13 Over-the-Counter and Natural Treatments for People With Osteoarthritis - Everyday Health

13 Over-the-Counter and Natural Treatments for People With Osteoarthritis  Everyday Health

* This article was originally published here

Sick Day Home Remedies: Do They Actually Work? - Avera.org

Sick Day Home Remedies: Do They Actually Work?  Avera.org

* This article was originally published here

Endometriosis Laparoscopic Surgery: Diagnosis, Treatment, Recovery And Possible Risks

Endometriosis is a condition in which tissues similar to the uterine lining grow outside the uterus. Endometriosis can cause pain, irregular bleeding, and infertility. Endometriosis laparoscopy diagnoses and treats the condition. This procedure is carried out by making small incisions in the abdomen and inserting a small camera attached to a tube through them to examine the pelvic organs. Endometriosis laparoscopy surgery can help identify endometriosis and treat it.

How Laparoscopy Diagnoses And Treats Endometriosis

Unlike traditional open surgery, the incisions for laparoscopy are smaller, and it is one of the most reliable ways to confirm endometriosis. During a diagnostic laparoscopy for endometriosis, a laparoscope, which is a tube with a small camera attached to it, is inserted. It allows the surgeon to view the pelvic cavity and identify various types of endometriosis. It gives a magnified view of the tissues and reproductive organs. During the diagnosis, if any lesions are identified, a biopsy sample is collected for analysis. This helps confirm the diagnosis or rule out any other conditions.

During laparoscopic surgery for endometriosis treatment, excision or ablation is carried out. Excision involves the complete removal of the endometriosis lesions. Whereas in ablation, tissues are destroyed using heat, laser techniques, or other surgical tools. Compared to traditional open surgery, laparoscopy uses very small incisions. As the incisions are small, the recovery time is faster, with minimal scarring and less postoperative pain.

What To Expect During The Surgery

Understanding what to expect during laparoscopy for endometriosis can help reduce the anxiety that comes before the procedure. Before the laparoscopic endometriosis surgery, doctors conduct a medical evaluation, including a physical examination. The surgery is typically performed under general anesthesia; hence, the person would not experience any pain during the surgery. 

After administering anesthesia, carbon dioxide gas is used to slightly inflate the abdomen. This way, the pelvic organs can be clearly seen. Then the surgeon makes tiny incisions in the abdomen. A laparoscope is inserted through the incision, along with other specialized surgical instruments. Through the laparoscope, the pelvic cavity is carefully examined for lesions, scar tissues, adhesions, and cysts. If endometriosis is diagnosed, the surgeon uses methods like ablation or excision on the affected tissue. After completing the surgery, the carbon dioxide gas is released. The instruments are removed, and the incisions are closed with stitches.

Recovery Timeline And Post-Op Tips

The endometriosis laparoscopy recovery time varies depending on the person and their health factors. Usually, compared to traditional open surgery, the recovery time is quicker in laparoscopic surgery. In most cases, the patients might be discharged on the same day of the procedure. It is common to experience slight discomfort in the first 24 hours of the surgery. Doctors would prescribe medications to relieve the pain. The patient needs to rest and also avoid carrying out any heavy physical activities. Make sure to keep the surgical site clean and follow the instructions of the healthcare provider regarding dressing and keeping the area clean.

After one week of the surgery, patients can carry out basic daily activities. However, intense physical activities like heavy lifting or heavy exercises should be avoided. Complete recovery from the surgery is achieved after 6 to 8 weeks of surgery. To support the healing, follow the instructions of the healthcare provider and avoid any activities that place a strain on the abdomen. To speed up recovery, rest is very important. Along with it, short walks can improve blood circulation and reduce stiffness of the body. Healthcare providers schedule follow-up appointments to monitor the healing. After surgery, if you experience any bleeding or other symptoms, you should immediately contact your healthcare provider.

Risks And Warning Signs

Laparoscopic surgery for endometriosis treatment carries certain risks, like any other surgical procedure. Some common risks of this surgical procedure include pain, infection, bleeding, nausea, and vomiting. Doctors may recommend medications to relieve the pain or treat infections.

In very rare cases, people develop risks like chronic pain, organ injury, deep vein thrombosis, or complications related to anesthesia. Post-surgery, if you feel any severe pain, fever, heavy bleeding, vomiting, or nausea, immediately seek medical attention. Early detection of these complications can help with smooth recovery.

Next Steps

Following the advice of the healthcare providers and taking proper care can help with a fast recovery from laparoscopic endometriosis surgery. Follow-up care can help monitor the symptoms and evaluate the success of the treatment. Attend post-operative appointments and also discuss with healthcare professionals if you feel any symptoms like chronic pain or infertility issues. With proper treatment and ongoing care, patients experience improvement in symptoms and the quality of life.

Conclusion

Endometriosis laparoscopic surgery is a procedure used to diagnose and treat endometriosis. Compared to traditional open surgeries, laparoscopy is safer and less complicated. The benefits of laparoscopy include smaller incisions, reduced pain, and faster recovery time. After the surgery, attend follow-up appointments to monitor the healing and also follow the advice of your healthcare provider. If you experience severe abdominal pain or any other symptoms, discuss it with the healthcare provider.

FAQ

1. Is it possible to conceive after laparoscopy for endometriosis? 

Yes, it is possible to conceive after undergoing laparoscopy for endometriosis.

2. Does endometriosis grow back after laparoscopy? 

There are chances of endometriosis growing back after laparoscopic surgery.

3. How many stitches are in a laparoscopy? 

Unlike traditional open surgery, laparoscopy doesn’t have large incisions; it contains small incisions, and it is covered using one or two stitches after the surgery.

4. How painful is a laparoscopy for endometriosis? 

Generally, laparoscopic surgery is performed under anesthesia, due to which you will not experience any pain during the surgery.

5. How do I know if I need surgery for endometriosis?

Even after taking medications, the symptoms related to endometriosis, like pain and heavy bleeding, do not stop. Then you may consider getting an endometriosis surgery.

The post Endometriosis Laparoscopic Surgery: Diagnosis, Treatment, Recovery And Possible Risks appeared first on Paleo For Women - Evolutionary Health, Revolutionary Womanhood.

* This article was originally published here

Can You Get a Mammogram With Breast Implants? How Implants Affect Screening

Can you get a mammogram with breast implants? – Yes, people who have undergone breast implants can definitely get a mammogram. So, the next question might be: Do women with breast implants need mammograms? The answer is also yes. 

If you have breast tissue, regular mammogram screenings are necessary to rule out cancer. Getting implants does not eliminate the risk of cancer. However, before making an appointment, you should inform the facility where you are planning to get the mammogram about your breast implant. 

In the case of breast implants, extra steps will be required during the mammogram to elevate the breast tissue and get accurate imaging. 

Are Mammograms Safe With Implants? (Rupture Risks)

During a standard mammogram, you place the breast on a plate attached to the X-ray machine and squeeze it to generate clearer images. 

If you have breast implants, the primary concern is a breast implant rupture during a mammogram. 

Recent studies have shown that the risk of breast implant rupture is rare during a mammogram. If implants rupture, it could be due to other reasons rather than mammography. 

Radiographers use special methods to get the best images. Each breast will be squeezed (compressed) with the plates to get extra images, called push-back views. 

Technicians will take extra care not to rupture the implants. The radiographers move the implant before the procedure, and it is the breast tissue that will be compressed. 

What to Expect: How the Process Works

As you know, there are two types of breast implants:

• Saline breast implants that are filled with sterile salt water. 
• Silicone breast implants that are filled with silicone gel. 

Breast implants can make it difficult to see all the breast tissue on a mammogram. The implants block X-rays and can hide small tissue abnormalities. 

Therefore, you should inform the radiographer about the implants. 

To view the breast tissue, the technicians will take four extra pictures (2 on each breast). Four standard pictures will also be taken during a screening mammogram.    

The four extra pictures are called implant displacement (ID) views. For imaging, you will be asked to push the implant back against the chest wall. The breast will be pulled forward and then compressed. 

Implant displacement (IDs) are hard to do, and the scar tissue that forms around the breast implant makes it difficult to perform the mammogram and can be painful for you. 

Extra Screening Options (3D, Ultrasound, MRI)

Additional breast imaging options are also available for evaluating breast tissue and ensuring implant integrity. It includes:    

Breast ultrasound 

Unlike mammography, which uses compression and radiation, ultrasound uses sound waves. This method does not disturb implants and evaluates the areas of concern. However, breast implants do not replace standard mammograms for cancer detection.  

Breast MRI 

MRIs are the most sensitive imaging options. Doctors will recommend a breast MRI for evaluating both breast tissue and implant integrity. 

MRIs can detect:

• Silent implant ruptures 
• Unclear mammogram images 
• Abnormal breast tissue in high-risk patients 

3D mammography 

3D mammography offers layered images of the breast to improve tissue visibility. This type of mammography also reduces the need for repeated scans. 

Standard breast compression is required for 3D mammography. 

Quick Tips for Your Appointment

If you have breast implants and want to get a mammogram, you should always pick a lab that is experienced in implant mammography. Ensure that the radiographers and technicians are specially trained. 

Here is a quick checklist to review before the test. 

• Bring your last mammogram report if it was done at another clinic. This helps the radiographers compare the images. 
• Never use lotion, deodorant, powder, or perfume under the arms or on your breasts before the test. They show up as calcium spots on the mammogram. 
• Always schedule the test one week after your period. The breasts will be less tender. 
• Tell your radiographer about the implants when you schedule the mammogram. 
• Always wear a top that can be easily removed. 

Advanced types of screening, such as 3D, ultrasound, and MRI, will be recommended for screening breast cancer, viewing implant integrity, and ruling out any silent silicone rupture. 

Conclusion

So, the answer to whether you can get a mammogram with breast implants is yes. Mammograms are necessary, even if you get implants. Getting breast implants does not reduce the risk of developing breast cancer. 

If you have breast implants, a standard mammogram can be a painful procedure, as you need to gently push the implant back against the chest wall to pull the tissue forward. Other methods include ultrasound if the mammogram images are not reliable. 

You also need to follow the checklist before the mammogram and ensure you tell the radiographer beforehand. 

FAQs 

1. How painful is a mammogram with breast implants? 

If you have breast implants and are getting a mammogram, you should expect slight discomfort and pressure caused by the tight compression. 

2. Can a mammogram rupture a breast implant? 

No, a mammogram does not rupture a breast implant. Technicians take special care while compressing the implants. 

3. Is an ultrasound better than a mammogram for breast implants? 

An ultrasound is performed to check the integrity of the breast implants. On the other hand, doctors recommend a mammogram as part of a routine breast cancer screening. 

4. What are the alternatives to a mammogram if I have breast implants? 

A mammogram is a standard procedure for breast implants and is considered safe. In some cases, doctors might recommend getting an ultrasound or MRI. 

5. What kind of mammogram is best for breast implants? 

The best kind of mammogram for breast implants is Implant Displacement (ID). It offers better visibility and more images.  

Reference:

• Mammograms with Breast Implants
• Can you get mammograms if you have breast implants?
  
  
  
  

The post Can You Get a Mammogram With Breast Implants? How Implants Affect Screening appeared first on Paleo For Women - Evolutionary Health, Revolutionary Womanhood.

* This article was originally published here

5 easy home remedies for morning bloating - IndulgExpress

5 easy home remedies for morning bloating  IndulgExpress

* This article was originally published here

Time Change Preparation: Adjusting Your Sleep as Daylight Saving Time Ends

Each year, when daylight saving time starts and ends, we often experience a disruption in our sleep quality due to a change in our circadian rhythm. While one hour doesn’t feel like it would make much difference, the adjustment of normal daylight time can have a significant impact on our internal clocks.

While we often think we’re “gaining” an hour of sleep in the fall when daylight saving time ends, it has a much larger impact the brain and body than a simple extra hour. Planning ahead with these three simple tips can help your body naturally prepare for the time change, making it less disruptive to your normal sleep schedule.

Make A Gradual Adjustment
As with most sleep schedule disruptors, the best practice is to adjust your body gradually to whatever time change you’ll be forced to make. Starting with a small change of 10-15 minutes instead of making the leap to an entire hour can help acclimatize your body to the change more naturally. Start gradually adjusting your sleep schedule a week or more in advance to avoid shocking your body into a new routine all at once.

Expose Your Body to Natural Daylight
While it’s a good idea to expose yourself to daylight every day, it becomes even more important during a time change. Daylight controls our circadian rhythm, so allowing your body to be aware of the change before and after daylight saving time ends helps your internal clock adjust more naturally.

Getting outside to experience the sunlight is preferable, but simply opening your curtains to let natural light in can be a good alternative.

Practice Good Sleep Hygiene
Sleep hygiene is a combination of all the factors that work together to influence our sleep quality, including our routines, behaviors, bedroom, bedding, and more. Attending to good sleep hygiene before and after a time change includes

• Avoiding fatty foods, caffeine, and alcohol in the evenings
• Minimizing electronic distractions before bed
• Ensuring your sleep space is dark, cool, and quiet
• Creating a clean, allergen-free space with mattress & pillow protectors
• Surrounding yourself with comfortable, breathable sheets & bedding layers

Sources
“Daylight Saving Time ‘Fall Back’ Doesn’t Equal Sleep Gain.” Harvard Health Publishing. health.harvard.edu/blog/daylight-saving-time-fall-back-doesnt-equal-sleep-gain-201311012514

“How to Adjust to Daylight Saving Time.” Sleep Foundation. sleepfoundation.org/circadian-rhythm/how-to-prepare-for-daylight-saving-time

“How to Reset Your Circadian Rhythm.” Sleep Foundation. sleepfoundation.org/circadian-rhythm/can-you-change-your-circadian-rhythm

“Science of Sleep: How Is Sleep Regulated?” Harvard Division of Sleep Medicine. sleep.hms.harvard.edu/education-training/public-education/sleep-and-health-education-program/sleep-health-education-48

The post Time Change Preparation: Adjusting Your Sleep as Daylight Saving Time Ends appeared first on DrWeil.com.

* This article was originally published here

5 ways plants can help with stress, poor sleep and more - InYourArea

5 ways plants can help with stress, poor sleep and more  InYourArea

* This article was originally published here