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 'conditions and diseases'. Sat, 03 Sep 2011 02:22:43 +0100 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5174692&cid=t_356120_112_f&fid=34971&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblog.drmalpani.com%2F2011%2F08%2Fputting-end-to-didnt-ask-didnt-tell.html This is a guest post from a clever medical student , Muthukar Ramanathan. If there are more like him, the future of medical practise holds a lot of promise ! ---------------- How many times have you felt that you forgot to mention something important after leaving your doctor’s clinic ? Unable to ask an embarrassing question or to did not remember to discuss your recent allergy? This familiar problem of "Didn't Ask Didn't Tell" among patients is due to multiple reasons - chiefly lack of recollection, stress or even laziness. But this inability to communicate well with physicians ultimately hurts patients due to incorrect diagnosis or treatment. As a medical student sitting as an observer in physician's office, I noticed that many times patients could not accurately provide much needed... The Patient's Doctor blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5174692 Mon, 29 Aug 2011 14:59:00 +0100 5174692 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5159255&cid=t_356120_112_f&fid=34971&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblog.drmalpani.com%2F2011%2F08%2Fmisusing-danazol-to-treat-endometriosis.html Danazol is a synthetic hormone, and used to be commonly prescribed as one type of treatment for endometriosis. The brand name includes Danogen and Ladogal. It acts by suppressing the brain's production of follicle stimulating hormones and hence suppresses ovarian function. This is similar to an artificial menopause and results in the shrinking of not only the endometrium in the uterus (and hence no periods); but also hopefully the misplaced patches of endometrium outside the uterus found in patients with endometriosis, causing them to disappear. Side Effects: Hot flushes, weight gain, acne, hirsutism (hairiness). These side effects are quite troublesome, and some women have to discontinue the drug because of these. Usually, while taking the danazol, your periods will stop completely - pseu... The Patient's Doctor blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5159255 Fri, 26 Aug 2011 02:44:00 +0100 5159255 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5096383&cid=t_356120_112_f&fid=34971&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblog.drmalpani.com%2F2011%2F07%2Fhow-to-improve-poor-uterine-lining.html One of the most frustrating problems in IVF today is the patient with a persistently poor ( thin) uterine lining.Normally, the endometrium should grow and become thick ( more than 8 mm) and trilaminar as the follicles grow, so that it is receptive and ready to accept the embryos when they are transferred into the uterine cavity.However, sometimes this does not happen.We do know that the growth of the endometrium depends upon:the estrogen level in the bloodblood flow to the uterusandthe health of the endometrial tissue itselfA problem with any of these will cause the uterine lining to remain poor.Thus, poor estrogen levels will cause the lining to remain thin. This is commonly seen in patients who have a poor ovarian response . It's easy to check this by testing the estradiol level in the b... The Patient's Doctor blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5096383 Fri, 05 Aug 2011 08:29:00 +0100 5096383 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4960135&cid=t_356120_112_f&fid=34971&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblog.drmalpani.com%2F2011%2F06%2Fhow-to-treat-paients-with-respect-guide.html This is a clever acronym !" Steps of RESPECTRespect – A respectful approach helps reduce defensiveness. “I appreciate how hard this has been for you…”Explanatory Model – Seeking patients’ explanations of their symptoms conveys an interest; presentsa starting point for discussions (not dismissals); and can promote patients’ forthrightness.“What do you think is causing your symptoms? Why?”Social Context – ‘Chit chat’ can promote comfort and provide insights into patients’ well-being.“How are you doing today?” “How’s work?” “How is the family?”Power – Resisting the impulse to take over and finding ways to share power can encourage patients tothink of themselves as partners in care, not consumers guided by the motto: Buyer Beware!“What would you like... The Patient's Doctor blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4960135 Thu, 23 Jun 2011 05:38:00 +0100 4960135 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4767991&cid=t_356120_87_f&fid=38368&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FDisruptiveWomenInHealthCare%2F%7E3%2FY1OICzLpMDc%2F The following is a guest post by Sheila Rittenberg the Senior Director, Advocacy and External Affairs at the National Psoriasis Foundation. During her tenure with the National Psoriasis Foundation, Ms. Rittenberg has led the organization’s transition as a leader in health advocacy and public policy, emphasizing access to care issues and increasing investments in psoriasis research. She acted as Co-Chair of the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases Coalition and has assumed various advisory roles including that of committee member to the Office Oregon Health Policy & Research Drug Effectiveness Review Project and member of the National Health Council, Grassroots Technical Assistance Task Force. She is an author and contributing author on advocacy and cl... Disruptive Women in Health Care blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4767991 Fri, 29 Apr 2011 13:19:58 +0100 4767991 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4742480&cid=t_356120_112_f&fid=34971&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblog.drmalpani.com%2F2011%2F04%2Fwhy-doctors-should-refer-patients-to.html When doctors are stumped with a difficult patient, they will often refer the patient to a specialist, in order to help them with the diagnosis and management.However, while specialists can be very skilled at making the right diagnosis, they are often not very interested in helping the patient to learn to live with his disease. This is not an area which is of much interest to them, and not their core competence either.However, after the diagnosis has been made, the patient's life still carries on - and he is often unsure where to turn for help.For example, let's look at a young woman who goes to her family physician with the problem of blurring of vision. The physician dutifully refers her to an ophthalmologist, who then sends her on to a neurologist, who makes the diagnosis of multiple scl... The Patient's Doctor blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4742480 Fri, 22 Apr 2011 03:01:00 +0100 4742480 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4734246&cid=t_356120_112_f&fid=34971&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblog.drmalpani.com%2F2011%2F04%2Fdoctors-patients-teaching-and-learning.html As i have written earlier, the primary job of a doctor it to teach patients. After all, medical care does not just consist of making a diagnosis or prescribing a medicine. Teaching patients about their illness; what they can do to manage it; and what they can do to remain healthy is an integral part of a doctor's job.However, as important as teaching is learning. Doctors need to learn all the time. Medical science makes dramatic advances all the time, and doctors have to invest time, money and energy in ensuring they knowledge base is updated and current . This is why doctors read medical journals and medical conferences !However, a very important teaching tool ( which many doctors sometimes overlook) are patients. Patients can be your best teachers - if you give them an opportunity to tea... The Patient's Doctor blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4734246 Tue, 19 Apr 2011 03:26:00 +0100 4734246 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4636503&cid=t_356120_112_f&fid=34971&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblog.drmalpani.com%2F2011%2F03%2Fplease-become-better-patient.html Happy patients are happy with their doctors - while unhappy ones are happy to blame and criticise their doctor. Doctors seem to have become everyone's favourite whipping boys - they are greedy and just want to make lots of money; they do not have time for their patients ; and cannot communicate well.It's very easy to blame the doctor, but this is hardly helpful ! Patients need to understand that getting good medical care requires they they establish a healthy doctor-patient partnership - and in order to do this, they need to become expert patients !This has become surprisingly easy to do, thanks to the net. All you need to do is invest some time and energy - and if you do get lost, there are lots of people who can help, including online bulleing boards and forums; and librarians.The reward... The Patient's Doctor blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4636503 Fri, 18 Mar 2011 03:12:00 +0100 4636503 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4566168&cid=t_356120_112_f&fid=34971&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdoctorandpatient.blogspot.com%2F2011%2F03%2F3-therapies-every-doctor-should.html Doctors come in all shapes and sizes . This is just as well, as patients come in different flavours as well, and in the best of all worlds, each patient will find the doctor with whom they can work best with.This is why doctors prescribe all kinds of therapy - medicines; injections; vaccines; acupuncture; supplements; diets; and surgery. However, there are 3 kinds of therapy which all doctors should prescribe routinely, which they often forget to do !1. Information Therapy. This should be number one ! The word doctor is derived from the word " docere" - which means to teach. Educating patients is critically important, both for the doctor and the patient, so that they both have realistic expectations of what each expects; and what the likely outcome is going to be. There are many tools avai... The Patient's Doctor blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4566168 Wed, 09 Mar 2011 10:02:00 +0100 4566168 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4536151&cid=t_356120_112_f&fid=34971&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdoctorandpatient.blogspot.com%2F2011%2F03%2Fwhat-ever-you-say-doctor.html At the end of a consultation, I usually ask my patients - So what have you decided ? What would you like to do next ? After all, IVF is an elective treatment; and infertile couples have many choices. These are very personal decisions, which are best made by the couple themselves, rather than the doctor.Often, many patients will answer - Whatever you say, doctor !While it may seem very flattering that they are willing to allow me to make the decision for them, this is actually not a good answer , and I am unhappy when I hear this !I'd much rather have a patient who took the time and trouble to understand their options, so they could make the decision for themselves . The best decision is one you make yourselfI will not let them make the wrong decision - but when there are choices, patients ... The Patient's Doctor blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4536151 Wed, 02 Mar 2011 03:30:00 +0100 4536151 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4512448&cid=t_356120_112_f&fid=34971&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdoctorandpatient.blogspot.com%2F2011%2F02%2Fmake-patients-do-more-of-work.html There is a shortage of doctors. This is true all over the world because of many reasons. Medical training is expensive and arduous, and not many people are capable of surviving the grind. Also, doctor are unevenly distributed, which means that there are too many in large cities, but not enough in the villages. Finally, a lot of the doctor’s time , energy and expertise is wasted in handling problems which do not really need their expert attention. These are problems which can easily be handled by the patient and his family himself.The standard solution to the chronic shortage of doctors has always been the standard knee-jerk response - train more doctors ! This solution comes in many different flavours - open more colleges; or create a new cadre of barefoot village doctors. However, these... The Patient's Doctor blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4512448 Wed, 23 Feb 2011 04:02:00 +0100 4512448 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4419230&cid=t_356120_112_f&fid=34971&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdoctorandpatient.blogspot.com%2F2011%2F02%2Fdr-malpani-tells-you-what-to-do-if-your.html There's always a lot of anxiety when you have to go a doctor - and this is especially true when you have to do your tests to find out if you are fertile or not.When your test results come back as abnormal, this is often your like your worst nightmare coming true ! The first response is often one of disbelief - maybe the lab mixed up my sample ?Then start the mind games ! Oh God - does this mean I will never be able to have a baby ? Will we ever be able to fix this problem ? Will my spouse leave me if I cannot have a baby ?Rule number one - please do not panic ! Remember that every problem has a solution - even if it may not be a very palatable one initially !Please look at the silver lining - you are actually better off , because now at least we know what the problem is . The known enemy c... The Patient's Doctor blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4419230 Tue, 01 Feb 2011 02:40:00 +0100 4419230 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4324823&cid=t_356120_112_f&fid=34971&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdoctorandpatient.blogspot.com%2F2011%2F01%2Fpatients-with-poor-ovarian-reserve_08.html For many IVF clinics, the patients which cause the most distress are the ones who are poor ovarian responders. These are patients who have poor ovarian reserve - and are often heartsink patients, because no matter what we do , it's very difficult to get them pregnant !It is possible to get them to grow eggs and make embryos - and this actually makes the matter even more complex. This often creates false hopes - if I can make eggs and embryos, of course I can get pregnant ! All I need to do is to get the embryo to stick !Unfortunately, there is no easy answer, and every patient needs to look into their own heart to resolve this personal quandary for themselves. While we are very happy to aggressively superovulate these patients, I feel using expensive and unproven treatments ( suc... The Patient's Doctor blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4324823 Sat, 08 Jan 2011 04:37:00 +0100 4324823 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4229203&cid=t_356120_112_f&fid=34971&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdoctorandpatient.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F12%2Fkeeping-in-touch-when-you-are-in.html " Keep people in touch and involved in times of need with our secure, confidential and FREE online service here at justvisiting.com - the sharing network for caring people. There's no catch, we're a not-for-profit organisation committed to helping you share the responsibility of caring for a loved one with your friends and family."This is such a clever idea ! Every hospital should offer this service to its patients ! (Source: The Patient's Doctor) The Patient's Doctor blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4229203 Sat, 04 Dec 2010 07:10:00 +0100 4229203 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4205982&cid=t_356120_112_f&fid=34971&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdoctorandpatient.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F11%2Fpatientology-new-science-of-medical.html Patientology is the study of patients - and this is a core skill which all doctors need to learn, even though there is no textbook or syllabus for this !One way all doctors can become better patientologists is by teaching their patients how to become better patients ! Good patients make for good doctors - and it's possible to provide patients with a toolbox of skills which they can learn to help themselves.These tools include teaching patients :how to keep good medical recordshow to talk to doctorshow to ask questionshow to do their homeworkhow to take care of themselves when they are in hospital (Source: The Patient's Doctor) The Patient's Doctor blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4205982 Sat, 27 Nov 2010 03:48:00 +0100 4205982 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4045163&cid=t_356120_112_f&fid=34971&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdoctorandpatient.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F10%2Fis-real-life-doctor-better-than-online.html Traditionally, medical care was always provided face to face. If you had a medical problem, you went and saw your doctor for a consultation. He would take a history; examine you; and then decide on what treatment you needed.This was and is still a good model, because it allows doctors to provide the "human touch" , which is often a key ingredient in providing good medical care. However, as time evolved, doctors realised that not all their patients needed to come and see them for each and every problem.Many problems are self-limited and resolve on their own, so that they can be effectively managed by reassuring the patient; while others simply need a renewal of a prescription ( for example, for managing a stable patient with a chronic illness). This is why "telephone medicine" is an integra... The Patient's Doctor blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4045163 Fri, 08 Oct 2010 04:39:00 +0100 4045163 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3983379&cid=t_356120_86_f&fid=38272&url=http%3A%2F%2Flaikaspoetnik.wordpress.com%2F2010%2F09%2F20%2Fstories-9-a-healthy-volunteer%2F The host of Next Grand Rounds (Pallimed) asked to submit a recent blog post from another blogger in addition to your own post. I choose “Orthostatics – one more time” from DB Medical rants and a post commenting on that from Musings of a Dinosaur. Bob Center’s (@medrants) posts was about the value of orthostatic vital [...] (Source: Laika's MedLibLog) Laika's MedLibLog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3983379 Sun, 19 Sep 2010 23:43:37 +0100 3983379 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3914924&cid=t_356120_86_f&fid=38272&url=http%3A%2F%2Flaikaspoetnik.wordpress.com%2F2010%2F08%2F30%2Fdoes-the-nhifda-paper-confirm-xmrv-in-cfs-well-ditch-the-mr-and-scratch-the-x-and-youve-got-mlv%2F The long awaited paper that would ‘solve’ the controversies about the presence of Xenotropic Murine Leukemia Virus-related virus (XMRV) in patients with chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) was finally published in PNAS last week [1]. The study, a joint effort of the NIH and the FDA, was withheld, on request of the authors [2], because it contradicted [...] (Source: Laika's MedLibLog) Laika's MedLibLog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3914924 Mon, 30 Aug 2010 03:32:21 +0100 3914924 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3907663&cid=t_356120_112_f&fid=34971&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdoctorandpatient.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F08%2Fluf-syndrome-and-infertility.html In normal healthy fertile females, ovulation with rupture of the mature ovarian follicle and release of the eggs occurs within 38 hours of the surge in luteinizing hormone (LH). However, in a small percentage of women, the dominant follicle will undergo the luteinization process but will not rupture following the midcycle LH surge. This is called LUF (luteinized unruptured follicle syndrome). As a result of the increased progesterone secretion, the endometrium undergoes the secretory changes, but, obviously, without the release of the oocyte , pregnancy cannot occur. This means that the cycles are regular; and hormonal studies ( Day 21 progesterone level) , the basal body temperature curve, and the findings in an endometrial biopsy will all be consistent with ovulation.This is obviously a ... The Patient's Doctor blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3907663 Fri, 27 Aug 2010 00:45:00 +0100 3907663 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3902967&cid=t_356120_112_f&fid=34971&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdoctorandpatient.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F08%2Fadenomyosis-and-infertility.html Also known as "Endometriosis of the uterus," adenomyosis ( adeno= glands; myo = muscle) is a benign condition which occurs when the glandular cells of the uterine lining ( the endometrium) penetrate deep into the uterine muscle (myometrium) and invade into it. Adenomyosis used to be called "endometriosis interna," since it can look somewhat like endometriosis under the microscope . However, this occurs within the muscle wall of the uterus, not on pelvic surfaces as does endometriosis.Most commonly, the disease affects the back wall (posterior side) of the uterus. When this occurs, the uterus is enlarged usually more than twice the normal size and very hard. The disease may be localized with well-defined borders ; or diffuse, meaning it has no limits or borders. When the disease is localize... The Patient's Doctor blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3902967 Thu, 26 Aug 2010 00:39:00 +0100 3902967 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3889149&cid=t_356120_112_f&fid=34971&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdoctorandpatient.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F08%2Fwhat-to-do-if-you-feel-your-doctor-is.html The feeling of helplessness is never stronger than when you’re ill or incapacitated by disease –you are physically challenged and short of energy, not to mention the fact that you’re unable to go about your daily routine as usual. You depend on your doctor or healthcare practitioner to provide a solution, both temporary (to eliminate the symptoms) and permanent (to get you back to normal). However, if you feel your doctor is incompetent and less than efficient, the feeling of inadequacy is compounded a hundred times or more.Some doctors are incompetent because they may be under the influence of drugs or alcohol; others may just be preoccupied with their own problems instead of paying attention to you and your illness; and yet others are just not capable enough. If you feel your docto... The Patient's Doctor blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3889149 Sat, 21 Aug 2010 04:47:00 +0100 3889149 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3867000&cid=t_356120_112_f&fid=34971&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdoctorandpatient.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F08%2Fpregnancy-in-man-with-testicular.html This is a guest post by Dr. Sai, Senior Embryologist at Malpani Infertility ClinicThe collection of testicular sperm directly from the testes allows us to help men with azoospermia to have a baby with their own sperm ! This is called testicular sperm extraction with ICSI ( TESE-ICSI ). It’s easy to find sperm in men with obstructive azospermia, because their testes produce sperm normally. However, it can be very challenging to find sperm in men with non-obstructive azoospermia who have partial testicular failure, because sperm production in these men is very patchy.When doing a testicular biopsy, there is sometimes some bleeding, and often the testicular tissue which the surgeon hands over to the lab is blood stained. When these samples are processed in the lab to recover the testicular ... The Patient's Doctor blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3867000 Sat, 14 Aug 2010 14:06:00 +0100 3867000 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3827144&cid=t_356120_112_f&fid=34971&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdoctorandpatient.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F08%2Ffight-malaria-free-sms-service-from.html Image via WikipediaMalaria has made a vicious comeback! It is a disease that can be treated in just 48 hours, yet it can cause fatal complications if the diagnosis and treatment are delayed. Learn about malaria, its prevention and control. Subscribe to the FREE service HELP-MALARIA.http://mytoday.com/store/products/HELP-MALARIA (Source: The Patient's Doctor) The Patient's Doctor blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3827144 Thu, 05 Aug 2010 12:44:00 +0100 3827144 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3784330&cid=t_356120_112_f&fid=34971&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdoctorandpatient.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F07%2Fwhy-infertile-couples-need-to-look-for.html Many infertile couples are very confused about how their treatment. Unfortunately, many gynecologists add to their confusion. Thus, if an infertile woman is found to have endometriosis, they will spend a lot of time, money and energy on "treating " the endometriosis with medicines. Similarly, the woman has irregular periods, they will concentrate on trying to "regularise the cycle" !Why are these approaches flawed ?The truth is that we really do not have any effective treatment for endometriosis. This is hardly surprising, when you consider that we do not even know what causes this enigmatic disease ! While we are very good at suppressing this medically ( with GnRH analogs), this suppression is only temporary. Even worse, while these medicines are very effective as suppressing the endometr... The Patient's Doctor blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3784330 Thu, 22 Jul 2010 07:45:00 +0100 3784330 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3746830&cid=t_356120_112_f&fid=34971&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdoctorandpatient.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F07%2Firregular-cycles-and-infertility-is-it.html Image via WikipediaMany infertile women have irregular cycles and they know that the reason for their infertility is related to their irregular cycles. However, many are quite confused as to the relationship. Some naively believe that if the cycles are regularised, their fertility will also automatically improve ! This is why they waste months taking birth control pills, without trying to address the underlying problem !Today, we know that the commonest cause for irregular cycle is PCOD - polycystic ovarian disease. Unfortunately, many gynecologists blindly diagnose every patients with irregular cycles as having PCOD , without bothering to rule out other possibilities !Let's look at some basics.Women who ovulate regularly get regular periods. The reason a woman's periods are irregular is b... The Patient's Doctor blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3746830 Mon, 12 Jul 2010 17:17:00 +0100 3746830 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3726657&cid=t_356120_112_f&fid=34971&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdoctorandpatient.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F07%2Fcomforting-patients.html This study appears in Volume 59 of Communication Education, a publication of the National Communication Association. For more information about NCA or its journals, please visit www.natcom.org. (Source: The Patient's Doctor) The Patient's Doctor blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3726657 Mon, 05 Jul 2010 19:09:00 +0100 3726657 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3706670&cid=t_356120_87_f&fid=38368&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FDisruptiveWomenInHealthCare%2F%7E3%2FNf6GszCZ5So%2F By Phyllis Greenberger. I just love this—it happens every time. Leave it to the news media to decide whether something is a real health issue or not. That they know little or nothing about the medical condition doesn’t stop them. The latest example is Hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD), a condition that affects as many as 20% of women. It is a loss of desire or libido without any other concurrent medical condition. But, if these journalists (and I use that term loosely) haven’t heard of a condition, especially this one because it has to do with female sexual dysfunction, they are sure a drug company made it up. I heard this with PMDD, fibromyalgia, restless leg syndrome, chronic fatigue syndrome. The media and a few doctors said there was no such thing in each of these situatio... Disruptive Women in Health Care blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3706670 Mon, 28 Jun 2010 10:57:55 +0100 3706670 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3625566&cid=t_356120_105_f&fid=39191&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2Fblogspot%2FMwTK%2F%7E3%2F1sKsGuA9xM8%2Fpreniva-you-just-have-to-be-scared.html Very funny. My Blog Name (Source: Medical Marginalia) Medical Marginalia blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3625566 Thu, 03 Jun 2010 01:11:00 +0100 3625566 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3625567&cid=t_356120_105_f&fid=39191&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2Fblogspot%2FMwTK%2F%7E3%2FUPsKRILMrHM%2Fah-residency.html This took me back to late nights in the ER being amused and irritated by le crack addict. (Mostly irritated.) Funny and worth a watch. My Blog Name (Source: Medical Marginalia) Medical Marginalia blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3625567 Thu, 03 Jun 2010 01:03:00 +0100 3625567 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3556028&cid=t_356120_86_f&fid=38272&url=http%3A%2F%2Flaikaspoetnik.wordpress.com%2F2010%2F05%2F11%2Fwhat-one-short-nights-sleep-does-to-your-glucose-metabolism%2F As a blogger I regularly sleep 3-5 hours just to finish a post. I know that this has its effects on how I feel the next day. I also know short nights don’t promote my clear-headedness and I also recognize short-term effects on  memory, cognitive functions, reaction time and mood (irritability), as depicted in the [...] (Source: Laika's MedLibLog) Laika's MedLibLog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3556028 Tue, 11 May 2010 17:18:36 +0100 3556028 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3545502&cid=t_356120_112_f&fid=34971&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdoctorandpatient.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F05%2Flisten-to-your-patients-they-will-tell.html I just saw a very distressed young man . He had been married for 3 years, but had still not been able to get his wife pregnant. His wife had got all her tests done, and her gynecologist had confirmed she was fine . She then asked him to get his semen analysis done, and this is where he was stuck . The problem was that while his libido was fine, and he had an active sexual life, he had been unable to get his semen analysis done. Every time he went to the lab for a semen analysis, they told him that they were unable to do it, because there was nothing in the container that they could analyse !His gynecologist dutifully referred him to a surgeon, who examined him and confirmed he was normal. He asked him to go to another lab for his semen analysis - with exactly the same results !The doctor t... The Patient's Doctor blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3545502 Sat, 08 May 2010 14:06:00 +0100 3545502 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3538086&cid=t_356120_87_f&fid=38368&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FDisruptiveWomenInHealthCare%2F%7E3%2FvNov0jTyzfM%2F Yin versus Yang. East versus West. Technology versus theology. Two Fox topics I covered within a single week were at seemingly opposite ends of the healthcare spectrum. Both were moving. Both made a meaningful difference in peoples lives. Which was better? I was confused…until I started writing the last paragraph of this blog. Bill Carlson is a 60 year old man that I met online about a year ago during the weekly Fox chat with viewers. “Shellback,” his screen name, signed in every few weeks with progress updates on his recovery from a heart transplant…and then always commented on the wonderful care he received at the University of Minnesota. Since April is National Donate Life Month, I invited him to be a guest on Tuesday, April 20. His story was a medical miracle. Bill’s congesti... Disruptive Women in Health Care blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3538086 Thu, 06 May 2010 10:00:17 +0100 3538086 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3511611&cid=t_356120_112_f&fid=34971&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdoctorandpatient.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F04%2Fwhat-should-patient-do-when-doctors.html Image via WikipediaI saw a patient who wanted a third opinion. She was completely confused. As part of her infertility workup, she had had a HSG ( hysterosalpingogram) done. The X-ray showed that her uterine cavity was normal; the dye filled the fallopian tubes , but the spill into the abdominal cavity was loculated.When she saw her doctor with the report, he told her that this suggested that there were adhesions around the tubes, and she needed an operative laparoscopy to treat this. Another doctor, to whom she had gone for a second opinion advised her against the laparoscopy. He felt that since the tubes were open, her best option would be to do an IUI, to improves the chances of the eggs and sperm meeting. This patient then sought a third opinion, which is why she came to me !The first ... The Patient's Doctor blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3511611 Wed, 28 Apr 2010 10:37:00 +0100 3511611 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3508124&cid=t_356120_86_f&fid=38272&url=http%3A%2F%2Flaikaspoetnik.wordpress.com%2F2010%2F04%2F27%2Fthree-studies-now-refute-the-presence-of-xmrv-in-chronic-fatigue-syndrome-cfs%2F .“Removing the doubt is part of the cure” (RedLabs) Two months ago I wrote about two contradictory studies on the presence of the novel XMRV retrovirus in blood of patients with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS). The first study, published in autumn last year by investigators of the Whittemore Peterson Institute (WPI) in the USA [1], [...] (Source: Laika's MedLibLog) Laika's MedLibLog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3508124 Tue, 27 Apr 2010 16:45:46 +0100 3508124 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3508189&cid=t_356120_87_f&fid=38368&url=http%3A%2F%2Frealwomenonhealth.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2010%2F04%2FKelleyPromo-04-28-10.mp3 Kelley Connors This post was written by Kelley Connors, President, Founder, Real Women on Health! We’re a culture that mixes sexy and boobs.  So, can a woman feel sexy without breasts? For breast cancer, and other, survivors, the question sounds just as practical as  provoking.  Breast cancer is the most common kind of cancer affecting women, except non-melanoma skin cancer. It’s commonness increases with age and with more targeted treatments available today, women are living longer with cancer. But the effects of treatment remain.  In some cases, women choose to have their breast removed as prevention… while others have no choice and must have surgery and chemotherapy. Regardless of the path a woman chooses,  cancer wreaks havoc on her “sensual self.” From the toxic eff... Disruptive Women in Health Care blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3508189 Tue, 27 Apr 2010 15:07:03 +0100 3508189 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3524269&cid=t_356120_105_f&fid=39191&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2Fblogspot%2FMwTK%2F%7E3%2FkUuzwNFvIYQ%2Fblog-that-ate-manhattan-was-here.html Dr. TBTAM (a NYC OB/GYN) and Mr. TBTAM were here in central Ohio last weekend, visiting The Daughter of TBTAM in Graville. She posted terrific pictures from a bike ride on one of Ohio's many wonderful rail trails. Today she followed her travel post up with a great post about lung cancer in women from a GYN-perspective, but really, works for primary care, too. Read them both:An Ohio Country Bike RideLung Cancer and WomenThen go ride a bike in Granville. My Blog Name (Source: Medical Marginalia) Medical Marginalia blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3524269 Tue, 27 Apr 2010 13:17:00 +0100 3524269 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3502785&cid=t_356120_86_f&fid=38272&url=http%3A%2F%2Flaikaspoetnik.wordpress.com%2F2010%2F04%2F25%2Fthe-doctors-the-patient%2F Once there was a woman with secondary Addison’s disease. She took her replacement medicine (cortisol, thyrax, growth hormone, DHEAs) as she should and everything was reasonably under control. However, gradually she began to feel weak. She often disliked food, sometimes to such an extent that she had an urge to vomit. After a month or [...] (Source: Laika's MedLibLog) Laika's MedLibLog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3502785 Sun, 25 Apr 2010 15:20:30 +0100 3502785 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3524272&cid=t_356120_105_f&fid=39191&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2Fblogspot%2FMwTK%2F%7E3%2FYuWou0kCuEQ%2Ftoday-in-medmarg-its-depressing-ill-art.html Daniel Carlat, psychiatrist, has one of his quietly subversive NYTimes Sunday Magazine articles again. Remember Dr. Drug Rep? He made shilling for a drug company sound exactly like what it is: shilling for a drug company. What was most amusing to me about that article was confronting drug reps the next day about it. The most amusing thing about that was how many had no idea hucksterism was covered in great detail in the Newspaper of Record. I mean, the medical blogosphere lit up like a Christmas tree exactly five seconds after the Times hit my stoop with posts: Carlat as villian, Carlat as hero, Carlat as clueless. It took a few weeks for the Effexor rep to have an officially well-crafted, Lancome-covered, Anne Klein-clad response. As I recall, she delivered it with a fruit tray, which was... Medical Marginalia blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3524272 Sun, 25 Apr 2010 13:20:00 +0100 3524272 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3501583&cid=t_356120_112_f&fid=34971&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdoctorandpatient.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F04%2Firregular-cycles-pcod-or-poor-ovarian.html I just saw a young woman who was sobbing as if her heart would break. She had had irregular cycles for many years, and I had just informed her that the reason for her irregular cycles was the fact that her egg quality was very poor, and that the only way she could have a baby was by using donor eggs.She was very upset - and was actually quite angry with me ! She had been going to a gynecologist for the last 3 years in order to try to have a baby. He had diagnosed her as having PCOD ( polycystic ovarian disease) and had told her that this was the reason for her irregular cycles. She was given Duphaston every month to induce a cycle - and had even had 2 IUI cycles done.On reviewing her records, I pointed out to her that her FSH level on more than 2 occasions had been very high - and this con... The Patient's Doctor blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3501583 Sat, 24 Apr 2010 12:54:00 +0100 3501583 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3482892&cid=t_356120_87_f&fid=38368&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2Fv%2F9dNQ6HVbvk8%26amp%3Brel%3D1%26amp%3Bcolor1%3Dd6d6d6%26amp%3Bcolor2%3Df0f0f0%26amp%3Bborder%3D0%26amp%3Bfs%3D1%26amp%3Bhl%3Den%26amp%3Bautoplay%3D0%26amp%3Bshowinfo%3D0%26amp%3Biv_load_policy%3D3%26amp%3Bshowsearch%3D0 www.youtube.com/watch?v=9dNQ6HVbvk8 To learn more about the disease and get information about the JDRF Capitol Chapter’s 2010 Walk to Cure Diabetes, visit www.jdrfcapitol.org. The Walks will be held in Washington, D.C. on Sunday, May 2 and in Leesburg, Virginia on Sunday, June 6. By Tamera Adams. “Can I do anything?” is the response 12-year-old Sara Jacob typically hears when she explains to new friends that she has diabetes and the device strapped to her waist is not a cell phone, but her “life support.” Those are the exact words Sara uses to describe the pump that automatically infuses insulin into her small body. It’s more critical than chemotherapy is to a cancer patient she explains. Unlike a type 2 diabetic whose body doesn’t produce sufficient insulin, Sara’s body p... Disruptive Women in Health Care blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3482892 Mon, 19 Apr 2010 11:57:45 +0100 3482892 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3460120&cid=t_356120_86_f&fid=38272&url=http%3A%2F%2Flaikaspoetnik.wordpress.com%2F2010%2F04%2F10%2Firreversible-effects-of-previous-cortisol-excess-on-cognitive-functions-in-cushings-disease%2F April 8th is Cushing’s Awareness Day. This day has been chosen as a day of awareness as it is the birthday of Dr. Harvey Cushing, a neurosurgeon, who discovered this illness. Cushing’s disease is a rare hormone disease caused by prolonged exposure to high levels of the stress hormone cortisol in the blood, whereas Addison’s disease [...] (Source: Laika's MedLibLog) Laika's MedLibLog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3460120 Sat, 10 Apr 2010 14:03:21 +0100 3460120 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3524273&cid=t_356120_105_f&fid=39191&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2Fblogspot%2FMwTK%2F%7E3%2Ft9YY-v4XY84%2Fyeah-im-lazy-another-repost-of.html Poor Dr. Latte hardly has time to shower anymore, let alone blog on her beloved MedMarg. I do still blog, though. I've had a flurry of posts lately over at my other gig. Not all are of general interest, but a recent post was worthy of a link here. A post at my new favorite medical education site, Life in the Fast Lane, prompted this post:A little Vitamin B won't hurt me, right?You can skip my albeit excellent, rather succinct post and go directly to another gorgeous, interactive virtual poster at Information is Beautiful, entitled:Snake Oil? The scientific evidence for popular health supplements. Information is beautiful. And power. My Blog Name (Source: Medical Marginalia) Medical Marginalia blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3524273 Sun, 04 Apr 2010 12:51:00 +0100 3524273 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3524274&cid=t_356120_105_f&fid=39191&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2Fblogspot%2FMwTK%2F%7E3%2F5fTmXqF09do%2Fmy-first-movie.html I apologize in advance....This is silly. I made it for my OTHER blogging gig @ OSU's Student Health Service blog, in honor of testicular cancer awareness month. Without further ado:The link mentioned in the movie goes to a pretty nifty little poster. Check it out, Joe, check them out if if you find something, go to your doctor, not my apartment.Take our testicle poll @ iheartguts.com My Blog Name (Source: Medical Marginalia) Medical Marginalia blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3524274 Sun, 04 Apr 2010 12:45:00 +0100 3524274 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3390836&cid=t_356120_112_f&fid=34971&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdoctorandpatient.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F03%2Fhow-to-scare-patient-into-agreeing-for.html Fibroids are very common in infertile women. Most are intramural fibroids , which are present in the wall of the uterus) , and these do not need to be removed prior to IVF, as they do not affect embryo implantation. You can read more about this at http://www.drmalpani.com/fibroids-and-infertility.htm. It is only submucous fibroids ( those which are in the uterine cavity) need to be removed. These can be best removed with an operative hysteroscopy.Unfortunately, most doctors have itchy fingers and are happy to operate at the drop of a hat.The following combination of facts adds up to a trigger-happy situation1. Fibroids are very common in infertile women2. Infertile women are desperately seeking a reason for their infertility, so the doctor can "fix" the problem and help them to have a baby... The Patient's Doctor blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3390836 Mon, 22 Mar 2010 13:16:00 +0100 3390836 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3275794&cid=t_356120_87_f&fid=38368&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FDisruptiveWomenInHealthCare%2F%7E3%2FkvBhQsNLEUI%2F Disruptive Women’s Wendy Grossman interviewed Lindsay Avner, founder of Bright Pink. Lindsay Avner’s name might sound familiar to you — the 27-year-old made national news four years ago when she was one of the youngest women to have an elective double mastectomy to prevent breast cancer. So many women responded to Lindsay’s story, that three years ago she started Bright Pink, a new, fun, breast cancer education, awareness and support group that has grown to 10 chapters nationwide. Instead of hosting sad support group meetings in dank church basements, bright pink girls take yoga classes or belly dance together. Bright pink sends out monthly text messages reminding women to feel themselves up. Next month, they’re hostessing a burlesque show demonstrating self-exam... Disruptive Women in Health Care blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3275794 Tue, 16 Feb 2010 13:09:11 +0100 3275794 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3272882&cid=t_356120_86_f&fid=38272&url=http%3A%2F%2Flaikaspoetnik.wordpress.com%2F2010%2F02%2F15%2Ffinally-a-viral-cause-of-chronic-fatigue-syndrome-or-not-how-results-can-vary-and-depend-on-multiple-factors%2F Last week @F1000 (on Twitter) alerted me to an interesting discussion at F1000 on  a paper in Science, that linked Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) to a newly discovered human virus XRMV [1]. This finding was recently disputed by another study in PLOS [2], that couldn’t reproduce the results.  This was highlighted in an excellent post by [...] (Source: Laika's MedLibLog) Laika's MedLibLog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3272882 Mon, 15 Feb 2010 04:23:02 +0100 3272882 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3182172&cid=t_356120_87_f&fid=38368&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FDisruptiveWomenInHealthCare%2F%7E3%2Fa6b6EnZL2iI%2F AIDS is here to stay. At least for now…. It didn’t seem that way during the 1980s. As we learned more about HIV and its manifestations, the predominantly male and intervention-driven scientific world organized itself to find a solution within a decade or two. After all, the war against smallpox, polio and other infectious diseases had been won with medicines, vaccines and public health efforts. Well, here we are, way into the third decade, and despite the achievements, the pandemic continuous to grow. What lessons can we draw from the cumulative knowledge, organizational responses and manifestations of solidarity? The first decade of AIDS was marked by fear, death and loss. AIDS was visible in the faces with Kaposi sarcoma and the wasting of the bodies. We feared the contagion, dea... Disruptive Women in Health Care blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3182172 Mon, 18 Jan 2010 13:39:06 +0100 3182172 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3163778&cid=t_356120_87_f&fid=38368&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FDisruptiveWomenInHealthCare%2F%7E3%2FSKqay0zkNb0%2F I am fairly confident that most women—certainly those post-menopausal or peri-menopausal—are aware of the extensive media coverage and dire warnings following the release of the results of the Women’s Health Initiative (WHI) study on hormone replacement therapy (HRT) in 2002.  At that time, it was stated that HRT is detrimental to a woman’s health, with risks outweighing the benefits.  It stated, pretty unequivocally, that HRT increased risk of breast cancer, cardiac events and stroke. It would be overstating to say that all of the 2002 results were inaccurate, since, as we know, science is rarely definitive and more information is constantly emerging and being revised; however, women should know that many of the initial results have been found to have been distorted, misundersto... Disruptive Women in Health Care blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3163778 Tue, 12 Jan 2010 14:02:25 +0100 3163778 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3524275&cid=t_356120_105_f&fid=39191&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2Fblogspot%2FMwTK%2F%7E3%2FtBfR9h2zDmA%2Fpotpourri-wsj-coffee-and-why-i-am-still.html Greetings, ah, Wall Street Journal readers. What a happy Christmas surprise to find in today's Google Alerts:WSJ links to Med Marg!To my dear friends and loyal readers, no, that was not Photoshopped.There was EVEN MORE GOOD NEWS. Dr. Latte might not ever become diabetic. This is important, because Dr. Latte loves cookies and potato chips more than life itself, but slightly less than Jeni's Ice Cream. Why? What important medical break-through has Dr. Latte so juiced? This:Coffee, Tea may stall diabetes.A shout out to my peeps at MedPage Today! Every cup of coffee I drink a day lowers my risk of diabetes by 7%. (Okay, yes, I left out the "may". I was too busy adding half and half to my joe.) I think that this week alone I have reduced my diabetes risk by approximately 5,683%, which means I h... Medical Marginalia blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3524275 Fri, 18 Dec 2009 01:14:00 +0100 3524275 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3524277&cid=t_356120_105_f&fid=39191&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2Fblogspot%2FMwTK%2F%7E3%2FkL6Z5gaI42g%2Fusptf-and-your-40-49-year-old-girls.html Image via WikipediaThe USPSTF, as you might have heard, recently recommended that women stop getting mammograms and just suck it up, because our lives apparently aren't worth enough to save. Especially women approaching the end of their reproductive lives--as nature casts you aside, so does the USPTF. Don't examine your breasts, and don't get xrays of 'em either. You suck. You probably went back to work and left your children at home to fend for yourself while you saved for a fur coat.Or did they? If you listened to the news or read almost anything, that's the impression rabid, frothing at the mouth "journalists" gave. Yes, I'm talking to you, Sanjay Gupta. You're about to get your MD taken away by the IcedLatte Medical Excommunication Squad. You're an obnoxious little twerp and spouting n... Medical Marginalia blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3524277 Thu, 19 Nov 2009 12:02:00 +0100 3524277 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3524282&cid=t_356120_105_f&fid=39191&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2Fblogspot%2FMwTK%2F%7E3%2F3Smmb4QJUjc%2Fmaybelline-for-5-or-latisse-for-100.html My Blog Name (Source: Medical Marginalia) Medical Marginalia blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3524282 Thu, 05 Nov 2009 15:44:00 +0100 3524282 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3524284&cid=t_356120_105_f&fid=39191&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2Fblogspot%2FMwTK%2F%7E3%2Fai5nuEceg1o%2Fclinical-pearls-from-mayo.html Kinda cool. Would love to see more! My Blog Name (Source: Medical Marginalia) Medical Marginalia blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3524284 Fri, 30 Oct 2009 14:17:00 +0100 3524284 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3524286&cid=t_356120_105_f&fid=39191&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2Fblogspot%2FMwTK%2F%7E3%2Fhq7OqCZ18W0%2Fcouldnt-have-said-it-better.html A great post on herbal and altie remedies and their potential inherent dangers. It was written by an organic chemist, which makes me feel very inferior. Wistful, too, for organic, which I did love so.Herbal FantasiesI've said it before, I'll say it again, just because it's all natural doesn't mean it's all good. Just because it's an ancient Chinese secret doesn't make it good, healthy, effective, or not harmful. Prove it. That's all anybody should expect of any treatment. There really shouldn't be such a thing as "alternative medicine". It's ALL medicine. If a product or procedure can't prove it's effectiveness (and that it is safe) then it is a haircut done by a blind man. It might make you feel better, maybe look better, but it doesn't make you better. It only makes you poorer and maybe ... Medical Marginalia blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3524286 Wed, 21 Oct 2009 14:35:00 +0100 3524286 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2781983&cid=t_356120_86_f&fid=38272&url=http%3A%2F%2Flaikaspoetnik.wordpress.com%2F2009%2F09%2F09%2Fpeter-palese-on-h1n1influenza-porcine-and-otherwise%2F more about “MicrobeWorld – Peter Palese on H1N1/I…“, posted with vodpod Seen on MicrobeWorld, posted by Chris Condayan: a video in which Peter Palese, Professor and Chairman of the Department of Microbiology and Infectious Diseases at Mt. Sinai, explains H1N1/swine flu, the natural herd immunity that all humans share against it, and the reasons why [...] (Source: Laika's MedLibLog) Laika's MedLibLog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2781983 Wed, 09 Sep 2009 20:30:27 +0100 2781983 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2705107&cid=t_356120_86_f&fid=38272&url=http%3A%2F%2Flaikaspoetnik.wordpress.com%2F2009%2F08%2F17%2Finvisible-chronic-illness-addisons-disease%2F This week the Grand Round will be hosted by Invisible Illness Week, a blog dedicated to the National Invisible  Ilness Week, which runs September 14 -20, 2009. The purpose: National Invisible Chronic Illness Awareness Week  (..) is a worldwide effort to bring together people who live with invisible chronic illness and those who love them. Organizations [...] (Source: Laika's MedLibLog) Laika's MedLibLog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2705107 Mon, 17 Aug 2009 04:06:58 +0100 2705107 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4098288&cid=t_356120_132_f&fid=35016&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffgibson.com%2F2009%2F07%2F22%2Fwhat-does-swine-flu-look-like%2F If you have been following all the major news reports, such as the ones on the BBC then you will have probably have been bombarded  with images of a spherical virus with lots of spikes, as an image of what swine flu looks like. This would not be entirely correct. The first high resolution electron microscopy images of the swine flu virus have been released which show that the virus is not spherical but rahter oblong in shape, as shown in the image below. (Source: peanutbutter) peanutbutter blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4098288 Wed, 22 Jul 2009 15:09:58 +0100 4098288 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2376291&cid=t_356120_112_f&fid=34971&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdoctorandpatient.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F04%2Fhow-patients-influence-their-doctors.html I find patients are smart, intelligent and resourceful. Unfortunately, this is not a view shared by many of my colleagues, who often get irritated by patients who are well-informed and know a lot about their problem.I guess it's a difference in world-views. My view is influenced by the fact that I learn a lot of stuff from my patients daily, so I find these interactions educational and interesting. Unusual patients give me a lot of food for thought - and material to blog about as well !Other doctors may view their patients as just so many office visits they have to complete before going back home, and therefore find that patients who ask too many questions a nuisance. I feel sorry for them - they don't know how much they are missing ! (Source: The Patient's Doctor) The Patient's Doctor blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2376291 Tue, 28 Apr 2009 14:45:00 +0100 2376291 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2314175&cid=t_356120_112_f&fid=34971&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdoctorandpatient.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F04%2Fhow-to-worry-patients-and-create.html The job of a good doctor is to reassure patients that they are fine. Medical testing can be used intelligently to confirm that all is well. Unfortunately, many doctors today use ( misuse ?) tests to create anxiety in patients.Patients are emotionally vulnerable and they hang onto every word their doctor says. Even a casual statement - or expression - is analysed and interpreted( misinterpreted ? ) in a hundred different ways.Since patients now tend to place so much of their faith in tests and technology, many doctors will overtest - and then "find problems" which "need treatment". These are often red herrings of no clinical importance , but once a doctor has implanted a seed of doubt, it's very hard to get rid of this.For example, I often see patients who have had recurrent miscarriages, w... The Patient's Doctor blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2314175 Sun, 05 Apr 2009 07:27:00 +0100 2314175 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1423277&cid=t_356120_132_f&fid=35011&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2Fmndoci%2F%7E3%2F284391217%2F Here is the abstract of a paper in Hypertension entitled Structure-based identification of small-molecule angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 activators as novel antihypertensive agents. Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) is a key renin-angiotensin system enzyme involved in balancing the adverse effects of angiotensin II on the cardiovascular system, and its overexpression by gene transfer is beneficial in cardiovascular disease. Therefore, our objectives were 2-fold: to identify compounds that enhance ACE2 activity using a novel conformation-based rational drug discovery strategy and to evaluate whether such compounds reverse hypertension-induced pathophysiologies. We used a unique virtual screening approach. In vitro assays revealed 2 compounds (a xanthenone and resorcinolnaphthalein) t... business|bytes|genes|molecules blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1423277 Tue, 06 May 2008 05:40:13 +0100 1423277