three phases over about 2 years. You may not be able to control your cancer, but you can control choices about how you'll live your life.


Question: How does chemotherapy help treat B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia?

Answer: They build up in your bone marrow and move into your bloodstream. These might include an X-ray or a CT scan. While you're getting chemo, you may feel nauseous, but certain medicines can reduce vomiting.


Question: What types of medicines are used to treat arthritis?

Answer: She might recommend: Medications Physical therapy Splints or other aids Weight loss In rare cases, surgery The types of medicines your doctor might suggest are: Painkillers: over-the-counter or prescription Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs ( NSAIDs) Biologics: medications that are designed to counteract inflammatory signals in the body and are made by complex methods involving genetically-modified bacteria Steroids to cut down on inflammation Disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs ( DMARDs): meds that slow or stop inflammation Alternative treatments such as acupuncture, massage, yoga, and physical therapy may help ease your symptoms, too. Talk to your doctor before you try them or any supplements or herbal remedies.


Question: What causes arthritis?

Answer: With many forms of arthritis, the cause is unknown. But some things can raise your chances of getting it. Age. As you get older, your joints tend to get worn down. Gender. Most types of arthritis are more common among women, except for gout. Genes. Conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and ankylosing spondylitis are linked to certain genes. Excess weight. Carrying extra pounds makes arthritis in the knee start sooner and get worse faster. Injuries. They can cause joint damage that can bring on some types of the condition. Infection. Bacteria, viruses, or fungi can infect joints and trigger inflammation. Work. If you go hard on your knees at work -- knee bends and squats -- you might be more likely to get osteoarthritis.