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 'complications'. Sat, 03 Sep 2011 01:55:23 +0100 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5174612&cid=t_114804_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fchinese-study-compares-flu-treatments-prescription-drug-vs-herbal-remedy%2F2011.08.29 During the early days of the 2009 H1N1 influenza A pandemic, the popular herbal formula maxingshigan–yinqiaosan was used widely by TCM practitioners to reduce symptoms. (It’s hard to pronounce and spell, so I’ll refer to it as M-Y.) A new study was done to test whether M-Y worked and to compare it to the prescription drug oseltamivir. It showed that M-Y did not work for the purpose it was being used for: it did not reduce symptoms, although it did reduce the duration of one sign, fever, allowing researchers to claim they had proved that it works as well as oseltamivir. “Oseltamivir Compared With the Chinese Traditional Therapy: Maxingshigan–Yinqiaosan in the Treatment of H1N1 Influenza” by Wang et al. was published in the Annals of Internal Medicine earlier this month. The stu... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5174612 Mon, 29 Aug 2011 18:00:51 +0100 5174612 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5028211&cid=t_114804_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdrlindagalloway.files.wordpress.com%2F2011%2F07%2Fbookjpg.jpg A little knowledge is dangerous; especially when it relates to medicine. A recent article in the British newspaper, Daily Mirror discussed a medical study that attempted to prove there was a link between pregnant women’s sleeping positions and stillbirth. The author is of the opinion that the study was small and biased and therefore “there is a serious need for more research before we’re in a strong position to make ¬any recommendations.” Obviously this author has limited knowledge about the cardiovascular system of a pregnant woman. Our organs and tissues require oxygen to function. Without it, they essentially die. Blood from the lower part of our body flows back to the heart where it receives oxygen, compliments of a large blood vessel called the Inferior Vena Cava (IVC). The i... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5028211 Fri, 15 Jul 2011 14:00:04 +0100 5028211 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5028750&cid=t_114804_129_f&fid=36038&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Ftrevis-life-with-multiple-sclerosis-ms%2Fjuly-check-in-hows-your-ms-today%2F Time once again for our monthly open blog where we ask the question, “How’s your MS today?” After catching up (or trying) on all of your comments while I was away on holidays I’d venture to say that this may be a busy month for comments on this topic. I wrote some of those posts in advance and some during my trip. I didn’t have time to check in very often so I was surprised to see so many comments on many of the posts. As to how my MS is; I can’t really tell… I’m recovering from a sinus infection and we all know how that can muck with MS. In fact, I now remember that my diagnosing MRI showed a big, ol’ nasty sinus infection. The radiologist who read the films even mentioned it in his report: “major sinus infection in three cavities, multiple plaque lesions on brain and ... Life with MS blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5028750 Wed, 13 Jul 2011 19:16:47 +0100 5028750 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4984485&cid=t_114804_106_f&fid=36682&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FSutureForALiving%2F%7E3%2FA4C4TLM6rbA%2Fcocaine-and-ear-necrosis.html Last week Science Daily had a brief article noting the association of contaminated cocaine with ear necrosis:   Contaminated Cocaine Triggers Decaying, Dying Skin  (photo credit)  I’ve written about skin complications from drug abuse in the past, but this is not one I knew of.  Most common are skin and soft tissue infections (SSTIs). The crusty, purplish areas of dead skin (purpura) that can occur with this contaminated cocaine are extremely painful and can open the door to nasty infections.  (note the lower lobe of the ear in the photo) Apparently the cocaine is contaminated with a de-worming drug commonly used by veterinarians called levamisole,  noted by the U.S. DEA to have been found in 30% of confiscated cocaine in 2008 and 70% in 2009. This compl... Suture for a Living blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4984485 Wed, 29 Jun 2011 11:15:00 +0100 4984485 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4968553&cid=t_114804_106_f&fid=36682&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FSutureForALiving%2F%7E3%2F1a2yYKT2U04%2Ffda-updates-safety-data-for-silicone.html Yesterday, the FDA published this press release:  FDA provides updated safety data on silicone gel-filled breast implants In November 2006, the FDA approved silicone gel-filled breast implants for breast augmentation in women over age 22 and for breast reconstruction in all women.  This latest report includes preliminary safety data from post-approval studies conducted by each of the two breast implant manufacturers (Allergan and Mentor), a summary and analysis of adverse events received over the years by the FDA, and a comprehensive review and analysis of recent scientific publications that discuss the safety and effectiveness of silicone gel-filled breast implants. Based on the report, women should know: Breast implants are not lifetime devices. The longer a woman has silic... Suture for a Living blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4968553 Thu, 23 Jun 2011 17:01:00 +0100 4968553 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4934277&cid=t_114804_106_f&fid=36682&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FSutureForALiving%2F%7E3%2FzJNDoYh9Ovk%2Fimpact-of-obesity-on-breast-surgery.html Obesity is an ever increasing presence in today’s world.  Thirty-four percent of U.S. adults are now estimated to be obese (BMI>30), up from just 15% three decades ago. Obesity increases the risk of complications in many medical/surgical situations which has pushed some Ob-Gyns in Florida to refuse to care for pregnant women over a certain weight. Martin A. Makary, MD and colleagues designed a study to measure the impact on complication rates in obese patients presenting for a set of elective breast procedures. The PRS journal article referenced below has been published online ahead of print and looks at the impact obesity has on breast surgery complication. The researchers used claims data from seven Blue Cross and Blue Shield Plans covering individuals with employer-provided co... Suture for a Living blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4934277 Thu, 16 Jun 2011 11:16:00 +0100 4934277 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4893448&cid=t_114804_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fhardened-breast-implants-capsular-contracture-a-reader-question%2F2011.06.03 I have had a capsulectomy due to capsular contraction, but now it has returned. I want an explant because they are uncomfortable and look unnatural. My doctor said that since the capsulectomy did not resolve the issue, he recommends having an explant and waiting about 6 months to a year. After my body has healed properly, he said that I can get implants again and will not get capsular contraction again. Is this accurate? Am I less likely to get capsular contraction or will I be free of capsular contraction? I’m also looking for a doctor experienced in explants. The subject of hardened breast implants (Capsular Contracture) comes up frequently as it is the leading cause of long term dissatisfaction with breast implants. If your breasts tend to hurt or look unnatural, you likely have sever... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4893448 Fri, 03 Jun 2011 22:00:35 +0100 4893448 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4762770&cid=t_114804_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fshould-the-u-s-limit-the-number-of-embryos-transfered%2F2011.04.28 Everyone knows about “Octomom” and her octuplets born after in-vitro fertilization (IVF).  That was an extreme case, but multiple births resulting from unregulated artificial reproductive technologies have skyrocketed over the last decade.  The increased rate of twins, triplets and even higher multiples are due to in-vitro treatments and those women and infants are at much higher risk of pregnancy complications, premature birth and long term health problems. New research,  published in theJournal of Pediatrics, looked at admissions at just one hospital in Montreal, Quebec and found multiple embryo transfers was responsible for a significant proportion of admissions to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU).  These infants were born severely preterm.  Six babies died and 5... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4762770 Thu, 28 Apr 2011 11:00:00 +0100 4762770 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4709234&cid=t_114804_106_f&fid=34805&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FAwfulPlasticSurgery%2F%7E3%2FLBca9erPAqc%2F Does Sandra Bullock have... [[ This is a content summary only. Visit MyWebsite.com for full links, other content, and more! ]] (Source: Awful Plastic Surgery) Awful Plastic Surgery blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4709234 Thu, 14 Apr 2011 09:36:39 +0100 4709234 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4626829&cid=t_114804_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fwhy-you-must-quit-smoking-before-surgery%2F2011.03.23 Physicians and surgeons all agree on the link between smoking and postoperative complications.  We don’t agree (or know) how much time is required between cessation of smoking and surgery for optimal risk reduction. Dr.Thomas Fiala wrote a nice blog post, Smoking Cessation and surgical complications, recently  discussing the 3rd reference article below. Smokers that quit smoking before surgery had 41% fewer complications. The researchers found that each week of cessation increases the effect by 19%. Trials of at least 4 weeks’ smoking cessation had a significantly larger treatment effect than shorter trials (P = .04). Smokers that quit had lower rates of total complications, fewer wound healing complications, and fewer pulmonary complications. (more…) *This blog ... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4626829 Wed, 23 Mar 2011 21:00:00 +0100 4626829 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4615085&cid=t_114804_87_f&fid=36941&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.mazecordblood.com%2Fblog%2F%3Fp%3D1207 As delayed childbirth becomes more common, more women over 40 are becoming pregnant.  Recent evidence has suggested that there is an increase in complications in the last trimester of pregnancy in women over 40, even when accounting for risk factors such as maternal medical disorders (for example, diabetes and hypertension) and fetal anomalies. There are things we can do try to have  uncomplicated pregnancies in women over 40 years old. To find out more read here. Banking your baby’s cord blood is an insurance plan so that if the needs arises, their own stem cells can be used. Click here for a list of some of the illnesses cord blood may be able to help. (Source: Cord Blood News) Cord Blood News blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4615085 Mon, 21 Mar 2011 17:23:22 +0100 4615085 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4433267&cid=t_114804_134_f&fid=35187&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FDiabetesDaily%2F%7E3%2FPUERRTFWgW8%2Fthe-same-complications.php Not long after I wrote last week's post, news surfaced of a research study on the cause of blood vessel damage in people with diabetes.  While I would not even attempt to summarize the scientific findings, I could not shake off one big piece of information gained from this study.One of the Washington University researchers explained that it "won't matter whether it's an absence of insulin or resistance to insulin:  both are associated with defects in FAS".  (FAS is fatty acid synthase, an enzyme important to maintaining blood vessel health.)What does this mean?  The mechanism in which blood vessel damage occurs to the cardiovascular system and to the eyes -  could be the same in people with type 1 and type 2 diabetes.  (It could also explain why some people ar... Diabetes Daily blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4433267 Thu, 03 Feb 2011 20:04:41 +0100 4433267 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4411525&cid=t_114804_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fdrug-safety-in-preventing-acute-mountain-sickness%2F2011.01.28 This is a guest post by Dr. Jeremy Windsor. ********** Steroids and Acute Mountain Sickness In recent years, many attempts have been made to identify safe and effective medications to prevent acute mountain sickness (AMS). Acetazolamide (Diamox), currently the “drug of choice” for this purpose, is not perfect and occasionally causes objectionable side effects. Dexamethasone (Decadron), a powerful steroid medication, has become increasingly popular for prevention and treatment in certain circles. While there is ample evidence to suggest that dexamethasone is effective, a recent case report highlights that this drug is not without risk. In the latest issue of the journal Wilderness & Environmental Medicine [WEM 21(4):345-348, 2010] in an article entitled ”Complicat... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4411525 Fri, 28 Jan 2011 22:00:00 +0100 4411525 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4372046&cid=t_114804_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fsimple-blood-test-for-cancer-breakthrough-or-nightmare%2F2011.01.19 That’s the question Dartmouth’s Dr. Gil Welch asks in a column on the CNN website. He reflects on [recent] news about a test in development that might find a single cancer cell among a billion healthy ones — as so many news stories framed it. Welch analyzes: “But it’s not that simple. The test could just as easily start a cancer epidemic. … Most assume there are no downsides to looking for things to be wrong. But the truth is that early diagnosis is a double-edged sword. While it has the potential to help some, it always has a hidden side-effect: overdiagnosis, the detection of abnormalities that are not destined to ever bother people in their lifetime. Becoming a patient unnecessarily has real human costs. There’s the anxiety of being told you ar... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4372046 Wed, 19 Jan 2011 18:00:29 +0100 4372046 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4331011&cid=t_114804_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fcesarean-section-6-ways-to-prevent-complications%2F2011.01.11 Although I’ve been a proponent for the prevention of medical errors for years and wrote a book to address those issues, I think my obstetrician-gynecologist (OB/GYN) colleagues are finally catching on. Dr. Patrick Duff of the University of Florida’s OB/GYN department wrote an article in the December issue of the journal Obstetrics & Gynecology that caught my attention. In his article, “A Simple Checklist for Preventing Major Complications Associated with Cesarean Delivery,” Duff outlines steps that OB/GYNs should take in order to reduce complications during and after a cesarean section. Duff patterns his list after Dr. Atul Gawande’s book, “The Checklist Manifesto: How to Get it Right,” which has set the standard regarding reducing complications after su... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4331011 Tue, 11 Jan 2011 14:00:15 +0100 4331011 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4277831&cid=t_114804_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fgoing-against-medicine-courageous-or-foolish%2F2010.12.21 Every once I awhile a story catches my eye as I scan the news websites. There was one this morning on CNN with this catchy title: “Mom Defies Doctor, Has Baby Her Way.” The article describes a story where a mother was going to have her fourth baby. Her previous three were born via C-section. Mom did not want another C-section done, and “defied” her doctor’s order for the procedure. “You’re being irresponsible,” the patient was told. The middle of the article talks about the current thinking and statement of the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology saying that “it’s reasonable to consider allowing women who’ve had two C-sections to try to have a vaginal delivery.” Of course, there’s risks with proceeding... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4277831 Tue, 21 Dec 2010 22:00:00 +0100 4277831 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4179321&cid=t_114804_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fpregnancy-after-45-a-high-risk-dilemma%2F2010.11.18 As more older women attempt to beat the biological clock and conceive, they are at greater risk for developing birth-related complications. For women over 45, there is less than a 1 percent chance of getting pregnant using their own eggs. Successful pregnancy for women over 45 is nearly always the result of in-vitro fertilization (IVF) and the use of an egg donor. Researchers at Tel Aviv University reviewed birth records from 2000 to 2008, specifically looking at the records of 177 women who gave birth at the age of 45 and beyond. The majority of the women had IVF and received donor eggs, and 80 percent of the babies were delivered via cesarean section (C-section). Despite their celebrity, Kelly Presley (age 47), Celine Dion (age 42), and Mariah Carey (age 40), are older pregnant women ... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4179321 Thu, 18 Nov 2010 17:00:27 +0100 4179321 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4175747&cid=t_114804_106_f&fid=36682&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FSutureForALiving%2F%7E3%2FmclPvCk7X9o%2Fpour.html A patient with postoperative urinary retention forced me to review the topic, conducting my private M&M conference. Without giving away too much on my patient – female, less than 50 yo, general anesthesia used, length of surgery 4 hrs, ambulatory/outpatient, foley used intraoperatively, fluids used judicially (though I do not know the exact amount given by anesthesia), pain meds (Toradol, fentanyl, and sent home with script for Percocet). From the first reference article below I made my usual call to the patient the evening of surgery, asked how she was, “how’s the pain?”, “any concerns?”, “any nausea?”, “are you eating and drinking?”. I don’t recall specifically asking about whether she had peed or not, but I do recall her saying she needed to end the call s... Suture for a Living blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4175747 Wed, 17 Nov 2010 12:53:35 +0100 4175747 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4167957&cid=t_114804_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Flung-cancer-ct-scan-marketing-spreads-across-the-country%2F2010.11.15 Last week, after the National Lung Screening Trial results were released, David Sampson, American Cancer Society director of medical and scientific communications, wrote that “our greatest fear was that forces with an economic interest in the test would sidestep the scientific process and use the release of the data to start promoting CT scans. Frankly, even we are surprised how quickly that has happened.” And, yes, the marketing has even hit fly-over country in the Twin Cities, with this ad appearing in the Sunday Minneapolis Star Tribune in the “A” section: Of course, no where in the ad will you read about the potential harms of such scans, the false positive rate, what happens when you get a false positive (unnecessary followup testing and perhaps unnecessary t... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4167957 Mon, 15 Nov 2010 21:00:34 +0100 4167957 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4133713&cid=t_114804_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fscreen-everyone-for-pancreatic-cancer-what-about-evidence-and-harm%2F2010.11.03 Continuing this week’s spontaneous theme (we didn’t make the claims and write the stories) of runaway enthusiasm for various screening tests by some researchers and journalists, HealthDay news service has reported on a study published in the Oct. 28 issue of the journal Nature that they say “provides new insight into the genetics of pancreatic cancer.” In the story, they let one of the researchers get away with saying, almost unchallenged: “What’s important about this study is that it’s objective data in support of why everyone should be screened for pancreatic cancer.” Mind you, this was a study that looked at tissue from just seven patients. The story continued with its breathless enthusiasm for the pancreatic cancer screening idea: &#822... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4133713 Wed, 03 Nov 2010 20:00:41 +0100 4133713 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4125230&cid=t_114804_136_f&fid=38061&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FBreastCancerReconstructionBlog%2F%7E3%2Fm2bQP3izlqw%2Fhow-to-boost-healing-after-surgery.html Wounds need a lot of energy to heal well. Since energy can only come from food, it is vital that patients eat as healthily as possible especially before and after surgery. Crucial nutrients for wound healing include protein, zinc and the vitamins A and C. So what are the best things to eat? Meats, nuts, beans and dairy products are great sources of protein. Carrots, tomatoes, sweet potatoes, spinach and apricots are great sources of vitamin A. Citrus fruits and green leafy vegetables are great sources of Vitamin C. Yogurt, green peas, beef, oysters, black beans and crab are great sources of zinc. Patients must also stay well hydrated before and after surgery by drinking enough water. Dehydration causes the skin and soft tissues to lose moisture and become dry. Dry wounds do not heal well... Breast Cancer Reconstruction Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4125230 Tue, 02 Nov 2010 01:02:29 +0100 4125230 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4119027&cid=t_114804_106_f&fid=36682&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FSutureForALiving%2F%7E3%2FILHR3W61RBc%2Ffiorinas-infection-highlights.html The news report of California Republican U.S. Senate Candidate Carly Fiorina’s recent hospitalization due to an infection related to her breast reconstruction is an opportunity to talk about the risks of complication associated with breast reconstruction surgery. Fiorina was diagnosed with breast cancer diagnosis in February 2009.  She was treated with chemotherapy, radiation and a double mastectomy.  I found several articles that note she had her reconstructive surgery at Stanford University Medical Center, the San Jose (Calif.) in July 2010, but none mention the reconstruction technique used. My guess would be implant based reconstruction considering how quickly she returned to campaigning.  Recovery time for a TRAM flap (free or pedicle) or any other flap based reconstr... Suture for a Living blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4119027 Thu, 28 Oct 2010 11:15:00 +0100 4119027 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3921086&cid=t_114804_151_f&fid=35818&url=http%3A%2F%2Frecoveryissexy.com%2Fpathologic-skin-picking%2F Pathologic skin picking (PSP) is characterized by the repetitive and compulsive picking of skin which results in tissue damage. We sought to examine the evidence supporting the school of thought, and biological links between PSP and substance use disorders. A review of the literature examining clinical presentation, comorbid psychiatric conditions, and treatment studies was used to examine the relationship of PSP and substance use disorders. Prevalence rates of PSP range from 1.4–5.4% in the general population, with a much higher preponderance in females and in psychiatric patients. Significant medical complications are common, including scarring and infection. Although some pharmacologic agents (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, opioid antagonists, and glutamatergic agents) a... Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3921086 Tue, 31 Aug 2010 17:18:00 +0100 3921086 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3920779&cid=t_114804_86_f&fid=36669&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffadelibrary.wordpress.com%2F2010%2F08%2F31%2Fjournal-of-the-american-medical-association-2010-vol-304-no-4%2F This article aims to assess complication rates of different bariatric procedures and variability in rates of serious complications across hospitals and according to procedure volume and center of excellence (COE) status. An NHS Athens password is required to access this article online, alternatively contact the Library fro a copy of this article. Filed under: Athens Password, Current Awareness, E-Journals, Journals Tagged: Bariatric Surgery, Complications, Perioperative Safety, Safety, United States (Source: Fade Library) Fade Library blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3920779 Tue, 31 Aug 2010 12:24:00 +0100 3920779 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3854588&cid=t_114804_112_f&fid=34971&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdoctorandpatient.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F08%2Frisks-and-complications-of-ivf.html Open publication - Free publishing - More infertility (Source: The Patient's Doctor) The Patient's Doctor blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3854588 Tue, 10 Aug 2010 17:34:00 +0100 3854588 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3795025&cid=t_114804_136_f&fid=39016&url=http%3A%2F%2Fturquoisegates.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F07%2Fsunrise.html Windswept.  We spent our last morning on Folly Beach watching the sunrise just a few weeks ago in South Carolina.  The kids in p.j.s, adults hungering for crabcake eggs benedict at the Lost Dog.  I feel the same way...scrubbed clean with exhaustion, soul adrift in a quiet sea, eyes heavy...today.  Headache is through the roof painful, infection seems a bit worse today in my pacer pocket.  The doctor was on the fence but decided it doesn't look "grossly infected", so I can stay home, take my oral antibiotics and avoid a surgical revision of the pacemaker, at least for the moment.  My comprehensive exam has been resubmitted.  If all goes well and I pass the written portion, I will defend sometime the week of August 2 (i.e. next week).  Luckily, I have ... Turquoise Gates blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3795025 Tue, 27 Jul 2010 19:48:00 +0100 3795025 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3776564&cid=t_114804_134_f&fid=35187&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FDiabetesDaily%2F%7E3%2FND6kazsbkT4%2Ftrying-my-best.php (Originally posted 8/2/2007 at Tales of my Thirties.  This post came to mind today and it reflects what motivates me in the hope and in the fight against complications.  I wrote it a few weeks after starting metformin, which I no longer take due to unpleasant side effects.)“Oooh, that hurts so much,” she exclaimed as I stuck her with the lancet.“I know, I know. I have diabetes, too.”“You do? Juvenile, right?,” she asked, thinking she knew how I’d answer.“No, type 2, just like you.”“But you sound too young for it. I hope you are taking care of yourself. You don’t want to end up like me, blind and wondering when they’ll take off a foot..or both.”“I’m trying my best. Diet and exercise for now. I’m doing really well with it, too.”“Keep at it, Rachel. You don’t... Diabetes Daily blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3776564 Thu, 22 Jul 2010 01:50:50 +0100 3776564 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3767277&cid=t_114804_136_f&fid=38061&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FBreastCancerReconstructionBlog%2F%7E3%2FJSl7sQEK-54%2Fare-you-diep-flap-candidate.html The DIEP flap procedure has rapidly become the "gold standard" in breast reconstruction today. While not every woman is a candidate for DIEP flap surgery, many are turned away when in fact they needn't be. The most common areas of confusion include: 1) Previous Abdominal Surgery While some types of previous abdominal surgery can make the DIEP flap procedure impossible to perform, most of the time previous abdominal surgery really isn't an issue. Many women these days have had a previous c-section or hysterectomy. It is possible for these procedures to cause damage to the blood vessels needed for DIEP flap surgery, but this is rare. A previous c-section, hysterectomy, or tubal ligation is not a contra-indication to having the procedure. If your surgeon is worried about potential damage... Breast Cancer Reconstruction Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3767277 Mon, 19 Jul 2010 13:24:42 +0100 3767277 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3723412&cid=t_114804_136_f&fid=39016&url=http%3A%2F%2Fturquoisegates.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F07%2Fbrokenness.html I don't remember much about what happened, so I can't give you many details.  But I can write, read, speak, laugh, joke, smile, walk, and otherwise function completely normally.  Even though my head apparently went through our toilet tank last night.  When I saw this picture, it is amazing to me that I am alive and sitting in bed typing.  I did have a seizure in the emergency room, a first for me, but haven't had any more.  There is no sign of any broken bones in my skull or face or bleeding in my brain on the CT scan.  I am continuing to have a lot of head pain and some disturbing double vision.  This post will be short because of that.I am okay.  I'm not really sure why I fell, if I fainted or tripped or what.  I have had no dizziness at any o... Turquoise Gates blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3723412 Sun, 04 Jul 2010 05:08:00 +0100 3723412 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3721935&cid=t_114804_136_f&fid=39016&url=http%3A%2F%2Fturquoisegates.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F07%2Fhiccup.html Main Entry: hic·cup Variant(s): also hic·cough \ˈhi-(ˌ)kəp\Function: nounEtymology: imitativeDate: circa 15801 : a spasmodic inhalation with closure of the glottis accompanied by a peculiar sound2 : an attack of hiccuping —usually used in plural but singular or plural in construction3 : a slight irregularity, error, or malfunction (a few hiccups in the computer system) b : a usually minor and short-lived interruption or disruption, or change (a hiccup in the stock market)I have had several 2 hour bouts of hiccups since coming home, which seems just strange, but not too noteworthy.  I like the level 3 definition from Miriam-Webster.  Until you look through your new "User's Manual" for your recently implanted pacemaker and see: "If you experience an unusual number or extend... Turquoise Gates blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3721935 Fri, 02 Jul 2010 16:46:00 +0100 3721935 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3718367&cid=t_114804_87_f&fid=36050&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblisstree.com%2Flive%2Fobesity-in-the-u-s-we-are-getting-fatter%2F Photo from Flickr user xornalcerto A new obesity report is out, and the findings are hugely depressing. The fattest states in 1991 were as large as the thinnest states are in 2009. Not all that long ago, the U.S. was much trimmer little lady. So what’s changed: More heavily-processed foods, less exercise, and too much time on the computer? We’d be fools to not point out the correlation between the decline of rollerblading and the increase in Americans’ waistlines. But seriously, what do you think has happened? via Treehugger Post from: BlissTree Obesity In the U.S.: We Are Getting Fatter (Source: Breastfeeding 1-2-3) Breastfeeding 1-2-3 blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3718367 Thu, 01 Jul 2010 21:49:49 +0100 3718367 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3718440&cid=t_114804_106_f&fid=36682&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FSutureForALiving%2F%7E3%2FNfO4FsNlnkc%2Fblepharoplasty-complications-article.html There is a really nice article in the March 2010 issue of the Journal of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery which reviews complications of blepharoplasty surgery (full reference below). It is an article worthy of your time if you perform this surgery. The article divides the complication into time periods which they occur: early (first week), intermediate (1-6 weeks), and late (after 6 weeks). Here is a list of the complications listed and discussed. The information included in my post does not cover all that is covered in the journal article as it is not meant to take the place of the article. Early Postoperative Period (first week) Vision Loss The most feared complication of blepharoplasty is permanent visual loss. The most common cause is retrobulbar hemorrhage, although other causes... Suture for a Living blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3718440 Thu, 01 Jul 2010 11:01:00 +0100 3718440 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3706750&cid=t_114804_111_f&fid=39123&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2Fnursingcomments%2Ftdtc%2F%7E3%2FQM8389MkSIw%2F           Diabetic neuropathies are among the most frequent complication of long-term diabetes.  It is estimated that 60% to 70% of diabetics have mild to severe forms of nervous system damage.  The femoral nerve is commonly involved giving rise to symptoms in the legs and feet.  Pain is the chief symptom and tends to worsen at night when the person is at rest.  It is usually relieved by activity and aggravated by cold. Paraesthesias are a common accompaniment of the pain.  Cramping, tenderness and muscle weakness also occur but atrophy is rare.  Advanced femoral nerve disease is a major contributing cause of lower extremity amputations.  Another common complication of diabetes is retinopathy (eye disease).  Changes occurring in the eye which are distinctive of diabetes in... Nursing Comments blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3706750 Mon, 28 Jun 2010 15:06:55 +0100 3706750 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3690870&cid=t_114804_106_f&fid=36682&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FSutureForALiving%2F%7E3%2FBA22GqCd1_4%2Facute-hematoma-seven-years-postop.html There is a unique case presented in the Canadian Journal of Plastic Surgery of an acute, symptomatic hematoma occurring 7 years postoperatively.  Most unique is the well defined mechanism of injury which caused the hematoma. For background, the article reminds us that hematoma formation is a complication of augmentation mammoplasty whether for cosmetic or reconstructive purposes.  Most of these will occur in the immediate postoperative period.  The incidence is reported to range from 2-10.3% in this immediate postoperative period. In their review of the literature, the authors found only 20 cases reported to have occurred in the late postoperative period.  Most of these cases did not have a definitive mechanism of injury or develop symptoms immediately after the trigger... Suture for a Living blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3690870 Wed, 23 Jun 2010 11:01:00 +0100 3690870 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3676655&cid=t_114804_87_f&fid=36941&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.mazecordblood.com%2Fblog%2F%3Fp%3D531 Yeast infections are unpleasant to begin with, and when they show up during pregnancy, it can be worrisome.  The Mayo Clinic reports that typical treatments for yeast infections can be prescribed during pregnancy without risk or danger to mom or baby.  The clinic suggests a seven-day protocol of the two major medications: Miconazole (Monistat) or Clotrimazole (Gyne-Lotrimin). (Source: Cord Blood News) Cord Blood News blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3676655 Fri, 18 Jun 2010 16:25:43 +0100 3676655 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3607447&cid=t_114804_86_f&fid=36669&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffadelibrary.wordpress.com%2F2010%2F05%2F28%2Finternational-journal-of-std-aids-2010-vol-21-no-5%2F Title: Risk of Chlamydia trachomatis infection during pregnancy: effectiveness of guidelines-based screening in identifying cases Skinny: Defines the risk factors for Chlamydia trachomatis (CT) infection among pregnant women. An NHS Athens password is required to access this article online. Filed under: E-Journals, Pregnancy, Sexual Health Tagged: Chlamydia, Pregnancy, Pregnancy Complications, Sexually Transmitted Infections (Source: Fade Library) Fade Library blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3607447 Fri, 28 May 2010 15:56:14 +0100 3607447 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3607781&cid=t_114804_136_f&fid=39026&url=http%3A%2F%2Fcarolinemfr.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F05%2Fmedical-complications.html are the little fine print that is listed at the bottom of the form you sign before consenting for the procedure. Or they can be that lovely 'side effect' of a procedure or something. How do you really define it? Is my husband's keloid scarring after surgery that required further treatment a medical complication? Is a friend's reaction to chemo that required hospitalization considered a medical complication? Is an infection after surgery considered a complication? I think we all basically assume that with any medical procedure, that there is some risk of complication, reaction, infection, etc that requires the need for additional treatment. At first glance this article makes sense "Who Pays for Medical Complications". Insurance companies are not reimbursing providers for additional care ne... Caroline's Breast Cancer Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3607781 Fri, 28 May 2010 09:55:00 +0100 3607781 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3595626&cid=t_114804_106_f&fid=36682&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FSutureForALiving%2F%7E3%2FcCIT8cgApTw%2Fshout-outs_25.html Dr V, 33 Charts, is the host for this week’s Grand Rounds.   It’s the “Artsy Doctors, Genes and Creepy Imagery” edition.  You can read this week’s edition here. It’s been a tough week for the anti-vaccine movement but an important week for pediatric health. Yesterday the UK’s General Medical Council announced that Andrew Wakefield, who’s fraudulent manipulation of data spawned the vaccine-autism cottage industry, would be ‘struck’ from the medical register. This action by the GMC is one more nail in the coffin of the man who has singlehandedly turned back the clock on two generations of pediatric public health. Check out Respectful Insolence for some pithy commentary and a pointed, must see interview with Matt Lauer. This issue finally seems to be circl... Suture for a Living blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3595626 Tue, 25 May 2010 13:49:00 +0100 3595626 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3471817&cid=t_114804_106_f&fid=36682&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FSutureForALiving%2F%7E3%2FvYYLI8TmECg%2Fcapsular-contracture.html In this study, no cases of Baker grade 3 or 4 capsular contractures were reported. Ventura and Marcello retrospectively analyzed 100 patients who had received primary breast enlargement with textured implants positioned in the subfascial compartment and found that only two patients (2 percent) experienced Baker grade 2 capsular contractures. Finally, in a retrospective multicenter study of more than 500 patients, Gutowski et al. found that the use of subglandular positioning of the prosthesis increased the risk of capsular contractures by almost eight times. It is a nice review of the literature which points out the short comings of our knowledge. Although it is apparent from the articles studied in this review that a great deal of progress has been made over the past few decades to... Suture for a Living blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3471817 Thu, 15 Apr 2010 11:01:00 +0100 3471817 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3467709&cid=t_114804_87_f&fid=34867&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.thediabetesblog.com%2F2010%2F04%2F13%2Fshould-diabetics-have-gastric-bypass-sugery%2F This study included 55 newly diagnosed diabetics between ages 20 and 60 who were obese. Half of the participants had gastric banding surgery to reduce the size of their stomachs. The other half was treated in the usual way. The people who had surgery lost an average of 21% of their body weight. The other group lost less than 2% on average. Two years after treatment, 73% of those who had surgery (22 out of 29 patients) had blood sugar levels below the number used to diagnose diabetes -- and they were not taking medication! For this group, type 2 diabetes was considered to be "in remission." Only 13% of the group that did not have surgery had a remission at the two-year evaluation. Complications and side effects can occur from surgery. Also, surgery for obesity does not enable obese people t... The Diabetes Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3467709 Mon, 12 Apr 2010 23:00:00 +0100 3467709 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3440998&cid=t_114804_134_f&fid=34841&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.diabetesmine.com%2F2010%2F04%2Fbeating-the-odds-with-richard-vaughn-over-half-a-century-of-diabetes.html Richard Vaughn is a bit of a legend in the diabetes online community. Known more widely as Richard157 on several diabetes forums, Richard began sharing his story of living with type 1 diabetes for over 60 years via forum posts in 2007 and has become an inspiration for many. Last week, Richard also became a [...] (Source: Diabetes Mine) Diabetes Mine blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3440998 Tue, 06 Apr 2010 13:00:24 +0100 3440998 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3408581&cid=t_114804_134_f&fid=34841&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.diabetesmine.com%2F2010%2F03%2Fgive-your-kidneys-some-love.html March is National Kidney Month (yes, they have a month for that organ! and even a World Kidney Day on March 11).  I realize the month is nearly over this year, but it’s never too late to show your kidneys some love — especially if you have diabetes, which possibly puts them at risk. I must admit, [...] (Source: Diabetes Mine) Diabetes Mine blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3408581 Fri, 26 Mar 2010 13:00:54 +0100 3408581 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3403831&cid=t_114804_87_f&fid=34867&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.thediabetesblog.com%2F2010%2F03%2F25%2Fneuropathy-and-diabetes-what-does-it-mean%2F Filed under: ComplicationsDiabetes damages nerves, slowing down the rate at which nerves relay messages to and from different parts of the body. Scientists aren't certain why this happens, but they think the damage might happen when glucose attaches to or affects proteins in nerve cells. Nerve damage can cause changes in sensory perception, pain, or problems with digestive, bladder, bowel or sexual function. More than half of diabetics have some signs of neuropathy. Serious neuropathy can lead to foot ulcers and the loss of lower limbs. Symptoms of nerve damage include numbness, tingling and reduced sensitivity to light touch. A burning, shooting or stabbing pain may also occur. The real danger of this condition is that it lessens your sensitivity to vibration, touch and pain, especially... The Diabetes Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3403831 Thu, 25 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100 3403831 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3420569&cid=t_114804_111_f&fid=39123&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2Fnursingcomments%2Ftdtc%2F%7E3%2FLbkt_dOiLLo%2F           Septicemia is a serious, life-threatening infection that gets worse very quickly.  It is a systemic infection, usually caused by bacteria of various types contaminating a person’s blood. When septicemia is not treated with the appropriate antibiotics, the infected blood can then contaminate other organs or tissues of the body, creating life-threatening infections.  There are many things that can cause septicemia, most notably, cuts that have become infected.  You have probably heard of ‘blood poisoning’ or ‘bacteremia with sepsis’ or possibly ‘systemic inflammatory response syndrome’ – these are all alternative names for septicemia.  This disease is rare, but absolutely devastating.           Infections of the mouth or teeth, when untreated b... Nursing Comments blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3420569 Sat, 20 Mar 2010 17:14:39 +0100 3420569 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3366229&cid=t_114804_106_f&fid=36682&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FSutureForALiving%2F%7E3%2F4flHV87eL6c%2Fdouble-bubble-breast-deformity.html Recently a Staten Island woman was awarded $3.5 million after developing a double-bubble breast deformity after a breast augmentation/mastopexy surgery. I don’t know if the award was warranted, but I do know that the deformity is a known risk of breast augmentation surgery. I try very hard to tell patients about possible risks of surgery, but none of us go into surgery thinking we will be the half or one or two percent. As the surgeon, I take pride in my work and give the best I can. It is never my intention for a patient to have a poor result. It is not good for them or for me. So let’s talk a minute about double-bubble deformities. What is it? In a double bubble deformity the implants are usually positioned too superiorly under the muscle (first bubble) with an overhang of skin/brea... Suture for a Living blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3366229 Mon, 15 Mar 2010 11:01:00 +0100 3366229 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3358931&cid=t_114804_86_f&fid=36669&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffadelibrary.wordpress.com%2F2010%2F03%2F12%2F9190%2F This article finds that while revisional bariatric surgery is associated with higher risk of perioperative complications compared with the primary procedures, it appears to be safe and effective when performed in experienced centers. (NHS Athens is required to access this article online) Filed under: Athens Password, Current Awareness, E-Journals Tagged: Athens Password, Bariatric Surgery, Complications, Current Awareness, E-Journals, Surgery (Source: Fade Library) Fade Library blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3358931 Fri, 12 Mar 2010 06:53:08 +0100 3358931 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3331260&cid=t_114804_87_f&fid=34867&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.thediabetesblog.com%2F2010%2F03%2F04%2Fgestational-diabetes-what-you-need-to-know-now%2F Filed under: Type 2Research has recently confirmed that even small elevations in blood sugar during pregnancy can lead to sick children, and experts are now recommending new changes in diagnosis be implemented. With these changes two to three times as many pregnant women could be diagnosed and treated for gestational diabetes in the future. Unless you've had a friend with gestational diabetes, though, it's unlikely that you know much about the condition. A blood screening test given between the 24th and 28th weeks of pregnancy will determine whether you have gestational diabetes. Following a diet and exercise plan can keep your blood sugar levels controlled during pregnancy. You may also receive insulin. Gestational diabetes typically disappears after delivery, but many women later ... The Diabetes Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3331260 Thu, 04 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100 3331260 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3306806&cid=t_114804_87_f&fid=34867&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.thediabetesblog.com%2F2010%2F02%2F25%2Fstress-linked-to-memory-loss-in-older-type-2-diabetics%2F Filed under: Type 2, Daily NewsStress might be behind the memory loss that older people with type 2 diabetes experience, according to new research from the University of Edinburgh. The researchers studied 900 men and women aged between 60 and 75 with type 2 diabetes, which tends to be more common in those over age 40. Their results showed that brain function slowed down in those with higher cortisol levels, a stress hormone, in their blood. Memory loss is a well-known symptom among older people with diabetes, but until now, it was unclear as to why. Scientists used a wide range of tests to evaluate mental abilities like memory function and the speed at which participants could process information. Although the team took into account factors like education, heart disease, smoking an... The Diabetes Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3306806 Thu, 25 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100 3306806 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3280215&cid=t_114804_167_f&fid=38576&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.drbriffa.com%2Fblog%2F2010%2F02%2F17%2Fno-good-evidence-flu-vaccination-helps-the-elderly%2F Here in the UK it’s cold, and the cold weather tends to bring with it an upsurge in the rates of viral infections such as the common cold and flu. It has been suggested that one reason such infections surge in the winter is because we’re more likely to be cooped up with other people, [...] (Source: Dr John Biffa's Blog) Dr John Biffa's Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3280215 Wed, 17 Feb 2010 17:32:55 +0100 3280215 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3280002&cid=t_114804_106_f&fid=36682&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FSutureForALiving%2F%7E3%2FecGNlGLtYQw%2Fsymmastia-after-augmentation.html Symmastia (also known as synmastia) is a condition that occurs when breast implants sit too close to the middle of the patient’s chest.  Extreme cases can even lead to the “uniboob” look. Fortunately, it is a rare complication of augmentation mammoplasty surgery.  Developmental symmastia can occur without prior surgery in patients who have breast hypertrophy and an aberrant soft-tissue connection across the midline. Dr Spear (4th reference article below) noted (bold highlight is mine): Based on our experience with postaugmentation synmastia, a number of facts have emerged. All of the implants were subpectoral. The majority of these women had undergone more than one operation. Many of them had undergone successive operations to enlarge the size of their implants and breas... Suture for a Living blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3280002 Wed, 17 Feb 2010 12:01:00 +0100 3280002 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3254371&cid=t_114804_83_f&fid=34856&url=http%3A%2F%2Finsidesurgery.com%2F2010%2F02%2Fjohn-murthas-death-gallbladder-surgery-complications-happen%2F Although none of the editors of InsideSurgery participated in his care, we have noted reports that Pennsylvania Congressman John Murtha has died from complications following removal of his gallbladder. The Associated Press is reporting tonight that Pennsylvania Congressman Bob Brady of Philadelphia has stated that Murtha suffered from injury to his large intestine during the operation at Bethesda Naval Hospital to remove his gallbladder. The gallbladder was reportedly removed laparoscopically or as it is sometimes described via a minimally invasive technique. Murtha was apparently discharged to home and then presented to the Virginia Hospital Center complaining of abdominal pain and a fever. Several days ago he was reported to be in the intensive care unit, indicating that a serious comp... Inside Surgery blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3254371 Tue, 09 Feb 2010 04:55:41 +0100 3254371 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3235771&cid=t_114804_83_f&fid=34856&url=http%3A%2F%2Finsidesurgery.com%2F2010%2F02%2Frep-john-murtha-reportedly-intensive-care-unit-surgery%2F Pennsylvania Congressman John Murtha is in the intensive care unit at Virginia Hospital Center in Arlington, Virginia for complications that developed after surgery to remove his gallbladder (Source: Inside Surgery) Inside Surgery blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3235771 Wed, 03 Feb 2010 01:46:57 +0100 3235771 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3220694&cid=t_114804_134_f&fid=34841&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.diabetesmine.com%2F2010%2F01%2Fin-memoriam.html Earlier this week, I got word that a woman who called herself “Goddess” online has passed away. She had over 6,000 friends on the DiabeticConnect community site. To be honest, I didn’t know much about her other than the tips and questions she posted very regularly.  Still, it’s the oddest (and saddest) sensation when any [...] (Source: Diabetes Mine) Diabetes Mine blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3220694 Fri, 29 Jan 2010 14:00:57 +0100 3220694 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3163739&cid=t_114804_87_f&fid=34867&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.thediabetesblog.com%2F2010%2F01%2F12%2Fdiabetes-patients-get-your-h1n1-vaccine%2F Filed under: ComplicationsIf you've been avoiding your annual flu shot, it's time to get a vaccine. Today has been designated the National Influenza Vaccination Week's vaccination day for people with chronic health conditions. This year, vaccinations against H1N1 or swine flu and regular influenza are recommended. It's extremely important that those with chronic conditions get the vaccine because they are at higher risk for serious flu-related complications like pneumonia. High-risk chronic conditions include asthma, diabetes, heart disease, kidney and liver disorders, neurological disorders, blood disorders, cancer and HIV or AIDS. A pneumococcal vaccine to prevent pneumonia is also recommended for people with diabetes. After you get your flu shot, remember to take any antiviral medi... The Diabetes Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3163739 Tue, 12 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0100 3163739 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3115158&cid=t_114804_111_f&fid=36048&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAHeartyLife%2F%7E3%2FQr4aJWSe800%2F Any type of surgery has its risks, even so-called minor surgeries. But some surgeries are riskier than others and even more so for certain groups of people. Seniors, those aged 65  years or older, often undergo surgery for various ailments that have either been neglected over time or have developed over the years. And, as the population ages, more surgeries will be done in that age group. According to a study just published in the Archives of Surgery, every year, approximately two million seniors have abdominal surgery. Abdominal surgeries, any type of surgery that involves the abdomen, are particularly risky for seniors, say researcher from the University of Washington School of Medicine in Seattle, Washington. The researchers were looking at complication and death rates of 101,318 senio... A Hearty Life blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3115158 Wed, 23 Dec 2009 13:08:16 +0100 3115158 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3111367&cid=t_114804_86_f&fid=36669&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffadelibrary.wordpress.com%2F2009%2F12%2F22%2Farchives-of-surgery-2009-vol-144-no-12%2F contents page Fade Fave: Preoperative Weight Loss Before Bariatric Surgery Fade Skinny: Suggests and finds that preoperative weight loss reduces the frequency of surgical complications in patients undergoing bariatric surgery. (NHS Athens is required to access this article online) Posted in Current Awareness, E-Journals, Journals Tagged: Athens Password, Bariatric Surgery, Complications, Current Awareness, E-Journals, Surgery, Weight Loss (Source: Fade Library) Fade Library blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3111367 Tue, 22 Dec 2009 13:44:06 +0100 3111367 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3026705&cid=t_114804_106_f&fid=36682&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FSutureForALiving%2F%7E3%2FwtZa_o1xges%2Fperistomal-skin-complications-and.html There is a very nice review article in the “throw away” journal Advances in Skin & Wound Care (full reference below) which discusses the causes and management of peristomal skin complications.  The photo (credit) to the right shows normal, healthy skin around a stoma. Peristomal complications are one of the most challenging aspects of living with ostomies.  The purpose of this review article was stated to be “to illustrate practical approaches to prevent and treat common peristomal skin conditions.” The authors propose the use of the mnemonic MINDS to help clinicians remember and be mindful of the potential causes of peristomal skin problems: M:  Mechanical trauma from the ostomy equipment and skin stripping I:     Infection (bacterial an... Suture for a Living blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3026705 Wed, 25 Nov 2009 12:01:00 +0100 3026705 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3008211&cid=t_114804_115_f&fid=34670&url=http%3A%2F%2Fsumerdoc.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F11%2Ftension-pneumocephalus-ct-peaking-sign.html Pneumocephalus can occur in iatrogenic and noniatrogenic disruption of the skull base or calvaria. It is important to differentiate tension from non tension pneumcephalus. A “peaking sign” of bilateral compression of the frontal lobes by subdural air collections without the characteristic separation of the frontal lobes has been linked to tension pneumocephalus as seen in the current case of post operative subdural hematoma. A more characteristic sign of tension pneumocephalus is Mount fuji sign in which bilateral subdural hypoattenuating collections cause compression and separation of the frontal lobes. From Sumer's Radiology Site http://www.sumerdoc.blogspot.com -The Top Radiology Magazine. Teleradiology Providers at www.teleradproviders.com Mail us at teleradproviders@gmail.com (Sou... Sumer's Radiology Site blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3008211 Thu, 19 Nov 2009 04:54:00 +0100 3008211 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2973961&cid=t_114804_106_f&fid=36682&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FSutureForALiving%2F%7E3%2FaZN-j-Cd35s%2Freducing-incidence-of-ear-deformity-in.html This article by Dr Daniel Man (full reference below) is well worth the time spent reading it.  Telltale signs of facelift procedures can include tightening across the lower face, visible scars, a distorted hairline, and the “pixie ear” deformity.   Dr Man looks at the causes of the ear deformity and ways to prevent it. (photo credit) Dr. Man has provided a pdf file of the article on his website, so you don’t have access to the Aesthetic Surgery Journal to read the article. Between January 2005 and November 2007, the author performed facelifts on 106 patients using a technique that included autologous fat injections to improve facial volume, hidden incisions in and around the ear, and absorbable bidirectional barbed sutures. Patient charts and photographs were reviewe... Suture for a Living blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2973961 Mon, 09 Nov 2009 12:01:01 +0100 2973961 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2927242&cid=t_114804_86_f&fid=36669&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffadelibrary.wordpress.com%2F2009%2F10%2F25%2Finternational-journal-of-epidemiology-2009-vol-38-no-5%2F This article examines if maternal anaemia exposure both within and across the trimesters during gestation is associated with pre-term births. An NHS Athens password is required to access this article. Posted in Current Awareness, Journals Tagged: Anaemia, China, Maternal Anaemia, Pregnancy Complications, Premature Labour, Research (Source: Fade Library) Fade Library blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2927242 Sun, 25 Oct 2009 21:23:26 +0100 2927242 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2908835&cid=t_114804_134_f&fid=34841&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.diabetesmine.com%2F2009%2F10%2Fmy-first-vlog-from-the-heart.html I was tempted to call this post, “I’m better in writing.” I really don’t like seeing myself on film. But I know, it’s time to get with the program. That, and the American Heart Association provided the members of its Heart of Diabetes Connected Council group with free Flip video recorders - pretty cool! See Scott Johnson’s [...] (Source: Diabetes Mine) Diabetes Mine blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2908835 Tue, 20 Oct 2009 13:00:17 +0100 2908835 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2865598&cid=t_114804_86_f&fid=36669&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffadelibrary.wordpress.com%2F2009%2F10%2F06%2Fnew-england-journal-of-medicine-2009-vol-361-no-14%2F This article looks at a random trial of 958 women who met the criteria for mild gestational diabetes mellitus and who were in the 24th to 31st week of gestation. The trial attempts to establish whether treatment of mild gestational diabetes mellitus improves preganancy outcomes. (Print subscription held at Fade Library) Posted in Current Awareness, Journals Tagged: Diabetes, Pregnancy Complications, Pregnancy Outcome (Source: Fade Library) Fade Library blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2865598 Tue, 06 Oct 2009 11:20:53 +0100 2865598 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2778636&cid=t_114804_134_f&fid=34841&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.diabetesmine.com%2F2009%2F09%2Fwayback-wednesday-dry-between-your-toes.html You cannot be too careful with your feet. I was reminded of this wisdom big time last week, when I heard about an acquaintance who’s been diagnosed with melanoma and had to have two toes removed.  She’s very fair, and apparently never put sunscreen on her feet.  Have I ever done that? Not sure. Do [...] (Source: Diabetes Mine) Diabetes Mine blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2778636 Wed, 09 Sep 2009 13:00:59 +0100 2778636 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2645477&cid=t_114804_131_f&fid=34989&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FGeneticsHealth%2F%7E3%2FP2hsoIJcAXk%2F Public health officials have always recommended that pregnant women should avoid exposure to the influenza virus because of complications of infection, including spontaneous abortion, pre-term labor and fetal defects. And that goes for any type of flu virus, be it the seasonal type or the pandemic H1N1 swine flu. Unfortunately, very few percentage of pregnant women get vaccinated and very few OB/GYN doctors recommend the vaccine. Unborn child at risk for swine flu complications. But recent studies may take that warning to another level if results were to prove true for humans. Neuroscientists found that the H1N1 changes the genes that control brain growth and development in the unborn child, and some of those genes are tied to the development of the hippocampus, a component of the brain i... Genetics and Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2645477 Tue, 28 Jul 2009 03:22:00 +0100 2645477 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2630190&cid=t_114804_111_f&fid=36048&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAHeartyLife%2F%7E3%2FDX5AhFxZl4E%2F Some people think that if you have diabetes, you pretty much just have to lay off the sugar and you’re set. Au contraire. There’s so much more to the disease, and so many other complications you can get as a result. One of them even involves the skin. Some diabetics can get diabeteic dermopathy, which shows itself as “oval, light brown, scaly patches found most often on the front of the legs.” This is the result of damage done to the blood vessels, and how the skin responds. There is good news, however, if you have this disease. The patches don’t hurt or itch, and they aren’t dangerous. (More of a visual nuisance than anything.) Image: sxc.hu. Share and Enjoy: Post from: Blisstree Diabetic Skin Disease (Source: A Hearty Life) A Hearty Life blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2630190 Thu, 23 Jul 2009 00:42:22 +0100 2630190 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2259908&cid=t_114804_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=2132568&cid=t_114804_134_f&fid=36049&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FDiabetesNotes%2F%7E3%2FNO1oEDVrOSM%2F var iamInit = function() {try{initIamServingHandler(320,483,536673,"http://cdn.pis.picapp.com/IamProd/Resources/Css/css2.css")}catch(ex){}}() This is news NO diabetic likes to hear. Larry Miller, who owns the pro basketball team the Utah Jazz, has “had both of his legs amputated 6 inches below the knee.” Mr. Miller has Type 2 diabetes and has been using a wheelchair even before the surgery. We wish Mr. Miller a speedy recovery. Our thoughts go out to you! Tags: amputation, amputee, budget, complications, Diabetes Management, diabetic, diabetic resources, fitness, healthy diet, joining a gym, larry miller, low cost fitness, managing blood sugar, managing diabetes, oats, planning time for fitness, pro basketball owner, reduce complications, Research, stave off complications, sta... Diabetes Notes blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2132568 Sun, 25 Jan 2009 21:29:05 +0100 2132568 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2110798&cid=t_114804_134_f&fid=36049&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FDiabetesNotes%2F%7E3%2F8CqaRfcNLEI%2F var iamInit = function() {try{initIamServingHandler(320,212,506407,"http://cdn.pis.picapp.com/IamProd/Resources/Css/css2.css")}catch(ex){}}() Recently we gave away a 4-mile walk DVD, and the comment of our winner was that she was glad to have won because she didn’t like walking alone. I can relate to this. I don’t mind exercising alone if I’m at home, but for some reason whenever I go to the gym or walk outside I wish I had someone with me. Of course, there are ways to find someone to go with, or at least to make it “feel” like you have someone. For example: Workout DVDs I have quite a few of Leslie Sansone’s walking DVDs. I love her energy level and really feel like it’s a great workout to do at home. I pop them in and regardless of the weather ... Diabetes Notes blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2110798 Fri, 16 Jan 2009 21:08:37 +0100 2110798 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2096063&cid=t_114804_134_f&fid=36049&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FDiabetesNotes%2F%7E3%2FnYX0Gr1TUfY%2F var iamInit = function() {try{initIamServingHandler(320,213,491623,"http://cdn.pis.picapp.com/IamProd/Resources/Css/css2.css")}catch(ex){}}() You already know how I feel about some research studies. I’d rather have every scientist around focusing 24/7 on a cure for diabetes than have studies that seem to research common sense things. For example, this news story says researchers “in Scotland are going to try to determine if the side effects of type 2 diabetes can be managed through a diet full of oat-rich cereals.” The Scottish government is forking over $305,000 to help fund this study, which will go on for 16-weeks and involve 60 people. They are trying to study if eating more oats will stave off Type 2 diabetes and also improve insulin control. I’m already here ... Diabetes Notes blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2096063 Sun, 11 Jan 2009 23:13:33 +0100 2096063 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2512771&cid=t_114804_136_f&fid=38061&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FBreastCancerReconstructionBlog%2F%7E3%2FxdCP2_sX-NM%2Fprevious-abdominal-surgeries-increase.html Conclusions: With minor technical modifications, DIEP flaps can be performed successfully without increased flap complications in patients with preexisting abdominal incisions. Despite these design modifications, patients should be informed of an increased risk for donor-site complications.*****Here's my take...While we have not seen such a high rate of complications in our practice, I agree with the conclusions of this study completely. There is no question that the DIEP flap procedure is associated with far fewer abdominal complications than the TRAM flap. However, that does not mean that DIEP surgery is free of risk.The complexity of any surgery and the potential complications increase when operating on parts of the body that have undergone previous surgeries. The abdomen is no differen... Breast Cancer Reconstruction Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2512771 Sun, 21 Sep 2008 01:12:25 +0100 2512771 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1649272&cid=t_114804_134_f&fid=36049&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FDiabetesNotes%2F%7E3%2F343819386%2F Apparently we haven’t reached the meat of the issue… “The full impact of the childhood obesity epidemic has yet to be seen because it can take up to 10 years or longer for obese individuals to develop type 2 diabetes,” says Lee, a member of the Child Health Evaluation and Research (CHEAR) Unit at Mott. “Children who are obese today are more likely to develop type 2 diabetes as young adults.” What will diabetes do to our future generations? Young adults with type 2 diabetes are more likely to develop complications such as blindness and kidney failure during their lifetimes and they have higher rates of diabetes complications and heart disease than older adults as well as babies born to young women with type 2 diabetes are at greater risk for obesity and type 2 diabetes t... Diabetes Notes blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1649272 Wed, 23 Jul 2008 18:51:57 +0100 1649272 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1526115&cid=t_114804_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2008%2F06%2F18%2Fdiabetes-treatment-depression%2F As we reported earlier today, if you’re diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes, your risk for depression is increased by 52 percent: “A diagnosis of diabetes or the burden of dealing with its complications might also lead to symptoms of depression,” the authors write. But here’s the kicker — the increased risk of depression isn’t from the diabetes itself. It is instead from the treatment of the diabetes! The researchers found that treated type 2 diabetes was associated with a 52 percent higher risk of developing elevated depressive symptoms. Individuals with untreated type 2 diabetes were not at increased risk. People with untreated diabetes don’t suffer from a higher risk of depression. So here’s a perfect example of where health professiona... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1526115 Wed, 18 Jun 2008 17:58:12 +0100 1526115 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1494398&cid=t_114804_134_f&fid=35137&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdiabetesupdate.blogspot.com%2F2008%2F06%2Fhow-long-does-it-take-to-develop.html If you've been diagnosed with diabetes you may well be terrified that you will develop the horrible diabetic complications you have seen ruin the lives of relatives who also had diabetes. You've seen your loved ones' feet literally rot off, their kidneys fail, their eyes grow dim. Now, you fear, it will be your turn.But it doesn't have to be!To understand why the horrors of complications devastate people with diabetes and why they don't have to ruin your life you have to understand something about the natural history of these complications: how long they take to develop and what research has found about what can slow them down or stop them. You won't develop any diabetic complication immediately after the onset of diabetes--though because so many people with Type 2 diabetes have had undiag... Diabetes Update blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1494398 Thu, 05 Jun 2008 13:31:00 +0100 1494398 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1480836&cid=t_114804_111_f&fid=36048&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAHeartyLife%2F%7E3%2F301600070%2F With all of these newly pregnant celebrities as of late, Ashley Simpson, Angelina Jolie, Gwen Stefani and the lovely Jamie Lee Spears, I decided to remind everyone about the complications of the heart when pregnant. We all know that pregnancy brings extra fluid, ie. fat fingers and very swollen feet. The heart is also affected by the increase in fluid. When there is extra fluid floating through ones vascular system the heart has to work harder and beat faster. Extra weight and water retention—common during pregnancy—make the heart pump harder. A pregnant woman with heart disease should call the doctor immediately if she experiences any dizziness, discomfort, or pain. She should be sure to include adequate iron and folic acid in her diet and restrict her salt intake. T... A Hearty Life blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1480836 Fri, 30 May 2008 19:28:48 +0100 1480836 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1122564&cid=t_114804_134_f&fid=36049&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FDiabetesNotes%2F%7E3%2F208743723%2F Oh boy, oh boy, oh boy! We might just have a new type of oral diabetes treatment. It is derived from yeast and yes, that did make me giggle since yeast is in bread and bread is carbs and carbs turns to sugar and… you get my point. It is called glucose tolerance factor, GTF, and is essential in understanding how your body builds a resistance to insulin and can use it an ineffective way at different parts of the day or in differing situations. The results indicate that GTF acts similarly to insulin in the rats, lowering the level of glucose, and of LDL-cholesterol, (the “bad” cholesterol), and raising the level of HDL-cholesterol (the “good” cholesterol). GTF inhibited oxidation processes that can cause atherosclerosis and result in further complications of the ... Diabetes Notes blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1122564 Mon, 31 Dec 2007 03:28:34 +0100 1122564 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1085861&cid=t_114804_134_f&fid=36049&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FDiabetesNotes%2F%7E3%2F198634096%2F If you are so inclined, answer my little poll. I appreciate it. Have a great day! As a diabetic, have you had any cardiac complications? No, not thus far. Yes, I have had minor cardiac blips. Yes, I have had cardiac surgical interventions. Add your answer here... View Results Share This (Source: Diabetes Notes) Diabetes Notes blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1085861 Tue, 11 Dec 2007 14:09:46 +0100 1085861 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=985995&cid=t_114804_134_f&fid=36049&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FDiabetesNotes%2F%7E3%2F176406187%2F Okay ya’all, we have a somewhat liberal post today. This is not for the overly conservative or closed minded. Now you really want to keep reading, don’t you? Haha. Alicia over at Mental Health Notes sent me a very interesting little article. It has to do with toys, batteries and some low lighting… yes, it is indeed about vibrators. But wait. It is about vibrators and diabetes. Who knew that the two could be linked? It seems that in the southern US state of Alabama there is a ban on the sale of sex toys. That would include any device designed or marketed as used primarily for the stimulation of human genital organs for anything of pleasuring of such. Oh, rules are so horrid sometimes! But… it also seems that diabetes is one of the ways to get around this little ol&#8... Diabetes Notes blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=985995 Sun, 28 Oct 2007 23:46:02 +0100 985995 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=979149&cid=t_114804_117_f&fid=34612&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.thedoctorweighsin.com%2Fjournal%2F2007%2F10%2F25%2Fpreventing-heart-attacks-in-women-should-everyone-have-a-per.html "Most heart attacks in women are preventable," is the headline of an article posted on NBC.com.  The article describes a study, published in the Archives of Internal Medicine, that was done by the researchers at the Karoinska Institute in Sweden.  Dr. Agneta Akesson and colleagues looked at the diet and lifestyle patterns of almost 25,000 postmenopausal women.  At the time of enrollment none of the women had heart disease, diabetes or cancer.The researchers asked the women to fill out "food frequency" questionnaires to identify how often they ate 96 different foods.  The researchers analyzed the data and found four major dietary patterns:Healthy - vegetables, fruits, and legumesWestern/Swedish - red meat, processed meat, poultry, rice, past... The Doctor Weighs In blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=979149 Thu, 25 Oct 2007 17:30:24 +0100 979149 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=927929&cid=t_114804_134_f&fid=35137&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdiabetesupdate.blogspot.com%2F2007%2F10%2Fmild-forms-of-diabetes-that-kill.html I recently had an interesting discussion with a researcher who thinks our family history may suggest that we have MODY-2 rather than the HNF4-a MODY which I'd previously been told sounded likely. Even better, this researcher is running a study that will offer gene testing to me and my slim, fit 24 year old daughter whose post meal numbers run in the 130 mg/dl range for many hours after eating. So that got me looking at the literature on MODY-2 and combing my email files for people who had reported having it. What I found was interesting.MODY-2 is caused by defects defects--in the GCK gene that plays a significant role in making beta cells secrete insulin in response to rising blood sugars. There are many different defects that cause this form of diabetes, affecting different amino acids in... Diabetes Update blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=927929 Thu, 04 Oct 2007 14:22:00 +0100 927929 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=829965&cid=t_114804_87_f&fid=34867&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.thediabetesblog.com%2F2007%2F08%2F29%2Fparenting-your-kids-are-ok-but-you-have-diabetes%2F Filed under: Lifestyle, Books, SupportBrowsing diabetes-related books on Amazon recently, I came across this one: When You're a Parent with Diabetes: a real life guide to staying healthy while raising a family by Kathryn Gregorio Palmer. It caught my eye because 1.) it got very favorable reader reviews and 2.) it addresses a topic that is usually neglected - being a good parent when it's you with diabetes. When You're a Parent was published in September 2006 by Healthy Living Books.Interesting, that. I mean, there are tons of resources out there about raising children with diabetes and keeping them healthy. This book addresses the needs of parents with diabetes who want to raise healthy happy children, but also have special health needs of their own to remember.Top 100 Amazon reviewer Mann... The Diabetes Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=829965 Wed, 29 Aug 2007 04:00:00 +0100 829965 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=828371&cid=t_114804_111_f&fid=36048&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAHeartyLife%2F%7E3%2F147111694%2F An Indianapolis city official has announced that it’s 24 year old bottlenose dolphin has died from cardiac complications. What would the implications for a heart attack be in dolphins you ask? Possible risk factors for the problem are similar to those of humans: genetics, infections, viruses or circulatory problems. After all, we are all mammals. And to be 24… that is like us being 85 years old. I hope Phoenix the dolphin is remembered fondly! via Forbes.com Share This (Source: A Hearty Life) A Hearty Life blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=828371 Wed, 22 Aug 2007 19:51:57 +0100 828371 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=780641&cid=t_114804_117_f&fid=34612&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.thedoctorweighsin.com%2Fjournal%2F2007%2F8%2F5%2Fthe-cardiometabolic-syndrome-a-complex-metabolic-web-that-re.html by Bill Besterman The underpinning for much of the death and disability from arterial vascular disease in this country is the metabolic syndrome. One of the real authorities on the metabolic syndrome is a Dr. Ralph DeFronzo.  I particularly like his description of of this collection of disorders as a “complex metabolic web.”  The patients who have this diagnosis are burdened with multiple chronic conditions: hypertension, high bad or LDL cholesterol, high triglycerides, low HDL or good cholesterol, and high blood sugar ultimately resulting in type 2 diabetes. These patients routinely have vascular systems where the vessels are inflamed and the blood more likely to clot. Early in the condition the arteries are thicker and less distensible than in people witho... The Doctor Weighs In blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=780641 Sun, 05 Aug 2007 20:24:06 +0100 780641 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=741434&cid=t_114804_87_f&fid=34867&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.thediabetesblog.com%2F2007%2F07%2F18%2Fdiabetic-trauma-patients-face-hazards%2F Filed under: Type 1, Type 2, Research, Care, ComplicationsYou may have heard that diabetics face a greater risk of complications during hospital stays. Well, now there's evidence that diabetics with trauma injuries are particularly at risk. That info comes courtesy of a large Pennsylvania study that looked at records for around 25,000 trauma patients, half with diabetes, the other half without. The study tracked the patients' progress over the course of almost twenty years. Impressive.What did they find? Twenty-three percent of the diabetic trauma patients experienced complications. That compares with only fourteen percent of non-diabetics. The diabetics also spent slightly more time in intensive care and were more likely to need ventilator support. The overall risk of infections was highe... The Diabetes Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=741434 Wed, 18 Jul 2007 04:00:00 +0100 741434 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=710249&cid=t_114804_117_f&fid=34612&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.thedoctorweighsin.com%2Fjournal%2F2007%2F7%2F5%2Fmr-orszags-surprise.html This report won’t sit well with the health care industry, particularly the drug, device and supply sector, which has won higher and higher profits by getting paid increasing dollars for new offerings that may or may not be better for patients. Go to OpenSecrets.org, and pull the data on lobbying expenditures by the health care sector. You’ll see that this same group represents half of all health care lobbying dollars. (More on that in a post next week.)But with this very focused, provocative and accurate report, Mr. Orszag has won the attention of key legislators as well as, hopefully, non-health care business interests, where the real power lies.  During a time when sound bites about universal coverage pass for meaningful discussion on reform, his analysis provided real c... The Doctor Weighs In blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=710249 Tue, 03 Jul 2007 03:12:08 +0100 710249 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=683327&cid=t_114804_134_f&fid=35137&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdiabetesupdate.blogspot.com%2F2007%2F06%2Fnew-what-they-dont-tell-you-summary.html My Web Site, What They Don't Tell You About Diabetes has grown over the past three years to where it contains an entire book's worth of information--a full 85,000 words. The downside of this is that the amount of information on the site can be overwhelming to new visitors. So I've put together a new introductory page which sums up the message of the site and helps the visitor decide which pages they want to visit. Here's what I've come up with. If you have any comments or suggestions for improvement please let me hear them:THE NEW SITE INTRO: You Can Avoid Deterioration and Complications No Matter How Bad Your Blood Sugar is Right NowType 2 diabetes does not have to be a progressive disease. Doctors think it is progressive because they don't recommend blood sugar targets that are low enoug... Diabetes Update blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=683327 Mon, 18 Jun 2007 14:01:00 +0100 683327 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=675450&cid=t_114804_87_f&fid=34867&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.thediabetesblog.com%2F2007%2F06%2F14%2Fquality-of-life-for-diabetics-in-mexico-is-grim%2F Filed under: Type 1, Type 2, Childhood, Adult Onset I am often guilty of diabetes isolationism. I tend to think about diabetes within a United States vacuum. But diabetes is a worldwide disease. The World Health Organization website identified the worldwide prevalence of diabetes at 171 million in 2000, and projects this number will rise to 366 million in 2030. Unfortunately, diabetes treatment and education is severely lacking in developing countries. Mexico is one developing country where the public health system is failing the disease. Diabetes is the leading cause of death in Mexico, with 138 deaths per 100,000 adults aged 20 to 84 in 2000. That compares to 82 deaths in 100,000 here in the United States. Mexico also has one of the world's highest prevalence rates -- 10.7 percent of a... The Diabetes Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=675450 Thu, 14 Jun 2007 04:00:00 +0100 675450 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=631503&cid=t_114804_117_f&fid=34612&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.thedoctorweighsin.com%2Fjournal%2F2007%2F5%2F22%2Fthe-obesity-epidemic-genes-or-addiction.html A few weeks ago (May 9, 2007) we posted a comment on Gina Kolata’s article in the New York Times (May 8, 2007) The article basically laid the blame for the obesity epidemic afflicting us at our genes. Kolata reviewed work suggesting that genes are involved in obesity, with the implication that a fight to lose and maintain a lower weight is not only excruciating, it is practically futile.That simply didn’t sound right. At least 10 genes have been discovered thus far that are involved in obesity and diabetes; more are bound to be discovered. We also know that the US population is fast approaching the 50% mark of overweight (BMI 25-29.99) or obese (BMI > 30). These genes presumably are not recent mutations. Why is it then, that only relatively recently did these genes express t... The Doctor Weighs In blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=631503 Wed, 23 May 2007 06:21:07 +0100 631503 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=620344&cid=t_114804_134_f&fid=35152&url=http%3A%2F%2Fsstrumello.blogspot.com%2F2007%2F05%2Fmore-dcct-follow-ups-why-more.html Some of my readers have probably gathered that I'm a HUGE cynic when it comes to diabetes research. This skepticism comes from experience, including decades of unfulfilled promises that were given to me (sadly, I continue to hear these) as a 7-year old child back in 1976 (some bi-centennial celebration, huh?) about how close they were to finding a cure. At this point in time, I can honestly say that while they are closer, I have little confidence I'll be cured unless I get a pancreas transplant. Also, I see millions wasted on stupid or unnecessary studies that keep researchers working yet provide little if any benefit to patients. Today, I continue to hear statements of unbridled (or is that irrational?) enthusiasm from parents of children with type 1 diabetes (who have several decades les... Scott's Web Log blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=620344 Tue, 08 May 2007 16:05:00 +0100 620344 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=558434&cid=t_114804_87_f&fid=34867&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.thediabetesblog.com%2F2007%2F04%2F21%2Fc-peptide-the-path-to-enlightenment-of-diabetic-complications%2F Filed under: Type 1, Childhood, Lifestyle, Drugs, Research, OpinionAs a diabetic with the esteemed honor of pouring my heart and soul out for an audience as well-informed as you - I feel it is OUR job to inform our doctor's of the important discoveries being made in diabetes. The discovery I am most concerned with these days is raising awareness of C-peptide. When I learned that all forms of synthetic human insulin these days DO NOT have C-peptide (like natural human insulin does) I asked my doctor what C-peptide does. My doctor explained, "C-peptide is nothing more than a biomarker to tell us [doctors] how much insulin your body is naturally producing." When Chrissie in Belgium asked her doctor he told her that [C-peptide] has absolutely no importance. Uh oh... Doctor's are convinced th... The Diabetes Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=558434 Sat, 21 Apr 2007 04:00:00 +0100 558434 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=542495&cid=t_114804_117_f&fid=34612&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.thedoctorweighsin.com%2Fjournal%2F2007%2F4%2F12%2Fobesity-the-devil-made-me-do-it.html The April 12, 2007 online edition of Science (www.sciencemag.org/cgi/contrent/abstract), has important news from the field of obesity/diabetes type 2 research. Is FTO the culprit? FTO is an obscure gene that was discovered in mice who were born with fused toes (hence the name), and since that earthshaking discovery nobody bothered to study it, or find out what its function is, or in which pathway it participates.  In other words, the gene is, well, totally obscure. And so it lay dormant until a group of scientists from nine institutions in Britain and one in Finland examined the genomes of 38,750 adults and children. Lo and behold, FTO stood out like a sore thumb (or toe)—people who had 2 copies (alleles) of a variant (or mutation) of the gene were 67% likelier to have a BMI of ... The Doctor Weighs In blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=542495 Fri, 13 Apr 2007 04:47:24 +0100 542495 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=541236&cid=t_114804_87_f&fid=34867&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.thediabetesblog.com%2F2007%2F04%2F13%2Fada-response-back-and-forthcoming%2F Filed under: Type 1, Childhood, Adult Onset, Daily News, Events, Opinion, SupportFair and balanced, just like Fox News -- I want to let everyone know that the "Matt P" I spoke to, at the ADA responded to my blog about the aforementioned conversation. His response is #17 and it is sincere and genuine -- certifiable in my book. Again, let me reiterate that the nature of my call to the ADA was to ask for their assistance in getting a big pharmaceutical company to sponsor C-peptide FDA trials here in the US. Thanks again to Matt. He really is doing all he can, but there seems to be a suspicious roadblock holding up the research here in the US. Any guesses? Without further adieu, here's Matt: I hope people will take time to read my reply to yesterday's post about ADA and c-peptide. I work for A... The Diabetes Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=541236 Fri, 13 Apr 2007 04:00:00 +0100 541236 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=536333&cid=t_114804_117_f&fid=34612&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.thedoctorweighsin.com%2Fjournal%2F2007%2F4%2F10%2Fwe-are-fat-and-getting-fatter.html Photo from USA Today, by Jeff Mitchell, Getty ImagesAccording to a front page story in USA Today, there has been a “mind-boggling” increase in the number of people who are severely obese (aka morbid obesity). A study, published in the journal Public Health, by RAND Corporation researcher Roland Sturm, documents that there are 2.6 million more people with a body mass index of 40 or higher than there were just five years ago. Overall almost 25% of people are now considered obese, up from 20% in 2000. A staggering 66% of people in the US are either overweight or obese. To help us visualize what this means, USA Today published a chart to accompany the article. Here is what it takes to be obese or severely obese:Height          ... The Doctor Weighs In blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=536333 Wed, 11 Apr 2007 02:59:21 +0100 536333 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=516397&cid=t_114804_87_f&fid=34867&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.thediabetesblog.com%2F2007%2F04%2F02%2Fbenfotiamines-shield-from-high-blood-sugar-toxins%2F Filed under: Type 1, Type 2, Childhood, Adult Onset, Lifestyle, Research, Products, SupportBenfotiamine can help diabetics protect delicate microvessels. Much of the damage of diabetes is caused when glucose-derived compounds, called triosephosphates, accumulate in small vessels. Transketolase, turns these toxic compounds into harmless chemicals that can be removed from the body. benfotiamine increases transketolase activity, thus reducing or eliminating the complications associated with diabetes. Administration of benfotiamine helped to prevent retinopathy in test subjects with diabetes. Study subjects who received benfotiamine for 36 weeks demonstrated completely normalized levels of damaging toxins in the retina, preventing or delaying the onset of diabetic retinopathy. In a 24-week st... The Diabetes Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=516397 Mon, 02 Apr 2007 04:00:00 +0100 516397 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=511991&cid=t_114804_117_f&fid=34612&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.thedoctorweighsin.com%2Fjournal%2F2007%2F3%2F30%2Faerobic-exercise-and-the-mindbody-connection.html We all know the devastating statistics: · 13.5 million people in the US suffer from coronary artery disease · 8 million people have diabetes type 2. · 95,000 people are diagnosed every year with colon cancer, and a sedentary lifestyle increases the likelihood of getting this disease by 40%. · People who don’t exercise have about a 60% increase in osteoporosis; 250,000 suffer from hip fracture every year. · 50 million suffer from hypertension. · More than 60 million people in the US are overweight. You might conclude from the last bullet that obesity is the culprit. You’d be only partly right. Lack of physical fitness is the other culprit, regardless of percentage of body fat. Even if we take people with a high % of body fat (more than 2... The Doctor Weighs In blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=511991 Fri, 30 Mar 2007 16:54:49 +0100 511991 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=503970&cid=t_114804_87_f&fid=34867&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.thediabetesblog.com%2F2007%2F03%2F27%2Fc-peptide-missing-in-action%2F Filed under: Type 1, Type 2, Childhood, Adult Onset, Lifestyle, Drugs, ResearchWhen treating diabetes, today's doctors focus on establishing blood glucose control, but often overlook the need to protect against common diabetic complications such as blindness, kidney damage, and nerve damage. The DCCT, even with a comprehensive treatment program, had a complication rate of approximately 40% of participants. People who do not have diabetes make insulin with C-peptide. Those of us diabetics who inject synthetic insulin do not get the C-peptide. When scientists began developing insulin - they weeded out the pieces of the amino acid chain they felt were insignificant in lowering blood glucose. Synthetic insulin was designed to reduce the dangerous buildup of excess sugar in the bloodstream. Uh ... The Diabetes Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=503970 Tue, 27 Mar 2007 04:00:00 +0100 503970 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=497207&cid=t_114804_87_f&fid=34867&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.thediabetesblog.com%2F2007%2F03%2F23%2Fnew-immune-modulating-drugs%2F Filed under: Type 1, Type 2, Childhood, Adult Onset, Drugs, Research, ProductsJust like a referee to normalize play throughout the game - DiaKine Therapeutics is developing ways to normalize the body's immune system. The new drugs modulate cytokines, part of the body's immune system, which mistakenly attack normal organs and tissue and cause diseases such as: diabetes, multiple sclerosis and inflammatory bowel disease. Research by Dr. Nadler and his collaborators published in 2006 showed that controlling certain cytokines can arrest the progression of, or reverse, type 1 diabetes in an animal model. The company's first product, IsletLifeLSF Media 1 is designed to improve the viability and insulin producing capabilities of harvested islet cells prior to transplant. This would potentially i... The Diabetes Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=497207 Fri, 23 Mar 2007 04:00:00 +0100 497207 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=480947&cid=t_114804_87_f&fid=34867&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.thediabetesblog.com%2F2007%2F03%2F18%2Fthis-keynote-sounds-great%2F Filed under: Type 1, Type 2, Childhood, Adult Onset, Lifestyle, Research, Exercise, Events, ServicesOn March 13, 2007, former President Bill Clinton joined global leaders to discuss ways to break the curve of the diabetes pandemic. The Global Changing Diabetes Leadership Forum held in New York City was hosted by Novo Nordisk and supported by the International Diabetes Federation (IDF). Yes, when people of this magnitude get together - you know it's serious business! The forum convened the Masters of the Healthcare Universe to discuss ways to make diabetes a global health priority and ultimately, improve the way the disease is treated. The attendees were policymakers, patient organizations and healthcare professionals. It is estimated that 1 in 3 American children born in 2000 and beyond w... The Diabetes Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=480947 Sun, 18 Mar 2007 04:00:00 +0100 480947 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=478744&cid=t_114804_87_f&fid=34867&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.thediabetesblog.com%2F2007%2F03%2F14%2Fstop-your-insulin-inhibitions%2F Filed under: Type 2, Adult Onset, Diet, Lifestyle, ResearchKnocking out the gene for a peptide associated with insulin was shown to protect mice against the harmful effects of a high-fat diet. Urocortin 3 plays a role in the increased production of insulin in response to high caloric intake in animals. Scientists found that by removing the urocortin 3 gene from mice, they did not develop the age-related insulin resistance and high blood sugar observed in the normal control mice. The metabolisms of normal mice were compared to the metabolisms of those without the urocortin 3 gene. When placed on a high caloric diet for three months, the mice without the urocortin 3 gene packed on the same amount of weight but had lower insulin levels. But these mice also had lower blood sugar, improved gluc... The Diabetes Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=478744 Wed, 14 Mar 2007 04:00:00 +0100 478744 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=461132&cid=t_114804_117_f&fid=34612&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.thedoctorweighsin.com%2Fjournal%2F2007%2F3%2F4%2Fa-doctor-advises-against-excessive-googling.html This article also does not mention Ms R’s ethnic background. Asians and South Asians can have abdominal obesity (and associated insulin resistance) at BMIs that are considered “normal.” It isn’t the BMI that is the problem, it is the abdominal, and in particular, intraabdominal or visceral fat – that is the problem. (I am willing to bet Ms R has plenty of fat around her middle.Although her most recent fasting glucose level is normal, this woman is at risk for Type 2 diabetes because her father had it. And, as the doctor discussant pointed out he didn’t test her to see if she was glucose intolerant. You have to do a glucose tolerance test (drink a sugary substance and have blood drawn at regular intervals after that) to detect this type of insulin-resista... The Doctor Weighs In blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=461132 Mon, 05 Mar 2007 05:25:12 +0100 461132 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=478757&cid=t_114804_87_f&fid=34867&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.thediabetesblog.com%2F2007%2F03%2F03%2Fincreased-pancreatic-cancer-risk-in-type-1%2F Filed under: Type 1, Type 2, Childhood, Adult Onset, Lifestyle, ResearchIt is well known that people with type 2 diabetes are at increased risk of pancreatic cancer, and now it seems that the risk extends to those with type 1 diabetes. The risk was assed as small, but nonetheless - increased compared to those without diabetes. The research found that the likelihood of developing pancreatic cancer was twice as high in subjects with type 1 or young-onset diabetes as in people without diabetes. This increased risk is similar in magnitude to that seen with type 2 diabetes. There are many theories about the link between diabetes and pancreatic cancer. A cancer-inducing role of the insulin-producing beta-cells in the pancreas, is ruled-out because in type 1 diabetes these cells have largely or e... The Diabetes Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=478757 Sat, 03 Mar 2007 05:00:00 +0100 478757 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=461140&cid=t_114804_117_f&fid=34612&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.thedoctorweighsin.com%2Fjournal%2F2007%2F2%2F21%2Ffat-in-the-liver-good-for-foie-gras-but-very-bad-for-people-and-geese.html Remember when the Supersize Me guy gets told he has evidence of liver damage from pigging out at McDonald’s? Well, it turns out that overeating and weight gain are associated with the accumulation of fat in the liver. This shouldn’t really be a surprise -- the folks who help create foie gras by force feeding geese have known this for a long time. It is not eating fat that causes obesity-related fatty liver. It is getting fat that causes it. The condition is called “nonalcoholic fatty liver disease” or NAFLD. This is to distinguish it from fatty liver related to drinking too many alcoholic beverages. Fatty deposits in liver cells without any inflammation is called “simple fatty liver” or steatosis. Simple fatty liver does not permanently damage ... The Doctor Weighs In blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=461140 Thu, 22 Feb 2007 04:35:18 +0100 461140