The C word: Cancer

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Love, hope and miracles are the most powerful words in any language. To be able to love and be loved is the greatest gift one can ever receive. To be able to hope and dream for a better tomorrow is the only way some people live their today. Miracles are the only reason why so many theories are not explained every day. 

Inspite of all these, there are days where meaning to life is lost, when lives are lost, to one of the most horrifying diseases the modern world has succumbed to: Cancer.  

What happens when a person is diagnosed with cancer, he/she alone knows. The people think not for their own self first, but for their family. They wonders what would happen to their parents, their spouse, their children, their extended family if they were not around for them. They know there is no substitute who can fill their position in the family when they are not around, either while they are undergoing treatment or when they are no longer in their physical self. Only after all this will they think of the pain they are going to suffer along the treatment or without the treatment. 

The entire process of getting diagnosed with cancer is extremely terrifying and there are a lot of questions running in the mind of the patient about the disease itself, its progressive stages and treatment options. Getting through the treatment, one often wonders if they did the right decision of choosing either the chemotherapy, or the surgery or a combination of both or radiotherapy. 

We at Medisense understand what you are going through. We know that when days have passed and you have made through most of it or some of it, you might feel, why were you the target for this disease? You might feel like there is no tomorrow or you might feel like you don’t want a tomorrow. When your stomach is burning in the acids produced or your tongue has blisters all over for you to even swallow food, you might want to shout out loud for what you are going through. When you are in and out of consciousness not knowing if you will remember the family you have, you might want to shout at all those people who you think might be responsible for your lost time. 

We understand that if you were a patient, you might want to cry, you might want to shout, you might even want to break that crystal vase that you have treasured all your life. You might want to pull God out of heaven and ask him why? Why were you the chosen one? Or why anyone at all? You might want to fight your doctor and say why am I seeing all that is not in sight? Why are my decisions so petrified? You might want to scream at all those responsible for bringing you food thats laden with pesticides. You might even want to shriek at those care givers who don’t understand how to reduce the pain you are engulfed in. We understand that you might just want to separate your life from this all.  

If you considered Medisense your extended family we would like the families to know that there are days they will smile, there are days they will not. There are moments they will cry and there are times they will be alright. Everyday is not the same. They are going through hell and back everyday. Sometimes along with everything that you can give them, they needs a random stranger they can just share their thoughts and feelings with, without being burdened with the thoughts of being judged. They might need a person who can assure them “Its going to be alright.”, even though sometimes there is nothing going right. 

Miracles do happen. They happen every day and to everyone. We just fail to notice them. For some one, miracle might be getting a regular life after being treated for breast cancer. For some one, it might be a few years with their loved ones, for some others it could be seeing their daughter or son getting married in some months, for some others it could be waiting for the birth of their grandchild or another baby in the family. For some others, it could simply be seeing another day. Miracles are many. We just need to tell ourselves “Miracles do happen.” 

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Dentophobia

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Dentophobia!!!

An intense fear of visiting the dentist…

Scared of visiting your dentist?? Trust me most people who come to us are…

Majority of people don’t look forward to taking a seat at the dentist’s office, some to such an extent that it paralyses them from actually getting the treatment that they need which eventually ends up aggrevating the already existing problem…

So why the fear..??

Could be a variety of reasons

Fear of pain: People over the ages have often associated the dental office with trauma and torture. No one wants to experience physical pain. The worry that a trip to the dentist, with all the unusual and sharp tools, might result in pain might end up causing fear.

Bad experience: Most patients develop a fear of the dentist because of a bad experience they had in the past. The patient might have had a previous treatment that had complications or was painful, so

they begin to worry that all visits will end up being that way, and they decide never to go to the dentist again .

Embarrassment : Some just might feel embarrassed

because they their teeth or gums aren’t in best of shape and avoid going to the dentist because they’re worried they have bad teeth and cavities, yet not getting the treatment they require worsening the already existing situation..

Lack of anxiety control:

For some it’s just that their anxiety gets the better of them thinking of the dentist

Whatever the reason may be ..

There are several ways to deal with a fear of the dentist so you can get the dental care you need.

Stay tuned to know more!!!

Thank you,

Dr Arjun Nayak

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Gangrene

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GANGRENE
It is a condition that occurs when body tissue dies is caused by a loss of blood supply due to an underlying illness, injury, and/or infection. Fingers, toes, and limbs are most often affected, but gangrene can also occur inside the body, damaging organs and muscles. There are different types of gangrene and all require immediate medical attention.

Gangrene causes : Blood plays a very important role in your health. Not only does it transport oxygen and nutrients throughout your body to feed cells, it delivers disease-fighting antibodies that protect your body from infection. When blood cannot travel freely throughout the body, your cells cannot survive, infection can develop, and tissue can die from gangrene. Any condition that affects blood flow increases your risk of gangrene, including:

Diabetes
Atherosclerosis
Peripheral arterial disease
Smoking
Trauma or serious injury
Obesity
Raynaud’s phenomenon (a condition in which the blood vessels that supply the skin become intermittently narrowed)
Weakened immune system

Gangrene Types
There are two main types of gangrene:

Dry gangrene: More common in people with blood vessel disease, diabetes, and autoimmune diseases, dry gangrene usually affects the hands and feet. It develops when blood flow to the affected area is impaired, usually as a result of poor circulation. In this type, the tissue dries up and may be brown to purplish-blue to black in color and often falls off. Unlike other types of gangrene, infection is typically not present in dry gangrene. However, dry gangrene can lead to wet gangrene if it becomes infected.

Wet gangrene: Unlike dry gangrene, wet gangrene almost always involves an infection. Injury from burns or trauma where a body part is crushed or squeezed can rapidly cut off blood supply to the affected area, causing tissue death and increased risk of infection. The tissue swells and blisters and is called “wet” because of pus. Infection from wet gangrene can spread quickly throughout the body, making wet gangrene a very serious and potentially life-threatening condition if not treated quickly.


Types of wet gangrene include:

Internal gangrene: If gangrene occurs inside the body due to blocked blood flow to an internal organ, then it is referred to as internal gangrene. This is usually related to an infected organ such as the appendix or colon.

Gas gangrene is rare but dangerous. It occurs when infection develops deep inside the body, such as inside muscles or organs, usually as a result of trauma. The bacteria that causes gas gangrene, called clostridia, release dangerous toxins or poisons that wreak havoc throughout the body, along with gas which can be trapped within body tissue. As the condition progresses, the skin may become pale and gray, and make a crackling sound when pressed, due to the gas within the tissue. Gas gangrene warrants immediate medical treatment. Without treatment, death can occur within 48 hours.

Fournier’s gangrene: Also a rare condition, Fournier’s gangrene is caused by an infection in the genital area. Men are affected more often than women. If the infection gets into the bloodstream, a condition called sepsis, it can be life-threatening.

Gangrene Symptoms
You may notice the following symptoms at the site of the dry gangrene:

Dry and shriveled skin that changes color from blue to black and eventually sloughs off
Cold and numb skin
Pain may or may not be present
Symptoms of wet gangrene may include:
Swelling and pain at the site of infection
Change in skin color from red to brown to black
Blisters or sores that produce a bad-smelling discharge (pus)
Fever and feeling unwell
A crackling noise that comes from the affected area when pressed
Internal gangrene usually is painful in the area of the gangrene. For example, a person with gangrene of the appendix or colon would be expected to have severe abdominal pain in the vicinity of the gangrene.

Gangrene Warning
If infection from gangrene gets into the blood, you may develop sepsis and go into septic shock. This can be life-threatening if not treated immediately. Symptoms of sepsis may include:

Low blood pressure
Rapid heartbeat
Shortness of breath
Change in body temperature
Light-headedness
Body pain and rash
Confusion
Cold, clammy, and pale skin

If you think you or a loved one may have sepsis, go to the emergency room immediately.

Treatment for gangrene involves removing the dead tissue, treating and preventing the spread of infection, and treating the condition that caused gangrene to develop. The sooner you receive treatment, the better your chance of recovery. Depending on the type of gangrene, treatments differ.

Surgery: Also called debridement, the dead tissue is surgically removed to prevent the spread of infection. In some situations, amputation (removal of the affected limb, finger or toe) may be required.

Maggot therapy. Believe it or not, maggots still play a role in modern medicine. Maggots provide a non-surgical way to remove dead tissue. When used to treat gangrene, maggots from fly larvae (specially bred in a laboratory so they are sterile) are placed on the wound, where they consume the dead and infected tissue without harming healthy tissue. They also help fight infection and speed up healing by releasing substances that kill bacteria.

Source: https://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/guide/gangrene-causes-symptoms-treatments#1

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Health benefits of milk

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Cow’s milk has long been associated with good health, making it one of the most consumed beverages throughout the United States and Europe.
Milk has long been seen as a healthy drink, because it is high in a range of nutrients. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) guidelines for 2015 to 2020 suggest that Americans should consume “Fat-free or low-fat dairy, including milk, yogurt, cheese, and/or fortified soy beverages.”

However, they also recommend consuming fewer than 10 percent of calories each day from saturated fats, citing butter and whole milk as examples of foods high in saturated fat.

Milk and bone health
Milk is good for the bones because it offers a rich source of calcium, a mineral essential for healthy bones and teeth. Cow’s milk is fortified with vitamin D, which also benefits bone health. Calcium and vitamin D help prevent osteoporosis.

Other ways to improve bone health and reduce the risk of osteoporosis include regular physical activity and strength training, avoiding smoking and eating a healthy diet that is low in sodium and high in potassium. Most of the body’s vitamin D is synthesized by the body on exposure to sunlight, so spending time outdoors is also important.

Milk and heart health
Cow’s milk is a source of potassium, which can enhance vasodilation and reduce blood pressure.

Increasing potassium intake and decreasing sodium can reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, according to a study led by Dr. Mark Houston, director of the Hypertension Institute at St. Thomas Hospital in Tennessee.3

The study showed that those who consumed 4069 mg of potassium per day had a 49 percent lower risk of death from ischemic heart disease compared with those who consumed around 1000 mg per day.3

According to the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, fewer than 2 percent of US adults meet the daily 4700 mg recommendation.3

Potassium-rich foods include cow’s milk, oranges, tomatoes, lima beans, spinach, bananas, prunes, and yogurt. A dramatic increase in potassium intake can have risks however, including heart problems, so any changes in diet or use of supplements must be discussed first with a physician.

Cow’s milk also contains a high amount of saturated fat and cholesterol, which have been linked to an increased risk of heart disease.

Milk and cancer
Vitamin D might play a role in cell growth regulation and cancer protection. Research shows that there is a higher risk of dying from colorectal cancer in geographic locations that receive the least amount of sunlight. Milk, too, contains vitamin D that can offer similar protection.

The National Cancer Institute (NCI) states that “Research results overall support a relationship between higher intakes of calcium and reduced risks of colorectal cancer.” They note, however, that the results of studies have not always been consistent.”2

The NCI also points to some studies that suggest an increased intake of calcium and lactose from dairy products may help to prevent ovarian cancer.2

Milk and depression
Adequate vitamin D levels support the production of serotonin, a hormone associated with mood, appetite, and sleep. Vitamin D deficiency has been associated with depression, chronic fatigue, and PMS. Cow’s milk and other foods are often fortified with vitamin D.

Milk and muscle building
Cow’s milk is designed to help baby cows grow fast, so it makes sense that humans who drink cow’s milk can also bulk up quickly. Cow’s milk is a rich source of high-quality protein, containing all of the essential amino acids. Whole milk is also a rich source of energy in the form of saturated fat, which can prevent muscle mass being used for energy.

Maintaining a healthy amount of muscle is important for supporting metabolism and contributing to weight loss and weight maintenance. Sufficient dietary protein is needed to preserve or increase lean muscle mass. Dairy protein can support muscle growth and repair.

According to Today’s Dietitian, an analysis of over 20 clinical trials suggests that an increased milk intake can boost muscle mass and strength during resistance exercise in both younger and older adults.6

Cow’s milk does not seem to significantly help with weight loss. One analysis of studies found that increased consumption of cow’s milk in the short-term and without calorie restriction had no benefit for weight loss, with only modest benefits seen in long-term studies with energy restriction.11

Low-fat milk can provide the benefits of milk while supplying less fat.

Milk and osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis of the knee currently has no cure, but researchers say drinking milk every day has been linked to reduced progression of the disease. Their research was published in the American College of Rheumatology Journal Arthritis Care & Research.

One cup of whole milk, with 3.25 percent fat contains:

146 calories
8 grams of fat
13 grams of carbohydrates
8 grams of protein
One cup of nonfat or skim milk contains:

86 calories
0 grams of fat
12 grams of carbohydrates
8 grams of protein
In comparison, one cup of plain soy milk contains:

80-110 calories
3 to 4 grams of fat
6 to 7 grams of carbohydrates
5 to 7 grams of protein
One cup of plain almond milk contains:

50 to 60 calories
2.5 grams of fat
5 to 7 grams of carbohydrates
1 gram of protein
Some important nutrients that all milk provides include:

Calcium: Dairy products like milk are one of the richest dietary sources of calcium. Calcium has many functions in the body but its primary job is the development and maintenance of healthy bones and teeth.

Calcium is also important for blood clotting and wound healing, maintaining normal blood pressure, and muscle contractions including heartbeat. It is important to try to pair calcium-rich foods with sources of magnesium and vitamin D, as vitamin D supports calcium absorption in the small intestine and magnesium helps the body incorporate calcium into the bones.

A cup of skim milk contains around 306 milligrams of calcium, with around 32 percent of this calcium thought to be absorbed. Non-acidifying plant sources of calcium may be preferable for some people, with the absorption of calcium from kale, broccoli and other vegetables ranging from 40 to 64 percent.8,9

Choline: Milk is also a rich source of choline; an important nutrient found to support sleep, muscle movement, learning and memory. Choline helps to maintain the structure of cellular membranes, aids in the transmission of nerve impulses, assists in the absorption of fat and can lessen chronic inflammation.

Source: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/273451.php

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When someone gets cancer in family…

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An article by our Director Raksha Pai, explains how a family members suffer when loved one gets diagnozed with cancer…

When we were first told my aunt has cancer we could not believe it. Although cancer had struck our extended families before we always thought of it as something that will not come back again. This was the third aunt.

She had no symptoms, no pain until the cancer had advanced to stage 4. That is when we found out she was suffering from breast cancer. There wasn’t much hope or time for that matter but still she chose to take the treatment for whatever was in her way. She had a new grandchild few days old. She wanted to live for everyone that she owned. Like many other’s she too was in denial. She couldn’t digest that she would soon be forced to leave the physical body when she wasn’t prepared for it. The condition was kept in closed circle for the initial days of consultation so that she need not face the burden of talking to everyone about it but with the first round of chemotherapy when she started to develop bald patches on her head it seemed impossible to hide the harsh truth. When she adorned a scarf and smiled, we saw her cheeks had sunk in. She was growing weak but was still tolerant. Her voice still had authority on her soul though her body didn’t.

Five months from the time of diagnosis, after more chemo therapies and radiotherapy treatments she was admitted at the hospital. When we visited her, she was still smiling. She told us she couldn’t taste her food but she knew those recipes from the back of her tongue. She passed them on to us. She let us videotape her. She was in pain but she had reached in her own terms. She was ready to give up the worldly desires. So much so that she was ready to give her body up. Within a couple of days we witnessed her absense. Absence from us forever. She might have given up on her body but not on us. We felt she was continuing living her life from the heavens above. We feel her presence on special occasions and know that she might still be smiling.

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Slipped (Herniated) Disk

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What is a slipped disk?
Your spinal column is made up of a series of bones (vertebrae) stacked onto each other. From top to bottom, the column includes seven bones in the cervical spine, 12 in the thoracic spine, and five in the lumbar spine, followed by the sacrum and the coccyx at the base. These bones are cushioned by disks. The disks protect the bones by absorbing the shocks from daily activities like walking, lifting, and twisting.

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Each disk has two parts: a soft, gelatinous inner portion and a tough outer ring. Injury or weakness can cause the inner portion of the disk to protrude through the outer ring. This is known as a slipped, herniated, or prolapsed disk. This causes pain and discomfort. If the slipped disk compresses one of your spinal nerves, you may also experience numbness and pain along the affected nerve. In severe instances, you may require surgery to remove or repair the slipped disk.

Find a doctor near you: Neurologist » Orthopedic Surgeon »

What are the symptoms of a slipped disk?
You can have a slipped disk in any part of your spine, from your neck to your lower back. The lower back is one of the more common areas for slipped disks. Your spinal column is an intricate network of nerves and blood vessels. A slipped disk can place extra pressure on the nerves and muscles around it.

Symptoms of a slipped disk include:

pain and numbness, most commonly on one side of the body
pain that extends to your arms or legs
pain that worsens at night or with certain movements
pain that worsens after standing or sitting
pain when walking short distances
unexplained muscle weakness
tingling, aching, or burning sensations in the affected area
The types of pain can vary from person to person. See your doctor if your pain results in numbness or tingling that affects your ability to control your muscles.

What causes slipped disks?
A slipped disk occurs when the outer ring becomes weak or torn and allows the inner portion to slip out. This can happen with age. Certain motions may also cause a slipped disk. A disk can slip out of place while you are twisting or turning to lift an object. Lifting a very large, heavy object can place great strain on the lower back, resulting in a slipped disk. If you have a very physically demanding job that requires a lot of lifting, you may be at increased risk for slipped disks.

Overweight individuals are also at increased risk for a slipped disk because their disks must support the additional weight. Weak muscles and a sedentary lifestyle may also contribute to the development of a slipped disk.

As you get older, you are more likely to experience a slipped disk. This is because your disks begin to lose some of their protective water content as you age. As a result, they can slip more easily out of place. They are more common in men than women.

How are slipped disks diagnosed?
Your doctor will first perform a physical exam. They will be looking for the source of your pain and discomfort. This will involve checking your nerve function and muscle strength, and whether you feel pain when moving or touching the affected area. Your doctor also will ask you about your medical history and your symptoms. They will be interested in when you first felt symptoms and what activities cause your pain to worsen.

Imaging tests can help your doctor view the bones and muscles of your spine and identify any damaged areas. Examples of imaging scans include:

X-rays
CT scans
MRI scans
discograms
Your doctor can combine all these pieces of information to determine what is causing your pain, weakness, or discomfort.

What are the complications of a slipped disk?
An untreated, severe slipped disk can lead to permanent nerve damage. In very rare cases, a slipped disk can cut off nerve impulses to the cauda equina nerves in your lower back and legs. If this occurs, you may lose bowel or bladder control.

Another long-term complication is known as saddle anesthesia. In this case, the slipped disk compresses nerves and causes you to lose sensation in your inner thighs, the back of your legs, and around your rectum.

While the symptoms of a slipped disk may improve, they also can worsen. If you cannot perform the activities you once could, it’s time to see your doctor.

How are slipped disks treated?
Treatments for a slipped disk range from conservative to surgical. The treatment typically depends on the level of discomfort you’re experiencing and how far the disk has slipped out of place.

Most people can relieve slipped disk pain using an exercise program that stretches and strengthens the back and surrounding muscles. A physical therapist may recommend exercises that can strengthen your back while reducing your pain.

Taking over-the-counter pain relievers and avoiding heavy lifting and painful positions can also help.

Shop for OTC pain relievers now.

While it may be tempting to refrain from all physical activity while you’re experiencing the pain or discomfort of a slipped disk, this can lead to muscle weakness and joint stiffness. Instead, try to remain as active as possible through stretching or low-impact activities such as walking.

If your slipped disk pain does not respond to over-the-counter treatments, your doctor may prescribe stronger medications. These include:

muscle relaxers to relieve muscle spasms
narcotics to relieve pain
nerve pain medications like gabapentin or duloxetine
Your doctor may recommend surgery if your symptoms do not subside in six weeks or if your slipped disk is affecting your muscle function. Your surgeon may remove the damaged or protruding portion of the disk without removing the entire disk. This is called a microdiskectomy.

In more severe cases, your doctor may replace the disk with an artificial one or remove the disk and fuse your vertebrae together. This procedure, along with a laminectomy and spinal fusion, adds stability to your spinal column.

Is it possible to prevent a slipped disk?

It may not be possible to prevent a slipped disk, but you can take steps to reduce your risk of developing a slipped disk. These steps include:

Use safe lifting techniques: Bend and lift from your knees, not your waist.
Maintain a healthy weight.
Do not remain seated for long periods; get up and stretch periodically.
Do exercises to strengthen the muscles in your back, legs, and abdomen.

https://www.healthline.com/health/herniated-disk#treatment

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HEART VALVE SURGERY and RISKS

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Overview
Heart valve surgery is a procedure to treat heart valve disease. In heart valve disease, at least one of the four heart valves that keep blood flowing in the correct direction through your heart doesn’t function properly.

These valves include the mitral valve, tricuspid valve, pulmonary valve and aortic valve. Each valve has flaps called leaflets, for the mitral and tricuspid valves, and cusps, for the aortic and pulmonary valves. These flaps open and close once during each heartbeat. Sometimes the valves don’t open or close properly, disrupting the blood flow through your heart to your body.

In heart valve surgery, your surgeon repairs or replaces the affected heart valves. Many surgical procedures may be used to repair or replace heart valves, including open-heart surgery or minimally invasive heart surgery.

Your treatment depends on several factors, including your age, health, the condition of the heart valve that is affected and the severity of your condition.
Types
Annuloplasty
Valvuloplasty
Why it’s done
Heart valve surgery may be needed if your condition is getting worse, your condition is severe or you’re experiencing signs and symptoms of valve dysfunction.

Your doctor may evaluate you to determine the most appropriate treatment for your condition. If you’re not experiencing signs or symptoms, or your condition is mild, your doctor may suggest monitoring your condition over time. He or she may recommend healthy lifestyle changes. You may be prescribed medications to manage any symptoms.
However, your valve may eventually need to be repaired or replaced. In some cases, doctors may recommend heart valve repair or replacement even if you’re not experiencing symptoms. If you need heart surgery for another condition, doctors may conduct surgery to repair or replace the affected heart valve at the same time.

Your doctor will discuss with you whether heart valve repair or replacement is most appropriate for your condition. Doctors often recommend heart valve repair when possible, as it preserves your heart valve and may preserve heart function. In some cases, you may need heart valve replacement.

Doctors may also evaluate if you’re a candidate for minimally invasive heart surgery. Your doctor will discuss the benefits and risks of each procedure.

Heart valve surgery should generally be performed at a medical center with staff that has experience in performing heart valve surgery and that has conducted high volumes of heart valve surgeries.

Your doctor may often recommend heart valve repair when possible, as it preserves your heart valve and may preserve heart function. Heart valve repair surgery may include:
Patching holes in a valve
Reconnecting valve flaps (leaflets or cusps)
Removing excess valve tissue so that the leaflets or cusps can close tightly
Replacing cords that support the valve to repair the structural support
Separating valve flaps that have fused
Tightening or reinforcing the ring around the valve (annulus)
Some heart valve repair procedures may be performed using a long, thin tube (catheter) and clips, plugs or other devices, but the majority of these remain investigational.

Doctors may treat a valve with a narrowed opening with a catheter procedure called a balloon valvuloplasty. In this procedure, a doctor inserts a catheter with a balloon on the tip into an artery in your arm or groin and guides it to the affected valve. The balloon is then inflated, which expands the opening of the heart valve. Doctors then deflate the balloon and remove the catheter and balloon.

Heart Valve replacement
If your heart valve can’t be repaired, your doctor may recommend heart valve replacement. To replace a heart valve, your doctor removes the heart valve and replaces it with a mechanical valve or a valve made from cow, pig or human heart tissue (biological tissue valve).
Biological valves often eventually need to be replaced, as they degenerate over time. If you have a mechanical valve, you’ll need to take blood-thinning medications for the rest of your life to prevent blood clots. Doctors will discuss with you the risks and benefits of each type of valve and discuss which valve may be appropriate for you.

A minimally invasive catheter procedure may be conducted to replace certain heart valves. For example, a catheter procedure may be performed to insert a replacement valve into a biological replacement valve in the heart that is no longer working properly.
After the procedure
After your heart valve surgery, you’ll generally spend a day or more in the intensive care unit (ICU). You’ll be given fluids, nutrition and medications through intravenous (IV) lines. Other tubes will drain urine from your bladder and drain fluid and blood from your heart and chest. You may be given oxygen.

After the ICU, you’ll be moved to a regular hospital room for several days. The time you spend in the ICU and hospital can vary, depending on your condition and surgery.

Your treatment team may monitor your condition and watch for signs of infection in your incision sites. Your team will check your blood pressure, breathing and heart rate. Your treatment team will also work with you to manage pain you may experience after surgery.

Your treatment team will instruct you to walk regularly to gradually increase your activity and to do breathing exercises as you recover.

Your doctor will give you instructions to follow during your recovery, such as watching for signs of infection in your incisions, properly caring for incisions, taking medications, and managing pain and other side effects after your surgery.

Results
After heart valve surgery, you may be able to return to daily activities, such as working, driving and exercise. Your doctor will discuss with you when you can return to activities. You’ll generally still need to take certain medications.

You’ll need to attend regular follow-up appointments with your doctor. You may have several tests to evaluate and monitor your condition.

Your doctor may instruct you to incorporate healthy lifestyle changes — such as physical activity, a healthy diet, stress management and avoiding tobacco use — into your life.

Your doctor may recommend that you participate in cardiac rehabilitation — a program of education and exercise designed to help you improve your health and help you recover after heart surgery.

Source: https://www.mayoclinic.org/…/heart-valve…/about/pac-20384901

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Tips for Cancer patients and people to avoid cancer

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To avoid cancer and after healing, may be these steps need to be followed.
(1). First step is to stop all sugar intake, without sugar in your body, cancer cell would die a natural death. Avoid sweets, soda, donuts , muffins and sugary drinks!
(2). Second step is to blend a whole lemon fruit with a cup of hot water and drink it for about 1-3 months first thing before food and cancer would disappear, research by Maryland College of Medicine says, it’s 1000 times better than chemotherapy. Drinking hot lemon water can prevent cancer. Don’t add sugar. Hot lemon water is more beneficial than cold lemon water.
** Hot lemon water kills cancer cells – Drink hot lemon water daily! bitterness in hot lemon water is the best substance to kill cancer cells. So don’t add sugar or honey. This type of Lemon extract treatment will only destroy the malignant cells, it does not affect healthy cells. This improves blood circulation and remove clots.
(3). Third step is to drink 3 spoonfuls of organic coconut oil, morning and night and cancer would disappear. In India coconut oil is extensively used for deep fry vegetables or for seasoning spices.
(4). Both yellow n purple sweet potato have good cancer prevention properties. ✍
(5). Regularly having heavy dinner late night can increase the chance of stomach cancer. Dinner should be 2 hours before sleep time.
(6). Eating chicken backside can cause stomach cancer .
(7). Fruits should be eaten before food or meals.Best fruits Banana, Grape fruit, Peach
(8). Ladies should not drink tea during menstruation period.
(9). Drink a glass of plain water every morning before food to prevent gall bladder stones
(10). Drink less liquor or avoid completely. It has no nutritional properties but can cause diabetes and hypertension
(11). Do not eat toast bread when it is hot from oven or toaster , let it cool down a little.
(12). Do not charge your hand phone/ cell phone or any device next to you when you are sleeping
(13). Don’t keep cell phone under pillow or bed when you are sleeping
(14). It is better not to have any electrical or electronic devices in bedroom like modem, phones, WiFi routers.
(15). Drink 10 glasses of water a day to prevent bladder cancer. If you are 60 kgs [120lb], you need 3 liters of water per day.
(16). Drink more water in the day time, less at night.
(17). Don’t drink more than 2 cups of coffee or Tea a day, may cause insomnia and gastric.
(18). Eat less oily food. It takes 5-7 hrs to digest them, makes you feel tired
(20). Sleeping less than 8 hrs a day may deteriorate our brain function. Taking Afternoon rest for half an hour may keep our youthful look.
Source: Dr Gupta

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Why Physiotherapy is important?

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A customized physical therapy program can help individuals return to their prior level of functioning, and encourage activities and lifestyle changes that can help prevent further injury and improve overall health and well being. Primary care doctors often refer patients to physical therapy at the first sign of a problem, since it is considered a conservative approach to managing problems

1. Reduce or eliminate pain. Therapeutic exercises and manual therapy techniques such as joint and soft tissue mobilization or treatments such as ultrasound, taping or electrical stimulation can help relieve pain and restore muscle and joint function to reduce pain. Such therapies can also prevent pain from returning.

2. Avoid surgery. If physical therapy helps you eliminate pain or heal from an injury, surgery may not be needed. And even if surgery is required, you may benefit from pre-surgery physical therapy. If you are going into a surgery stronger and in better shape, you will recover faster afterwards in many cases. Also, by avoiding surgery, health care costs are reduced.

3. Improve mobility. If you’re having trouble standing, walking or moving—no matter your age—physical therapy can help. Stretching and strengthening exercises help restore your ability to move. Physical therapists can properly fit individuals with a cane, crutches or any other assistive device, or assess for orthotic prescription. By customizing an individual care plan, whatever activity that is important to an individual’s life can be practiced and adapted to ensure maximal performance and safety.

4. Recover from a stroke. It’s common to lose some degree of function and movement after stroke. Physical therapy helps strengthen weakened parts of the body and improve gait and balance. Physical therapists can also improve stroke patients’ ability to transfer and move around in bed so that they can be more independent around the home, and reduce their burden of care for toileting, bathing, dressing and other activities of daily living.

5. Recover from or prevent a sports injury. Physical therapists understand how different sports can increase your risk for specific types of injuries (such as stress fractures for distance runners). They can design appropriate recovery or prevention exercise programs for you to ensure a safe return to your sport.

6. Improve your balance and prevent falls . When you begin physical therapy, you will get screened for fall risk. If you’re at high risk for falls, therapists will provide exercises that safely and carefully challenge your balance as a way to mimic real-life situations. Therapists also help you with exercises to improve coordination and assistive devices to help with safer walking. When the balance problem is caused by a problem in one’s vestibular system, Physical therapists can perform specific maneuvers that can quickly restore proper vestibular functioning, and reduce and eliminate symptoms of dizziness or vertigo.

7. Manage diabetes and vascular conditions. As part of an overall diabetes management plan, exercise can help effectively control blood sugar. Additionally, people with diabetes may have problems with sensation in their feet and legs. Physical therapists can help provide and educate these patients on proper foot care to prevent further problems down the road.

8. Manage age-related issues . As individuals age, they may develop arthritis or osteoporosis or need a joint replacement. Physical therapists are experts in helping patients recover from joint replacement, and manage arthritic or osteoporotic conditions conservatively.

9. Manage heart and lung disease. While patients may complete cardiac rehabilitation after a heart attack or procedure, you also may receive physical therapy if your daily functioning is affected. For pulmonary problems, physical therapy can improve quality of life through strengthening, conditioning and breathing exercises, and help patients clear fluid in the lungs.

10. Manage Women’s Health and other conditions. Women have specific health concerns, such as with pregnancy and post-partum care. Physical therapists can offer specialized management of issues related to women’s health. Additionally, PT can provide specialized treatment for: Bowel incontinence, breast cancer, constipation, fibromyalgia, lymphedema, male pelvic health, pelvic pain, and urinary incontinence.

If you have questions about how physical therapy may help you or someone you care about, please don’t hesitate to ask your health care provider or local PT for information.

Source: https://www.healthline.com/health/encephalitis

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WHAT IS MARFAN SYNDROME?

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Marfan syndrome is a genetic disorder that affects the body’s connective tissue. Connective tissue holds all the body’s cells, organs and tissue together. It also plays an important role in helping the body grow and develop properly.

Connective tissue is made up of proteins. The protein that plays a role in Marfan syndrome is called fibrillin-1. Marfan syndrome is caused by a defect (or mutation) in the gene that tells the body how to make fibrillin-1. This mutation results in an increase in a protein called transforming growth factor beta, or TGF-β. The increase in TGF-β causes problems in connective tissues throughout the body, which in turn creates the features and medical problems associated with Marfan syndrome and some related conditions.
Because connective tissue is found throughout the body, Marfan syndrome can affect many different parts of the body, as well. Features of the disorder are most often found in the heart, blood vessels, bones, joints, and eyes. Some Marfan features – for example, aortic enlargement (expansion of the main blood vessel that carries blood away from the heart to the rest of the body) – can be life-threatening. The lungs, skin and nervous system may also be affected. Marfan syndrome does not affect intelligence.

Who has Marfan syndrome?
About 1 in 5,000 people have Marfan syndrome, including men and women of all races and ethnic groups. About 3 out of 4 people with Marfan syndrome inherit it, meaning they get the genetic mutation from a parent who has it. But some people with Marfan syndrome are the first in their family to have it; when this happens it is called a spontaneous mutation. There is a 50 percent chance that a person with Marfan syndrome will pass along the genetic mutation each time they have a child.

Knowing the signs of Marfan syndrome can save lives

People with Marfan syndrome are born with it, but features of the condition are not always present right away. Some people have a lot of Marfan features at birth or as young children – including serious conditions like aortic enlargement. Others have fewer features when they are young and don’t develop aortic enlargement or other signs of Marfan syndrome until they are adults. Some features of Marfan syndrome, like those affecting the heart and blood vessels, bones or joints, can get worse over time.

This makes it very important for people with Marfan syndrome and related conditions to receive accurate, early diagnosis and treatment. Without it, they can be at risk for potentially life-threatening complications. The earlier some treatments are started, the better the outcomes are likely to be.

Knowing the signs of Marfan syndrome can save lives. Our community of experts estimates that nearly half the people who have Marfan syndrome don’t know it. This is something we are working hard to change.

Every person’s experience with Marfan syndrome is slightly different. No one has every feature and people have different combinations of features. Some features of Marfan syndrome are easier to see than others. These include:
Long arms, legs and fingers
Tall and thin body type
Curved spine
Chest sinks in or sticks out
Flexible joints
Flat feet
Crowded teeth
Stretch marks on the skin that are not related to weight gain or loss

Other signs are harder to detect
Harder-to-detect signs of Marfan syndrome include heart problems, especially those related to the aorta, the large blood vessel that carries blood away from the heart to the rest of the body. Other signs can include sudden lung collapse and eye problems, including severe nearsightedness, dislocated lens, detached retina, early glaucoma, and early cataracts. Special tests are often needed to detect these features.

What does Marfan syndrome look like?
Marfan syndrome can affect many parts of the body, and each person is affected differently. This is called variable expression. Features can even vary among people in the same family who have the condition. Visit our photo gallery to see the many faces and body types of Marfan syndrome.

Source: https://www.marfan.org/about/signs

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