MedWorm provides a medical RSS filtering service. Over 6000 RSS medical sources are combined and output via different filters. This feed contains the latest medical blog items that have been tagged with 'arthritis'. Sat, 03 Sep 2011 01:52:05 +0100 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5181804&cid=t_102538_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fthree-common-ailments-that-can-be-treated-with-regular-exercise%2F2011.08.31 It’s Wednesday, so I would like to tell you about some cool things I learned this past week about the science of how exercise can be used as a treatment for three common ailments. First, some background about exercise: The great thing about exercising every day that you eat is that this magic potion is not a shot or a pill. It does not involve a doctor burning or squishing anything in your body. There are no HIPAA forms, no insurance pre-certifications, and not even a co-pay. It’s as we say, easy and free. And drum roll please…exercise is active—not passive. Here’s the Mandrola take on how exercise might treat three specific medical conditions: (more…) *This blog post was originally published at Dr John M* (Source: Better Health) Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5181804 Wed, 31 Aug 2011 18:00:42 +0100 5181804 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5118830&cid=t_102538_129_f&fid=36035&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Flife-with-chronic-pain%2Fthe-view-from-both-sides-of-the-sheets%2F As an RN of 35 years, I have always been fascinated by the way people embrace or reject their physical frailties. There is so much diversity in the way each of us responds to pain, disease, life and death. I’ve seen large men fall to the ground in a faint while getting an injection and held down screaming children while they received treatment or a simple exam. I wonder when we learn to be submissive and decide “it’s for your own good?” The truth is sometimes it is good care, sometimes it isn’t. A good, principled nurse or doctor knows the difference. Just ask one of us who we would let treat us or a member of our family. At the same time we are either participants in our care or we shift into neutral and expect someone else to make our decisions for us. Those of us who have stru... Life with Chronic Pain blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5118830 Thu, 11 Aug 2011 20:38:21 +0100 5118830 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5069479&cid=t_102538_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fnsaids-might-be-risky-for-people-with-heart-problems%2F2011.07.26 As if people with the combination of high blood pressure and heart disease don’t already have enough to worry about, a new study suggests that common painkillers called nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) pose special problems for them. Among participants of an international trial called INVEST, those who often used NSAIDs such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin and others), naproxen (Aleve, Naprosyn, and others), or celecoxib (Celebrex) were 47% more likely to have had a heart attack or stroke or to have died for any reason over three years of follow-up than those who used the drugs less, or not at all. The results were published in the July issue of the American Journal of Medicine. Millions of people take NSAIDs to relieve pain and inflammation. They are generally safe and effectiv... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5069479 Tue, 26 Jul 2011 14:00:35 +0100 5069479 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5062247&cid=t_102538_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fliving-with-severe-chronic-pain%2F2011.07.24 Living Beyond Pain For people with severe chronic pain like Kelly Young and Teresa Shaffer—both of whom have become patient advocates—coping with agony is a fact of life.  Young suffers from rheumatoid arthritis while Shaffer’s pain is linked primarily to another degenerative bone disease. Chronic pain is one of the most difficult—and common—medical conditions.  Estimated to affect 76 million Americans—more than diabetes, cancer and heart disease combined—it accompanies illnesses and injuries ranging from cancer to various forms of arthritis, multiple sclerosis and physical trauma. Pain is defined as chronic when it persists after an injury or illness has otherwise healed, or when it lasts three months or longer. The experience of pain can vary dramatically, depending in pa... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5062247 Sun, 24 Jul 2011 14:00:04 +0100 5062247 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5050635&cid=t_102538_93_f&fid=36531&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FJeffreyMD%2F%7E3%2FAqMqC4G9NlY%2F In my continuing quest to prepare for Step 2 in just over a week, I have been going over practice questions. Here’s something I reviewed today — a condition called Psoriatic Arthritis. Here’s is a picture depicting classic symptoms of the disease: Classic symptoms include: morning stiffness deformed joints nail involvement dactylitis “pencil in cup” deformity on x-ray of hands My favorite one is dactylitis — aka “sausage digit.” See the man’s left index finger? That’s the sausage digit — a diffusely swollen finger. And that’s the lesson for today. And I have really been wanting to share about what I learned last week (or was it the week before). It was about something called the “anal wink.” But I guess that will have to be for another day. Hope ya�... JeffreyMD.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5050635 Fri, 22 Jul 2011 01:55:38 +0100 5050635 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5008318&cid=t_102538_109_f&fid=35088&url=http%3A%2F%2Fqw88nb88.wordpress.com%2F2011%2F07%2F07%2Fsinging-teh-brain-dead-workin-hard-blues-remodeling%2F Had a migraine this morning Cancelled on my shrink. Need to clean and organise But I can’t even think. Moved bedrooms three days ago O where is my daily pill box? Boxes and piles everywhere O where are my clean socks? I need to go out and garden Weeds have eaten the side yard. I [...] (Source: Andrea's Buzzing About:) Andrea's Buzzing About: blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5008318 Thu, 07 Jul 2011 03:13:50 +0100 5008318 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4968705&cid=t_102538_129_f&fid=36035&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Flife-with-chronic-pain%2Fwhere-do-you-find-true-grit%2F It’s often inspiring how life leads us along, licking our wounds which it also inflicted upon us; we love it, we hate it. These last few weeks I have been immersed in the past. I live in a home that is 120 years old and often wonder about those who lived here before we did. Did they love? Did they find joy and survival, together or individually? Did they have physical pain? Surely, they must have because they were without NSAIDs, biologics, acid inhibitors, a local drug store, or a supermarket. I often run across some little remnant of the past presence of one who lived here, like finding an oyster shell working its way out of the foundation outdoors or the aqua blue marine paint that dripped from the brush of an “ancient” mariner who used to live here, many years ago, still trailing... Life with Chronic Pain blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4968705 Fri, 24 Jun 2011 13:08:46 +0100 4968705 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4968794&cid=t_102538_134_f&fid=35213&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2Fblogspot%2FYNchP%2F%7E3%2FNKINujRfxjw%2Ftoo-much-stress-what-it-can-do-to-your.html Just something to think about. Diseases caused by stress: Skin disorders Obesity Asthma triggers Autoimmune Diseases Hypertension and heart disease Migraines and headaches Constant stress can cause serious immune system dysfunction. Home, children, overtime at work, finances, volunteering, husbands. Death of a loved one, divorce,substance abuse, miserable jobs. All promote the release of cortisol (our stress hormone)  which can cause destructive immune factors to be released. Abnormal levels of these cortisols are associated with autoimmune conditions, inflammatory diseases and allergic conditions. When cortisol counts go up, DHEA counts go down. DHEA is the immune and anti-aging hormone which helps repair and maintain tissues, reduce atherosclerosis, increase insulin productio... Wife of a Diabetic blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4968794 Fri, 24 Jun 2011 05:24:00 +0100 4968794 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4934162&cid=t_102538_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fwhat-to-do-about-runners-knee-patellofemoral-pain-syndrome%2F2011.06.15 My left knee hurts. When I put weight on it with my leg bent, like when I get out of the car, I feel a dull pain in my knee. My doctor and physical therapist have given me a diagnosis of patellofemoral pain syndrome, also known as “runner’s knee” or patellar knee-tracking syndrome. Simply put, my kneecap doesn’t run smoothly up and down its track—a groove called the trochlea. Anyone can get patellofemoral pain syndrome, but for some reason it is more common in women than men—especially in mid-life women who’ve been running for many years. The problem, say researchers who just published a study in the journal Gait and Posture, is that lots of “mature” women develop alignment problems with their knees. The researchers compared younger female runners to older female runners ... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4934162 Wed, 15 Jun 2011 21:00:49 +0100 4934162 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4921623&cid=t_102538_129_f&fid=36035&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Flife-with-chronic-pain%2Fa-life-with-chronic-pain-dont-panic%2F When we are struck with a life of chronic pain, we are terrified, feel forsaken and usually panic. Those who don’t panic are usually in denial and get around to panic later when the fear of the unknown sweeps over them. Today, as usual, I searched my heart and mind to find the helpful ideas which have and do help me everyday of my life. Please, let me list them for you in the hope that you will also find courage, calm and control in your life if you are also facing this monster each day. Gain Control. I know, you feel like your body has betrayed you and after all the great things you did for it, too. Stop asking yourself why this happened to you and look forward. Of course, it might help you to know if it’s genetic, for the sake of your children, but for now, you have to deal with eac... Life with Chronic Pain blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4921623 Fri, 10 Jun 2011 13:20:44 +0100 4921623 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4911623&cid=t_102538_113_f&fid=38494&url=http%3A%2F%2Fcuretogether.com%2Fblog%2F2011%2F06%2F07%2Frheumatoid-arthritis-treatments%2F For the live-updated, interactive version of this infographic, click here. The daily pain of Rheumatoid Arthritis affects 1-2% of the world’s population, with women three times more affected than men. If you’re one of these people and have questions about how others are treating their symptoms, you’re not alone. At CureTogether, 151 people joined our Rheumatoid Arthritis study, contributing 1127 data points on treatments that worked and didn’t work for them. So what works best for patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis? Prednisone, Low Dose Naltrexone (LDN), reducing stress, Celebrex, and Heat take top spots in patient reports. To navigate the graph above: The top right quadrant shows the most popular and effective treatments, and the top left quadrant shows treatments... The Collective Well blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4911623 Tue, 07 Jun 2011 13:08:41 +0100 4911623 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4768245&cid=t_102538_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2FOKIB4C-4crU%2F The big drugmaker yesterday released results from two eagerly awaited Phase III clinical trials for tofacitinib, a rheumatoid arthritis treatment that Wall Street bets will become a big seller and, significantly, compensate for a string of laboratory failures, not to mention a growing number of meds losing patent protection. However, the results failed to answer a few key questions, at least according to one analyst. “Although the press release states that both studies met all their primary endpoints (beat placebo) at both doses of tofacitinib (5mg and 10mg), the press release doesn’t give us the critical pieces of information we are interested in, ” writes Wachovia Securities analyst Larry Biegelsen, in an investor note. “Unfortunately, the press releases did not i... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4768245 Fri, 29 Apr 2011 15:13:08 +0100 4768245 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4747887&cid=t_102538_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2FScX2CHW6fmI%2F Welcome back, everyone. Nice to see you again after a much-needed break. Hope your own time off was pleasant. Now, of course, the routine of meetings and deadlines has returned. To cope, we are brewing a mandatory cup of stimulation - our flavor today is Wild Mountain Blueberry. Please join us as we catch up with the recent news of the world. And so, here are some tidbits to help your day get started. Stay in touch… FDA Staff Raises Safety Concern With Merck Hepatitis C Drug (Reuters) Vertex Hopes FDA Panel Will OK Its Hep C Treatment (Boston Globe) AstraZeneca To Demolish R&D Facility (Delaware Online) Eisai Aricept Patch For Alzheimer’s Fails To Win FDA Approval (Bloomberg News) Sun Pharma To Sell Merck Diabetes Drugs In India (Reuters) Dr. Reddy’s To Sell Pfizer A... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4747887 Mon, 25 Apr 2011 12:01:51 +0100 4747887 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4631568&cid=t_102538_129_f&fid=36035&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Flife-with-chronic-pain%2Fattitude-is-everything-in-a-life-of-chronic-pain%2F I frequently run into individuals — as I did in my past as an RN — who thought they were the only ones who were suffering. What is this whole living with pain business, some morbid contest to see who’s suffered the most? It’s far too easy to slide down into that hole of depression and self-pity and think you’re the most unfortunate, the most tortured, and the most miserable of them all. If that’s your approach you’ll get a prize for certain; all you have to do is win. Your prize is a life of darkness engulfed in pain and suffering. Your attitude will stink. Your friends and family will eventually resent you and remember, it can get awfully dark down in that hole. I have many goals and hopes for this blog, but the big one is to avoid the whole contest idea. I know as ... Life with Chronic Pain blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4631568 Thu, 24 Mar 2011 20:32:34 +0100 4631568 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4577960&cid=t_102538_122_f&fid=35055&url=http%3A%2F%2Fsarasotaneurology.com%2F2011%2F03%2F13%2Fgot-knee-pain-platelet-rich-plasma-therapy-helps-avoid-knee-surgery%2F Do you have knee pain? Tear a knee meniscus, sprain a ligament or have symptomatic knee arthritis or bursitis? Knee injuries, cartilage tears or tendon sprains are common causes of knee pain. Many patients can get relief with rest, wearing a knee brace and taking an aspirin, ibuprofen or other pain relieving agent. Sometimes a cortisone injection will relieve the knee pain without further treatment. When knee pain persists, patients seek out orthopedic surgical opinions. All too often, patients are told that surgery is their only option. Unfortunately surgery does not always work and patients are left with persistent knee pain. They then resort to narcotic pain killers to relieve pain. Platelet rich plasma therapy has been FDA approved for medical use for over 20 years. Platelet rich plasm... Sarasota Neurology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4577960 Sun, 13 Mar 2011 05:00:44 +0100 4577960 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4570657&cid=t_102538_129_f&fid=36035&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Flife-with-chronic-pain%2Fhow-to-train-your-dragon-of-chronic-pain%2F As most of you already know, I love children’s movies. Their plots are simple, their characters clearly evil or good, and they’re usually humorous. They are clever, beautifully colorful, and entertaining. There’s another reason I like them so much and often prefer them to adult films — they’re usually less depressing. Sure, I know Bambi’s mother gets killed, someone is always orphaned, and evil doers cause trouble, but in the end, all is made right. Adult movies have, over the past few years, become very dark, morbid, and frankly, gruesome. You might as well watch the news if you want to be that depressed. I cannot figure out what’s entertaining about hatchets splitting skulls, guts spilling onto the floor, love betrayed, and the smarmy side of the drug world. If I wante... Life with Chronic Pain blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4570657 Thu, 10 Mar 2011 21:49:15 +0100 4570657 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4549834&cid=t_102538_129_f&fid=36035&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Flife-with-chronic-pain%2Fyou-can-still-count-in-a-life-with-chronic-pain%2F As many of you, I have those days when my thinking is fuzzy. That’s a kind and understated way of saying I feel my years of this compromised life, am distracted by daily pain and have done something to confuse myself. That something is often forgetting to eat, resulting in low blood sugar. Other days I run around in a fog for no reason at all, because I’m trying to do too much too fast or haven’t slept well the night before. Today, as I was refilling my medicine containers into those weekly plastic containers I realized how often I use basic counting to prevent mistakes and to promote many of the other forms of therapy I use in my life of chronic pain. I’m certain many of us have tricks, gimmicks and reminders as we find our way through this strange life we have been given. We writ... Life with Chronic Pain blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4549834 Fri, 04 Mar 2011 21:57:12 +0100 4549834 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4512611&cid=t_102538_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2FCMkq7oeoOAY%2F A US appeals court has reversed a two-year-old jury verdict that found Abbott Labs had to pay $1.67 billion to Johnson & Johnson for infringing a patent on the Remicade arthritis treatment. The spat began when J&J’s Centocor Ortho Biotech unit and New York University filed a lawsuit in 2007, alleging Abbott’s rival Humira med infringed a patent relating to antibodies for treating rheumatoid arthritis. The appeals court, however, decided the Centocor patent was invalid and lacked an adequate written description. The patent “at best, describes a plan for making fully-human antibodies and then identifying those that satisfy the claim limitation,” the court wrote. “But a ‘mere wish or plan’ for obtaining the claimed invention is not sufficie... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4512611 Wed, 23 Feb 2011 17:39:28 +0100 4512611 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4495431&cid=t_102538_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2FAOa48Ux3M2c%2F No sooner did we finish writing about yet another Johnson & Johnson recall than a report comes in that - yes, it is true - still another product is being yanked. This time, the beleaguered health care giant is pulling 395 injectable devices that contain the Simponi rheumatoid arthritis med from the US and Germany due to a potential defect that could deliver an insufficient dose (look here for some info). The problem, which began at a plant in Switzerland, was discovered during routine testing and a spokesman tells us most pens were quarantined, but some were shipped to distributors. In all, 165 pens are recalled in the US and the rest in Germany. The European Medicines Agency, meanwhile, says some countries will not have supplies until May; production is expected to resume next week (... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4495431 Fri, 18 Feb 2011 21:08:40 +0100 4495431 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4482330&cid=t_102538_146_f&fid=38266&url=http%3A%2F%2Fsleepeducation.blogspot.com%2F2011%2F02%2Fpoor-sleep-worsens-arthritis-patients.html (Source: Sleep Education) Sleep Education blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4482330 Tue, 15 Feb 2011 22:56:00 +0100 4482330 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4472948&cid=t_102538_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fwhen-your-health-hinders-your-love-life%2F2011.02.13 This is the time of year when stores are filled with red hearts and other reminders that Valentine’s Day is approaching. It’s a mood booster, not to mention a nice break from all that winter grey (at least up here in Boston). After all, what would life be like without romance, love — and sex? Unfortunately, a variety of health problems — as well as some of the treatments for them — can get in the way of sexual desire and functioning. Here’s a quick look at some of the main sources of trouble and suggestions about what to try first. If these initial strategies don’t work, have a heart to heart with your doctor about what to do next. There may not be a quick fix for health-related sexual problems, but there are steps you can take to help ensure that you can still en... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4472948 Sun, 13 Feb 2011 21:00:26 +0100 4472948 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4406033&cid=t_102538_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2FbTa7z1VzYm8%2F One of the more closely watched sagas in the pharma biz these days is the dispute between Merck and Johnson & Johnson over a pair of rheumatoid arthritis meds - Remicade and the Simponi follow-up. Much is at stake because this is a big, albeit crowded market, and Remicade rings registers; last year, sales were $4.6 billion and Wall Street looks to Simponi also to become a reasonably big seller. Here’s the background: Schering-Plough had distribution rights to both drugs outside the US. But after Merck bought Schering-Plough, with which J&J had a co-marketing agreement, J&J claimed the takeover canceled their deal, citing a change-of-control provision. Merck argues its takeover was really a reverse merger and so J&J, which receives a portion of profits each year, f... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4406033 Thu, 27 Jan 2011 15:26:57 +0100 4406033 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4377681&cid=t_102538_129_f&fid=36035&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Flife-with-chronic-pain%2Fthe-circle-of-life-and-the-grieving-process%2F I realize I may sound like a cartoon or Elton John, but the Circle of Life is very real for all of us mere mortals. The simplistic approach may offend many self-proclaimed sophisticated adults, but life is truly just that simple. We’re born, we live, we wear out or run into trouble, and then we die. If you have not been touched by this circle, experiencing birth and death within the last year, then you are probably overdue. The joys of birth, the gut-wrenching pain of death, and all that happens in between represent this experience called life. Like the filling in a sandwich cookie, that “in between” is the most important part. I’ve never known anyone to scrape out the filling of an Oreo and toss it out just to eat the crispy cookie, have you? We are each of stuck with the whole co... Life with Chronic Pain blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4377681 Thu, 20 Jan 2011 21:44:28 +0100 4377681 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4343333&cid=t_102538_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2FxFzUNrUH_lU%2F In February 2005, a Houston hospital employee named Gayathri Murthy went to see a rheumatologist because she suffered from rheumatoid arthritis and signed up for a clinical trial in which she was given Humira, a widely used, big-selling biologic marketed by Abbott Laboratories. However, Murthy subsequently developed lymphoma, and has now filed a lawsuit against the drugmaker because she claims the warnings were inadequate. She contends that the information about side effects on the informed consent form she was provided was incomplete and misleading. And a video shown her painted a “rosy picture” and “lacked fair balance,” according to her lawsuit. In arguing her case, Murthy’s lawyer, Andy Vickery, maintains the Humira warning label noted that, in July 2004, ... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4343333 Thu, 13 Jan 2011 13:47:53 +0100 4343333 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4285173&cid=t_102538_87_f&fid=34816&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FHonestMedicine%2F%7E3%2F5smNnuczGvI%2Fhmonamazon.html For over a year, I have been busy writing my book, HONEST MEDICINE: Effective, Time-Tested, Inexpensive Treatments for Life-Threatening Diseases. It has been wonderful, terrible, exhausting—and ultimately, life-changing time. And now it is published--and on Amazon.com! The idea for HONEST MEDICINE started germinating in 2002, when my husband Tim was in the hospital with a non-healing post-surgical head wound caused when his suture line wouldn't heal. His doctors performed 8 surgeries to try to get his skin to heal. Nothing worked.  Then, through a friend and colleague, Dr. Carlos Reynes, I found Silverlon, a different kind of wound-healing system. Just hours after placing Silverlon on Tim’s head, his skin started to heal. I was elated. (You may read about our experience here.)�... HONEST MEDICINE: My Dream for the Future blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4285173 Thu, 23 Dec 2010 22:38:56 +0100 4285173 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4266298&cid=t_102538_158_f&fid=38949&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FAgingWithGraceCareconnection%2F%7E3%2FI0Ix32sodsw%2Fstudy-finds-that-narcotic-painkillers.html written by Barry MeierOlder patients with arthritis who take narcotic-based drugs to relieve pain face a higher risk of bone fracture, heart attack and death when compared to those taking non-narcotic drugs, according to a government-financed study published Monday.The study, in The Archives of Internal Medicine, appears to be the first large-scale effort to look at the comparative safety risks for the elderly taking different classes of painkillers. The use of narcotic painkillers has increased in recent years because of a prevailing belief that such drugs were safer for older patients than non-narcotic drugs like Advil and Motrin.The review, financed by the federal Agency for Healthcare Quality and Research, appears to undercut that assumption. The report, which was based on an analysis ... Aging with Grace CareConnection blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4266298 Thu, 16 Dec 2010 17:41:00 +0100 4266298 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4186928&cid=t_102538_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2010%2F11%2F20%2Fpatent-medicine-redux-drug-ads-vs-psychotherapy%2F My father got his M.D. in 1930; I got mine in 1958. Insulin and penicillin came into being during his early years of practice. In my first years as a psychiatrist, tranquilizers and antidepressants changed the landscape of mental health. As doctors, Dad and I both welcomed Medicare in 1965; later on as patients we became grateful beneficiaries. I remember him explaining “ethical pharmaceuticals” — a term that distinguished companies like Merck from hucksters of “patent medicines.” The scandal at Merck about the arthritis drug Vioxx came after his time — he would have been appalled. Recently the line between ethical drug companies and hucksters was blurred by GlaxoSmithKline, which paid a record fine for its bad acts. Until this Glaxo case, drug firms took fines and som... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4186928 Sat, 20 Nov 2010 12:30:04 +0100 4186928 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4139306&cid=t_102538_111_f&fid=36048&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAHeartyLife%2F%7E3%2F8dxivzQa0is%2F photo: Thinkstock Academic Integrity: University hospitals are no better than other hospitals. (via The Huffington Post) Arithmetic Anxiety: If you’ve got math-phobia, electroshock therapy could help. Yay? (via The Globe and Mail) Docs in Diapers: That doctor you think looks too young to be competent probably is. (via The Independent) Too Much of a Good Thing: Taking vitamin E supplements could increase your risk for stroke. (via BBC News) Achey Aging: Arthritis could make the last few years of life very unpleasant. (via San Francisco Gate) Post from: BlissTree Young Doctors and Algebra Anxiety: Morning News Round-Up (Source: A Hearty Life) A Hearty Life blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4139306 Fri, 05 Nov 2010 14:22:35 +0100 4139306 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4081680&cid=t_102538_146_f&fid=38266&url=http%3A%2F%2Fsleepeducation.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F10%2Fsleep-complaints-common-for-arthritis.html (Source: Sleep Education) Sleep Education blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4081680 Mon, 18 Oct 2010 22:27:00 +0100 4081680 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4018300&cid=t_102538_129_f&fid=36035&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Flife-with-chronic-pain%2Fthe-power-of-expectation-in-a-life-with-chronic-pain%2F When we are plunged, thrown, or gradually swallowed by a life of chronic pain, it’s only human to feel despair. We say things like, “Well, I’m just not going to let this get me down,” or “I’m trying to stay positive about this.” I’m not certain why we do that. I think we fear thinking about the worse scenario of whatever is happening in our lives and bodies. I believe, also, we are trying to put on a happy face for our family members and friends. We don’t like to embrace the fact we may be causing anxiety, pain, and worry for those we love as well as for ourselves. To have your life shattered takes more than glue to put it back together again. I don’t know anyone who went through life, particularly the early years and said, “Oh let’s see. When I’m 40 years old I t... Life with Chronic Pain blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4018300 Thu, 30 Sep 2010 19:21:22 +0100 4018300 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4018446&cid=t_102538_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2FdQ15ZZGgQSU%2F Good morning, everyone. There is something of a downpour drenching the Pharmalot corporate campus, nonetheless, our spirits remain as sunny as ever. We hope you feel the same. Meanwhile, the time has come to indulge in another cup of stimulation. So please join us we ready ourselves for another day. Hope yours is a good one and catch you soon… Sanofi-Aventis & Covance Ink $2.2B, 10-Year Deal (Bloomberg News) Big Jump In Brand-Name Meds For Seniors In 2011: Study (The Hill) The Trials And Tribulations Of Malaria Vaccine Trials (Reuters) Pfizer Arthritis Drug Worked Too Well (Bloomberg News) Merck and AVEO End Collaboration On Lung Cancer Drug (Boston Globe) Most NIH-Registered Trials Use Sites Outside No. America (OutsourcingPharma) MediGene Cuts Workforce In Half (PharmaTimes) B... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4018446 Thu, 30 Sep 2010 11:53:50 +0100 4018446 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3983383&cid=t_102538_87_f&fid=34816&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FHonestMedicine%2F%7E3%2FN8b9xw0Xpuc%2Fimportant-message-for-all-ldn-low-dose-naltrexone-users.html To: Everyone who has benefited from taking LDN or who knows someone who has Benefited from it There are now TWO WAYS to take the LDN POLL: Online and by Email. The LDN Research Trust and LDN Aware need your help TO GET THE WORD OUT ABOUT LDN during International LDN Awareness Week in October!! We’ve only got 10 days—till the end of September—to get over 2000 people to TAKE PART IN THE POLL at this link: http://forum.ldnresearchtrust.org/index.php?%2Ftopic%2F1759-ldn-media-poll-pleas Several people have had difficulty with signing on at the above link to take the poll. IF YOU ARE ONE OF THOSE PEOPLE, you can take the poll OFFLINE and send the results to contact@ldnresearchtrust.org. Please HERE to see the POLL QUESTIONS: The results of this poll will be used by the LDN Res... HONEST MEDICINE: My Dream for the Future blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3983383 Sun, 19 Sep 2010 17:16:48 +0100 3983383 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3899350&cid=t_102538_87_f&fid=34872&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblisstree.com%2Ffeel%2Fbipolar-problems-daily-health-quiz%2F We know it’s summer, but our school is cool. Let our Daily Health Quiz test your know-how. Answer our question, below, and check back tomorrow for the answer and your next pop quiz. photo: Thinkstock Today’s Question: Bipolar disorder affects more than 2% of American adults. But do you know the difference between bipolar I disorder and bipolar II disorder? True or false: Bipolar I disorder involves more major depressive episodes and less severe mania than bipolar II disorder. (Explaining this whole thing is making us crazy!) #MicroPollDiv_272421 { width: 250px; margin: 0px auto; } Answer to Yesterday’s Question: Man, how great is sex? Boatloads of fun (hopefully), with some hidden perks. Sex boots the hormone oxytocin, which increases endorphins, which will reduce pai... Healthbolt blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3899350 Tue, 24 Aug 2010 16:30:45 +0100 3899350 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3891720&cid=t_102538_109_f&fid=35088&url=http%3A%2F%2Fqw88nb88.wordpress.com%2F2010%2F08%2F23%2Fstupid-irony%2F Someone defined poetry as “life condensed”.  Sometimes I think that disability is life magnified.  Today’s lens is Irony: I dropped my reaching tool behind the bed where I … struggled to reach it. Forgot to take my ADHD meds. Was too stiff to pull on my elastics:  the wrap for my elbow, the two pads [...] (Source: Andrea's Buzzing About:) Andrea's Buzzing About: blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3891720 Mon, 23 Aug 2010 04:35:22 +0100 3891720 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3880802&cid=t_102538_87_f&fid=34872&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblisstree.com%2Ffeel%2Fstudy-fake-acupuncture-just-as-effective-as-real-acupuncture%2F photo: Thinkstock It turns out that it doesn’t matter if you get legitimate acupuncture or a sham procedure to help with arthritis — both will ease your pain. A new study suggests that a placebo effect may be at work when patients gauge the effectiveness of their treatments. 455 patients were either given real acupuncture using traditional Chinese techniques, fake acupuncture, or no treatment. Both groups who received some form of acupuncture said they had significantly less pain than before the treatment. Have you ever gotten acupuncture? Did it work? via New York Times Well Blog Post from: BlissTree Study: Fake Acupuncture Just as Effective as Real Acupuncture (Source: Healthbolt) Healthbolt blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3880802 Wed, 18 Aug 2010 20:05:37 +0100 3880802 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3876914&cid=t_102538_167_f&fid=36989&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FNutritionData%2F%7E3%2Fn1ta82OuaUs%2Fvegetarian-diet-not-necessaril.html Golfer Phil Mickelson recently announced that he suffers from psoriatic arthritis, an autoimmune disease that has more in common with rheumatoid arthritis than with regular wear-and-tear osteoarthritis.Read:  "Mickelson diagnosed with psoriatic arthritis" in Golf Digest. The good news is that he's been able to control the symptoms with a combination of medication and lifestyle changes, including adopting a vegetarian diet, featuring "lots of fruits and vegetables and some whole grain wheat and pastas and stuff."  Although this is no doubt a big nutritional upgrade for Mickelson, who has a notorious love of fast food, if reducing inflammation is the goal, he might want to go easy on the fruit and whole wheat pasta. (Source: The ND Blog: Notes from the Nutritionista by Monica Reina... The ND Blog: Notes from the Nutritionista by Monica Reinagel, L.D.N., C.N.S. blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3876914 Tue, 17 Aug 2010 19:33:29 +0100 3876914 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3865342&cid=t_102538_117_f&fid=34696&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.straightfromthedoc.com%2F50226711%2Ftea_drinkers_have_higher_risk_of_rheumatoid_arthritis.php © MournerContrary to the findings in previous studies that tea had either a protective or no significant effect, researchers are now saying that the well-loved health drink may actually increase women's risks for rheumatoid arthritis (RA). This is the conclusion of the study conducted by the Women's Health Initiative Observational Study (WHI-OS) which included over 76,000 women in the 50 to 79 age bracket. Upon enrollment to the study, the women filled out questionnaires that asked about tea drinking habits. After three years, ... (Source: Straightfromthedoc) Straightfromthedoc blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3865342 Fri, 13 Aug 2010 23:51:32 +0100 3865342 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3798627&cid=t_102538_109_f&fid=38950&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.shockmd.com%2F2010%2F07%2F29%2Fthe-bio-future-of-joint-replacement%2F Amazing new technologies for arthritis, away with knee and hip replacement? Arthritis and injury grind down millions of joints, but few get the best remedy — real biological tissue. Kevin Stone shows a treatment that could sidestep the high costs and donor shortfall of human-to-human transplants with a novel use of animal tissue. Related posts:Surgery’s past, present and robotic future The Future of Wireless Medicine What News Stories Might Make a Difference for the Future? (Source: Dr Shock MD PhD) Dr Shock MD PhD blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3798627 Thu, 29 Jul 2010 06:41:37 +0100 3798627 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3721969&cid=t_102538_151_f&fid=35818&url=http%3A%2F%2Frecoveryissexy.com%2Fsex-when-your-over-50-2%2F Sexuality Challenges Related to Aging and Recovery from Alcoholism, Addiction or Co-dependency. While there are some age-related sexual changes in both men and women, the ability to have and enjoy sex usually continues into old age. Both the sexual experience and the intimacy it provides remain important. But there is no doubt that there are changes going on, starting right in midlife. While every person is different (for example, some women go through menopause in their 40s, while others don’t reach menopause until their late 50s), there are certain common physical changes that happen as men and women age. Understanding these changes will allow you to discuss them with your partner, to make changes that keep you sexually active, or to consult a doctor or health-care practitioner if yo... Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3721969 Fri, 02 Jul 2010 16:23:14 +0100 3721969 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3710798&cid=t_102538_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2FPlw3NtaReH4%2F Top of the morning to you. Another balmy day here on the Pharmalot corporate campus, where an usual quiet has set in now that the short people are busy with their summer activities. We are keeping busy, of course, sifting through documents. And you? Projects and meetings beckon, no doubt. To cope, please join us for a cup of stimulation and a peek at a few interesting items. Have a nice day, everyone… Bayer Drops One Patent Infringement Case Over Yaz (Reuters) Novartis Can’t Force Alcon Merger (PharmaTimes) Teva Gets FDA OK For Generic Effexor XR (Reuters) UK’s NICE Reverses Decision On Rheumatoid Arthritis Meds (PharmaTimes) Speeding Clinical Trial Recruitment With E-records (Outsourcing Pharm) Abbott Puts Solvay Flu Biz Up For Sale (The Wall Street Journal) Taro Pharma ... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3710798 Tue, 29 Jun 2010 11:45:35 +0100 3710798 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3672037&cid=t_102538_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2FaDtTeVMFSSE%2F There may be some interesting variables involved in analyzing the results, but we have a winner - the Peripheral & Central Nervous System Drugs Advisory Committee, which has not bounced a new drug in the last 3-1/2 years. The latest endorsement was given to the Novartis multiple sclerosis pill, Gilenia. This is the only advisory committee, however, that doesn’t know the word ‘no.’ Overall, 70 percent of all applications that made it to an FDA advisory committee for review between 2007 and 2010 won positive recommendations, according to Concept Capital, which only considered new molecular entities and major new indications for existing drugs. Also, only the final voting question on whether a drug should be recommended for approval was tallied. Some other nuggets: the ... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3672037 Wed, 16 Jun 2010 20:35:34 +0100 3672037 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3666111&cid=t_102538_129_f&fid=36191&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.arthritisblog.org%2Fentry%2Fi-think-i-have-arthritis-what-medicine-should-i-take%2F If you think you have arthritis, but you haven’t been to a doctor yet, what can you take? Try some over-the-counter medications first. Drugs like ibuprofen (Advil) and naproxen (Aleve) can help temporarily help by decreasing inflammation and reducing pain. They can cause side effects if used for a long term, so don’t do that without being supervised by a physician. Arthritis medications vary depending on the severity and type of arthritis, so make sure to talk to your doctor. Don’t let severe pain go on too long as it effects so many areas in your life, including the ability to earn a living. Sometimes medication is really expensive and trying new things can add up. If you need something new right away, emergency loans can get you through until payday. Doctors normally prescribe th... Arthritis Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3666111 Wed, 16 Jun 2010 10:25:47 +0100 3666111 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3607698&cid=t_102538_129_f&fid=36191&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.arthritisblog.org%2Fentry%2Fhire-residential-property-management-for-tough-tasks%2F Arthritis sufferers can get physical and mental relief after hiring residential property management services. Arthritis is a painful, disabling condition that affects people of all ages. If you’ve noticed that you have been slowing down on house repairs, or that you just can’t seem to keep up with your yard work, then hiring a residential property management might be the perfect solution for you. A residential property management team provides licensed professionals who check in regularly, and assist you if needs arise, and remain on call for emergency situations. If arthritis has crippled your legs, the residential property management team will come to your property and mow the grass for you and trim the hedges. If you have a plumbing issues, a residential property manageme... Arthritis Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3607698 Fri, 28 May 2010 09:48:29 +0100 3607698 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3607472&cid=t_102538_87_f&fid=36050&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblisstree.com%2Flive%2Frheumatoid-arthritis-on-the-rise-in-women%2F photo: Thinkstock Rheumatoid arthritis may sound like something you’ll worry about in your twilight years, but it’s actually an auto-immune disease that’s becoming more and more common in women. It usually affects women between 40-60 years old, and causes joints and their surrounding tissue to become inflamed, leading to pain, stiffness, and a variety of not-fun side effects. According to the Mayo Clinic, the number of cases of rheumatoid arthritis had been falling for 40 years, but between 1995 and 2007 they increased by 2.5%. However, in the same time period, cases have fallen among men. Women are three times more likely than men to be diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis. Since rheumatoid arthritis is an auto-immune disorder, there isn’t much rhyme or reason as to... Breastfeeding 1-2-3 blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3607472 Thu, 27 May 2010 19:13:33 +0100 3607472 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3577627&cid=t_102538_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2FnV0zFr-PzG4%2F Hello, everyone. Nice to see you again. The sun is threatening to shine on the Pharmalot corporate campus this morning, which we take as a good sign. Meanwhile, there is much to do - meetings and deadlines loom. So please join us in quaffing a cup or more of stimulation and pondering the news of the world. Have a great day and catch you soon… Roche & Biogen Discontinue Rheumatoid Arthritis Drug (PharmaTimes) Pfizer’s Viagra-Like Drug May Help Lung Patients (Dow Jones) India’s Piramal Denies Founders Will Sell Stake (Reuters) Novartis Should Pay $285M In Sex Bias Damages: Lawyer (Bloomberg News) Coffee pix thx to chichcacha flickr creative commons (Source: Pharmalot) Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3577627 Wed, 19 May 2010 11:39:33 +0100 3577627 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3577357&cid=t_102538_87_f&fid=34816&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FHonestMedicine%2F%7E5%2FeCzXKjcAzsY%2FBERKSON%2520on%2520BIHARI.mp3 Last Sunday, the world lost a truly wonderful man: Dr. Bernard Bihari, a medical hero, and one of my personal heroes, as well. Dr. Bihari was the genius who discovered that a very low dose of naltrexone, a drug that had been approved at a higher dose by the FDA for another purpose entirely, could help people with some of the most difficult-to-treat diseases. Thanks to Dr. Bihari, tens of thousands (some say hundreds of thousands) of people with multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, HIV/AIDS and even cancer are now living better lives. Many are symptom-free. Dr. Bihari had the highest of credentials: a Bachelors degree from Cornell, and his MD degree from Harvard. But he never lost sight of his true mission: to lessen the suffering of real people. And that he did.I’ve been... HONEST MEDICINE: My Dream for the Future blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3577357 Wed, 19 May 2010 04:30:45 +0100 3577357 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3533964&cid=t_102538_117_f&fid=34696&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.straightfromthedoc.com%2F50226711%2Fconsumer_health_may_is_national_arthritis_month.php What better time to remind everyone about arthritis but on National Arthritis Month which is this month of May. Fight Arthritis Pain encourages everyone - especially those with arthritis - to simply move to better health. Osteoarthritis affects 27 million Americans. The older we get, the harder it can be to stay active and fit. However, here is one more reason to keep moving: light exercise can help reduce the risk and pains associated with osteoarthritis. Also, it can be ... (Source: Straightfromthedoc) Straightfromthedoc blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3533964 Wed, 05 May 2010 08:00:00 +0100 3533964 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3499195&cid=t_102538_129_f&fid=36036&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Fkelly-building-a-crohns-disease-community%2Fhow-is-your-crohns%2F Hello everyone!  In case you are new to the blog, I will explain the topic of today’s blog.  Every month I like to check in with everyone to see how you have been doing.  Everyone writes in and tells how they have been feeling and what has been going on with their Crohn’s or with anything else.  It is a great way for us to share and to vent.  It has been a little while since we last did this, so I am expecting lots of comments from everyone so that we can catch up! I have not been doing too well lately.  I guess that I should have seen it coming but, as always, I seem to miss the little subtle signs of an oncoming flare.  Since 2010 has started, it seems it has been one thing after another, but hopefully I will get it turned around soon.  After the strange pain that was in my l... Life with Crohn's blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3499195 Thu, 22 Apr 2010 22:00:42 +0100 3499195 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3499194&cid=t_102538_129_f&fid=36035&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Flife-with-chronic-pain%2Fpets-with-chronic-pain%2F I don’t know why but I feel a “ruff, ruff” coming on or should I say “Speak!” Okay, I think I will. I hate it when my pets are ill. It’s really hard to take. Most of us love our dogs and cats like we love our children and find they often behave better. They rarely talk back. They seldom stay out too late. They almost never get involved in drugs, wild parties, and rarely fall into bad company unless you’re counting that female in heat that lives up the block. I do have to officially state, however with full disclosure, that every small dog we’ve had, compared to our large dogs, has peed on the floor far more than the kids ever did; but I digress. If you don’t love your pets this much, well, you can stop reading right now. The current issue of Arthritis Today, for May/June ... Life with Chronic Pain blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3499194 Thu, 22 Apr 2010 20:18:28 +0100 3499194 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3482689&cid=t_102538_139_f&fid=38879&url=http%3A%2F%2Fmedia.rawvoice.com%2Fpmn_twiv%2Fwww.twiv.tv%2FTWiV078.mp3 Hosts: Vincent Racaniello, Alan Dove, Dickson Despommier, and Rich Condit Vincent, Alan, Dickson, and Rich talk about treating arthritis with a tanapox virus protein, Darwinian evolution of prions in cell culture, and the connection between cold weather fronts and outbreaks of avian H5N1 influenza in Europe. This episode is sponsored by Data Robotics Inc. Use the promotion code TWIVPOD to receive $75-$500 off a Drobo. Win a free Drobo S! Contest rules here. Download TWiV #78 (53 MB .mp3, 73 minutes) Subscribe to TWiV (free) in iTunes , at the Zune Marketplace, by the RSS feed, or by email. Links for this episode: Treating arthritis with a tanapox virus protein that antagonizes TNF (press release and research article) Darwinian evolution of prions in cell culture (abstract) Simple diagram ... virology blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3482689 Sun, 18 Apr 2010 16:56:38 +0100 3482689 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3479810&cid=t_102538_129_f&fid=36191&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.arthritisblog.org%2Fentry%2Farthritis-friendly-home-accommodations%2F Arthritis is a medical term used to describe a group of disorders that affect the joints and muscles in the human body. There are more than a hundred different forms of arthritis, each affecting one or more parts of the body. Rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis are the most common types of this disease. Areas such as hands, elbows, feet, spine and knees fall prey to arthritis. What are the symptoms of arthritis? Inflammation, pain in joints, and inability to freely move the joints, are some of the most common symptoms of arthritis. Other (less common) symptoms include loss of appetite, weight loss, painful swelling and inflammation, fever and anemia. Joint arthritis damages the cartilage, which is a fluid-like substance that holds a lubricant to facilitate movement. Being a form of c... Arthritis Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3479810 Sat, 17 Apr 2010 11:43:35 +0100 3479810 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3479811&cid=t_102538_129_f&fid=36191&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.arthritisblog.org%2Fentry%2Fbeautiful-jewelry-that-doesnt-have-clasps-that-will-irritate-your-arthritis%2F It is estimated that 19 million adults in the US are disabled in some form by arthritis. And, according to some estimates, this number is expected to rise to sixty seven million by the year 2030. Equally there are many other adults who have some form of disability in their hands and their arms. Have you ever thought of these people when you are struggling to put on your necklace or your bracelet? The traditional “lobster claw” clasps on jewelry are hard enough to manage for normal people. You must surely have experienced the frustration of trying to put on your jewellery and ending up with fingers and arms that hurt and a neck that is stiff because it has been held at odd angles. If it was this bad for you, can you imagine the plight of people for whom the process would be excrucia... Arthritis Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3479811 Sat, 17 Apr 2010 10:57:49 +0100 3479811 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3479812&cid=t_102538_129_f&fid=36191&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.arthritisblog.org%2Fentry%2Farthritis-cant-stop-you%2F A lot of people have lost their homes over the past two years. Maybe you know someone who has – and perhaps you yourself have. While that is not even close to a fun reason for a person to move, it becomes a huge margin worse (nearly an unbearable task) when it is coupled with arthritis pain. When you can barely wrap small objects without wincing in hand pain and trying to pick up a box feels like a feat that only Hercules could accomplish, you might need to explore a different plan than trying to “do it yourself.” They have people for this sort of thing. For instance, let us say you were previously living in Expensiveland...er...San Francisco. But the mortgage came due, and you simply could not front the cash. So you decided that Sacramento might be a bit more in your price... Arthritis Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3479812 Sat, 17 Apr 2010 10:55:11 +0100 3479812 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3479813&cid=t_102538_129_f&fid=36191&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.arthritisblog.org%2Fentry%2Fmake-your-bathroom-an-oasis-from-arthritis%2F The bath room is the most crucial space in your entire home. This is not only because it is a biological necessity to do what needs to be done “when nature calls.” Psychologically, the bath room represents a space of calmness, solitude and security, which are very comfortable when combined in just the right measure. And especially when you have a physical problem such as arthritis, your bath room becomes even more of a place where comfort needs to reign supreme. Naturally, there are a variety of little things you can add to your bath room, in order to add the most important thing – your ultimate comfort. Often times, a person with arthritis can accommodate their joint issues using a few simple bathroom accessories? For example, if you have some difficulty with get into or out of you... Arthritis Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3479813 Sat, 17 Apr 2010 10:52:08 +0100 3479813 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3435165&cid=t_102538_129_f&fid=36191&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.arthritisblog.org%2Fentry%2Fskiing-and-arthritis%2F Skiing can be very good for arthritis. Skiing is an extreme fitness sport, which means it exercises a lot of muscles and joints. The most important way to relieve arthritic pain is exercising the joint where you have arthritis. Since arthritis is a joint disease, and skiing gives your joints a lot of movement, it actually helps heal arthritis. However, it can be painful, initially, at least, to ski with arthritic pain. The sudden pressure on your joints can be extremely painful. But as with most types of muscle and joint pain, calibrated further pain always heals them. So, get ready for that initial bout of pain if you want your skiing holidays to heal your arthritis. Not all types of skiing are equally good for arthritis; some can be positively harmful. The trick is to ski in a way tha... Arthritis Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3435165 Sat, 03 Apr 2010 06:52:56 +0100 3435165 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3390902&cid=t_102538_129_f&fid=36191&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.arthritisblog.org%2Fentry%2Fpet-care-for-people-with-arthritis%2F Arthritis is a disease that causes painful inflammation of the joints and as it progresses you may find that your mobility becomes less and less with each passing day. After a while you may not be able to do a lot of the things you used to and if you have not only yourself to look after but a pet also you might have difficulty in doing so. Although you may become disheartened by your condition you need to remember that you have a pet that needs your love and attention, so you should make sure that you are able to look after them properly. If you really are unable to take your dog for walks, bath them or even take them to the vet for any injections or petmeds that they may need, you should ask a family member or friend to help you out. There are some organizations that help people with a... Arthritis Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3390902 Mon, 22 Mar 2010 12:42:12 +0100 3390902 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3390903&cid=t_102538_129_f&fid=36191&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.arthritisblog.org%2Fentry%2Fwhat-nobel-prize-winners-bring-for-arthritis-patients%2F I am sure that you have not forgotten the two American scientists Andrew Fire, PhD, and Craig Mello, PhD who bagged last year’s Nobel Prize for their contribution in physiology or medicine. More interesting is the fact that this prize brought joy not only to both these scientists but to many arthritis patients all round the world as well. The development made by these two researchers for providing relief to arthritis patients was really commendable. As we know that various forms of arthritis are based on important genetic component and in such situation the work of Andrew Fire and Mello, which focused mainly on the concept that how the activity of our genes are controlled was really commendable as it would help researchers understanding the root causes and mechanisms of arthritis a... Arthritis Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3390903 Fri, 19 Mar 2010 15:36:27 +0100 3390903 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3346563&cid=t_102538_117_f&fid=34696&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.straightfromthedoc.com%2F50226711%2Fosteoarthritis_and_cosequin_ds.php Source: WikipediaOsteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis usually affecting the joints of the hands, knees, hips or spine. The breakdown of cartilage, which serves as a "cushion" between the bones of the joints, causes pain and swelling and reduces mobility. While most cases of osteoarthritis are related to aging, there are many other factors and health conditions that may contribute to the development of osteoarthritis such as obesity, diabetes, joint injury, and hormone disorders. There is no specific treatment to stop cartilage ... (Source: Straightfromthedoc) Straightfromthedoc blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3346563 Tue, 09 Mar 2010 03:52:54 +0100 3346563 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3251256&cid=t_102538_109_f&fid=35088&url=http%3A%2F%2Fqw88nb88.wordpress.com%2F2010%2F02%2F07%2Fdistress-data-diary%2F Dear Diary, Wait a minute, this is a migraine diary; useful and important, but not such a “dear” topic. Dear Diary, Today I had another migraine.  The symptoms included: As mentioned, I’m putting together a diary of migraine details for an upcoming appointment with a specialist. The other week I had one so bad that my son had to [...] (Source: Andrea's Buzzing About:) Andrea's Buzzing About: blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3251256 Sun, 07 Feb 2010 22:30:11 +0100 3251256 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3246858&cid=t_102538_86_f&fid=36669&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffadelibrary.wordpress.com%2F2010%2F02%2F06%2Fannals-of-rheumatic-diseases-2010-vol-69-no-2%2F contents page Fade Fave: Postpartum onset of rheumatoid arthritis and other chronic arthritides: results from a patient register linked to a medical birth registry Fade Skinny: Identifies proportions of incident cases with onset 0–24 months after delivery were not different between rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and rheumatoid arthritis (OCA). A peak in incidence during 0–24 months was seen in the RA group, both when considering all pregnancies and only the first pregnancy. (NHS Athens is required to access this article online) Filed under: Athens Password, Current Awareness, E-Journals Tagged: Arthritis, Athens Passsword, Current Awareness, E-Journals, Pregnancy, Rheumatology, Womans Health (Source: Fade Library) Fade Library blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3246858 Sat, 06 Feb 2010 07:32:14 +0100 3246858 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3231826&cid=t_102538_158_f&fid=36018&url=http%3A%2F%2Fcaregiversbeacon.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F02%2Fmanaging-life-with-chronic-pain.html Those of us with arthritis pain or other chronic conditions can always use a review of some of the techniques for managing pain. Here's a brief summary from WebMD.com. I will mention a few of the tips here and you can click on the link to see their whole list. Lifestyle changes can making living with ongoing pain more bearable and hopefully provide a lot of relief. The list starts with "Deep Breathing and Other Meditation" because relaxation eases pain. I would like to add that relaxation, meditating, using a mantra, or using breathing meditation, can be enhanced by using certain types of music in the background. I often go on the internet and search for meditation music, or any soft, beautiful music.Music therapy for pain reducation can be part of one's daily lifestyle. Spiritual music, i... The Caregiver's Beacon - Resources, Links, Ideas, News blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3231826 Mon, 01 Feb 2010 18:13:00 +0100 3231826 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3201782&cid=t_102538_109_f&fid=35088&url=http%3A%2F%2Fqw88nb88.wordpress.com%2F2010%2F01%2F24%2Fattention-grocery-shoppers%2F “We have a special going on in our natural foods aisle, right now!  You can get your specialty questions answered by our very own over-educated scientist-grocery stocker!  That’s right, weekends and evenings only, over in our natural foods aisle!  And THANK YOU for shopping your local supermarket chain grocery!” Oh, boy. It’s one thing to be helping [...] (Source: Andrea's Buzzing About:) Andrea's Buzzing About: blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3201782 Sun, 24 Jan 2010 06:09:45 +0100 3201782 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3185654&cid=t_102538_158_f&fid=36018&url=http%3A%2F%2Fcaregiversbeacon.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F01%2Fjoin-up-for-water-walking-sweatless.html The scene is like a happy club of seniors visiting as they walk in chest high water up and down the Olympic size pool at my healthclub. Instead of going for a walk outdoors those of us with arthritic knees, joint surgeries, or other conditions join up for a walk in the pool. As with many pools these days the Olympic length pool, 75 meters, is only 4.5 feet deep. Stripes on the bottom show where the lanes are, and during lap swimming times of the day there are floating dividers. You can let the buoyancy of the water take the weight off of sore knees, hips or backs, and get a workout. My arthritic knees are pain free after an aquatic workout. My local healthclub also has a 25 ft. by 35 ft. 88 degree pool that's great for loosening up the sore, stiff joints. Then there's the long pool where y... The Caregiver's Beacon - Resources, Links, Ideas, News blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3185654 Tue, 19 Jan 2010 05:26:00 +0100 3185654 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3182235&cid=t_102538_109_f&fid=35088&url=http%3A%2F%2Fqw88nb88.wordpress.com%2F2010%2F01%2F18%2Fsome-more-of-my-favorite-things%2F Yet another dreich day, overcast, mizzling (misty-drizzling), clammy and hovering around the freezing mark.  I’ve managed to wrench my ankle a bit, and am long-last holed up in bed with my warm rice-sock wrapped around it, a and have a bowl of oatmeal and a mug of rum-tea for comfort. In a salute to all things [...] (Source: Andrea's Buzzing About:) Andrea's Buzzing About: blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3182235 Mon, 18 Jan 2010 04:33:17 +0100 3182235 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3149135&cid=t_102538_111_f&fid=36048&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAHeartyLife%2F%7E3%2FSXIkAaXGJQs%2F Being abused as a child has a lifelong impact on people, even if they think they’ve left the abuse behind. In some cases, it may come out in personality issues and in others, physically, such as high stress levels or illness. Migraines, one of those mysterious ailments that affect so many people, is one of the long-lasting physical effects that may result from childhood abuse. Of course, that’s not to say that if you have migraines, you were abused – absolutely not. But, researchers have found that a significant number of people who do live with migraines were somehow abused or neglected when they were children. Child abuse and neglect are, unfortunately, still very much present in today’s society. In the United States, the U.S. Department of Health has said that in... A Hearty Life blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3149135 Wed, 06 Jan 2010 17:55:36 +0100 3149135 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3146110&cid=t_102538_129_f&fid=36035&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Flife-with-chronic-pain%2Fhow-to-stay-warm-during-the-cold-winter-months%2F I had something else in mind for today but after receiving so many notes from all of you who are reacting to the extreme cold, I thought we’d talk about some practical matters. It may be a bit repetitious because some of us have been chatting about these things, but for other, it will be new information. I often think by gathering all of our experiences together we often come up with some very helpful information. I’d like to chat about current problems and challenges so we can all help each other by pooling our information. FACING THE COLD. One of the greatest challenges those of us with rheumatoid disease face is the effect of weather changes on our bodies. There is little doubt that barometric changes affect us and the effect that both heat and cold can have on us. The most common c... Life with Chronic Pain blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3146110 Tue, 05 Jan 2010 22:15:38 +0100 3146110 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3105091&cid=t_102538_109_f&fid=35088&url=http%3A%2F%2Fqw88nb88.wordpress.com%2F2009%2F12%2F19%2Fyour-irony-for-the-day%2F My knees hurt from stocking arthritis medication. (Source: Andrea's Buzzing About:) Andrea's Buzzing About: blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3105091 Sat, 19 Dec 2009 05:26:44 +0100 3105091 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3092802&cid=t_102538_115_f&fid=34670&url=http%3A%2F%2Fsumerdoc.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F12%2Frheumatoid-arthritis-craniovertebral.html The spondylitis of RA is distinctive in that it has predilection for the cervical region. Osteoporosis, disc narrowing and end-plate irregularity are seen with only minimal reactive new bone formation in the upper cervical vertebrae in contrast to the osteoarthritis which involves lower cervical vertebrae.Facet joint erosions may lead to subluxations at multiple levels in cervical spine giving STEP-LADDER appearance. Atlantoaxial joint subluxation is seen in 30% of cases especially in chronic disease due to involvement of transverse ligament with or without erosion of odontoid. (Separation between anterior border of odontoid and posterior surface of the anterior arch of atlas in flexion of more than 2.5 mm in adults or 4mm in children is considered diagnostic of AAD). The eroded odontoid a... Sumer's Radiology Site blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3092802 Tue, 15 Dec 2009 17:14:00 +0100 3092802 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2989100&cid=t_102538_86_f&fid=36669&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffadelibrary.wordpress.com%2F2009%2F11%2F13%2Fannals-of-rheumatic-diseases-2009-vol-68-no-12%2F contents page Fade Fave: Development of quality indicators for monitoring of the disease course in rheumatoid arthritis Fade Skinny: Aims to develop a set of quality indicators to evaluate rheumatoid arthritis disease course monitoring of rheumatologists in daily clinical practice. Concludes this quality indicator set can be used to assess the quality of disease course monitoring of rheumatologists in daily clinical practice, and to determine for which aspects of disease course monitoring rheumatologists perform well, or where there is room for improvement. This information can be used to improve the quality of disease course monitoring. (NHS Athens is required to access this article online) Current Awareness Feedback Form Posted in Athens Password, Current Awareness, E-Journals Tagged: A... Fade Library blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2989100 Fri, 13 Nov 2009 13:28:41 +0100 2989100 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2962870&cid=t_102538_77_f&fid=37259&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.horizonpress.com%2Fblogger%2F2009%2F11%2Fsmall-ruminant-lentiviruses.html The Visna-Maedi virus (VMV) and the caprine arthritis encephalitis virus (CAEV) were considered to be specific pathogens of sheep and goats, respectively. The finding that these lentiviruses frequently cross the species barrier between sheep and goats, and vice versa, has changed our view of the epidemiology of these viruses and they are now referred to as small ruminant lentiviruses (SRLV). A brief review of the molecular epidemiology of these lentiviruses will illustrate the diffusion and intermixing of these viruses in the two target species and documented cases of double infection and recombination between VMV and CAEV will be discussed. Monocytes-macrophages and dendritic cells are the main target cells of CAEV. Monocytes carrying the lentiviral provirus in their genome show little or... Microbiology Blog: The weblog for microbiologists. blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2962870 Wed, 04 Nov 2009 17:13:00 +0100 2962870 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2927454&cid=t_102538_122_f&fid=35055&url=http%3A%2F%2Fsarasotaneurology.com%2F2009%2F10%2F25%2Fregenerative-medicine-platelet-rich-plasma-provides-joint-pain-relief%2F As a neurologist who sees many patients with neck, back and various joint pains, I practice an area of medicine known as neuro-orthopedics. As such, I treat patients for their pain without surgical intervention. Many patients with neck, back and joint pain (knee pain, shoulder pain, elbow pain, etc.) can be successfully treated without invasive surgery and the many risk that go along with this. With surgery there is also a prolonged recovery time and need for extensive rehabilitation. The area of medicine that applies to successfully treating patients without surgery or use of narcotic medications is known as regenerative medicine. In this field, platelet rich plasma is injected into the affected joint, tendon, ligament or soft tissue area that has pain and is failing to heal completely. T... Sarasota Neurology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2927454 Sun, 25 Oct 2009 21:00:24 +0100 2927454 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2872087&cid=t_102538_165_f&fid=37959&url=http%3A%2F%2Fhealthskills.wordpress.com%2F2009%2F10%2F08%2Fpain-and-rheumatology-an-overview-of-the-problem%2F One of the most common reasons to visit a doctor is musculoskeletal pain. And one of the first symptoms of a rheumatological disorder is pain – so it’s great to find this succinct overview of pain in rheumatological disorders. I think one of the saddest findings I’ve read recently (I blogged about it a while ago) is that people who see a rheumatologist may have their disease process managed – but their pain problem may remain untouched. There is a misconception that pain is simply ‘a response to inflammation’ or ‘joint derangement’ – but it’s never really that simple! This paper by Montecucco, Cavagna, & Caporali identifies five groups of pain disorder in rhematological diseases: acute pain, like gout, related to local tissue ... HealthSkills Weblog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2872087 Wed, 07 Oct 2009 18:18:23 +0100 2872087 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2865920&cid=t_102538_151_f&fid=35805&url=http%3A%2F%2Ftwelvestepfacilitation.com%2Falcohol-use-for-pain-needs-to-be-assessed%2F This study examined the occurrence of alcohol use to manage pain in community-dwelling adults with tooth pain, jaw joint/face pain, and arthritis. Race/ethnicity, sex, and age were examined to determine their associations with alcohol use for pain. Community-dwelling adults from South Florida with tooth pain (n = 1,767), jaw joint/face pain (n = 1,199), or arthritis pain (n = 1,355) completed a structured telephone interview. Logistic regression models indicted that, similar to population rates, non-Hispanic whites and males were the most likely to use alcohol to manage pain. In addition, alcohol use for pain was highest in younger adults. Individuals who self-managed oral pain with alcohol were more likely to use prescription and over-the-counter pain medications, but this ... Twelve Step Facilitation.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2865920 Tue, 06 Oct 2009 10:26:50 +0100 2865920 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2865938&cid=t_102538_158_f&fid=36018&url=http%3A%2F%2Fcaregiversbeacon.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F10%2Faquatherapy-for-seniors-improving.html Sore joints and backs are soothed and one's spirits are uplifted after an exercise session in water. For example, my local fitness club has just opened a special warm water pool, heated to close to 90 degrees, with an arthritis exercise class at the pool. This morning about 20 seniors with bad knees, sore hips, bad backs, and other "aches and pains" did their water walking and water yoga stretches supported by water up to the waist or up to the shoulders. After one full hour of this, followed by a sauna, one feels like a new person both physically and mentally.If you are usually unable to stand due to pain and do shoulder rolls, waist twists, and standing leg lifts then the water exercise provides the support to make this easier and painless.Stiff joints move more easily, and general body ... The Caregiver's Beacon - Resources, Links, Ideas, News blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2865938 Mon, 05 Oct 2009 20:49:00 +0100 2865938 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2803861&cid=t_102538_87_f&fid=34935&url=http%3A%2F%2Fmedicine.com.my%2Fwp%2F%3Fp%3D7893 Physician’s First Watch reports Chinese Herb Appears Better Than Standard Treatment for Rheumatoid Arthritis Tripterygium wilfordii Hook F (TwHF) extract offers better symptom relief than sulfasalazine in patients with rheumatoid arthritis, reports Annals of Internal Medicine. (TwHF — also known as “thunder god vine” or “lei gong teng” — is used in traditional Chinese medicine to treat inflammatory conditions.) U.S. researchers randomized some 120 adults with active rheumatoid arthritis to receive the extract (180 mg) or sulfasalazine (2 g) daily for 24 weeks. Participants were allowed to use stable prednisone dosing (up to 7.5 mg/day) but not disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs. In intent-to-treat analyses, significantly more patients assigned to TwHF v... Malaysian Medical Resources blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2803861 Tue, 15 Sep 2009 23:00:00 +0100 2803861 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2786176&cid=t_102538_129_f&fid=36035&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Flife-with-chronic-pain%2Farthritis-is-so-much-more-than-daily-pain%2F There are over a hundred different types of arthritis. You can have one type or a combination of them, such as mixed connective tissue disease. Today I’d like to share with you a few of my personal impressions of what it is to live with arthritis. Most days it’s like riding a wet horse, bareback in the rain. You try to hang on but you fear you could fall off at any time and fear the consequences. You often feel like you’re coming down with the flu but you know you couldn’t have the flu that often and struggle to live with that yucky feeling while fulfilling what life demands, one day at a time. Since you’re immune deficient due to one or more of your medications, you must avoid others who are coughing, sneezing, dripping or hacking. You know if you become chilled it will take hou... Life with Chronic Pain blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2786176 Thu, 10 Sep 2009 22:12:21 +0100 2786176 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2804239&cid=t_102538_151_f&fid=35818&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FRecoveryIsSexycom%2F%7E3%2FJxvkvNAWd40%2F Sexuality Challenges Related to Aging and Recovery from Alcoholism, Addiction or Codependency. [[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]] [[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]] (Source: Recovery Is Sexy.com) Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2804239 Thu, 10 Sep 2009 03:42:21 +0100 2804239 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2770138&cid=t_102538_109_f&fid=35088&url=http%3A%2F%2Fqw88nb88.wordpress.com%2F2009%2F09%2F05%2Fwe-mutants%2F “Now remember — you’re special, just like everyone else!” It seems that classic punch line (for all the jokes on useless self-esteem boosters) was never truer.  At the ever-entertaining NeuroLogica Blog, Steven Novella explains recent findings that everyone is a mutant. Given my numerous neurological quirks, I had long assumed my mutant status to be true, and [...] (Source: Andrea's Buzzing About:) Andrea's Buzzing About: blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2770138 Sat, 05 Sep 2009 23:54:05 +0100 2770138 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2757956&cid=t_102538_129_f&fid=36035&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Flife-with-chronic-pain%2Fthe-danger-of-falling-when-you-live-with-chronic-pain%2F It’s sometimes amazing to me, how complicated one human life can be. Of course, I think of all of you and know life is complicated for you, also. I know many of you have had the same thought from time to time when life’s problems begin to pile up. Sometimes you feel on top of the heap; other times you’re certain it’s on top of you. Life is never simple for those of us with complex health issues, which is why we need to be on guard. Don’t we have enough to worry about? We are faced with being defensive as we do battle against whatever injury, disease or other unpleasant visitor has nestled into our lives and bodies. We swallow handfuls of pills; give ourselves shots, stretch screaming muscles and jump through any other hoop the doctors hold up. I’m sure the word “jump” will ... Life with Chronic Pain blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2757956 Tue, 01 Sep 2009 21:02:47 +0100 2757956 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2737797&cid=t_102538_111_f&fid=36048&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAHeartyLife%2F%7E3%2FQT0_MIWHItM%2F Women who have strong thigh muscles may have a lower incidence of osteoarthritis of the knee, say reasearchers. Osteoarthritis is called the wear-and-tear arthritis. It most frequently affects the knees and hips, and is more common in heavier people and among those people who put a lot of strain on their knees through their lifestyle. Anyone who has even had a temporary knee problem can likely attest to how difficult life can become if you have pain and limited mobility in just one knee, let alone both. Unfortunately, osteoarthritis isn’t uncommon. It’s estimated that almost 27 million adults in the United States have osteoarthritis. Among adults 45 years old or older, 16% have it in at least one knee. In a study, the results of which were published in the most recent issue of ... A Hearty Life blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2737797 Thu, 27 Aug 2009 13:09:21 +0100 2737797 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2725149&cid=t_102538_129_f&fid=36035&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Flife-with-chronic-pain%2Fchronic-pain-the-hits-just-keep-coming%2F Grab your bat because you’re going to need it. Just when you think life has settled down, another ball comes flying at you from left field and you’re going to need to protect yourself. It’s not easy to explain this way of life to others. It’s a difficult situation to share with others. We should explain but we often don’t. Most of us have faced ridicule and judgments and are a bit “gun-shy,” of the reactions, words or even facial expressions of others, who do not understand. Why can’t they just accept on faith how difficult life can be when your body betrays you? Frankly, I’ve reached the conclusion that we’re “too scary.” Watch out, we’re spooky, threatening confusing. For some, it’s easier to deny we’re here then to face our reality. There have been so many ... Life with Chronic Pain blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2725149 Fri, 21 Aug 2009 21:57:47 +0100 2725149 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2724912&cid=t_102538_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2009%2F08%2F21%2F10-things-to-say-to-a-sick-friend%2F Years ago, when I was pretty sick with a bad flare-up of scleroderma and unable to leave the house, a friend of mine would call once in a while to say, “I’m going to the supermarket. Can I pick anything up for you?” That simple offer filled me with love. Most times I’d say, “No thanks, Julie, I’m all set,” but I’d hang up with a lighter heart and a smile on my face. Lisa Copen has lived with rheumatoid arthritis for 16 yrs. She’s a mom and wife, an author, speaker and founder of Invisible Illness Week, September 14-20, 2009. Lisa used Twitter in a very clever way. She asked her followers a question: What would be a good thing to say to a sick person? She says, “Oftentimes people are told what not to say. This is a great help in gi... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2724912 Fri, 21 Aug 2009 18:51:48 +0100 2724912 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2708732&cid=t_102538_146_f&fid=38266&url=http%3A%2F%2Fsleepeducation.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F08%2Fosteoarthritis-cbt-for-insomnia.html A study in the Aug. 15 issue of the Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine involved 51 older adults with osteoarthritis and insomnia.Twenty-three people received cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia; they had an average age of 69 years. Each of the eight weekly CBT sessions lasted two hours; class sizes ranged from four to eight people.CBT uses a variety of methods to help you develop positive attitudes and habits that promote a healthy pattern of sleep. One common technique is relaxation training. Results show that CBT improved self-reported sleep quality in people with osteoarthritis and insomnia. After treatment they fell asleep faster; they also spent less time awake during the night. Overall their sleep was much more efficient. CBT also had a long-term effect; they were still sleepin... Sleep Education blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2708732 Mon, 17 Aug 2009 17:53:00 +0100 2708732 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2670878&cid=t_102538_109_f&fid=35671&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.anxietyinsights.info%2Fdepression_and_inflammation_linked_to_rheumatoid_arthritis_p.htm According to this study, the inflammation and depression each independently increased the likelihood of severe pain. The combined effects of high CRP levels and depression predicted severe pain even more strongly. "Results of our research demonstrate the potential for clinicians to improve pain control by addressing their patients' psychological symptoms in addition to conducting anti-inflammation therapy," stated Dr Kojima. The study indicates for those patients reporting severe pain without CRP level elevation, psychotherapy and/or psychotropic medication might have priority. "A clinical approach that takes into account both the body and the mind could have benefits and could enable optimal pain control," recommend the authors. Anita DeLongis, Ph.D. and colleagues from the University of ... Latest entries from www.anxietyinsights.info blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2670878 Wed, 05 Aug 2009 09:10:00 +0100 2670878 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2610849&cid=t_102538_86_f&fid=36669&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffadelibrary.wordpress.com%2F2009%2F07%2F17%2Fbmj-2009-vol-339-no-7713%2F content page Fade Fave: NHS in England is found to be too slow to diagnose and treat rheumatoid arthritis Fade Skinny: Many cases of rheumatoid arthritis are not being diagnosed or treated quickly enough to stop preventable damage to joints, warns a report published by the National Audit Office (NAO), which reviews NHS services in England. (NHS Athens is required to access this article online) Posted in Athens Password, Current Awareness, E-Journals Tagged: Athens Password, Current Awareness, E-Journals, Rheumatoid Arthritis (Source: Fade Library) Fade Library blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2610849 Fri, 17 Jul 2009 10:28:02 +0100 2610849 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2601925&cid=t_102538_86_f&fid=36669&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffadelibrary.wordpress.com%2F2009%2F07%2F15%2Fservices-for-people-with-rheumatoid-arthritis%2F Title: Services for people with rheumatoid arthritis (Executive Summary) The Skinny: Identifies that too many people with rheumatoid arthritis are not being diagnosed or treated quickly enough, and some services for people with the disease are not coordinated enough. Better coordinated services would lead to earlier identification of new cases, productivity gains for the economy, and improved outcomes for patients. The NHS does not consistently provide support for people with the disease to remain in, or get back into, work, with a lack of local links between the NHS and Jobcentre Plus services. Early diagnosis is key (ideally within three months of symptom onset), but public awareness of the disease is low. Between half and three quarters of people with rheumatoid arthritis delay seeking ... Fade Library blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2601925 Wed, 15 Jul 2009 09:57:19 +0100 2601925 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2570649&cid=t_102538_111_f&fid=36048&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAHeartyLife%2F%7E3%2FBNCE-GkQv3E%2F Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) can be a very painful and difficult disease to treat. RA is a chronic disease that affects over one million Americans, with more women developing than men. It’s possible to have RA and not live with pain all the time. Some people have flares, times where the pain is difficult to manage alternating with time when it’s not too bad. Others live with the pain and disfigurement caused by the arthritis just about all the time. With RA, the synovium (lining) of the joints becomes inflamed. This causes damage, which in turn causes pain and the disfigurement as the joints are shifted. At first, treatment involves anti-inflammatory drugs to help keep the inflammation down in the joints, but for some people, the disease is so severe that this doesn’t help. ... A Hearty Life blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2570649 Sun, 05 Jul 2009 08:52:18 +0100 2570649 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2570594&cid=t_102538_109_f&fid=35088&url=http%3A%2F%2Fqw88nb88.wordpress.com%2F2009%2F07%2F04%2Fhanging-around-the-web%2F My son and I recently hauled a long dresser+mirror up two flights of stairs, and I cleaned up the master bedroom in preparation for the return of the new baby & parents from the hospital.  The downside of course is that after a day of labor, I must spend a couple-three days recuperating.  (In other [...] (Source: Andrea's Buzzing About:) Andrea's Buzzing About: blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2570594 Sat, 04 Jul 2009 00:22:46 +0100 2570594 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2570595&cid=t_102538_109_f&fid=35088&url=http%3A%2F%2Fqw88nb88.wordpress.com%2F2009%2F07%2F03%2Fwhat-she-said-was-aquacise%2F Random thought: When my rheumatologist said to get more exercise, I’m not sure she really meant that I should be hauling meself up & down stairs over and over because of my ADHD forgetfulness. (Source: Andrea's Buzzing About:) Andrea's Buzzing About: blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2570595 Fri, 03 Jul 2009 15:33:39 +0100 2570595 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2570656&cid=t_102538_111_f&fid=36048&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAHeartyLife%2F%7E3%2FPZY3LYebZK8%2F If you’ve had a baby, chances are during a physical exam, you’ve seen his or her hips being checked by the doctor. Usually, this is done by lying the baby on the back and spreading the legs in such a way (knees bent) to see how the hips are working. The reason for this check is the doctors are looking for hip dysplasia , an abnormality of the hips where the joint doesn’t work properly and can easily slip out of place and become dislocated. Serious cases are usually noticed but some babies don’t have an obvious case and may get missed. It may not seem to be a serious thing if the hip isn’t hurting and the baby begins to walk on time so the first reaction may be, why does it matter if it’s not found. The issue isn’t so much the here and now, but as t... A Hearty Life blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2570656 Thu, 02 Jul 2009 00:54:19 +0100 2570656 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2515194&cid=t_102538_109_f&fid=35088&url=http%3A%2F%2Fqw88nb88.wordpress.com%2F2009%2F06%2F25%2Fperiods%2F Every now and then someone asks a question that helps you define an issue in life.  Recently a nurse asked me, “Do you have days when you’re not in pain?” I considered this for a few seconds and replied, “I have periods during the day when I’m not in pain.  Usually because of my meds.  But [...] (Source: Andrea's Buzzing About:) Andrea's Buzzing About: blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2515194 Thu, 25 Jun 2009 11:58:20 +0100 2515194 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2473595&cid=t_102538_111_f&fid=36048&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAHeartyLife%2F%7E3%2FJkook0MryI0%2F This study found that non-smokers who had moderate to severe periodontitis could also be at a greater risk for developing RA. So, back to the basics of mouth care: brush, floss and see your dentist regularly! ~~~~~ Images: Stock.xchng Share and Enjoy: Post from: Blisstree Interesting Connection: Teeth & Arthritis (Source: A Hearty Life) A Hearty Life blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2473595 Fri, 12 Jun 2009 17:20:19 +0100 2473595 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2452953&cid=t_102538_129_f&fid=36035&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Flife-with-chronic-pain%2Fit-takes-guts-to-live-with-chronic-pain%2F No, I’m not referring to intestinal fortitude, although that’s a handy virtue to have if you have to live with daily pain. I am referring to the “real thing.” Inside each of us are yards of intestines which do a job for us that we often take for granted; at least until we run into trouble. As a nurse I’ve experienced each and every aspect of the subject of guts, from beginning to end, if you know what I mean. There was even one very memorable experience when I was working alone in a small Emergency Room and a young father came in, clutching his toddler son to his white shirt and tie only to reveal the child’s intestines were hanging out. A hernia repair had come undone. It was amazing how clean the intestines can be. It was an alarming experience, especi... Life with Chronic Pain blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2452953 Tue, 02 Jun 2009 21:35:27 +0100 2452953 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2442168&cid=t_102538_125_f&fid=34820&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.dentalblogs.com%2Farchives%2Fadministrator%2Fgot-arthritis-call-your-dentist%2F The list of health problems associated with gum disease/periodontitis goes on and on, and it’s only getting longer. Most recently, scientists have added rheumatoid arthritis to the list. They found that that patients with rheumatoid arthritis and gum disease who undergo periodontal therapy experience less arthritis pain, fewer swollen joints, and reduced morning stiffness. The findings were reported in Journal of Periodontology by researchers at Case Western Reserve University School of Dental Medicine and Hospitals of Cleveland. JOP held a workshop in 2008 on the body inflammation – periodontal disease – systemic health connection. Read about it here. Dr. Michael K. McGuire stated in no. 11 Vol. 79 of JOP, 2008: There is growing evidence that inflammation can be transferred from t... dental blog for dentists about dentistry blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2442168 Fri, 29 May 2009 15:59:04 +0100 2442168 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2441655&cid=t_102538_109_f&fid=35088&url=http%3A%2F%2Fqw88nb88.wordpress.com%2F2009%2F05%2F26%2Fcartfuls-of-spoons%2F They’re out.  Or, Out.  We have the exquisite “Privilege of Being Clouted By Cabbage” and are navigating the hazards of the supermarket.  When things are done the way they’re supposed to be, going to pick up a few groceries is just as boring, or as Dave discovered, lonely, for disabled people as much as it [...] (Source: Andrea's Buzzing About:) Andrea's Buzzing About: blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2441655 Tue, 26 May 2009 05:06:21 +0100 2441655 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2416986&cid=t_102538_109_f&fid=35088&url=http%3A%2F%2Fqw88nb88.wordpress.com%2F2009%2F05%2F19%2Fhotbed-of-apathy%2F *sniff, sniff* “You sound sick,” stated my daughter’s fiancé, M. “I can’t be sick,” I mumbled in protest, and honked into a tissue. “Redunculus; you’re sniffling.” “I can’t be sick; it was Mr W’s day to be sick,” I explained.  “He got first dibs on being out sick today …  If all the classroom staff members who were sick [...] (Source: Andrea's Buzzing About:) Andrea's Buzzing About: blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2416986 Tue, 19 May 2009 05:02:22 +0100 2416986 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2405657&cid=t_102538_117_f&fid=34696&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.straightfromthedoc.com%2F50226711%2Fnew_heart_studies_with_focus_on_prevention_and_early_diagnosis.php The new studies that will be released by Medtronic this week could help improve cancer and arthritis diagnosis in heart patients. The groundbreaking research includes data on the world's first pa... (Source: Straightfromthedoc) Straightfromthedoc blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2405657 Thu, 14 May 2009 00:00:00 +0100 2405657 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2347561&cid=t_102538_83_f&fid=38205&url=http%3A%2F%2Fandreas.medbrains.net%2F2009%2F04%2F19%2Fdmards-prescription-rheumatoid-arthritis-medications%2F A class of medicines called disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs are frequently referred to as DMARDs. According to Arthritis & Rheumatism, the official journal of the American College of Rheumatology, DMARDs have the potential to reduce or prevent joint damage and preserve joint integrity and function. The goal of DMARDs is the remission or control of inflammatory joint disease, like rheumatoid arthritis.  While other arthritis medicines attack symptoms, such as inflammation, DMARDs actually treat the disease. DMARDs affect the immune system. In patients with rheumatoid arthritis, the immune system attacks the joint lining, resulting in inflammation that can lead to destruction of the surrounding joint.  Researchers are still seeking a better understanding of exactly how DMARDs wor... Andreas Richards WeBlog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2347561 Mon, 20 Apr 2009 06:39:30 +0100 2347561 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2367347&cid=t_102538_86_f&fid=36669&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffadelibrary.wordpress.com%2F2009%2F04%2F15%2F100%2F Title: Rheumatoid arthritis: the management of rheumatoid arthritis in adults Source: NICE The Skinny:Rheumatoid arthritis is a long-term disease in which joints in the body become inflamed, causing pain, swelling and stiffness. It is known as an ‘autoimmune disease’ because it is caused when the body’s immune system, which normally fights infection, starts to attack healthy joints. Rheumatoid arthritis can be very painful and affect a person’s ability to carry out everyday tasks. It is not known why rheumatoid arthritis develops, and there is no cure. Understanding of the disease has improved, and there are now effective treatments that can help ease the pain and symptoms, and slow down the disease. It is very important that treatment is started early to minimise d... Fade Library blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2367347 Wed, 15 Apr 2009 09:41:31 +0100 2367347 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2299177&cid=t_102538_136_f&fid=36032&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Flife-with-breast-cancer%2Fliving-on-in-our-traditions%2F My Auntie Joanie died over the weekend. She was 85. She suffered from emphysema and arthritis in her last years, but she kept up her sense of humor that we all loved. Auntie Joanie loved birds and nature and knew how to choose wild mushrooms that were edible. She also loved to pick blueberries. When I was growing up in a northern Ontario mining town, Auntie Joanie, my sister and I would pick baskets and baskets of blueberries. My mother would bake them into spectacular blueberry pies, but mom never came with us to pick blueberries, only Auntie Joanie. She was my mother’s older sister, but my mother has 3 other older sisters; Auntie Anne who is 89 and Auntie Jeanette who is 87 and Auntie Dorcean who is 82. There are three brothers too, all in their 70’s.  I certainly hope I have the lo... Life with Breast Cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2299177 Mon, 30 Mar 2009 19:48:00 +0100 2299177 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2258800&cid=t_102538_117_f&fid=36026&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Fzimney-health-and-medical-news-you-can-use%2Fvitamin-d-deficiency-and-you%2F This is important, so listen up! It seems that every day there’s more news about the health risks associated with vitamin D deficiency, which might not be a problem if there weren’t also news nearly every day that few of us are getting enough vitamin D each day. We’re not getting enough either from our diets or from sun exposure, which are the two main sources not counting supplements (which are probably what you should be taking, by the way). Vitamin D deficiency has been linked to various bone problems as well as to diabetes, multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, high blood pressure and other cardiovascular disorders, a variety of cancers as well as to infections, including recently to the development of the common cold. The list of illnesses associated with vitamin D deficienc... Dr. Z's Medical Report blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2258800 Tue, 10 Mar 2009 15:40:21 +0100 2258800 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2255963&cid=t_102538_87_f&fid=36710&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblog.organizedwisdom.com%2Fhealth%2F2009%2F03%2Fwhy-you-should-never-ignore-shortness-of-breath-and-other-health-lessons-learned-from-celebs.html The OrganizedWisdom team was saddened to learn of Robin Williams' hospitalization and aortic valve replacement. While he surely gave his family, friends, and fans a big scare, doctors say the surgery should be routine (just as long as the patient can refrain from telling jokes while they're holding their scalpels). The silver lining is that every time a celebrity comes forward to disclose a health condition, thousands of average Joes pay closer attention to their own symptoms and get them checked out. In this case, Williams complained of shortness of breath, which can be a symptom of asthma, COPD, heart attack, and heart failure. It's definitely something to tell your doctor about if you've experienced it.OrganizedWisdom has tracked down great resources ... The Health Wisdom Blog™ (by OrganizedWisdom) blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2255963 Tue, 10 Mar 2009 13:10:11 +0100 2255963 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2257871&cid=t_102538_107_f&fid=38269&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdrdonnadouglas.wordpress.com%2F2009%2F03%2F10%2Fpain-management-in-the-21st-century%2F Chronic pain affects nearly 90 million Americans. It usually begins with a sports injury, car accident or health condition like migraines, diabetes, arthritis and cancer.  Chronic pain is different from the acute pain of stubbing your toe and often feels like burning, shooting, or shocking sensations.  The good news is that today’s pain specialists have sophisticated new treatments — from medications to advanced technologies — to provide chronic pain relief.    Chronic pain can be classified as nociceptive or neuropathic pain.  In some cases (nociceptive pain) the body’s nervous system is working properly, relaying signals to the brain that there is an injury.  But in neuropathic pain the nervous system is not functioning properly.  There is no obvious source of... Dr. Donna, MedicineWoman blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2257871 Tue, 10 Mar 2009 02:00:56 +0100 2257871 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2258139&cid=t_102538_109_f&fid=35088&url=http%3A%2F%2Fqw88nb88.wordpress.com%2F2009%2F03%2F08%2Fsleep-bends%2F Maybe you’ve heard of “diver’s bends”: decompression sickness that affects divers (or fliers), resulting from gas molecules that collect into bubbles in the body, much like the carbonation that results when you pop the top on a container of soda. Waking up lately has been similar to the bends, albeit not for the same reasons, nor [...] (Source: Andrea's Buzzing About:) Andrea's Buzzing About: blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2258139 Sun, 08 Mar 2009 22:37:32 +0100 2258139 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2259908&cid=t_102538_129_f&fid=36035&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Flife-with-chronic-pain%2Fa-virus-can-complicate-your-chronic-pain%2F Maybe your disease is particularly active. It happens. Maybe you’ve caught a virus to complicate life just a little bit more. Cough. Puke. Shivers and shakes. Your whole body feels like a bad science fiction movie and you’re sure you are totally dissolving into liquid? As if we don’t have a hard enough time hanging on to our sunny dispositions, life does throw us a few curved balls and occasionally one “splats” us right in the face. For many of us with chronic illness accompanied by chronic pain, the days are difficult enough; but when you throw the flu or a cold into the mix, watch out.  No one likes being ill with these very common maladies but for those of us who already know all about compromise, it is really annoying, irritating and galling. “Enough already” is our cred... Life with Chronic Pain blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2259908 Tue, 17 Feb 2009 23:09:46 +0100 2259908 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2259909&cid=t_102538_129_f&fid=36035&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Flife-with-chronic-pain%2Fmy-name-is-sue-and-i-live-with-daily-chronic-pain%2F It occurred to me I should introduce myself to many of you who are not familiar with this blog which I have written for the past 2 and a half years. This will probably bore my regular readers a bit but I beseech them to bear with me. I’ll try to make this quick and painless. I love that word “painless.” Don’t see it much around here. My blog is about how I’ve learned to live a quality life while carrying a camel on my back. Just like many of you, my life has done a complete cartwheel, camel and all. When I first started having problems I was a 40 year-old nurse, wife and mother of two teens. My husband was a respiratory therapist who was tired of all that mucus and wanted the wider challenge of nursing. He had returned to school while working full-time nights. Our eldest child, o... Life with Chronic Pain blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2259909 Thu, 12 Feb 2009 21:34:07 +0100 2259909 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2259910&cid=t_102538_129_f&fid=36035&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Flife-with-chronic-pain%2Fsleep-deprivation-and-chronic-pain%2F Before our current move to our amazing and very informative new site, I promised all of you a final installment in our discussion on sleep deprivation as it relates to living with chronic pain. I think there are a few items we need to throw in, examine and generally shuffle around in our minds. You never know when something is going to be a fit for you and your problems and fill a need. There’s a great deal of information out there regarding sleep problems so I have chosen three areas of particular interest…at least I hope they will be of interest and help to you. We’re going to take a look at the stages of sleep, internal and external “noise” in the sleeping state and finally, lessons learned from athletes. SECONDARY INSOMNIA: Those of us who suffer chronic pain are often awaken... Life with Chronic Pain blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2259910 Tue, 10 Feb 2009 21:30:21 +0100 2259910 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2167724&cid=t_102538_109_f&fid=35088&url=http%3A%2F%2Fqw88nb88.wordpress.com%2F2009%2F02%2F07%2Frequesting-your-thoughts-please%2F Howdy folks, This morning I’m again in pain and rather stiff.  I know that many of you have rather specialised knowledge, and would appreciate your thoughts on getting diagnostics. I have a number of conditions, both common and uncommon, including Raynaud’s, migraines, cough-variant asthma, tinnitus & hyperacussis and Auditory Processing Disorder, motor tics, and assorted neurological glitches [...] (Source: Andrea's Buzzing About:) Andrea's Buzzing About: blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2167724 Sat, 07 Feb 2009 19:40:08 +0100 2167724 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2195240&cid=t_102538_129_f&fid=36041&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Fchrista-life-with-psoriasis%2Fthe-self-fulfilling-psoriasis-flares%2F Writers are always being told “write what you know,” and obviously that is the basic and rather brilliant idea behind HealthTalk blogging. We live with these conditions and therefore are best qualified to write about life with whatever health condition, in my case psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis. The thing is that with chronic conditions we may have periods where nothing much is happening for us and our condition is either reasonably well managed or simply behaving itself, so what do we write about during those times? Usually I look to see what the support groups are talking about, what’s in the news, what is happening or of concern to other people I know who have psoriasis…including members of my own family. This means that sometimes I may write about things that I a... Life with Psoriasis blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2195240 Wed, 28 Jan 2009 00:21:55 +0100 2195240 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2128879&cid=t_102538_117_f&fid=34696&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.straightfromthedoc.com%2F50226711%2Fwinters_cold_increases_arthritis_pain_a_complimentary_booklet_on_knee_and_hip_pain_brings_relief.php Photo courtesy of iStockphoto, Image# 2058689 Did you know that winter weight gain and cold, snowy weather can exacerbate arthritis pain? Osteoarthritis is the leading cause of hip and knee pain in... (Source: Straightfromthedoc) Straightfromthedoc blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2128879 Fri, 23 Jan 2009 12:17:42 +0100 2128879 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2117335&cid=t_102538_165_f&fid=37959&url=http%3A%2F%2Fhealthskills.wordpress.com%2F2009%2F01%2F20%2Fwhats-getting-in-the-way-of-good-pain-management-in-rheumatoid-arthritis%2F This study by Fitzcharles, DaCosta, Ware and Shir really grabbed my attention because it made a couple of points I hadn’t considered - firstly, that many people with chronic conditions that have effective treatments continue to have high levels of pain (but often don’t get to see a pain management service, even though they are being treated in a specialist rheumatology clinic), and secondly, that there are many differing reasons for people’s reluctance to take medication for pain relief, but often it’s the only option offered. I won’t review the whole paper here, you’ll need to read the original (it’s worth it, because it has some good references and explores some interesting issues), but I do want to reflect on a couple of things that were identif... HealthSkills Weblog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2117335 Tue, 20 Jan 2009 07:25:27 +0100 2117335 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2062386&cid=t_102538_167_f&fid=36988&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.happynutritionistsnuggets.com%2F2008%2F12%2Fgetting-around-when-your-legs-wont.html Christmas time is here..tomorrow is Christmas Eve already! I have to tell you that, even though it gets a bit easier, I still miss my Dad, especially around this time of year. This will be our 3rd Christmas without him, and even though there will be lots of food, fun and laughter when we gather as a family, in the back of all of our minds will be the fact that Dad isn't with us.My Dad had a number of strokes over a period of 5 years, and in the last few years, he was confined to a wheelchair. Dad was a person who was set in his ways, and even though more than once we suggested that he get something electric and mobile so that he could move about the house, or down the sidewalk with us when we went walking, a scooter like those offered at thescooterstore.com, it wasn't something he was incl... Happy Nutritionist's Nuggets blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2062386 Wed, 24 Dec 2008 04:06:00 +0100 2062386 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2061399&cid=t_102538_134_f&fid=36049&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FDiabetesNotes%2F%7E3%2F1L1yDPSOhb0%2F var iamInit = function() {try{initIamServingHandler(420,631,370524,"http://cdn.pis.picapp.com/IamProd/Resources/Css/css2.css")}catch(ex){}}() If you have diabetes, you may develop problems with arthritis at some point. New research suggests a connection between the two diseases. There are a couple reasons for this. As this article mentions, one is that if you are overweight you are more likely to get both diabetes and arthritis. But there’s an even more interesting link. Type 2 diabetes is “thought to be related to the most common form of arthritis, osteoarthritis, by chronic inflammation.” There’s also a link with Type 1 diabetes which can cause “high uric acid levels, which can cause gout, another type of arthritis.” Trying to treat arthritis can be ... Diabetes Notes blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2061399 Tue, 23 Dec 2008 16:31:28 +0100 2061399 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2052837&cid=t_102538_109_f&fid=35088&url=http%3A%2F%2Fqw88nb88.wordpress.com%2F2008%2F12%2F20%2Fsheep-fear-me%2F It’s time to get up and get dressed for work.  I know it is.  But I don’t want to get out of bed.  Not that I’m particularly warm under the covers (my daughter did warn me this was the coldest room in the house, despite central heating).  But even wearing thermal-knit pyjamas and lamb’s wool [...] (Source: Andrea's Buzzing About:) Andrea's Buzzing About: blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2052837 Sat, 20 Dec 2008 06:41:04 +0100 2052837 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2021484&cid=t_102538_87_f&fid=34935&url=http%3A%2F%2Fmedicine.com.my%2Fwp%2F%3Fp%3D5516 from the Malaysian Medical Resources Brand Name Drugs No Better Than Generics, Asthma Risk Higher in Children Born By C-Section, Rheumatoid Arthritis Increases Risk of Cardiovascular Death (Source: Malaysian Medical Resources) Malaysian Medical Resources blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2021484 Sun, 07 Dec 2008 05:00:00 +0100 2021484 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1964125&cid=t_102538_109_f&fid=35088&url=http%3A%2F%2Fqw88nb88.wordpress.com%2F2008%2F11%2F15%2Fcomfort-able%2F For the first time in months and months — far longer than it should have been, but there we are with the insane busyness of life — a friend and I got together at her house for dinner. “You look like you’re finally relaxing,” she said after I’d been there a little while, and we decided [...] (Source: Andrea's Buzzing About:) Andrea's Buzzing About: blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1964125 Sun, 16 Nov 2008 02:41:01 +0100 1964125 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1933414&cid=t_102538_109_f&fid=35671&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.anxietyinsights.info%2Fdepression_worsens_outcome_for_rheumatoid_arthritis_patients.htm Disability and a recent diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) are associated with a greater risk for depression according to research funded by the Arthritis Foundation and presented this week at the American College of Rheumatology Annual Scientific Meeting in San Francisco. Studies show that people with RA who are depressed have worse outcomes - including death - as compared to people with RA who are not depressed. Previous studies regarding RA and depression included a primarily Caucasian population. To remedy this bias, scientists from University of California, San Francisco, designed a study to evaluate predictors of depression in patients from a multiethnic group of people with RA at an urban hospital. Of the 210 people with RA enrolled in the study, 39 percent had scores on the Pat... Latest entries from www.anxietyinsights.info blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1933414 Wed, 05 Nov 2008 07:53:00 +0100 1933414 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1924492&cid=t_102538_87_f&fid=34935&url=http%3A%2F%2Fmedicine.com.my%2Fwp%2F%3Fp%3D5134 a Selenium and Vitamin E Do Not Prevent Prostate Cancer, New Treatment for Rheumatoid Arthritis, Gene Response to Common Cold Studied (Source: Malaysian Medical Resources) Malaysian Medical Resources blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1924492 Thu, 30 Oct 2008 04:00:00 +0100 1924492 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1886686&cid=t_102538_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2F422796997%2F A New Jersey arbitrator ruled that a former Amgen sales rep can proceed with a wrongful termination claim against the biotech, a decision that may have implications for other whistleblowers who work in the state and seek to report objectionable practices to their employers but not government agencies. Elena Ferrante, 50, marketed the Enbrel treatment for rheumatoid arthritis and psoriasis in New Jersey between 2002 and 2005, but claims she was fired in retaliation for not complying with what she calls an unethical and illegal marketing strategy after reporting the practices to her supervisors (back story). Amgen contended Ferrante was required to not only report allegedly off-label marketing directives to her company, but also to an outside agency. The ruling by the arbitrator, retired US ... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1886686 Thu, 16 Oct 2008 16:12:11 +0100 1886686 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1840974&cid=t_102538_117_f&fid=34696&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.straightfromthedoc.com%2F50226711%2Fglucosamine_and_chondroitin_sulfate_no_better_than_placebo_in_slowing_cartilage_loss.php Photo courtesy of iStockphoto, Sebastian Kaulitzki Glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate are two of the most popular dietary supplements used for the treatment of arthritis and joint pain. Now, according to a University of Utah study, glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate performed no better than placebo in slowing the rate of cartilage loss in the knees of osteoarthritis patients. This was an ancillary study concurrently conducted on a subset of the patients who were enrolled in the prospective, randomized GAIT (Glucosamine/chondroitin Arthritis Intervention Trial). The primary objective of this ancillary study was to investigate whether these dietary supplements could diminish the structural damage of osteoarthritis. In this ancillary study, GAIT patients were offered the opportunity to c... Straightfromthedoc blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1840974 Wed, 01 Oct 2008 08:00:00 +0100 1840974 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1815957&cid=t_102538_129_f&fid=36035&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblog.healthtalk.com%2Fchronic-pain%2Flife-with-chronic-pain%2Fmemories-of-an-aging-nursepatient%2F My two recent hospitalizations have stirred up many old memories for me. My first inspiration to enter nursing was provoked by a hospital visit, many years ago. I had a tubal pregnancy that ruptured, making quite a mess of my body and my personal life. Since the event also “ruptured” my marriage of ten years, I found myself a divorced mother of two small ones. There I was with a college education in liberal arts, which you really can’t take to the bank. I was desperately in need and hit the job trail. I got two jobs in one day, and like many of the vagaries of life, that decision proved to be pivotal. I chose the job as a medical assistant in an ENT office over the teller job at a bank. When I was a small girl, my dream was always to become a nurse. I’m not sure what happened to th... Life with Chronic Pain blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1815957 Mon, 22 Sep 2008 18:42:48 +0100 1815957 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1809933&cid=t_102538_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2F396720798%2F In a setback for the drugmaker, the agency has issued a ‘complete response’ letter for Actemra, a biologic Roche hopes to market for treating rheumatoid arthritis. An FDA advisory committee endorsed its use last July by a 10-1 vote, but the agency wants “additional documentation” about manufacturing and other unspecified info, some of which relates to final labeling, according to Roche. The drugmaker, which hopes Actemra will become a billion-dollar seller, maintains the FDA did not request any info involving safety or efficacy issues, and did not require additional studies as a pre-requisite for approval. In a statement, William Burns, who heads Roche’s pharma business, says “we are confident that we will be able to resolve these matters with the agency... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1809933 Fri, 19 Sep 2008 00:41:13 +0100 1809933 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1812887&cid=t_102538_129_f&fid=36191&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.arthritisblog.org%2Fentry%2Fus-vioxx-arthritis-patients-receive-24-from-merck-and-co%2F Very soon the pharmaceuticals giant Merck will become £2billion poor, as the company has to pay same amount to the 150 Americans consumers because of its painkiller Vioxx which had proven to caused heart attacks and strokes in thousands of users if it had been taken more than 18 months. The painkiller Vioxx has been meant for the patients of arthritis. But in September 2004, Merck and Co, based in New Jersey, withdraw all its drug (Vioxx) from America, after a study revealed that it can double the risk of heart attack and stroke in patients who are taking it for more than eighteen months. However, till now the company only liable to pay its US customers. But certainly this biggest drug-case settlement will help 80million patients, including 400,000 Britons to get their compensation ... Arthritis Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1812887 Mon, 15 Sep 2008 15:14:24 +0100 1812887 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1812888&cid=t_102538_129_f&fid=36191&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.arthritisblog.org%2Fentry%2Frose-hips-treating-rheumatoid-arthritis%2F A recently conducted study reveals that medicine from rose hips could be effective for rheumatoid arthritis. It also reveals that taking the drug for six months shows considerable improvement in the condition. Vitamin C-rich berries are being tested by scientists for forming the basis for this new drug. Approximately 400,000 Britons are suffering from this disease and occurs because of immune system attacking joints, which results in painful swelling as well as damaging cartilage and bone. In order to treat this disease, traditional drugs are not quite effective, whereas smart drugs are very costly. If a patient is being treated with the latest TNF Alpha inhibitor drugs then it would cost around £10,000. On the other hand, rose hip medicine would cost around £20 per month. ... Arthritis Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1812888 Sun, 14 Sep 2008 00:56:34 +0100 1812888 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1811575&cid=t_102538_129_f&fid=36035&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblog.healthtalk.com%2Fchronic-pain%2Flife-with-chronic-pain%2Fyou-and-your-lining-ghostbusters-have-no-monopoly-on-slime%2F Did you know you have a lining? It’s called the mucous membrane and it extends from your face and all its openings (eyes, nose and mouth) to your openings at the other end of your body…you know the hinterlands? Hey, I’m trying to be classy here. That’s a big effort for this particular big mouthed nurse. You all know that. The mucous membranes consist of mucus, various salts, body cells and other secretions which are constantly being cranked out by these bodies of ours. First cousin to the skin, the mucous membranes are constantly renewing, changing and adapting. My mucous membranes have caused me a great deal of trouble in recent weeks therefore I have decided we should chat about them. For many of us with rheumatoid disease, there are changes in the various linings of the body cav... Life with Chronic Pain blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1811575 Thu, 11 Sep 2008 23:58:43 +0100 1811575 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1720553&cid=t_102538_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2F370003556%2F Since the International Committee of Medical Journal Editors began requiring clinical trials to be registered in a public trial registry at their outset as a condition of publication, ClinicalTrials.gov has become a useful repository of interesting data, Nature Reviews notes. And so a report examined all “industry-sponsored” Phase II through Phase IV studies on November 1, 2007, including trials that were first registered between October 2005 and September 2007. And what do we learn? Most registered trials were in oncology, followed by central nervous system disorders, cardiology, infectious diseases, endocrinology, and respiratory diseases. These six therapeutic areas accounted for 68 percent of 3,515l protocols and 74 percent of 94,135 sites. The number of registered trials ... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1720553 Wed, 20 Aug 2008 14:12:36 +0100 1720553 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1717180&cid=t_102538_87_f&fid=34935&url=http%3A%2F%2Fmedicine.com.my%2Fwp%2F%3Fp%3D4147 Another Insidermedicine update for you…. a Arthritis Vaccine in Development, Boys More Likely to Shed Asthma Symptoms, FDA Considers Bisphenol A Safe (Source: Malaysian Medical Resources) Malaysian Medical Resources blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1717180 Tue, 19 Aug 2008 04:00:00 +0100 1717180 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1713906&cid=t_102538_87_f&fid=34872&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.healthbolt.net%2F2008%2F08%2F18%2Fmyth-busters-old-wives-tales-exposed%2F You’ve debated them around the water cooler for years. Your mother has warned you about a good many of them. Seinfeld even had a whole show built around one of them (#5). What are they? Old Wives Tales, of course. But are they tales, or do some of them hold some truth a grain or two of truth? Take the quiz below to test your own knowledge on some of the most commonly accepted thoughts out there. Then check your answers and get the explanations you seek at MSNBC.com. 1. Cell phones are dangerous to use in hospitals because they can interfere with medical equipment. True / False / Maybe So 2. It’s safe to follow “the 5 second rule” for food dropped on the floor. True / False / Maybe So 3. Cracking your knuckles can cause arthritis. True / False / Maybe So 4. Cola ty... Healthbolt blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1713906 Mon, 18 Aug 2008 18:43:26 +0100 1713906 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1709263&cid=t_102538_109_f&fid=35088&url=http%3A%2F%2Fqw88nb88.wordpress.com%2F2008%2F08%2F16%2Fbackwards-symphonies%2F “It’s been a long week — I bet you’re ready to decompose.” I stared at my husband, blinking through the mental fog of too-many-jobs-not-enough-sleep. “I’m not ready for the compost pile yet,” I replied, trying to figure out what his latest malapropism was meant to be. “Or whatever the term is,” he added. My brain finally catches up. [...] (Source: Andrea's Buzzing About:) Andrea's Buzzing About: blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1709263 Sat, 16 Aug 2008 02:12:37 +0100 1709263 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1689049&cid=t_102538_122_f&fid=35055&url=http%3A%2F%2Fsarasotaneurology.com%2F2008%2F08%2F07%2Fhealth-benefits-from-omega-3-fish-oil%2F There are many studies that have shown excellent health benefits from taking omega 3 type fish oil. Omega 3 oils are found in fish oils, flax seed and several vegetable oils including canola, soybean and olive oils. There are different components to these oils that provide health benefits. The DHA and EPA oils in fish oil have been linked to reducing hardening of the arteries and lowering triglycerides. They also have the benefit of lowering blood pressure and heart rate to a mild degree. This all results in an overall reduction in risk for coronary artery disease, heart attack, sudden death, irregular heart beat and stroke. Fish oil can also have a blood thinning effect to reduce abnormal blood clotting, similar to that of aspirin. This latter effect is a two edge sword because too much f... Sarasota Neurology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1689049 Thu, 07 Aug 2008 13:19:26 +0100 1689049 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1657536&cid=t_102538_167_f&fid=36988&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.happynutritionistsnuggets.com%2F2008%2F07%2Frelief-for-carpel-tunnel-syndrome-is-at.html Our bodies are so intricately designed, and often we take for granted the motion of our fingers, and the impact that repeated use can have on the hand. One of the negative results can be a condition called Carpel Tunnel Syndrome (CTS). CTS is a very painful condition that builds over time with regular use of certain tendons and muscles in the fingers. When the condition is at it's worst, there is sometimes unbearable pain in the thumb, index and middle finger. Sometimes you can even feel this pain on the inside of the ring finger as well. One very common use that can cause problems is the repetitious motion of using the mouse with your computer, or typing, or any other thing that requires repeated motion affecting the tendons associated with the movement of your fingers. This is why it is ... Happy Nutritionist's Nuggets blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1657536 Sat, 26 Jul 2008 13:41:00 +0100 1657536 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1639268&cid=t_102538_97_f&fid=35050&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmaGazette%2F%7E3%2F340172851%2Fcombination_drug_therapy_impro.html A new study at the University of Leeds and Leeds Teaching Hospitals Trust in the United Kingdom and recently published in The Lancet, found that patients with moderate to severe rheumatoid arthritis have benefited from a drug combination of Enbrel (etanercept) and methotrexate.The study, funded by Wyeth manufacturer of Enbrel, found that combining the two drugs improved both remission and radiographic non-progression rates within 1 year when compared to treatment with methotrexate alone. Patients taking the drug combination were also found to stay employed.The study consisted of 500 outpatients who had no been treated with methotrexate, a chemotherapy drug. Patients were randomly assigned either methotrexate plus 50 milligrams a week of Enbrel or methotrexate alone.The study found that whi... PharmaGazette blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1639268 Fri, 18 Jul 2008 16:00:21 +0100 1639268 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1625857&cid=t_102538_129_f&fid=36035&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblog.healthtalk.com%2Fchronic-pain%2Flife-with-chronic-pain%2Fgot-chronic-pain-let-go-of-resentment%2F I’m revealing my age when I admit I remember the Good Humor Man ice cream trucks. I also recall, as a little girl, when the Helms Bakery trucks used to drive around the neighborhoods in California, selling their freshly baked goods. My dad had his upholstery and custom built furniture shop behind our house, so I knew I could always run out there when I heard the whistle from the bakery truck and knew Dad was always a soft touch for their goods. They sold freshly baked cream puffs, cookies and donuts, freshly baked bread and at Christmas, the best fruitcake known to man. It’s the reason I love fruitcake. It had none of that bitter citron or fruit peel but was, instead, filled with candied cherries, candied pineapple and large raisins and pecans. I’ve come very close, over the years, t... Life with Chronic Pain blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1625857 Tue, 15 Jul 2008 19:53:06 +0100 1625857 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1606284&cid=t_102538_129_f&fid=36035&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblog.healthtalk.com%2Fchronic-pain%2Flife-with-chronic-pain%2Ftips-and-products-to-fight-chronic-pain%2F Every few months I try to bring you a few news items that may be new or old, which I think might make life better for you and for me. It usually ends up being a conglomeration of this and that information which may help our lives in some way. Shoes are an important part of my life and perhaps yours as well. So many of us have pain in our feet, we have given up the glamorous look of three inch heels long ago. Not only are the heels uncomfortable for your feet, but they throw off your spine and neck alignment as well. This morning on the Portland news I heard about a new comfort shoe, designed and manufactured by New Balance, which is called Aravon. Think I’ll check them out. They have a bit more style than the athletic shoes, as well as being comfortable. They also have a removable insole... Life with Chronic Pain blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1606284 Fri, 11 Jul 2008 00:04:33 +0100 1606284 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1575678&cid=t_102538_129_f&fid=36035&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblog.healthtalk.com%2Fchronic-pain%2Flife-with-chronic-pain%2Fsummer-tips-for-living-with-the-sun%2F Finally, summer has arrived in most of the country. We’re still very green here in the great Northwest. The pilings in the river are mossy green, the sidewalks and brick walkways are still a bit slick and green as are the gorgeous hillsides. The self- propagating ferns are more beautiful than ever this year. I’m a little surprised the seagulls aren’t lime green, also. Until we moved to Oregon from brown California, I never realized there were so many shades of green. I don’t know how many of you are photosensitive, either from medications or just from your disease, as I am, but protection from the sun is a good idea for everyone. Skin cancers are at a higher rate than ever. For many of us with rheumatoid diseases, we are reminded everyday that the skin, the integumentary system, is... Life with Chronic Pain blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1575678 Thu, 03 Jul 2008 19:15:57 +0100 1575678 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1544107&cid=t_102538_129_f&fid=36035&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblog.healthtalk.com%2Fchronic-pain%2Flife-with-chronic-pain%2Fwounded-women-warriors-living-altered-lives%2F Most of you who read this have daily pain due to chronic illness. There are, of course, those we have heard from over the last couple of years who have been victimized by accidents. Last week CBS news ran a brief segment on the wounded female warriors from the Iraq and Afghanistan wars. I wish it had been longer and more inclusive, but it was usurped by a segment on the group of girls in Massachusetts who had a “get pregnant” pact. Stupidity outranked heroism. Sad statement about the priorities of the news media in this country, I fear. The role of females in the military service has changed drastically over the last several decades. During World War II the female role was mainly nursing, although there were a few female pilots used to transport airplanes from place to place. Their rol... Life with Chronic Pain blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1544107 Tue, 24 Jun 2008 22:41:39 +0100 1544107 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1531888&cid=t_102538_129_f&fid=36035&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblog.healthtalk.com%2Fchronic-pain%2Flife-with-chronic-pain%2Fwhat-are-the-right-words-to-express-your-pain%2F How about, “Lifeus Interruptus Difficultus?” Do you ever wish for just the right words to express what you feel? I know you have had words used against you by well-meaning individuals. Words can hurt. Words can help to heal, and words can often convey what you feel and make you feel better. The power of the “word” has always fascinated me. Since my biggest (pun not intended) problem is in my rear, I often have had to choose my words carefully to express what I feel. I admit to being a bit ornery at times but it is a difficult problem to still remain a “lady” and talk about your tush. How many ways can you say it? Let’s see, there’s a**, tush, sitter, rear, bottom, sacroiliac, stern, posterior, backside, hind quarter, hind most and hiney to name only a few. When I be... Life with Chronic Pain blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1531888 Thu, 19 Jun 2008 23:04:23 +0100 1531888 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1512379&cid=t_102538_129_f&fid=36035&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblog.healthtalk.com%2Fchronic-pain%2Flife-with-chronic-pain%2Fsafe-is-okay-but-is-it-really-living%2F One of the byproducts of living with chronic illness is the tendency to play it safe. I’ve discovered over the years that safe isn’t really that important; living is. If we hide out in safety surrounded by our illness, we forget to dream, to hope and to achieve. Certainly those dreams and accomplishments change, but they are still possible. Their form may change as we do. To morph into a new you can be good. The ability to embrace change, to see each new day as a challenge is tiring but it sure beats the alternative of hiding yourself away avoiding life, love and laughter. It’s all still there for the taking. We just have to come out of hiding and have the gumption to figure out a new way to live. No risk, no gain. No dreams, no fulfillment.I’ve known friends and family members who... Life with Chronic Pain blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1512379 Thu, 12 Jun 2008 21:31:59 +0100 1512379 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1509262&cid=t_102538_129_f&fid=36035&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblog.healthtalk.com%2Fchronic-pain%2Flife-with-chronic-pain%2Fwhat-do-you-do-about-your-anger%2F We all want to “put our best foot forward,” don’t we? Sometimes that foot hurts, is swollen and hot, or is causing some other form of irritation or discomfort. What if someone comes along and steps on that aching foot? Do you smile and say, “Gee, thanks for giving me more pain?” I don’t think so. A most common response is anger. We get angry at life, our bodies, other’s attitudes and our own limitations. There’s not enough room on this page to list all the reasons we can become angry. What do you do about your anger? Do you just cruise around all day ticked off and livid? Do you seethe, fume, rage and boil both inside and out? Do you recognize that particular emotion when it stares back at you in the mirror? Those of us who live with chronic pain have our metaphorical “fe... Life with Chronic Pain blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1509262 Wed, 11 Jun 2008 22:00:44 +0100 1509262 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1497857&cid=t_102538_129_f&fid=36035&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblog.healthtalk.com%2Fchronic-pain%2Flife-with-chronic-pain%2Fwere-burning-daylight%2F No matter what I do, the clock in our hallway just keeps ticking. That is if one of us remembers to wind it. It’s accompanied by a traditional chime each hour, which takes a bit of the pain out of it. Each morning, the sun rises in spite of the weather, fates of nature and my health. Time has no respect for what my body is experiencing. The earth doesn’t stop rotating, nations don’t fall and at times, nobody cares, including me. I’m very cognizant of the passage of time this week. My oldest grandson is graduating high school in Texas and my youngest grandson just “matriculated” from preschool today, locally. There have been days when I could hardly wait for it to end and for night to fall. Other days, there’s so much joy in just getting out and about with my family or a frien... Life with Chronic Pain blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1497857 Fri, 06 Jun 2008 00:28:05 +0100 1497857 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1494559&cid=t_102538_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2F304588986%2F The agency is conducting a safety review of Enbrel, Humira, Cimzia and Remicade for a possible association with lymphoma and other cancers in children and young adults who have Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis and Crohn’s disease. So far, the FDA has received 30 reports over the past 10 years, and about half of the cancers were lymphomas and included both Hodgkin’s and non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. The FDA notes that the drugs suppress the immune system by blocking the activity of TNF, a substance in the body that can cause inflammation and lead to immune system-related diseases such as JIA, and Crohn’s disease. And the agency has been aware of the possible association between the use of TNF blockers and the development of cancer - prescribing info for all four TNF blockers warns about... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1494559 Wed, 04 Jun 2008 14:40:38 +0100 1494559 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1492361&cid=t_102538_129_f&fid=36035&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblog.healthtalk.com%2Fchronic-pain%2Flife-with-chronic-pain%2Fthe-balancing-act-of-living-with-chronic-pain%2F There’s rarely anything simple about chronic illness. In considering all of you who communicate with me as well as my own experience, I would have to say it’s never just one thing. If only life would come at us one problem at a time, it seems it would be so much simpler. Do any of you have only one complaint, one symptom or one challenge? You see, I didn’t think so. Neither do I. As for me and my body, the two of us are usually juggling like crazy. We would make that guy in white tights at the circus, with the plates spinning on the sticks, look like a clumsy oaf. Living with chronic illness, especially when it’s accompanied by pain, is very complicated. We have to battle on many fronts and put out the fire that’s burning the hottest; and wrestle into submission the dilemma that ... Life with Chronic Pain blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1492361 Tue, 03 Jun 2008 22:39:06 +0100 1492361 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1472745&cid=t_102538_129_f&fid=36035&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblog.healthtalk.com%2Fchronic-pain%2Flife-with-chronic-pain%2Finside-the-skin-of-chronic-pain%2F We face many challenges, those of us who live with chronic pain. We have many conditions, large and small, debilitating and less debilitating. The physical side of this kind of life is only the beginning. There are many “inside” problems, or secrets, known only to us. One of those secrets is getting other people to understand us. It’s just human nature, I suppose, to want others to understand what you are experiencing, but you can only take that so far. Most of the time, I have found, others form opinions about me based on their own experience. Unless you live inside my body, you cannot possibly know what life is for me. Unless I have lived inside your experiences, how can I know what your life is? Sharing is important but can only go so far. Unless you reach out and give your compan... Life with Chronic Pain blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1472745 Tue, 27 May 2008 23:26:35 +0100 1472745 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1466098&cid=t_102538_97_f&fid=35050&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmaGazette%2F%7E3%2F296835314%2Fflu_vaccine_may_be_impaired_by.html A new study by Dr. Luc B. S. Gelinck from Leiden University Medical Center, the Netherlands found that TNF inhibitors that are used to treat rheumatoid arthritis impairs the immune response to the influenza vaccine and may leave those patients who use the arthritis drugs more vulnerable to catching the flu.The study found that while the flu vaccine was still effective in patients using TNF inhibitors 4 weeks after the vaccination antibodies for the anti-TNF group were lower than for the group not taking the TNF inhibitors. Despite the differences, the study found that the protection rate was high amongst all groups of patients.The researchers concluded that an annual flu shot, as suggested by current guidelines, is the best protection against the flu for everyone including those takin... PharmaGazette blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1466098 Fri, 23 May 2008 16:00:03 +0100 1466098 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1464298&cid=t_102538_129_f&fid=36035&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblog.healthtalk.com%2Fchronic-pain%2Flife-with-chronic-pain%2Fis-chronic-pain-a-good-excuse-to-become-a-grump%2F What do you think? Is being in chronic pain a good excuse to be irritable, grouchy or downright impossible? What if it goes on for years and not just days? What if you use your pain and suffering to become grumpy all the time? You and you alone have to answer that and, by the way, live with the consequences of your actions. I think I would have to answer my original question by saying, “It depends on when you ask me.” Awe come on, I’m only human. Many of you have recently faced far more serious health issues than your usual ones. I don’t consider those simply aggravating. Those are challenges. They have to be faced, handled and overcome. Those are not like drops of water on the brain, they are more like a bucket of cold water to the face. Today, I’m picking on those areas... Life with Chronic Pain blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1464298 Thu, 22 May 2008 23:55:38 +0100 1464298 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1461315&cid=t_102538_136_f&fid=36032&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblog.healthtalk.com%2Fbreast-cancer%2Flife-with-breast-cancer%2Five-had-it-with-this-cancer-business%2F Lying on the table for my bone scan this week was like a bit of deja vu. About eight months after I finished chemotherapy, I had a scare with bone pain in my neck. Off to the radiologist the oncologist sent me to ensure that there was no trace of cancer in my bones. That turned out to be degenerative and the doctor was concerned about arthritis. I was grateful that it was only arthritis. That I could live with – operative word being “live.” So there I was Monday in the basement of the hospital in the nuclear medicine department wondering if all the nuclear activity would promote more cancer for me to worry about, and also wondering when I turned into such a wimp. I was complaining about having to lie still for the half hour it would take, I had to ask for a blanket because I was cold... Life with Breast Cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1461315 Wed, 21 May 2008 18:06:50 +0100 1461315 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1458911&cid=t_102538_129_f&fid=36035&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblog.healthtalk.com%2Fchronic-pain%2Flife-with-chronic-pain%2Fa-poem-about-chronic-pain-cut-short%2F Cut Short There I was just living my life, And a lightning bolt fell from the sky. My life once so directed, fulfilled, Now was completely awry. The kids needed money for college, My husband went back to school, too; While he continued to work nights, ‘Cause we needed the revenue. I had the job of my dreams Loved going to work every day, But found I lost the spring in my step, Like a horse hooked up to a shay. Gradually, over the course of a year Pains began to appear. My sitter, my joints, all ached Fatigue caused life to be drear. I did my best to ignore it all Then rashes began to erupt. Every day, in spite of me, A new hole appeared in my cup. It felt like life was slipping away At home life took a slide. Wasn’t this the best time in life Instead, it felt like low tide. Sloughing ... Life with Chronic Pain blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1458911 Tue, 20 May 2008 20:03:10 +0100 1458911 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1454847&cid=t_102538_151_f&fid=35818&url=http%3A%2F%2Frecoveryissexy.com%2Fsex-when-your-over-50%2F Sexuality Challenges Related to Aging and Recovery from Alcoholism, Addiction or Codependency. While there are some age-related sexual changes in both men and women, the ability to have and enjoy sex usually continues into old age. Both the sexual experience and the intimacy it provides remain important. But there is no doubt that there are changes going on, starting right in midlife. While every person is different (for example, some women go through menopause in their 40s, while others don’t reach menopause until their late 50s), there are certain common physical changes that happen as men and women age. Understanding these changes will allow you to discuss them with your partner, to make changes that keep you sexually active, or to consult a doctor or health-care practitioner if you... Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1454847 Tue, 20 May 2008 13:42:21 +0100 1454847