Question: Does family history affect an individual's susceptibility to irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)?

Answer: The condition seems to run in families. Some studies have shown that your genes may play a role.


Question: How can food sensitivities lead to irritable bowel syndrome?

Answer: Some people may have digestive systems that rumble angrily when they eat dairy, wheat, a sugar in fruits called fructose, or the sugar substitute sorbitol. Fatty foods, carbonated drinks, and alcohol can also upset digestion. There's no proof any of these foods cause IBS, but they may trigger symptoms.


Question: When should I have surgery for my tonsils?

Answer: Typically, you'd get your tonsils taken out only if tonsillitis: Keeps coming back Causes other problems, such as sleep apnea, a common disorder in which you briefly stop breathing many times a night If the area around your tonsils gets infected and forms a pocket of pus, it's called an abscess.


Question: What is the Gillet test to help diagnose sacroiliac (SI) joint pain?

Answer: Gillet test (one-leg stork test): You stand with your feet about 12 inches apart, one leg raised and bent. The doctor stands behind you and pushes on each side of your tailbone with his thumbs, checking for correct movement.


Question: Can an injection help diagnose sacroiliac (SI) joint pain?

Answer: Injection Test The surest way for a doctor to know if you have SI joint dysfunction is through an injection of numbing medicine into your joint. An X-ray or ultrasound guides the doctor to where to put the needle in. If the pain goes away after the shot, you know the joint is the problem. It's slightly riskier than other tests, so doctors usually do it only if the cause still isn't clear after other tests.


Question: What is the sacroiliac shear test to help diagnose sacroiliac (SI) joint pain?

Answer: Sacroiliac shear test: While you lie face down, the doctor puts one hand on top of the other over your tailbone and pushes down, looking for motion in your joint.


Question: What imaging tests can help diagnose sacroiliac (SI) joint pain?

Answer: X-rays can help him look for changes in the SI joint. Computed tomography ( CT), a powerful X-ray scan, can give him even more details. Sometimes doctors use magnetic resonance imaging ( MRI), which uses powerful magnets and radio waves to make pictures of organs and structures inside your body. It can help to rule out other problems that can cause similar symptoms.


Question: What is the cranial shear test to help diagnose sacroiliac (SI) joint pain?

Answer: Some of the more common tests include: Cranial shear test: While you lie on your stomach on an exam table, the doctor puts pressure on your tailbone to check for pain.


Question: What is the pelvic compression test to help diagnose sacroiliac (SI) joint pain?

Answer: Pelvic compression test: While you lie on your side, the doctor presses down on your upper hip.


Question: What is the pelvic distraction test help diagnose sacroiliac (SI) joint pain?

Answer: Pelvic distraction test: While you lie face up on the table, the doctor presses down on both sides of your pelvis at the same time.


Question: Can corticosteroids help with  hair loss?

Answer: Most cases of alopecia areata, an autoimmune disorder that causes hair to fall out in clumps, resolve spontaneously. Some doctors try to speed recovery with topical corticosteroid drops or steroid shots directly into the areas of hair loss on the scalp. The treatment may be somewhat painful and may cause skin thinning in the injected sites. Prednisone, an oral steroid, may be an effective treatment for alopecia areata, but its potential side effects include weight gain, metabolic abnormalities, acne, and menstrual problems. Its positive effects are often only temporary.


Question: What is hair transplantation?

Answer: Hair transplantation involves the relocation of plugs of skin from parts of the scalp containing active hair follicles to bald areas. A person may need several hundred plugs -- implanted 10 to 60 per session. The transplanted hair may drop out, but new hair usually begins to grow from the transplanted follicles within several months.


Question: What is diphencyprone, and how can it help with hair loss?

Answer: This is a topical sensitizing agent used occasionally to stimulate hair regrowth in alopecia areata.


Question: How can cromolyn (Crolom) help with treating hay fever?

Answer: Cromolyn ( Crolom): This OTC nasal spray blocks the release of histamines, chemicals that cause your nose to run and make you sneeze. You'll take it three to six times a day, and it may take up to 4 weeks to feel relief from symptoms. Start to take it before allergy season and your symptoms begin.


Question: How many Americans have hay fever?

Answer: If you have hay fever, you're better off with a steroid spray.


Question: How is hay fever treated?

Answer: Start with prevention. If you have seasonal allergies, limit outdoor activities when pollen counts are high. Nasal irrigation and saline sprays can help remove allergen particles from your nose. Saline sprays are available over-the-counter, or you can make your own. Use salt and boiled, sterile, or distilled water, but not tap water. Pour or spray into your nose with a neti pot, nasal syringe, or squeeze bottle. If your symptoms don't go away, certain over-the-counter ( OTC) and prescription medications work well. If you have a severe allergy you might try immunotherapy, a long-term process that lowers your response.


Question: How can decongestants help with treating hay fever?

Answer: Decongestants: They'll open up your stuffy nose. You can find products like pseudoephedrine or phenylephrine as tablets or pills. You can get decongestant sprays like oxymetazoline and phenylephrine, but these can make your congestion worse if you take them longer than 3 days. If you have hay fever, you're better off with a steroid spray. Decongestant eye drops are also on the market. Like nasal spray, you should only use them for 3 days.


Question: How can antihistamines help with treating hay fever?

Answer: Antihistamines: They can help ease your itches, stop your sneezes, and clear up your runny nose. Doctors recommend the ones that come in pills like cetirizine, fexofenadine, and loratadine. You can get each without a prescription, and they shouldn't make you drowsy. You can also get drops for your runny, itchy eyes.


Question: How can ipratropium (Atrovent) help with treating hay fever?

Answer: Ipratropium ( Atrovent), another asthma medication, can help with an ongoing runny nose.


Question: How can nasal corticosteroids help with treating hay fever?

Answer: Nasal corticosteroids: These are considered the safest and most effective treatment. They have few side effects and will greatly ease your symptoms. It may take a few days for them to work, so start to take them a week or two before pollen season begins. In the U. S., several OTC brands are available including budesonide, fluticasone, and triamcinolone.


Question: How can leukotriene modifiers help with treating hay fever?

Answer: Leukotriene modifiers: The prescription drugs montelukast ( Singulair), often used to treat asthma, stops your body from making the chemicals that cause an allergic reaction. It doesn't work as well as nasal steroids, but it's an option if you can't handle the spray.


Question: How is hay fever diagnosed?

Answer: Symptoms can include: Stuffy or runny nose Sneezing Cough Itchy, watery eyes Itchy mouth, throat, or ears Postnasal drip Dark circles under your eyes Your doctor will know if you have hay fever based on your symptoms and a physical exam. If he needs more proof, he'll use skin and blood tests to see how your body reacts to certain substances.


Question: What does PTSD look like?

Answer: Common behaviors include the following: Avoiding activities, places, or people associated with the triggering event Difficulty concentrating Difficulty sleeping Being hypervigilant (you closely watch your surroundings) Feeling a general sense of doom and gloom with diminished emotions (such as loving feelings or aspirations for the future) Symptoms such as chest pain, shortness of breath, palpitations, dizziness, fainting, and weakness should not be automatically attributed to anxiety and require evaluation by a doctor.


Question: What is generalized anxiety disorder?

Answer: They might include: Mitral valve prolapse Hypoglycemia Hyperthyroidism Heart attacks Social phobia Agoraphobia (fear of not being able to escape, such as flying in an airplane or being in crowds) Generalized anxiety disorder is excessive and unrealistic worry over a period of at least six months. It is associated with at least three of the following symptoms: Restlessness Fatigue Difficulty concentrating Irritability or explosive anger Muscle tension Sleep disturbances Personality changes, such as becoming less social Phobic disorders are intense, persistent, and recurrent fear of certain objects (such as snakes, spiders, blood) or situations (such as heights, speaking in front of a group, public places).


Question: What can trigger a panic attack?

Answer: Panic disorder involves recurrent panic attacks along with constant fears about having future attacks and, often, avoiding situations that may trigger or remind someone of previous attacks. Not all panic attacks are caused by panic disorder; other conditions may trigger a panic attack.


Question: What are phobic disorders?

Answer: It is associated with at least three of the following symptoms: Restlessness Fatigue Difficulty concentrating Irritability or explosive anger Muscle tension Sleep disturbances Personality changes, such as becoming less social Phobic disorders are intense, persistent, and recurrent fear of certain objects (such as snakes, spiders, blood) or situations (such as heights, speaking in front of a group, public places). These exposures may trigger a panic attack. Social phobia and agoraphobia are examples of phobic disorders.


Question: What are symptoms of a panic attack?

Answer: Panic attacks are intense periods of fear or feelings of doom developing over a very short time frame -- up to 10 minutes -- and associated with at least four of the following: Sudden overwhelming fear Palpitations Sweating Trembling Shortness of breath Sense of choking Chest pain Nausea Dizziness A feeling of being detached from the world (de-realization) Fear of dying Numbness or tingling in the limbs or entire body Chills or hot flushes 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' && !


Question: What are the presenting symptoms of headaches in hemicrania continua?

Answer: The headaches often have some of the same symptoms as other kinds of headaches. This overlap can make them tricky for doctors to diagnose. Like migraines, they can cause: Nausea or vomiting Sensitivity to noise or light Throbbing pain Hemicrania continua also shares features of cluster headaches. For example, people who have it may have problems with how part of their nervous system works. That causes symptoms that happen on the painful side of the face and head, including: Stuffy or runny nose Nosebleeds (which are rare) Tearing, redness, or irritation of the eyes Drooping eyelids Sweating Some things tend to make symptoms worse, such as: Stress Changes in sleep patterns Bright lights Fatigue Overdoing exercise Alcohol Some people have symptoms when they: Feel pressure on their neck Flex or rotate their neck Doctors can make a diagnosis of hemicrania continua if you've had pain consistently, without it switching sides or disappearing even briefly, for at least 3 months.


Question: What neck conditions cause hemicrania continua?

Answer: That causes symptoms that happen on the painful side of the face and head, including: Stuffy or runny nose Nosebleeds (which are rare) Tearing, redness, or irritation of the eyes Drooping eyelids Sweating Some things tend to make symptoms worse, such as: Stress Changes in sleep patterns Bright lights Fatigue Overdoing exercise Alcohol Some people have symptoms when they: Feel pressure on their neck Flex or rotate their neck Doctors can make a diagnosis of hemicrania continua if you've had pain consistently, without it switching sides or disappearing even briefly, for at least 3 months.


Question: What are the symptoms of a hemicrania continua?

Answer: People with hemicrania continua describe a dull ache or throb that's interrupted by pain that is: Jolting Sharp Stabbing These attacks usually happen three to five times a day.


Question: Can a hemicrania continua be treated?

Answer: With the right treatment, though, most people can get nearly complete relief from the pain.


Question: What are the symptoms of hemicrania continua?

Answer: People with hemicrania continua describe a dull ache or throb that's interrupted by pain that is: Jolting Sharp Stabbing These attacks usually happen three to five times a day. Some people will have these headaches steadily for months or years. For others, the pain will last for at least 3 months and then will go away for weeks or months, then come back.


Question: What can make the symptoms of hemicrania continua worse?

Answer: That causes symptoms that happen on the painful side of the face and head, including: Stuffy or runny nose Nosebleeds (which are rare) Tearing, redness, or irritation of the eyes Drooping eyelids Sweating Some things tend to make symptoms worse, such as: Stress Changes in sleep patterns Bright lights Fatigue Overdoing exercise Alcohol Some people have symptoms when they: Feel pressure on their neck Flex or rotate their neck Doctors can make a diagnosis of hemicrania continua if you've had pain consistently, without it switching sides or disappearing even briefly, for at least 3 months.


Question: Does thyroid cancer require surgery?

Answer: Surgery is the most widely used method to get rid of thyroid cancer. If the entire thyroid gland is removed, It's called a thyroidectomy. If part of your thyroid gland is removed, the procedure is called a lobectomy. Your surgery may also include removing lymph nodes in the neck area, and tissue around the thyroid gland. It will depend on the size and location of the tumor.


Question: How do I know how my thyroid cancer will be treated?

Answer: The treatment you get will depend on the type and stage of the cancer.


Question: What does radioactive iodine ablation for thyroid cancer consist of?

Answer: Radioactive iodine ( RAI) ablation is used to destroy any thyroid tissue that's left after a thyroidectomy. The iodine goes to the thyroid tissue and the radiation destroys it. It may also be used for cancer that spreads to nearby lymph nodes, spreads to other parts of the body, or returns. The level of radiation in this treatment is far higher than what is used in a radioiodine scan. You may have a special diet that is low in iodine for 1 or 2 weeks before you get the treatment. If you take thyroid hormone pills, you may have to stop taking them for a while.


Question: What is external beam radiation for thyroid cancer?

Answer: These treatments are mostly used for thyroid cancers that are less common or more advanced: External beam radiation, or X-ray therapy, uses radiation to destroy cancer cells. It is very carefully delivered to protect the rest of your body as much as possible. You'll get radiation therapy over several weeks.


Question: What is chemotherapy for thyroid cancer?

Answer: Chemotherapy, or chemo, means using chemicals for treatment. For cancer, the medicines attack and kill fast-growing cells, like cancer cells. You may get pills, shots, or intravenous ( IV) chemo. It has side effects, but your doctor will help you to manage them.


Question: What is mad cow disease?

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(); }); } Mad cow disease, or bovine spongiform encephalopathy ( BSE), is a transmissible, slowly progressive, degenerative, and fatal disease affecting the central nervous system of adult cattle. The U. S. Department of Agriculture ( USDA) has tested hundreds of thousands of cattle for BSE.


Question: Can you get mad cow disease from milk?

Answer: Experiments have shown that milk from mad cow-infected cows has not caused infections.


Question: What is the human version of mad cow disease?

Answer: A human version of mad cow disease called variant Creutzfeldt- Jakob disease (v CJD) is believed to be caused by eating beef products contaminated with central nervous system tissue, such as brain and spinal cord, from cattle infected with mad cow disease. For this reason, the USDA requires that all brain and spinal cord materials be removed from high-risk cattle -- older cattle, animals that are unable to walk, and any animal that shows any signs of a neurological problem. These cow products do not enter the U. S. food supply. The USDA believes this practice effectively safeguards U. S. public health from v CJD.


Question: What causes mad cow disease?

Answer: Researchers believe that the infectious agent that causes mad cow disease is an abnormal version of a protein normally found on cell surfaces, called a prion. For reasons still unknown, this protein becomes altered and destroys nervous system tissue -- the brain and spinal cord.


Question: When was the first case of mad cow disease?

Answer: Mad cow disease has been of great concern since 1986, when it was first reported among cattle in the U. K. At its peak in January 1993, almost 1,000 new cases per week were identified. Concern about this disease grew significantly in 1996 when an association between mad cow disease and v CJD in humans was discovered.


Question: What is gastroparesis?

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(); }); } Gastroparesis is a condition in which your stomach cannot empty itself of food in a normal fashion. It can be caused by damage to the vagus nerve, which regulates the digestive system. A damaged vagus nerve prevents the muscles in the stomach and intestine from functioning, preventing food from moving through the digestive system properly. Often, the cause of gastroparesis is unknown.


Question: How is gastroparesis diagnosed using ultrasound?

Answer: Ultrasound : This is an imaging test that uses sound waves to create pictures of body organs. Your doctor may use ultrasound to eliminate other diseases.


Question: What medications can you use for gastroparesis?

Answer: Some patients may benefit from medications, including: Reglan (metoclopramide): You take this drug before eating and it causes the stomach muscles to contract and move food along. Reglan also decreases the incidence of vomiting and nausea. Side effects include diarrhea, drowsiness, anxiety, and, rarely, a serious neurological disorder. Erythromycin: This is an antibiotic that also causes stomach contractions and helps move food out. Side effects include diarrhea and development of resistant bacteria from prolonged exposure to the antibiotic. Antiemetics: These are drugs that help control nausea.


Question: What is the treatment for gastroparesis?

Answer: This means that treatment usually doesn't cure the disease. But there are steps you can take to manage and control the condition.


Question: What causes gastroparesis?

Answer: However, the causes of gastroparesis can include: Uncontrolled diabetes Gastric surgery with injury to the vagus nerve Medications such as narcotics and some antidepressants Parkinson's disease Multiple sclerosis Rare conditions such as: amyloidosis (deposits of protein fibers in tissues and organs) and scleroderma (a connective tissue disorder that affects the skin, blood vessels, skeletal muscles, and internal organs) There are many symptoms of gastroparesis, including: Heartburn or GERD Nausea Vomiting undigested food Feeling full quickly when eating Abdominal bloating Poor appetite and weight loss Poor blood sugar control Some of the complications of gastroparesis include: Food that stays in the stomach too long can ferment, which can lead to the growth of bacteria.


Question: What are some symptoms of genital herpes?

Answer: Genital herpes symptoms also include: Numbness, tingling, or burning in the genital region A burning sensation while urinating or having intercourse Painful urination, difficulty urinating, or a frequent need to urinate Watery blisters in the genital area Many people with recurrent herpes experience warning signals up to 48 hours before an outbreak. These may consist of tingling, itching, or pain at the site of the eruption, or pain running down into the buttocks or to the knees.


Question: What are signs of genital herpes?

Answer: When these blisters burst they leave the tender sores known as ulcers. The first time a person has a herpes outbreak, the ulcers may take two to four weeks to heal. The next outbreaks may not occur for weeks, months, or even later. When they do, they usually are less severe than the first outbreak. Herpes infection doesn't go away, but the outbreaks tend to become less frequent over time. Genital herpes symptoms also include: Numbness, tingling, or burning in the genital region A burning sensation while urinating or having intercourse Painful urination, difficulty urinating, or a frequent need to urinate Watery blisters in the genital area Many people with recurrent herpes experience warning signals up to 48 hours before an outbreak.


Question: How can a doctor diagnose genital herpes?

Answer: A doctor can diagnose genital herpes by looking at the outbreak and taking a sample of tissue or fluid from the sores. There are also blood tests for HSV-1 and HSV-2. Although they can't pinpoint when the infection was acquired or predict when an outbreak is likely to happen again, they are useful for diagnosing the condition if the outbreak is healing or has already healed.


Question: How is Duchenne muscular dystrophy diagnosed?

Answer: You should let your child's doctor know about the symptoms you've been noticing. He'll want to know your child's medical history, then ask questions about his symptoms, like: How old was your child when he started walking? How well does he do things like run, climb stairs, or get up from the floor? How long have you noticed these problems? Does anyone else in your family have muscular dystrophy? If so, what kind? Does he have any trouble breathing? How well does he pay attention or remember things? The doctor will give your child a physical exam, and he may do some tests to rule out other conditions that can cause muscle weakness.


Question: Why is it important for a child with Duchenne muscular dystrophy to see a heart doctor?

Answer: Because DMD can cause heart problems, it's important for your child to see a heart doctor, called a cardiologist, for checkups once every 2 years until age 10, and once a year after that. Girls and women who carry the gene have a higher risk of heart problems, too. They should see a cardiologist in their late teens or early adult years to check for any problems. Some blood pressure medicines may help protect against muscle damage in the heart. Kids with DMD might need surgery to fix shortened muscles, straighten the spine, or treat a heart or lung problem.


Question: What is borderline leprosy?

Answer: People with this type of leprosy have symptoms of both the tuberculoid and lepromatous forms.


Question: What is tuberculoid leprosy?

Answer: A mild, less severe form of leprosy. People with this type have only one or a few patches of flat, pale-colored skin (paucibacillary leprosy). The affected area of skin may feel numb because of nerve damage underneath. Tuberculoid leprosy is less contagious than other forms.


Question: How is leprosy treated?

Answer: Treatment depends on the type of leprosy that you have. Antibiotics are used to treat the infection. Long-term treatment with two or more antibiotics is recommended, usually from six months to a year. People with severe leprosy may need to take antibiotics longer. Antibiotics cannot treat the nerve damage. Anti-inflammatory drugs are used to control nerve pain and damage related to leprosy. This may include steroids, such as prednisone. Patients with leprosy may also be given thalidomide, a potent medication that suppresses the body's immune system. It helps treat leprosy skin nodules. Thalidomide is known to cause severe, life-threatening birth defects and should never be taken by women who are pregnant or women who may become pregnant.


Question: What are the complications of leprosy?

Answer: Complications of leprosy can include: Blindness or glaucoma Disfiguration of the face (including permanent swelling, bumps, and lumps) Erectile dysfunction and infertility in men Kidney failure Muscle weakness that leads to claw-like hands or an inability to flex the feet Permanent damage to the inside of the nose, which can lead to nosebleeds and a chronic, stuffy nose Permanent damage to the nerves outside the brain and spinal cord, including those in the arms, legs, and feet Nerve damage can lead to a dangerous loss of feeling. A person with leprosy-related nerve damage may not feel pain when the hands, legs, or feet are cut, burned, or otherwise injured.


Question: What causes leprosy?

Answer: Leprosy is caused by a slow-growing type of bacteria called Mycobacterium leprae ( M. leprae). Leprosy is also known as Hansen's disease, after the scientist who discovered M. leprae in 1873.


Question: Where can you get chondroitin naturally?

Answer: Chondroitin occurs naturally in animal tissue, especially connective tissues. Gristle on animal bones is high in chondroitin. However, these sources are much lower than the doses provided in chondroitin supplements. Some chondroitin supplements come from animal sources, like shark or beef cartilage.


Question: How much chondroitin should you take?

Answer: If you're interested in using chondroitin for arthritis pain, talk to your doctor about the latest evidence. Since chondroitin is not an established treatment, the ideal dosage is uncertain. For osteoarthritis, some studies have used 800 milligrams up to 2000 milligrams in single or divided doses for up to 3 years.


Question: What are the side effects of chondroitin?

Answer: Chondroitin seems to be safe for most people. Side effects are rare. Some people have reported headaches, mood changes, rash, hives, diarrhea, and other symptoms. If you have any side effects, stop taking the supplement and see a doctor.


Question: What are the risks of taking chondroitin?

Answer: People who have asthma, or prostate cancer should not take chondroitin supplements without talking to a doctor first. There have been some instances of hypersensitivity in people with shellfish allergies. Since chondroitin might work as a blood thinner, there is a theoretical risk of bleeding, especially in people with bleeding disorders. Some initial reports that chondroitin may affect blood sugar levels in people with diabetes have not been shown to be true in larger, more recent research studies. Also, because chondroitin is derived from animal sources, there are some concerns about contamination.


Question: Why do people take chondroitin?

Answer: As an osteoarthritis treatment, chondroitin is often used along with another supplement, glucosamine. The evidence that chondroitin helps with osteoarthritis is mixed. A number of studies seemed to show that it is effective. Researchers found that chondroitin appeared to reduce pain, increase joint mobility, and decrease the need for painkillers. However, several more recent studies have been less promising. Several found that chondroitin supplements had only a small benefit, if any. If you're interested in using chondroitin for arthritis pain, talk to your doctor about the latest evidence.


Question: How can support groups and peer counselors help with cancer support?

Answer: Reach out to one or more of the following: Support groups and peer counselors. Peer counselors are people who've had your type of cancer and can talk to you about the experience. Most cancer centers around the country have support groups and other free programs that can help you work through your emotions, even after your treatment ends.


Question: Is mental and emotional help still necessary in cancer remission?

Answer: Experts say it's crucial to have someone to talk to about your fears and frustrations. It'll remind you that you're loved and help you feel less alone. If you're having problems, don't try to act like you're OK. Instead, tell well-meaning loved ones you have to adjust to this new phase of life and you're doing the best you can. Although you're no longer in treatment, it's OK to talk about cancer and how you feel.


Question: How can my doctor help support me during cancer?

Answer: She may have resources, like a therapist you can see. She can help, too, if you need antidepressants or other medication for ongoing mood problems.


Question: How can modified radical hysterectomy help with treating cervical cancer?

Answer: This surgery is usually for early stage cervical cancer that has not spread outside the cervix. During a radical hysterectomy, your doctor removes the uterus and cervix, along with ligaments that hold the uterus in place, and the top part of the vagina next to the cervix. Pelvic lymph nodes may also be removed. The surgery is usually done with one large cut in the abdomen, or is laparoscopic-assisted through the vagina. Your hospital stay after a radical hysterectomy is usually between 5 and 7 days. You could have trouble going to the bathroom after surgery, and you might need a temporary tube called a catheter to urinate.


Question: What do you need to know about treating cervical cancer?

Answer: If you were diagnosed with cervical cancer, just know that it's usually very treatable -- especially if your doctor caught it early. If so, there are several options to treat it, relieve your symptoms, and help you live longer. First, your doctor will have to determine the cancer's stage, meaning its size, and whether it has spread to other parts of the body. She will choose a treatment that's most likely to shrink the cancer based on the stage and what type of cervical cancer it is. She will also consider your age and whether you want to maintain your ability to have children.


Question: How can pelvic exenteration help with treating cervical cancer?

Answer: This surgery is used when cervical cancer comes back and spreads outside the cervix. Your surgeon will remove your cervix, uterus, and nearby lymph nodes. Other organs, like the bladder, vagina, rectum, and part of the colon might also be removed, depending on where your cancer has spread. If you have your bladder or rectum removed, the surgeon will create new pathways to remove urine and waste from your body.


Question: How can total hysterectomy help with treating cervical cancer?

Answer: This surgery removes your uterus and cervix. It is the main treatment for small cancers that haven't spread outside your cervix. This procedure can be done through your: Belly (abdominal hysterectomy) Belly, through very small holes (laparoscopic hysterectomy) During the procedure, you surgeon might also remove your fallopian tubes and ovaries, as well as the lymph nodes in your pelvis to see if the cancer has spread. You'll have to stay in the hospital for 1 to 5 days after a hysterectomy. Recovery time is faster for laparoscopic surgery than abdominal surgery. You won't be able to bear children after a hysterectomy. If you still want children and opt to have this procedure, talk to your doctor about options such as freezing your eggs or embryos.


Question: How can trachelectomy help with treating cervical cancer?

Answer: This procedure, also known as a cervicectomy, is an option if you have early-stage cervical cancer and still want to have children. It removes the cervix and top of the vagina, but leaves most of the uterus. This can be done through an open cut or laparoscopically in the abdomen or can be done vaginally. If you get pregnant you'll have to deliver by C-section.


Question: What are side effects of chemotherapy for cervical cancer?

Answer: The side effects from chemotherapy depend on which drugs you take, but can include: Changes in your periods Fatigue Hair loss Increased risk for infection Loss of appetite Mouth sores Nausea and vomiting Getting both radiation and chemo can increase the number of side effects you have. Many of these will go away once you stop treatment. Some can last for a long time, or even permanently. Ask your doctor for ways to relieve your side effects. Targeted therapy uses drugs that kill cancer cells but spare healthy cells.


Question: How is cancer-related pain typically treated?

Answer: Pain-relieving drugs are the most common treatment option. For mild aches, over-the-counter pain meds such as ibuprofen and acetaminophen can work well. But check with your health care team before you take any to make sure they won't affect the way your cancer medicines work. For more severe pain, your doctor may prescribe a prescription painkiller, usually an opioid or narcotic drug like codeine, fentanyl, morphine, and oxycodone.


Question: What should I do to prepare for a lung function test for asthma?

Answer: Other things to do on the day of a lung function test: Don't smoke Don't have coffee, tea, cola, or chocolate Avoid exercise and cold air Be prepared to adjust your asthma drugs.


Question: How often should you get tested for chlamydia?

Answer: Because chlamydia often occurs without symptoms, people who are infected may unknowingly infect their sex partners. Many doctors recommend that all persons who have more than one sex partner should be tested for chlamydia regularly, even in the absence of symptoms.


Question: How is chlamydia diagnosed?

Answer: But when they do occur, they are usually noticeable within one to three weeks of contact and can include the following: Chlamydia symptoms in women Abnormal vaginal discharge that may have an odor Bleeding between periods Painful periods Abdominal pain with fever Pain when having sex Itching or burning in or around the vagina Pain when urinating Chlamydia symptoms in men Small amounts of clear or cloudy discharge from the tip of the penis Painful urination Burning and itching around the opening of the penis Pain and swelling around the testicles There are a few different tests your doctor can use to diagnose chlamydia. He or she will probably use a swab to take a sample from the urethra in men or from the cervix in women and then send the specimen to a laboratory to be analyzed. There are also other tests which check a urine sample for the presence of the bacteria.


Question: When should you contact a doctor if you think you have chlamydia?

Answer: Any genital symptoms such as discharge or burning during urination or an unusual sore or rash should be a signal to stop having sex and to consult a doctor immediately. If you are told you have chlamydia or any other sexually transmitted disease and receive treatment, you should notify all of your recent sex partners so that they can see a doctor and be treated.


Question: What are complications of rheumatoid arthritis (RA)?

Answer: It can cause: Dry eyes and dry mouth Rheumatoid nodules or lumps under your skin near the joints that usually don't hurt Shortness of breath and chest pain Tiredness, which sometimes, but not always, happens if you don't have enough red blood cells, a problem called anemia Weight loss Numbness and tingling in your hands Lupus can appear slowly or suddenly.


Question: What are symptoms of liver cancer?

Answer: Liver cancer usually has no initial symptoms or may have vague symptoms such as fatigue, fever, chills, and night sweats. Eventually, symptoms may include: Pain, swelling, or tenderness in the upper right section of the abdomen Weight loss Loss of appetite Jaundice -- yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes Itching all over the body Swollen legs In the advanced stage, symptoms may include fever, nausea, vomiting, fatigue, general weakness, mental confusion, loss of sex drive, pain in the left side of the abdomen due to an enlarged spleen, and the development of skin lesions that resemble a spider.


Question: What are the symptoms of liver cancer?

Answer: Liver cancer usually has no initial symptoms or may have vague symptoms such as fatigue, fever, chills, and night sweats. Eventually, symptoms may include: Pain, swelling, or tenderness in the upper right section of the abdomen Weight loss Loss of appetite Jaundice -- yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes Itching all over the body Swollen legs In the advanced stage, symptoms may include fever, nausea, vomiting, fatigue, general weakness, mental confusion, loss of sex drive, pain in the left side of the abdomen due to an enlarged spleen, and the development of skin lesions that resemble a spider.


Question: What are symptoms of advanced stage liver cancer?

Answer: Eventually, symptoms may include: Pain, swelling, or tenderness in the upper right section of the abdomen Weight loss Loss of appetite Jaundice -- yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes Itching all over the body Swollen legs In the advanced stage, symptoms may include fever, nausea, vomiting, fatigue, general weakness, mental confusion, loss of sex drive, pain in the left side of the abdomen due to an enlarged spleen, and the development of skin lesions that resemble a spider.


Question: What are the symptoms of advanced liver cancer?

Answer: Eventually, symptoms may include: Pain, swelling, or tenderness in the upper right section of the abdomen Weight loss Loss of appetite Jaundice -- yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes Itching all over the body Swollen legs In the advanced stage, symptoms may include fever, nausea, vomiting, fatigue, general weakness, mental confusion, loss of sex drive, pain in the left side of the abdomen due to an enlarged spleen, and the development of skin lesions that resemble a spider.


Question: How is postherpetic neuralgia (PHN) diagnosed?

Answer: PHN usually is diagnosed when pain lasts three months or more after an acute attack of shingles or appears after the skin lesions of shingles have healed.


Question: What are symptoms of postherpetic neuralgia (PHN)?

Answer: In PHN, pain is intense and may be described as burning, stabbing, or gnawing. Affected areas of the body may be hypersensitive or may have decreased sensation. In addition, areas previously affected by shingles may show evidence of scarring.


Question: How is postherpetic neuralgia (PHN) treated?

Answer: For many people, PHN may improve over time without treatment.


Question: Who is more likely to get postherpetic neuralgia (PHN)?

Answer: PHN occurs most often in elderly people and in people whose immune systems have been compromised. The pain of PHN, which occurs in the same area as the pain and rash of shingles, results from damage to nerve fibers during the shingles infection. Shingles is caused by a reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus, the same virus that causes chickenpox. Anyone who has had chickenpox can get shingles, but the disorder is most common in people over age 60.


Question: How soon do you get symptoms of fish-handler's disease?

Answer: The disease generally develops 2-7 days after injury to the skin and subsequent bacterial infection. A sharply defined, red-purple circular area appears and surrounds the puncture. The area of injury increases in diameter by about one-half inch per day. Pain, burning, itching, and swelling at the infection site; joint stiffness; and lymph node swelling accompany the infection.


Question: How is fish-handler's disease treated?

Answer: All wounds require immediate cleansing with fresh tap water. Gently scrub the wound with soap and water to remove any foreign material. After cleansing, a topical antibiotic ointment (for example, bacitracin) should be applied 3-4 times per day.


Question: How are Botox injections used to treat knee osteoarthritis?

Answer: Because it can shut down nerve cells, doctors can use it to ease muscle spasms. Some doctors are trying botulinum to help treat joint pain. The theory is that it might permanently deaden nerves and offer relief. But it wouldn't affect the knee's structure. Does it work? A review of 16 studies published in 2016 in the journal Joint Bone Spine found that the results were conflicting and the studies were too small to draw conclusions.


Question: What is amenorrhea?

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(); }); } If your doctor says you have âamenorrhea,â it means that you aren't getting your periods, although you've been through puberty, aren't pregnant, and haven't gone through menopause. It's not about having irregular periods. If you have amenorrhea, you never get your period. Although it's not a disease, you should tell your doctor about it, because it might be a symptom of a medical condition that can be treated.


Question: What are the two types of amenorrhea?

Answer: There are two types of amenorrhea: Primary amenorrhea. This is when a young woman has not had her first period by the age of 16. Secondary amenorrhea. This is when a woman who has had normal menstrual cycles stops getting her monthly period for 3 or more months.


Question: What are the causes of primary amenorrhea?

Answer: Many things could cause amenorrhea. Possible causes of primary amenorrhea (when a woman never gets her first period) include: Failure of the ovaries Problems in the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord) or the pituitary gland (a gland in the brain that makes the hormones involved in menstruation) Problems with reproductive organs In many cases, doctors don't know why a girl never gets her first period. Common causes of secondary amenorrhea (when a woman who has had normal periods stops getting them) include: Pregnancy Breastfeeding Stopping the use of birth control Menopause Some birth control methods, such as Depo- Provera or certain types of intrauterine devices ( IUDs) Other causes of secondary amenorrhea include: Stress Poor nutrition Depression Certain prescription drugs Extreme weight loss Over-exercising Ongoing illness Sudden weight gain or being very overweight (obesity) Hormonal imbalance due to polycystic ovarian syndrome ( PCOS) Thyroid gland disorders Tumors on the ovaries or brain (rare) A woman who has had her uterus or ovaries removed will also stop menstruating.


Question: What causes secondary amenorrhea?

Answer: Common causes of secondary amenorrhea (when a woman who has had normal periods stops getting them) include: Pregnancy Breastfeeding Stopping the use of birth control Menopause Some birth control methods, such as Depo- Provera or certain types of intrauterine devices ( IUDs) Other causes of secondary amenorrhea include: Stress Poor nutrition Depression Certain prescription drugs Extreme weight loss Over-exercising Ongoing illness Sudden weight gain or being very overweight (obesity) Hormonal imbalance due to polycystic ovarian syndrome ( PCOS) Thyroid gland disorders Tumors on the ovaries or brain (rare) A woman who has had her uterus or ovaries removed will also stop menstruating.


Question: How does mitral valve regurgitation happen?

Answer: The mitral valve is supposed to be a one-way passage. It has flaps that should close behind the surge of blood it sends to the left ventricle. But sometimes the valve doesn't seal properly. That allows blood to flow backward through it, returning to the left atrium. When this happens, you have mitral valve regurgitation. You might hear a doctor sometimes call it âmitral valve insufficiency.â The most common reason this happens is because the mitral valve is damaged.


Question: What are symptoms of mitral valve regurgitation?

Answer: But if the condition worsens, you might have: Heart palpitations, which happen when your heart skips a beat. They produce feelings in your chest that can range from fluttering to pounding. They may be more likely to happen when you're lying on your left side. Coughing Fatigue Shortness of breath Rapid breathing Chest pain Doctors usually find a problem with your heart valve by sound.


Question: What are complications of mitral valve regurgitation?

Answer: Other possible causes: A buildup of calcium can keep it from working as it should Rheumatic fever, which can develop as a result of strep throat, can damage your mitral valve A type of bacterial infection called âinfective endocarditis,â which attacks the lining of your heart's chambers and valves, might also cause it Severe regurgitation can cause blood clots, gel-like clumps that can create serious problems if they get to the lungs or brain. The condition can also cause fluid to build up in the lungs, straining the right side of the heart. If you have regurgitation, less blood is going to your body. Your heart works harder to make up for the shortfall. If this goes on long enough, your heart could enlarge, making it harder to pump blood and raising the risk of heart failure. It also can lead to an irregular, or uneven, heartbeat or a stroke.


Question: What can dental X-rays do?

Answer: Dental X-rays help dentists visualize diseases of the teeth and surrounding tissue that cannot be seen with a simple oral exam. In addition, X-rays help the dentist find and treat dental problems early in their development, which can potentially save you money, unnecessary discomfort, and maybe even your life.


Question: What problems can dental X-rays detect in adults?

Answer: In adults, dental X-rays can be used to: Show areas of decay that may not be visible with an oral exam, especially small areas of decay between teeth Identify decay occurring beneath an existing filling Reveal bone loss that accompanies gum disease Reveal changes in the bone or in the root canal resulting from infection Assist in the preparation of tooth implants, braces, dentures, or other dental procedures Reveal an abscess (an infection at the root of a tooth or between the gum and a tooth) In children, dental X-rays are used to: Watch for decay Determine if there is enough space in the mouth to fit all incoming teeth Determine if primary teeth are being lost quickly enough to allow permanent teeth to come in properly Check for the development of wisdom teeth and identify if the teeth are impacted (unable to emerge through the gums) Reveal other developmental abnormalities, such as cysts and some types of tumors The frequency of getting X-rays of your teeth often depends on your medical and dental history and current condition.


Question: What snacks are heart-healthy?

Answer: Margarine, trans-fat-free Nonfat cooking sprays Nonhydrogenated shortening Oils, olive and canola Replacements for fat when baking, such as applesauce, fruit puree, or yogurt Salad dressings, reduced-fat or nonfat Snacks: Stock your pantry with nuts, dried fruit, and whole wheat products for snacks and meals. Nuts and seeds, assorted, raw (almonds, walnuts, sunflower seeds, sesame seeds) Breads, tortillas, pitas, whole-grain Crackers, whole-grain, trans-fat-free Dried fruits Popcorn cakes or brown rice cakes Popcorn, plain or light microwave Pretzels, whole-grain Tortilla chips, baked, trans-fat-free Spices vs. Salt: Too much salt drives up your blood pressure.


Question: What causes antidepressant discontinuation syndrome?

Answer: Your doctor may diagnose you with antidepressant discontinuation symptoms if: You suddenly develop symptoms days after stopping an antidepressant Symptoms rapidly go away when you start taking the antidepressant again There's no way to predict if you will have discontinuation symptoms after quitting an antidepressant. Scientists are not exactly sure why some people develop antidepressant discontinuation syndrome while others do not. Antidepressants help restore the normal function of naturally occurring, mood-regulating substances in the brain, called neurotransmitters, including serotonin and norepinephrine. Some mental health experts theorize that abruptly stopping an antidepressant simply does not give your brain time to adjust to the rapid changes.


Question: How are antidepressant discontinuation symptoms diagnosed?

Answer: Your doctor may diagnose you with antidepressant discontinuation symptoms if: You suddenly develop symptoms days after stopping an antidepressant Symptoms rapidly go away when you start taking the antidepressant again There's no way to predict if you will have discontinuation symptoms after quitting an antidepressant.


Question: How can I safely stop using antidepressants?

Answer: If you are thinking about stopping your antidepressant therapy, talk to your doctor to discuss the risks and benefits of discontinuing treatment. Never stop "cold turkey." In many cases, the best way to stop taking most antidepressants is to slowly cut back your dose under the guidance of your doctor. This is called tapering. Tapering helps your brain adjust to the chemical changes and can help prevent discontinuation symptoms. Your doctor will tell you how to lower your dose over a couple of days. Never try to do this on your own. Sometimes, doctors can prescribe medicines to help with discontinuation symptoms such as nausea or insomnia. They also may advise switching from a short- to a long-acting antidepressant to ease the transition off of a medicine for depression. Discontinuation symptoms usually go away within a few weeks.


Question: Which long-acting antidepressants can lead to discontinuation symptoms?

Answer: Other short-acting medications that affect mainly serotonin include: Celexa (citalopram) Lexapro (escitalopram) Paxil (paroxetine) Zoloft (sertraline) Withdrawal is less common with medications that take longer for the body to clear, such as Prozac (fluoxetine) or Trintellix (vortioxetine). However, longer-acting antidepressants can still sometimes cause discontinuation symptoms. Discontinuation symptoms have also been reported in people who stop taking older types of antidepressant medications, including tricyclics and monoamine oxidase inhibitors ( MAOIs).


Question: What are the symptoms of antidepressant discontinuation?

Answer: Symptoms of antidepressant withdrawal depend on the specific medication you have been taking. Symptoms most often occur within three days of stopping the antidepressant. They are usually mild and go away within about two weeks. Symptoms can include: Anxiety Depression and mood swings Dizziness and balance problems, possibly vertigo Electric shock sensations Fatigue Flu-like symptoms Headache Loss of coordination Muscle spasms Nausea Nightmares Tremors Trouble sleeping Vomiting In rare cases, antidepressant withdrawal may cause mania. Certain, older types of antidepressants called MAOIs can lead to confusion and psychotic symptoms.


Question: Does Peyronie's disease affect fertility?

Answer: Unless it prevents you from having sex, Peyronie's disease shouldn't affect fertility.


Question: How is heart disease linked to migraines?

Answer: Men with migraines are more likely to have a heart attack and heart disease. Women with migraines also have a higher chance of heart disease, especiallyif they have aura. How often your migraines come doesn't appear to change your chances of having these conditions.


Question: How is posttraumatic stress disorder linked to migraines?

Answer: If you have migraines, you may be more likely to have posttraumatic stress disorder ( PTSD). One study found the likelihood of having PTSD is 5 times higher if you have migraines.


Question: How is a stroke linked to migraines?

Answer: There's little evidence that a migraine will trigger a stroke, or that both things will hit at the same time. Still, the chance of a stroke is higher in some people who have migraines, like: Those who have aura Women People under 45 After 50, your odds of having a stroke from a migraine fall a great deal.


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 medications affect your daily life after a heart transplant?

Answer: As mentioned, after a heart transplant, patients must take several drugs. The most important are those to keep the body from rejecting the transplant. These drugs, which must be taken for life, can cause significant side effects, including high blood pressure, fluid retention, excessive hair growth, osteoporosis, and possible kidney damage. To combat these problems, additional drugs are often prescribed.


Question: Can a person lead a normal life after a heart transplant?

Answer: With the exception of having to take lifelong medication to keep the body from rejecting the donated heart, many heart transplant recipients lead active and productive lives.


Question: Will I need to follow a special diet after a heart transplant?

Answer: After a heart transplant, the patient may need to follow a special diet, which may involve many of the same dietary changes made prior to surgery. A low-sodium diet will decrease the risk of high blood pressure and fluid retention. Your doctor will discuss your specific dietary needs, and a registered dietitian can help you understand specific dietary guidelines.


Question: What should you consider before deciding if a heart transplant may be right for you?

Answer: The following basic questions should be considered by you, your doctor, and your family to determine if heart transplantation is right for you: Have all other therapies been tried or excluded? Are you likely to die in the near future without the transplant? Are you in generally good health other than the heart or heart and lung disease? Can you adhere to the lifestyle changes, including complex drug treatments and frequent exams, required after a transplant? If you answered "no" to any of the above questions, heart transplantation may not be for you.


Question: How is organ rejection avoided?

Answer: Rejection occurs when the body's immune cells recognize the transplanted heart as different from the rest of the body and attempt to destroy it. If left alone, the immune system would damage the cells of a new heart and eventually destroy it.


Question: How can a heart transplant affect how you exercise?

Answer: Heart transplant recipients can exercise and are encouraged to exercise to improve the function of the heart and to avoid weight gain. However, due to changes in the heart related to the transplant, patients should speak to their doctor or cardiac rehabilitation specialist before beginning an exercise program. Because the nerves leading to the heart are cut during the operation, the transplanted heart beats faster (about 100 to 110 beats per minute) than the normal heart (about 70 beats per minute). The new heart also responds more slowly to exercise and doesn't increase its rate as quickly as before.


Question: What are the risks of a heart transplant?

Answer: The most common causes of death following a heart transplant are infection and rejection. Patients on drugs to prevent rejection of the new heart are at risk for developing kidney damage, high blood pressure, osteoporosis (a severe thinning of the bones, which can cause fractures), and lymphoma (a type of cancer that affects cells of the immune system). Atherosclerosis of the heart's arteries or coronary artery disease develops in almost half the patients who receive transplants. And many of them have no symptoms, such as angina (chest pain), because they have no sensations in their new hearts.


Question: How many people are in need of a heart transplant?

Answer: At any given time, almost 3,500 to 4,000 people are waiting for a heart or heart-lung transplant. A person may wait months for a transplant and more than 25% do not live long enough to receive a new heart. Many people who are waiting for transplantation have mixed feelings, because they are aware that someone must die before an organ becomes available. It may help to know that many donor families feel a sense of peace knowing that some good has come from their loved one's death.


Question: How are heart transplant recipients monitored?

Answer: Heart transplant recipients are carefully monitored for signs of rejection. Doctors frequently take samples of small pieces of the transplanted heart to inspect under a microscope. Called a biopsy, this procedure involves advancing a thin tube called a catheter through a vein to the heart. At the end of the catheter is a bioptome, a tiny instrument used to snip off a piece of tissue. If the biopsy shows damaged cells, the dose and kind of immunosuppressive drug may be changed. Biopsies of the heart muscle are usually performed weekly for the first three to six weeks after surgery, then every three months for the first year, and then yearly thereafter. It is vital for you to be aware of the possible signs of rejection and infection so you can report them to your doctors and be treated immediately.


Question: What is organ rejection in a heart transplant?

Answer: Normally, the body's immune system protects the body from infection. This occurs when cells of the immune system move around the body, checking for anything that looks foreign or different from the body's own cells. Rejection occurs when the body's immune cells recognize the transplanted heart as different from the rest of the body and attempt to destroy it. If left alone, the immune system would damage the cells of a new heart and eventually destroy it.


Question: What is the process for getting a heart transplant?

Answer: In order to get a heart transplant, you must first be placed on a transplant list. But, before you can be placed on the transplant list, you must go through a careful screening process. A team of heart doctors, nurses, social workers, and bioethicists review your medical history, diagnostic test results, social history, and psychological test results to see if you are able to survive the procedure and then comply with the continuous care needed to live a healthy life. Once you are approved, you must wait for a donor to become available. This process can be long and stressful. A supportive network of family and friends is needed to help you through this time. The health care team will monitor you closely to keep your heart failure in control until a donor heart is found. The hospital must know where to contact you at all times should a heart become available.


Question: What are the signs of organ rejection in a heart transplant?

Answer: Signs of organ rejection include: Fever over 100.4 ° F (38 ° C) " Flu-like" symptoms such as chills, aches, headaches, dizziness, nausea, and/or vomiting Shortness of breath New chest pain or tenderness Fatigue or generally feeling "lousy" Elevation in blood pressure With too much immunosuppression, the immune system can become sluggish, and a patient can easily develop severe infections.


Question: Who may not be considered for a heart transplant?

Answer: Also, if you have additional medical problems, such as other severe diseases, active infections, or severe obesity, you most likely will not be considered a candidate for transplant.


Question: What is a heart transplant?

Answer: It may help to know that many donor families feel a sense of peace knowing that some good has come from their loved one's death. Once a donor heart becomes available, a surgeon from the transplant center goes to harvest the donor heart.


Question: Is a heart transplant covered by insurance?

Answer: In most cases, the costs related to a heart transplant are covered by health insurance. It is important to do your own research and find out if your specific health insurance provider covers this treatment and if you will be responsible for any costs.


Question: What happens during a heart transplant?

Answer: During a heart transplant, the patient is placed on a heart-lung machine. This machine allows the body to receive vital oxygen and nutrients from the blood even though the heart is being operated on. Surgeons then remove the patient's heart except for the back walls of the atria, the heart's upper chambers. The backs of the atria on the new heart are opened and the heart is sewn into place. Surgeons then connect the blood vessels, allowing blood to flow through the heart and lungs. As the heart warms up, it begins beating. Surgeons check all the connected blood vessels and heart chambers for leaks before removing the patient from the heart-lung machine. It is a complicated operation that lasts from four to 10 hours.


Question: What are the warning signs of infection in a heart transplant?

Answer: Signs of organ rejection include: Fever over 100.4 ° F (38 ° C) " Flu-like" symptoms such as chills, aches, headaches, dizziness, nausea, and/or vomiting Shortness of breath New chest pain or tenderness Fatigue or generally feeling "lousy" Elevation in blood pressure With too much immunosuppression, the immune system can become sluggish, and a patient can easily develop severe infections. For this reason, drugs are also prescribed to fight infections. It is vital for you to be aware of the possible signs of rejection and infection so you can report them to your doctors and be treated immediately. Warning signs of infection include: Fever over 100.4 ° F (38 ° C) Sweats or chills Skin rash Pain, tenderness, redness, or swelling Wound or cut that won't heal Red, warm, or draining sore Sore throat, scratchy throat, or pain when swallowing Sinus drainage, nasal congestion, headaches, or tenderness along upper cheekbones Persistent dry or moist cough that lasts more than two days White patches in your mouth or on your tongue Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea Flu-like symptoms (chills, aches, headache, or fatigue) or generally feeling "lousy" Trouble urinating: pain or burning, constant urge or frequent urination Bloody, cloudy or foul-smelling urine If you have any of these symptoms of organ rejection or infection, notify your doctor right away.


Question: How are organ donors for heart transplants found?

Answer: Donors for heart transplants are individuals who may have recently died or become brain dead, which means that although their body is being kept alive by machines, the brain has no sign of life. Many times, these donors died as a result of a car accident, severe head injury, or a gunshot wound. Donors generally give their permission for organ donation before their death. The donor's family must also give consent for organ donation at the time of the donor's death. Donor organs are located through the United Network for Organ Sharing's ( UNOS) computerized national waiting list. This waiting list assures equal access and fair distribution of organs when they become available. When a heart becomes available for transplantation, it is given to the best possible match, based on blood type, body size, UNOS status (based on the recipient's medical condition) and the length of time the recipient has been waiting. The race and gender of the donor have no bearing on the match.


Question: Who is considered a candidate for a heart transplant?

Answer: Approximately 2,300 heart transplants are performed each year in the U. S. People who have advanced (end stage) heart failure, but are otherwise healthy, may be considered for a heart transplant. The following basic questions should be considered by you, your doctor, and your family to determine if heart transplantation is right for you: Have all other therapies been tried or excluded? Are you likely to die in the near future without the transplant? Are you in generally good health other than the heart or heart and lung disease? Can you adhere to the lifestyle changes, including complex drug treatments and frequent exams, required after a transplant? If you answered "no" to any of the above questions, heart transplantation may not be for you. Also, if you have additional medical problems, such as other severe diseases, active infections, or severe obesity, you most likely will not be considered a candidate for transplant.


Question: What are warning signs of infection after a heart transplant?

Answer: Warning signs of infection include: Fever over 100.4 ° F (38 ° C) Sweats or chills Skin rash Pain, tenderness, redness, or swelling Wound or cut that won't heal Red, warm, or draining sore Sore throat, scratchy throat, or pain when swallowing Sinus drainage, nasal congestion, headaches, or tenderness along upper cheekbones Persistent dry or moist cough that lasts more than two days White patches in your mouth or on your tongue Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea Flu-like symptoms (chills, aches, headache, or fatigue) or generally feeling "lousy" Trouble urinating: pain or burning, constant urge or frequent urination Bloody, cloudy or foul-smelling urine If you have any of these symptoms of organ rejection or infection, notify your doctor right away.


Question: What are warning signs of rejection after a heart transplant?

Answer: It is vital for you to be aware of the possible signs of rejection and infection so you can report them to your doctors and be treated immediately. Signs of organ rejection include: Fever over 100.4 ° F (38 ° C) " Flu-like" symptoms such as chills, aches, headaches, dizziness, nausea, and/or vomiting Shortness of breath New chest pain or tenderness Fatigue or generally feeling "lousy" Elevation in blood pressure With too much immunosuppression, the immune system can become sluggish, and a patient can easily develop severe infections.


Question: Why does organ rejection happen?

Answer: Normally, the body's immune system protects the body from infection. This occurs when cells of the immune system move around the body, checking for anything that looks foreign or different from the body's own cells. Rejection occurs when the body's immune cells recognize the transplanted heart as different from the rest of the body and attempt to destroy it.


Question: Where do donor organs come from?

Answer: Donor organs are located through the United Network for Organ Sharing's ( UNOS) computerized national waiting list. This waiting list assures equal access and fair distribution of organs when they become available. When a heart becomes available for transplantation, it is given to the best possible match, based on blood type, body size, UNOS status (based on the recipient's medical condition) and the length of time the recipient has been waiting. The race and gender of the donor have no bearing on the match.


Question: Can you exercise after getting a heart transplant?

Answer: Heart transplant recipients can exercise and are encouraged to exercise to improve the function of the heart and to avoid weight gain. However, due to changes in the heart related to the transplant, patients should speak to their doctor or cardiac rehabilitation specialist before beginning an exercise program.


Question: Who is considered for a heart transplant?

Answer: Approximately 2,300 heart transplants are performed each year in the U. S. People who have advanced (end stage) heart failure, but are otherwise healthy, may be considered for a heart transplant.


Question: Can you live normally after a heart transplant?

Answer: With the exception of having to take lifelong medication to keep the body from rejecting the donated heart, many heart transplant recipients lead active and productive lives.


Question: What are the risks of surgery for Dupuytren's contracture?

Answer: Surgery for Dupuytren's can have risks, including: Damage to nerves and blood vessels in the affected fingers Infection Permanent stiffness in the fingers It can take two months or more to fully return to your normal activities after surgery.


Question: How is Dupuytren's contracture diagnosed?

Answer: However, Dupuytren's can be associated with conditions that cause contractures in other areas of the body, including the: Knuckle pads ( Garrod knuckle pads) Soles of the feet ( Ledderhose disease) Penis ( Peyronie's disease) Your doctor should be able to tell that you have Dupuytren's contracture just by looking at your bent fingers and feeling the tissue on your palm. The doctor might also check the strength and range of motion in your affected hand. One test that can help diagnose the condition and determine whether you need surgery is the "table top" test. During this test, place your hand, palm side down, on a table. If the hand does not lie flat, the symptoms of Dupuytren's contracture are probably significant enough that you need to have surgery.


Question: How long does it take to recover from surgery for Dupuytren's contracture?

Answer: Surgery for Dupuytren's can have risks, including: Damage to nerves and blood vessels in the affected fingers Infection Permanent stiffness in the fingers It can take two months or more to fully return to your normal activities after surgery. Try to keep moving your fingers to relieve pain and stiffness. Massaging your fingers or applying heat can also help with movement and discomfort. A physical therapist can teach you exercises to help you regain the motion in your hand.


Question: Which countries have the highest incidence of Dupuytren's contracture?

Answer: The incidence of Dupuytren's contracture is still highest in northern European countries like Norway, Scotland, Ireland, Iceland, and Sweden.


Question: What conditions are associated with Dupuytren's contracture?

Answer: The palm is the most common site of Dupuytren's contracture. However, Dupuytren's can be associated with conditions that cause contractures in other areas of the body, including the: Knuckle pads ( Garrod knuckle pads) Soles of the feet ( Ledderhose disease) Penis ( Peyronie's disease) Your doctor should be able to tell that you have Dupuytren's contracture just by looking at your bent fingers and feeling the tissue on your palm.


Question: What is the first sign of Dupuytren's contracture?

Answer: The first sign of Dupuytren's contracture is a hard knot or lumps of connective tissue that form under the skin of the palm. These lumps might feel tender to the touch, but they usually aren't painful. Over a period of many years, the knots become bands of thick tissues. The bands extend up the fingers -- usually the ring and pinky fingers, although other fingers can be affected.


Question: What are symptoms of Dupuytren's contracture?

Answer: Eventually it becomes impossible to fully straighten the fingers. The shortening of the fingers caused by the thick tissue is called contracture. Both hands can be affected by Dupuytren's contracture, but one hand is usually more severe than the other. The hand deformity makes it harder to grasp large objects. You may have more trouble doing things like opening jars or doors or combing your hair. You should still be able to pick up small objects, because the thumb and index finger usually aren't involved.


Question: What are treatments for Dupuytren's contracture?

Answer: If Dupuytren's contracture isn't bothering you much, you shouldn't need treatment. However, if Dupuytren's is interfering with your daily activities, your doctor may recommend one of these treatments: Stretching exercises for very mild cases Steroid injections to help bring down inflammation and possibly slow the course of the disease (they don't actually straighten the finger.)


Question: How are ependymomas and anaplastic ependymomas treated?

Answer: Treatment for Ependymomas and Anaplastic Ependymomas Ependymomas and anaplastic ependymomas usually do not pass into normal brain tissue as do other gliomas. Therefore, surgery may be highly effective if all of the tumor is removed. However, ependymomas may seed the cerebrospinal fluid so the entire spinal canal needs evaluation with MRI scanning. These tumors are highly responsive to radiation.


Question: What are ependymomas gliomas?

Answer: These tumors come from the ependymal cells and because they do not spread into the normal brain tissue, some ependymomas can be cured by surgery. They rarely spread outside the brain. But they do have a high risk of local recurrence and thus are considered malignant.


Question: What raises your chances of a malignant glioma?

Answer: Some genetic disorders also increase the risk of development of these tumors in children but rarely in adults. There are no lifestyle risk factors associated with malignant gliomas.


Question: Who is most likely to get giloma?

Answer: These brain tumors are often diagnosed older adults , depending on the type of glioma. Brain tumors are slightly more likely to occur in males. Most gliomas that occur in children are low grade.


Question: What is glioma?

Answer: Glioma is a broad category of brain and spinal cord tumors that come from glial cells brain cells that support nerve cells. The symptoms, prognosis, and treatment of a glioma depend on the person's age, the exact type of tumor, and the location of the tumor within the brain. These tumors tend to grow and infiltrate into the normal brain tissue, which makes surgical removal very difficult -- or sometimes impossible -- and complicates treatment.


Question: What are oligodendrogliomas?

Answer: Oligodendrogliomas are tumors that spread in a similar manner to astrocytomas. Some of these tumors may be slow growing but still spread into nearby tissue. Sometimes they can be cured. A higher grade anaplastic oligodendroglioma grows and spreads more quickly and usually can't be cured.


Question: How are oligodendrogliomas treated?

Answer: Treatment for Oligodendrogliomas For oligodendrogliomas, surgery is the first choice of treatment to help relieve symptoms and increase patient survival. Radiation with or without chemotherapy may be given after surgery. Also, chemotherapy or radiation maybe used to shrink a tumor before surgery. If surgery cannot be done, then chemotherapy with or without radiation therapy may be used.


Question: What are the risks of taking niacin (vitamin b3)?

Answer: It can cause liver problems, stomach ulcers, changes to glucose levels, muscle damage, low blood pressure, heart rhythm changes, and other issues. People with any health condition including liver or kidney disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, or cardiovascular problems need to talk to a doctor before using niacin supplements. Do not treat high cholesterol on your own with over-the-counter niacin supplements.


Question: How should you take niacin (vitamin b3)?

Answer: If your doctor prescribes niacin, you might want to take it with food. This can prevent upset stomach. To reduce flushing -- a harmless but uncomfortable side effect of niacin that describes redness and warmth in the face and neck -- your health care provider might recommend taking niacin along with aspirin, an NSAID painkiller, or an antihistamine until tolerance to the niacin develops.


Question: Is niacin (vitamin b3) safe to take?

Answer: At the low DRI doses, niacin is safe for everyone. However, at the higher amounts used to treat medical conditions, it can have risks. For that reason, children and women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should not take niacin supplements in excess of the DRI unless it's recommended by a doctor. People with uncontrolled gout should also not take niacin supplements.


Question: Why do people take niacin (vitamin b3)?

Answer: As a cholesterol treatment, there are good studies showing that niacin can boost levels of good HDL cholesterol and lower triglycerides. Niacin also modestly lowers bad LDL cholesterol. It's often prescribed in combination with statins for cholesterol control, such as Crestor, Lescol, or Lipitor. 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(); }); } However, niacin is only effective as a cholesterol treatment at fairly high doses. These doses could pose risks, such as liver damage, gastrointestinal problems, or glucose intolerance. So don't treat yourself with over-the-counter niacin supplements. Instead, get advice from your health care provider, who can prescribe FDA-approved doses of niacin instead.


Question: Can you get niacin (vitamin b3)niacin (vitamin b3) naturally from foods?

Answer: Many products are also fortified with niacin during manufacturing.


Question: What are the side effects of taking niacin (vitamin b3)?

Answer: Niacin can cause flushing, especially when you first begin taking it. Your health care provider will probably suggest increasing the dose slowly to reduce this problem. He or she might also offer a time-release prescription formulation to control flushing. Niacin can cause upset stomach and diarrhea. However, all of these side effects tend to fade over time.


Question: What are the interactions when taking niacin (vitamin b3)?

Answer: If you take any medicines or supplements regularly, talk to your doctor before you start using niacin supplements. They could interact with medicines like diabetes drugs, blood thinners, anticonvulsants, blood pressure medicines, thyroid hormones, and antibiotics as well as supplements like ginkgo biloba and some antioxidants. Alcohol might increase the risk of liver problems. Though niacin is often used along with statins for high cholesterol, this combination may increase the risk for side effects. Get advice from your health care provider.


Question: How much niacin (vitamin b3) should you take?

Answer: For niacin, the DRIs vary with age and other factors: Children: between 2-16 milligrams daily, depending on age Men: 16 milligrams daily Women: 14 milligrams daily Women (pregnant): 18 milligrams daily Women (breastfeeding): 17 milligrams daily Maximum daily intake for adults of all ages: 35 milligrams daily Most people can get the amount of niacin they need by eating a healthy diet.


Question: Which foods can help prevent kidney stones?

Answer: Caution: Too much dairy foods and animal protein can up your chances of less common types of kidney stones: Grapes, melon, bananas Cucumbers, cauliflower, cabbage, peas Cheese, milk, butter Beef, bacon, chicken, ham Eat citrus fruits.


Question: Which conditions can lead to kidney stones?

Answer: Other conditions that make kidney stones more likely include: Obesity .


Question: How can oxalates lead to kidney stones?

Answer: These are organic compounds found in a number of foods, including healthy ones such as spinach and sweet potatoes. But oxalates also bind easily to certain minerals, including calcium, which then help form kidney stones.


Question: Which citrus fruits can help prevent kidney stones?

Answer: Lemons and limes are high in citrate, which helps prevent kidney stones.


Question: How can colas lead to kidney stones?

Answer: These beverages are high in fructose and phosphates, which may lead to kidney stones.


Question: Which foods should you avoid to prevent kidney stones?

Answer: But if you have calcium oxalate stones, which are the most common type, your doctor may tell you to avoid limit foods high in oxalates: Nuts, including almonds, cashews, pistachios, and peanuts Soy products, including soy burger, soy milk, and soy cheese Chocolate Oat and oat bran Red kidney beans, navy beans, fava beans Beets, spinach, kale, tomato These foods are low in oxalates.


Question: How can animal protein lead to kidney stones?

Answer: Too many steaks, chicken, eggs, and seafood can build up calcium and uric acid in your body.


Question: How can salt lead to kidney stones?

Answer: Salt (specifically, sodium). Lots of sodium, which you get mainly through salt, means more calcium in your pee. That ups you odds for kidney stones.


Question: How can play time help with parenting a child with autism spectrum disorder?

Answer: Apart from the medical care and therapies that you may line up to help your son or daughter, there are simple, everyday things that make a difference.


Question: How can staying on a schedule help when parenting a child with autism spectrum disorder?

Answer: People on the spectrum like routines. Make sure they get consistent guidance and interaction, so they can practice what they learn from therapy. This can make learning new skills and behaviors easier, and help them apply their knowledge in different situations. Talk to their teachers and therapists and try to align on a consistent set of techniques and methods of interaction so you can bring what they're learning home.


Question: How can respite care help when parenting a child with autism spectrum disorder?

Answer: This is when another caregiver looks after your child for a period of time to give you a short break. You'll need it, especially if your child has intense needs due to ASD. This can give you a chance to do things that restore your own health and that you enjoy, so that you come back home ready to help.


Question: How can you get support when you're parenting child with autism spectrum disorder?

Answer: Support groups can be a good way to share advice and information and to meet other parents dealing with similar challenges. Individual, marital, or family counseling can be helpful, too. Think about what might make your life a little easier, and ask for help.


Question: How can positive reinforcement help when parenting a child with autism spectrum disorder?

Answer: Just like anyone else, children with autism spectrum disorder often respond well to positive reinforcement. That means when you praise them for the behaviors they're doing well, it will make them (and you) feel good. Be specific, so that they know exactly what you liked about their behavior. Find ways to reward them, either with extra playtime or a small prize like a sticker.


Question: When can you get a cold?

Answer: That can change how you treat your symptoms.. You can get a cold anytime -- spring, summer, or fall, but most likely in winter.


Question: How are leg cramps prevented?

Answer: Here are some simple things you can do: Stretch during the day and before bed. Focus on your calf and foot muscles. Drink plenty of water. Move around during the day to exercise your feet and legs. Wear comfortable, supportive shoes. Sleep under loose covers, especially if you sleep on your back.


Question: How serious are leg cramps?

Answer: Other things can raise the likelihood of leg cramps, including: Diabetes Parkinson's disease Alcoholism Low blood sugar Some hormone disorders, such as hypothyroidism Imbalances in chemicals in your body, such as calcium, potassium, and magnesium Flat feet Certain medications can also cause leg cramps.


Question: What should you do if you get leg cramps?

Answer: These include: High blood pressure drugs Statins to treat high cholesterol Medications for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease ( COPD) Next time a leg cramp strikes, try any of these: Stretch the muscle. Stand on the cramped leg. Massage the muscle. Flex your foot. Grab your toes and pull them toward you. Ice the cramp. Take a warm bath.


Question: What medications can cause leg cramps?

Answer: Other things can raise the likelihood of leg cramps, including: Diabetes Parkinson's disease Alcoholism Low blood sugar Some hormone disorders, such as hypothyroidism Imbalances in chemicals in your body, such as calcium, potassium, and magnesium Flat feet Certain medications can also cause leg cramps. These include: High blood pressure drugs Statins to treat high cholesterol Medications for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease ( COPD) Next time a leg cramp strikes, try any of these: Stretch the muscle.


Question: How can allergy shots help treat pollen allergies?

Answer: If you don't have any luck with medications, allergy shots may help. You'll go to the allergist every few weeks for the doctor to inject a tiny amount of what's causing your problem under your skin. After a period of months, your body should get used to the trigger and your symptoms should get better.


Question: How can I keep pollens out to help prevent pollen allergies?

Answer: Instead of opening the windows in your car or at home, run your air conditioner with an HEPA filter to remove pollen from the air. Don't hang your laundry on a line to dry or it will pick up pollen; use the dryer. If you've spent time outside, change your clothing, shower, and wash your hair before you get into bed. If you don't, you'll transfer pollen to your pillow and blankets and breathe it in all night. If you let your pet spend time outside, don't allow it into your bedroom.


Question: How do I stop pollen allergy symptoms from appearing?

Answer: Take medicine. When pollen counts are high, take your medication before you notice symptoms to stop them before they start.


Question: What is the first thing to do when treating pollen allergies?

Answer: When this happens, you can have symptoms like: Itchy throat Red, itchy, watery eyes Runny or stuffy nose Sneezing Wheezing or coughing Your doctor may first want to confirm that you have an allergy. An allergist can give you a skin-prick test to see what's causing your problem.


Question: How can I protect myself from pollen when I'm outside?

Answer: Create a pollen buffer outside. Wear sunglasses to protect your eyes and a hat to keep pollen off your hair.


Question: How does checking the weather help in treating pollen allergies?

Answer: Pollen counts are higher when it's warm, dry, and windy and lower when it's cool, rainy, and wet. If you know it's going to be a high-pollen day, stay inside as much as you can. The yard work can wait.


Question: What are thumb touches for carpal tunnel syndrome?

Answer: One at a time, touch the tip of each finger to the tip of your thumb so they make an O-shape. Repeat a few times.


Question: How can you do wrist resistance exercises for carpal tunnel syndrome?

Answer: Sit down at a table. Rest your forearm, wrist, and hand on the table, with your palm facing down -- this is the hand and wrist affected by carpal tunnel syndrome. Lay your other hand across the knuckles at a 90-degree angle, so your hands make a plus sign. Lift your bottom hand up, but resist with your top one. You'll feel this in the muscles of your forearm. Repeat a few times a day.


Question: How do you do nerve gliding exercises for carpal tunnel syndrome?

Answer: Like the last exercise, you'll move through a series of positions with this one. Go slow and move smoothly: Bend your elbow and make a fist that faces you -- your wrist is neutral. Straighten your fingers out so they all point up, wrist neutral, thumb tucked in and pointing up. Bend your wrist to point your fingertips away from you, thumb still in close to your fingers. Extend your thumb out to the side. Hold that position, but turn your forearm away from you. Use your other hand to gently pull your thumb down for a little more stretch. Do this for just a few seconds. Repeat three to five times. Do this two to three times a day.


Question: Do exercises help with carpal tunnel syndrome?

Answer: But keep in mind that studies are mixed about how much they help. You'll get the best results if you do them along with other treatments, like using a brace and tweaking your activities so they put less strain on your hand and wrist. When you try hand exercises for carpal tunnel syndrome, remember this isn't like going to the gym to lose weight. Forget the whole " No pain, no gain" idea. If it hurts, take a break. If you push it, you can make your symptoms much worse. One more tip: Start slow and easy and see how it goes. If you're not sure if an exercise is right for you, check with your doctor.


Question: What is an MRA?

Answer: Your doctor may ask you to get one in order to look for and treat problems with your blood vessels. The test can check the blood vessels in many different parts of your body: Brain or neck Heart or chest Abdomen or belly, including organs, like your liver or kidneys Pelvis or lower belly Arms and legs Your doctor may order this exam for different reasons that include: Check for aneurysms or weakened blood vessels Find plaque that blocks or narrows blood vessels Look for problems with the structure of your blood vessels Help to prepare for surgery, or check results after surgery Locate injured blood vessels after an accident Help with cancer treatment Diagnose blood clots You will get instructions, usually from the place where you'll have your MRA.


Question: Which body parts are checked by an MRA?

Answer: The test can check the blood vessels in many different parts of your body: Brain or neck Heart or chest Abdomen or belly, including organs, like your liver or kidneys Pelvis or lower belly Arms and legs Your doctor may order this exam for different reasons that include: Check for aneurysms or weakened blood vessels Find plaque that blocks or narrows blood vessels Look for problems with the structure of your blood vessels Help to prepare for surgery, or check results after surgery Locate injured blood vessels after an accident Help with cancer treatment Diagnose blood clots You will get instructions, usually from the place where you'll have your MRA.


Question: What are conditions that I should tell my doctor or the staff at the MRA  facility about before the test?

Answer: So you'll need to take off anything metal, such as: Jewelry and watches Body piercings Eye glasses and hearing aids Clothing with metal snaps or zippers Make sure you tell your doctor or the staff at the MRA facility if you: Have medical problems, like kidney disease Are allergic to anything Are pregnant or breastfeeding Have any medical devices or implants, like heart valves, drug ports, artificial limbs or joints, metal pins, screws, plates, staples or stents Also let them know if you have other metal: Left from an accident or injury In some tattoo dye From dental work MRA is safe for people with most types of metal implants, except: Some cardiac defibrillators Some pacemakers Cochlear or ear implants Some clips for brain aneurysm repair Some coils for blood vessel repair Tell your doctor, too, if you're afraid of closed or small spaces.


Question: What happens after my MRA is finished?

Answer: Unless you had medicine to help you relax, you can usually get back to your normal activities. If you had the medication then you may need to rest. You won't be able to drive until it wears off. Your doctor will call you with the results of the exam.


Question: What is the timing of a normal period?

Answer: Every month, your body prepares to get pregnant. Your ovaries release an egg. Hormones rise and fall. This is your menstrual cycle. It starts on the first day of your last period and ends on the first day of your next period. Though the average cycle is 28 days long, anything between 21 and 45 days is considered normal. That's a 24-day difference. For the first year or two after menstruation begins, women tend to have longer cycles that don't start at the same time every month. Older women often have shorter, more consistent cycles. If you're on birth control pills or have an IUD, it can change the timing of your period. Ask your doctor what's normal for your form of contraception. How long your period lasts also varies. The time from the first sign of blood to the last is usually in the 3 to 5 day range. Anything from 2 days to a week-long period is normal.


Question: What is a normal period?

Answer: Now think about how old you may be when you enter menopause. Your body and life will change a lot from one to the other, right? So does your menstrual cycle. When it comes to periods, "normal" covers a lot of ground. Use the broad range of factors below as a guide. And remember: The only true normal is what's normal for you.


Question: What are the symptoms of a normal period?

Answer: Some months your breasts may feel tender when you have your period. Other months you may notice bloating around your abdomen or mood swings.


Question: When should I introduce finger foods to my baby?

Answer: Once your baby is a pro at eating soft mashed foods, he may be ready to move on to finger foods around 8 months. He has the dexterity to pick the food up and release it, but will become more efficient and independent as he masters the pincer grip around 9 months. At that point he'll be able to use his thumb and forefinger to pick up the small chunks of food.


Question: What should I expect in my baby's 8th month?

Answer: You may notice these growing signs of motor development: Your baby is probably now able to sit on his own for several minutes, without using his hands for support and he may be able to get up into a sitting position all by himself. While you offer him support, he should be able to bounce up and down, and possibly even pull up to a stand. His little hands are increasingly agile -- he's getting better at passing a toy back and forth from one to the other.


Question: How do I do a deep breathing exercise to help my stress and asthma?

Answer: Breathe into that spot and fill your abdomen with air. Let the air fill you from the abdomen up, and then let it out, similar to deflating a balloon. With every long, slow breath out, you should feel more relaxed.


Question: How are stress and asthma related?

Answer: An asthma trigger is anything that brings on asthma symptoms. When you have stress and asthma, you might feel short of breath, anxious, and even panicked. Stress may cause your asthma symptoms to worsen and cause you to feel frightened. When stress levels start to creep upward -- whether it's over bills, work, or your kids' jam-packed calendar -- asthma symptoms can kick into overdrive. As the wheezing and coughing gets worse, your health becomes one more reason to worry.


Question: What is chronic idiopathic urticaria (CIU)?

Answer: CIU is when a person has these breakouts almost daily for at least 6 weeks, with no known cause. Your doctor will look for the cause of your welts. If she figures out what's making you have them, you don't have CIU.


Question: What clothes should your child wear if they have a heat rash and it's hot outside?

Answer: Dress your child in soft, lightweight, cotton clothing to help absorb moisture.


Question: Who should get a dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA or DEXA) scan?

Answer: The U. S. Preventive Services Task Force says people who should get DXA scans for bone density include: Women ages 65 or older Women ages 60 or older who have a higher chance of getting a fracture Talk to your doctor about whether the test is a good idea for you.


Question: How does a dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA or DEXA) scanner work?

Answer: A DXA scanner is a machine that produces two X-ray beams. One is high energy and the other is low energy. The machine measures the amount of X-rays that pass through the bone from each beam. This will vary depending on how thick the bone is. Based on the difference between the two beams, your doctor can measure your bone density.


Question: What are the results of a dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA or DEXA) scan?

Answer: For the results of your scan, you'll get a T-score. It shows how much higher or lower your bone density is than that of a healthy 30-year-old, the age when bones are at their strongest. The lower your score, the weaker your bones are: T-score of -1.0 or above = normal bone density T-score between -1.0 and -2.5 = low bone density, or osteopenia T-score of -2.5 or lower = osteoporosis Sometimes doctors will give you another DXA scan result -- a Z score. It compares your bone density to a normal score for a person of your same age and body size.


Question: What lab tests can be used to determine what's wrong with my knee?

Answer: Also, pain from your hip can make your knee hurt.


Question: How can an MRI help determine why what's wrong with my knee?

Answer: In this test, a powerful magnet linked to a computer creates pictures of areas inside the knee. It's useful for finding damage to soft tissue, such as muscles, ligaments, cartilage, and tendons.


Question: How can an x-ray help determine what's wrong with my knee?

Answer: The test shows much more detail of the bones than regular X-rays, and it can help diagnose bone problems and find breaks in bones that X-rays may not pick up.


Question: How will my doctor figure out what's causing my knee pain?

Answer: First, your doctor will compare your painful knee with your healthy one, looking for any differences. In addition to redness, swelling, bruising, and discoloration, your doctor will check for differences in your muscles. Knee pain often happens the when the outer muscles of the thigh are stronger than those in the mid-thigh (causing the kneecap to be pulled âoff trackâ), so your doctor will pay particular attention to the vastus medialis, a muscle in your mid-thigh that extends to the knee. You doctor will also feel your knee, checking for pain, warmth, and swelling. He will then bend, straighten, rotate, or press on the knee to feel for injury and find out how well the knee moves and where the pain is.


Question: Who shouldn't get joint fusion surgery?

Answer: Because of this, your doctor will want to know that you can cope with a long recovery. Joint fusion surgery may also not be right for you if you have a health issue, like: Poor bone quality An infection Narrowed arteries A nervous system (neurological) problem that may keep you from healing You'll go into the hospital or have outpatient surgery (go home the same day), depending on the type of joint fusion surgery you need.