Elaine Williams asked:


©2008

When my husband was diagnosed with esophageal cancer, we were shocked, never even having suspected this illness. He had always been relatively healthy, and then one day he couldn’t eat anymore.

It all began a few months before the diagnosis. He felt an uneasy heaviness in his chest, but he couldn’t quite explain what it was to the doctor. Since my husband was in his late fifties, the doctor sent him for a stress test to check his heart. The tests came back well within the normal range, so the doctor wasn’t concerned.

Fast forward three months later, my husband vomited a few times in a week and he lost some weight. Then, suddenly, he couldn’t keep food or liquid down. From the first time he vomited until we had our doctor appointment, ten days passed and he lost twelve pounds.

We discovered with esophagus cancer there can be few or hardly any symptoms, and the ones that show up, typically heartburn, are sometimes ignored. He had had some incidences of heartburn throughout the years, but nothing that seemed significant enough to go see a doctor about.

By the time the symptoms created the weight loss, the doctor immediately ordered tests and we found out within two days there was a good possibility it may be cancer. This diagnosis was confirmed upon further testing and we were told they suspected the cancer had spread to the lymph system. There were two tumors on his esophagus and a larger tumor at the junction of the stomach and esophagus.

We were both incredibly shocked and stressed by the diagnosis, especially in lieu of the fact that we had three children, the youngest being eleven. We carefully weighed the options the doctors presented, and there were not many. There were traditional treatments, which both doctors recommended, and then there were alternative modalities which a friend of ours suggested. After meeting with the traditional doctors, we then met with a holistic doctor who outlined non-invasive treatments. My husband felt alternative medicine gave him a chance of having a better quality of life as opposed to doing the chemo and radiation treatments.

When friends and acquaintances found out we were not following the traditional medical route, some of their reactions took me by surprise. Even though medical treatment of any kind is a personal issue, we were openly questioned about our decision to pursue holistic methods. After being repeatedly questioned, I began to get defensive about my husband’s treatment any time it was brought up. We had decided what was best for him and I supported his choice 100 percent.

When people voiced their concern over our decision, I felt as if they were saying how dare we not do the best we could for him. I know in hindsight I was being overly sensitive, but I got into a few arguments—feeling as if I had to be on the defense. Due to my high stress level with the illness and being a full time caretaker, I was running on adrenalin all the time.

On one occasion, I even got in a yelling match with a friend of my husband’s in our house. The man had had too much to drink and questioned why we had decided not to do the chemo. He tried to convince us to reconsider. I told him it was our choice and we felt we were doing the best we would, but he would not drop the conversation. I told him that it wasn’t his business, and then he broke down and began to cry.

Sensing his real concern, all the fight left me as I put my arm around him while he cried. I had not wanted to fight with anyone, my whole concern was for my husband, but then I realized there were others who cared about us also, and who only wanted the best for him. They cared, but it didn’t make it any easier dealing with emotions pushed to the limits.

Perhaps it may have been better to simply tell people we were doing the best we could, using traditional and holistic means. Sometimes people just don’t understand the strain a family is placed under, while in the throes of a terminal illness.



Caffeinated Content for WordPress

Gillian Bowles asked:


If you, or someone you care about, has been diagnosed with uterine fibroids, you’re probably looking for medication or natural fibroid treatment alternatives to ease the discomfort and pain. You may even be considering treatment or surgery as a cure. Since surgery is very invasive and can include a complete hysterectomy, many women choose to watch and wait to see if their fibroids grow larger before deciding a path for treatment.

Most uterine fibroids grow very slowly, making the watch and wait method a valid option allowing doctors to postpone treatment or surgery in some cases. However, the watch and wait (or postponing) method also means living with the discomfort and pain of uterine fibroids. For older women, waiting may make sense as following menopause, most fibroids will decrease in size by about 35 per cent without the use of expensive treatments and this makes them easier to remove surgically. So unless your menopausal, the question is what are you watching and waiting for? Theye are not going to reduce in size. If you are in this position then it means you have time to look at alternatives.

Fortunately, there are other natural uterine fibroid treatment alternatives available. Natural treatment options that don’t include expensive conventional medications, treatments and invasive surgeries to cure uterine fibroids.

There is no medication currently available to prevent the formation of uterine fibroids or to permanently shrink them once they’ve formed. There are a few conventional medications that can temporarily shut off the ability of the ovaries to produce estrogen; a hormone that can make fibroids grow larger. These medications have potentially serious adverse side effects and can take up to three months to work. Other medications like ibuprofen and other mild pain relievers are used to control mild to moderate pain related to fibroids. Some side effects of these medications include heavy bleeding, hot flashes, vaginal dryness, headaches, muscle or joint pain, fluid retention, mood swings, trouble sleeping, depression and sexual side effects. Some medications may also cause significant bone loss leading to osteoporosis. These medications are intended for short term use and should not be used for more than six months.

Some traditional, herbal and dietary supplement remedies can reduce the size of the fibroids or even make them disappear entirely. But most require continued use, can be very expensive over time, there can be side effects and the root cause is not being dealt with.

There is, however, a natural alternative that will prevent you from developing uterine fibroids or help eliminate them after they have begun to form. In some cases, simple dietary changes can help reduce the size of uterine fibroids. There are natural and holistic treatment alternatives to help start your body’s natural healing process to rid itself of uterine fibroids once and for all. Eventually you can be totally fibroid free and learn to stay that way by changing your habits.

Who wants to deal with harmful side effects that could limit your ability to lead a normal, healthy life or even to have children? Especially when these conventional treatments can easily be avoided just by learning more about the natural and holistic treatment alternatives for uterine fibroids.



Website content

Vivian Villalba asked:

Alcoholism medical treatment has expanded in recent years. New drugs have been found, through study and testing, that help people as they quit drinking. These medications are making it easier for people to become alcohol-free.

Antabuse, or disulfiram, is the oldest alcoholism medical treatment. It causes people to have an intense reaction when they drink while on the medication. If you do this, you could experience vomiting, sweating, throbbing headaches, chest pain, low blood pressure, and other symptoms.

If your dosage of Antabuse is strong enough, and you have had a large amount to drink, the consequences could be dire. You could have a heart attack, convulsions, or you could even die. You should be very sure you are ready to quit drinking before you begin Antabuse as an alcoholism medical treatment.

Antabuse, although a proven alcoholism medical treatment that works for many people, is not a wonder drug. It does not stop you from craving alcohol. Neither does it help with withdrawal symptoms. However, it can help you to get into the habit of not drinking.

Naltrexone is a drug marketed as Revia or Depade as an alcoholism medical treatment. It has an extended release from called Vivitrol. This drug has been used when people have stopped drinking to help them to continue their sobriety. It blocks the pleasure people get from drinking alcohol.

Yet, there are some people who experience the opposite effect because they have a different genetic makeup. The drug causes them to crave alcohol. There has been some problem with people taking this alcoholism medical treatment as scheduled. Once-a-month injections seem to cut down on compliance issues. Another problem is that naltrexone can cause some liver problems, depending on the dose.

Nalmefene is another alcoholism medical treatment that works much like naltrexone. It has a few advantages though. It does not cause the liver problems naltrexone does. Also, the drug is stronger and lasts longer.

Campral, or acamprosate, is another alcoholism medical treatment. It works to cut down on the physical misery and uneasiness that occurs when people stop drinking. This is not referring to withdrawal symptoms, which usually only lasts a week or so.

This refers to the time when your body is getting back to normal, which can take a very long time. In fact, Campral is generally prescribed for a year after stopping drinking. Its side effects are mild, so this is possible. It cannot be used to help you stop drinking. It is not that kind of alcoholism medical treatment.

Topamax, or topimarate, is an anti-seizure medication that has recently had success as an alcoholism medical treatment. Unlike other treatments, it can be started while the person is still drinking. In a study, heavy drinkers given the pill were six times less likely to drink while taking it than were the ones who got the placebo.

Alcoholism medical treatment is important to many people. One reason is that more people go back to drinking within the first few months after quitting than any other time. Alcoholism medical treatment can help with this problem.

medical treatment

Michelle Perkins asked:

Some of the main factors that contribute to the formation of hemorrhoids include aging, constipation, pregnancy, obesity, diarrhea and **** ***********.Hemorrhoid surgery should only be utilized when there is extreme pain, bleeding, or itching.

Hemorrhoids can form either outside or inside the rectum.External hemorrhoids will form just outside the **** opening where they can be seen or touched.Two of external hemorrhoids’ symptoms include swelling and pian in the **** or a lump that forms around the ****.Among other non-complicated treatments, hemorrhoid surgery is one the numerous ways of treating external hemorrhoids.

Treating internal hemorrhoids is a tougher task.These will occure inside the rectum.  Bleeding is the most common symptom for internal hemorrhoids.The pain can become more predominant if the condition is not treated on time.If this were to happen, the condition would get worse and the pain would significantly get worse.

Medical surgery for hemorrhoids

Surgery for hemorrhoids is the medical treatment for getting rid of the hemorrhoids condition.Tissue near the hemorrhoid will be removed as well.Sometimes the best way to go is to go through surgery if the internal or external hemorrhoids are pretty bad.

The blood supply to the hemorrhoids will be shut off using stitches.Any tissue laying close to the hemorrhoid will be removed without causing any sort of damage to the **** sphincter.Usually, tools such as scissors, scalpels, and even lasers are used to remove the tissue.

When you have tried all the natural cures for hemorrhoids out there and none seem to work for you, then hemorrhoid surgery might just be the answer.But this also has its own drawbacks.The surgery can be quite painful.To address the problem of pain during hemorrhoid surgery, there has been a new method developed called the stapled hemorrhoidopexy that is easier to carry out and is much les painful than other treatments.

Read more about hemorrhoid surgery options.

Website content

Amy Nutt asked:

What happens when you need medical treatment that is not covered under health insurance? Many times, people do not have adequate medial insurance coverage to take care of medically necessary procedures. Often medical treatment is needed immediately to have any chance of success, so it really isn’t viable to try to save up the money for treatment. When you can’t afford medical treatment that you need, and there isn’t an acceptable alternative treatment, getting a medical loan might be your best option.

There are a number of lenders who are willing to make loans for both medically necessary and elective medical procedures. Medical loans are funds that are advanced to a person for the specific purpose of being used for medical treatment. They are typically unsecured loans that are basted on creditworthiness. The interest rate usually reflects the going rate in the market. Additionally, many medical loans have a built-in grace period, allowing patient recovery time before repayment is required to begin.

Medical loans are often the only hope for getting needed medical treatment for those who either don’t have health insurance or do not have the funds available to pay their deductible. People with chronic illnesses often need medical loans to be able to continue treatment once their coverage is depleted.

Many people seek medical loans for elective medical procedures as well. As a rule, health insurance will not pay for any type of treatment considered to be medically unnecessary. For example, procedures such as liposuction, gastric bypass, dental cosmetic surgery, cosmetic surgery, ****** enhancement, ****** reduction, and other similar procedures are typically not covered by health insurance.

These types of medical procedures that are in most cases required for mental satisfaction rather than physical well-being. While no doctor would recommend these procedures as a must-have for a healthy life in most cases, most are of the opinion that such procedures can improve the morale of the person to a great extent. Hence, from a psychological point of view, such procedures do improve the quality of life of the patient.

Many special clinics have been set up with the specific purpose of providing elective medical procedures services to people who want or need them. These clinics, knowing full well that such procedures are not likely to be covered by patients’ health insurance, often provide resources for medical loans to their patients. This enables patients to find a way to afford the services they desire without having to research funding options on their own.

Caffeinated Content for WordPress

bcured asked:

If you are worried about having your varicose veins removed by surgery, don’t fear because there are multiple non-medical and natural treatments for treating varicose veins now available. As the world moves toward looking for healthier and more natural choices when it comes to our bodies, doctors and researchers continue to find more paths to offer natural and non-medical treatment for assorted ailments.

However, non-medical treatments are more effective for milder cases of varicose veins. Some of these treatments are acupuncture and acupressure, aromatherapy, compression stockings, massage, healthy diet, vitamins and so on. Alternating between hot and cold baths (hydrotherapy) can help with the blood circulation.

For damaged veins temporarily, such as while pregnant, compression stockings can be used as a non-straightforward method to try. This might also be effective for someone that is mildly affected with varicose veins.

These stockings can often be purchased at a medical supply store or at a full service pharmacy. The compression stockings range in price from about $50 to $100, depending on the size and style. These stockings are not everlasting however, and even the prescription stockings will need to be replaced after a few months of regular use.

There are several different massage techniques to treat varicose veins. Massage works very well because it makes your skin tender and thus prevent you from getting varicose veins. Even if you already have varicose veins, the massage can still work wonders for you. Massaging the area round the veins can help to reduce swelling if you suffer from mild varicose veins.

Exercise gets the blood flowing normally which helps greatly with blood circulation. Besides aerobic exercise, yoga has also been noted as another important aspect of exercise which can be used to treat varicose veins.

In treating varicose veins, healthy diet is just some of the element that will help you in treating varicose veins. By maintaining a healthy lifestyle, you can also prevent varicose veins from occurring in the first place.

Vitamins are important elements in preventing and treating varicose veins. They are more effective when used in addition to other treatments such as compression stockings. The most important varicose vein vitamins you should take regularly to treat varicose veins are A, C, E, B6, and K. In addition, you should also take bioflavoniods and fiber as they are also important for your overall health.

Although natural supplements are not often known to have ill effects, especially those available for mass distribution, some have been found to interact badly with other medications. So, if you do decide to have surgery after all, for your varicose veins, you need to let your doctor know about any supplements that you are currently taking.

These methods also work very well in preventing varicose veins. They are effective, but only for the appearance of the veins. Both these procedures will help but for the veins from worsening, but unfortunately cannot help them to disappear completely.

VenousBalm-Rx and VenousDrops are new topical and oral remedies to treat varicose and spider veins. They are characterized by very strong and real pharmacological activities which unequivocally qualify them as “ethical drugs”. The effectiveness of these treatments is undisputed.

They are excellent choice amongst the natural treatments for varicose veins, as the medicinal plant extracts are brilliant choice among the natural remedies for varicose veins. These treatments are concentrated with a wide spectrum of medicinal plant extracts exhibiting curative effects against varicose veins, as published by the International Journal of Clinical Pharmacology. For those seeking an end to varicose veins and related conditions, these products deliver the goods.

Application of VenousBalm-Rx produces an analgesic effect and therefore used to provide rapid pain relief from venous insufficiency conditions. Its pronounced anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic properties prevent inflammation. Applied topically it reduces swelling in thread varicose veins and broken capillaries.

VenousDrops, a new all natural dietary supplement to enhance venous circulation, strengthens immune parameters and safely acts as a blood decongestant. The extracts in this homeopathic treatment have positive systemic effects to promote venous circulation. It is to be taken as a dietary supplement in tandem with application of VaricoseBalm-Rx.

Treating venous insufficiency can be accomplished via topical application of VenousBalm-Rx and VenousDrops. These extracts from pure natural sources tend to enhance circulatory functionality utilizing the body’s bioforce. Synthetic drugs do not have the ability to impact the bioforce of the body which makes our treatment so important in today’s pharmacopeias. For more details, please go to http://www.naturespharma.org.

medical treatment

Steven Wilcox asked:


I have been tinnitus sufferer for 8 years.  However, through using a variety of techniques I have had significant success in treating my own tinnitus and have managed to reduce the ringing by about 90%. 

Tinnitus comes from the Latin word for ringing and leads to the consistent perception of sound in one or both ears.  The noises can only be heard by the sufferer and can’t be detected externally.  The noises range from sufferer to sufferer.  Personally, mine us characterised by a high pitched whine very similar to the feedback when point a microphone at a speaker.  It can be a very debilitating condition.  Although most gradually learn to live with it, for some it can be a significant problem preventing them from living a normal life.

Unfortunately medical treatment for tinnitus is in its infancy.  In some instances where there is an underlying physical problem the condition is readily resolved.  For instance, tinnitus caused by excessive earwax can be removed by clearing the ears by syringing.  However, for most sufferers the symptoms are caused by nerve damage which is irreversible.  This type of tinnitus is very difficult to treat using conventional medicine.

Medical treatment for tinnitus generally revolves around helping patients to accept and learn to live with their condition.  The hope is that, with time the brain will learn to recognise that the offending noise is not a threat and gradually filters it out as background noise.  This is the basis for successful method called tinnitus retraining therapy.  The other option is to use a masker (device rather like a hearing aid) which generated white noise which hides (or masks) the condition.

There is little place for conventional medication in the medical treatment for tinnitus.  Medicines such as sedatives, antidepressants and anxiolytics may help although scientific to support use of the treatments is lacking.  Complementary therapies such as Ginkgo Biloba are also frequently stated to have a place in medical treatment for tinnitus. However, results from clinical trials are disappointing.

Personally I have achieved significant success in reducing my symptoms by trying techniques developed by other sufferers which have been established based on trial and error (sometimes over a lifetime).  Although evidence is only anecdotal the success that I have achieved using these methods has been quite extraordinary.  The benefits have been significantly greater that conventional medical treatment for tinnitus.



Caffeinated Content for WordPress

Alien asked:

Description

Hives are a sudden eruption of red and white bumps on the skin. While hives are usually itchy, and therefore bothersome, they are generally not dangerous-except in cases of bee or insect stings, when hives indicate a true medical emergency. A case of hives may last for less than 30 minutes or as long as a week.

When the body comes into contact with a substance it considers dangerous, it floods the skin with histamine to combat the problematic substance. Hives result when there is excess buildup of histamine on a particular area of skin. Substances that cause this histamine release differ from person to person, though common irritants include animal dander, pollen, aspirin, penicillin, insect bites, and foods to which the person is allergic.

Signs and Symptoms

A batch of raised, red or white bumps on a localized area of skin

Bumps may appear and disappear suddenly

The affected area may be mildly or severely itchy

Certain people can develop recurrent hives from sunlight, cold, pressure, vibration or exercise. These are called the physical urticarias. If hives develop from scratching or firmly rubbing the skin it is called dermatographism. It is the most common of the physical urticarias and it affects about 5 percent of the population. It doesn’t always itch. This condition sometimes also occurs along with other forms of hives.

Conventional Medical Treatment

Hives often do not usually require medical treatment, but if the hives remain for an extended period of time, see your doctor. After taking your medical history, your physician may ask about your exposure within the last two weeks to any possible irritants. Unfortunately, hives can be caused by such a wide range of irritants that your physician may not be able to identify the exact cause. If the cause is identified, you will be urged to avoid the substance that caused the outbreak. In severe cases, your doctor may prescribe a medication, usually an antihistamine, to treat the condition.

If the hives are accompanied by shortness of breath, fever, nausea, or abdominal cramps, immediately seek medical help. You could be suffering from anaphylactic shock. Many antihistamines are available without prescription, such as diphenhydramine (Benadryl), taken in doses of 25 milligrams and chlorpheniramine (Chlor-Trimeton), taken in a dose of 4 milligrams. These can be taken up to three times a day, but because these medications can cause drowsiness, they are often taken at bedtime.

Aromatherapy

German chamomile oil can help bring relief from itching. Simply place a drop directly on the itchy skin and massage in.

Ayurvedic Medicine

Hives come from excessive heat in the body, say Ayurvedic practitioners. To cool the heat and soothe the maddening itch, they favor eating watermelon as well as drinking coriander milk or cilantro.

Caffeinated Content – Members-Only Content for WordPress

MTA Poland asked:


The medical sector is undergoing radical changes. The changes are mostly visible in Poland, where private and public healthcare providers have to compete for a patient by offering the highest quality of medical services.

Many medical institutes introduced TQM rules – total quality management, in the early 70s. This management method consists in production of the better quality products in order to compete with other organizations on the market. This began the process of improving the healthcare services in Poland, which was translated into the patient’s satisfaction.

The quality of medical services goes hand in hand with medical standards. Polish medical standards show the right path of medical and therapeutic proceedings. The medical regulations are drown up by medical science societies in each country. Poland as European Union member uses the medical standards that meets EU regulations. Legal acts require performing duties in accordance with the actual and medical knowledge of medical staff. The level of medical education in Poland is very high and many of the Polish specialist doctors were valued overseas. Poland is a leader in some medical disciplines, such as cardiosurgery or orthopaedy. However, the appropriate medical services standards are connected not only with the education and experience but also with the available medical equipment. Together with the private healthcare development the access of the most modern medical equipment in Poland has been improved. This mainly apply to the clinics specializing in plastic surgery, cosmetic medicine, dermatology, dentistry, ect. However the general private hospitals are also built in Poland. The biggest and the most modern private hospital in Poland, Medicover hospital in Warsaw, provides complex medical services Polish and foreign patients.

The figures shows that more and more overseas patients who are looking for best medical treatment at affordable prices, visit Poland. The MTA Poland representative (medical tourism agency organizing medical packages to Poland) says that medical tourists who comes to Poland for a surgery or medical treatment are more and more aware of the high quality medical services in Poland. They entrust their health and life to the Polish medical specialist and have to be sure about the safety of the procedure. The most popular are plastic surgery procedures (liposuction, ****** surgery), aesthetic medicine (Fraxel laser, Macrolane), dental treatment (dental implants, veneers) but also elective surgery and orthopaedy (hip and knee replacement). MTA Poland’s clients are satisfied with the final results and usually they stay in Poland for their rehabilitation period.

The responsibility of providing the best available quality of medical services lies with healthcare providers in Poland, so it is essential to have a permanent in-service training courses for medical staff as well as gradual modernizing of medical facilities. Polish private clinics use the same branded materials and equipment that are used in the UK. What’s more every dental clinic in Poland offer a guarantee on prosthetic work and on implants. The beneficiaries of high quality medical services in Poland are not only Poles but also Brits and other foreigners.



Create a video blog…instantly.

Alien asked:

Description

Colitis, or ulcerative colitis as it is also known, is one of the two chronic disorders known as inflammatory bowel syndrome (the other is Crohn’s disease). The exact cause of ulcerative colitis is still unknown, but the condition most commonly affects people of Jewish descent between the ages of 15 and 35 and those who have a family history of the disease.

Ulcerative colitis occurs when tiny ulcers and small abscesses develop on the interior walls of the colon, causing moderate to severe inflammation of the intestinal lining. This inflammation causes diarrhea and abdominal pain. Sometimes the ulcers bleed, streaking the diarrhea with blood. Ulcerative colitis usually affects only a small segment of the intestine, though the entire colon can be effected.

Most individuals with colitis have remission periods-during which they do not experience symptoms-that alternate with flare-ups. In some people these painful flare-ups are brought on by stress; in others the cause of flare-ups is less predictable. In the majority of cases, the condition is more a discomfort than a serious health risk. But approximately 15 percent of sufferers whose entire colons are affected are at increased risk of developing colon cancer.

Signs and Symptoms

Abdominal pain

Diarrhea that contains either blood or pus

Painful, urgent bowel movements

Fever

Fatigue and muscle weakness

Weight loss

Joint pain, skin problems, and eye problems

Conventional Medical Treatment

After taking a detailed history of your symptoms, a physician may perform a barium X-ray, colonoscopy, or sigmoidoscopy to arrive at a diagnosis. Treatment for ulcerative colitis is generally limited to symptomatic periods and typically includes an anti-inflammatory medication, such as sulfasalazine or corticosteroids. An estimated 20 to 25 percent of colitis patients do not respond to medication and need colostomy surgery to remove the affected portion of the colon. If you have had colitis for eight years or more, your physician may suggest an annual colonoscopy to check for cancerous growths.

Also Recommended

flaxseed oil (as directed on label)-protects the lining of the colon

garlic (as directed on label)-has a healing effect on the colon

Multimineral complex with calcium, chromium, magnesium, and zinc (as directed on label)-minerals are not easily absorbed in colitis victims; calcium is needed for the prevention of cancer, which can occur as a result of constant irritation

vitamin C with bioflavonoids (3000 to 5000 mg in divided doses)-boosts immune function and heals mucous membranes; use in buffered form

(For an acute condition, take supplements until your symptoms subside. If symptoms persist, seek the advice of your health care provider. For a chronic condition, consult your health care provider regarding the duration of treatment.)

Caffeinated Content for WordPress