Just Documentation
A quick update on my last post - I confronted Mark on his attitude last weekend the night after the concert, and he was not even aware of the attitude I explained, and right away, he apologized profusely. It was so immediate, I was not expecting that at all, I was expecting some sort of denial. I was really taken aback and did not know how to react or feel. I found myself initially still angry, but then thought...he apologized right away and seemed very sincere - what else could I expect from confronting him? So I kept to myself for a short while and my anger went away quickly.I am pretty lost as to wha...
Source: bipolar.and.me - August 26, 2016 Category: Psychiatry Source Type: blogs
Working On Myself, Try Number Two Million and Three
So...I over reacted to our marriage counselor. I was way more irritated that I should have been. Was I irritable to the point of being hypomanic? I am trying to answer that myself. I cannot exactly explain the situation to HER, and I do not want to tell my psychiatrist either. The last thing I want is some medication that will bring me DOWN to depression level when I am not depressed.#1 - There were a few days where I took an extra Adderall because I was freaked out about how much I had to do. #2 - When I increased the Trazadone, the out of this world heartburn caused major anxiety that nothin...
Source: bipolar.and.me - August 21, 2016 Category: Psychiatry Source Type: blogs
When should physicians lie for patients?
Even the most honest among us do not tell the truth all of the time. We are flawed human beings. We covet, we gossip, we steal, we lie, and we stand idly by. You don’t think you steal? Have you ever “borrowed” someone else’s idea and represented it as your own?
A few weeks before I penned this, I was presented with two opportunities to lie in order to save a patients a few bucks. The first patient wanted a refill for her heartburn medicine, which she takes once daily. She asked if I would refill the medicine to take twice daily, so she could get double the supply for the same price. The second p...
Source: Kevin, M.D. - Medical Weblog - August 17, 2016 Category: Journals (General) Authors: < a href="http://www.kevinmd.com/blog/post-author/michael-kirsch" rel="tag" > Michael Kirsch, MD < /a > Tags: Physician GI Source Type: blogs
Therapist Is Incredibly Insulting and Annoying
First off, I must address my medication issue. My Zonegran was increased which is *awesome* for my anxiety, but I developed the most AWFUL heartburn. I hurt so incredibly bad and I stopped so many things trying to figure out what it was. Because I was already taking Zonegran and I had been on the same dosage in the past, I did not consider it was that for weeks. I knew that was when it started, but even knowing that, it still did not occur to me. I told my doctor and she changed when I take each pill but I cannot fathom following that schedule right now. How can I not have an aversion to the s...
Source: bipolar.and.me - August 11, 2016 Category: Psychiatry Source Type: blogs
The Illness of Work Incapacity
By NORTIN HADLER, MD
Etiology, pathogenesis and translational science beat drums to which modern medicine marches – with escalating cadence. Yes, there is cacophony on occasion and missteps, but we all wait for the next insight to trigger a wave of enthusiasm at the bench and beyond. “Disease” is no longer an elusive monster in the swamp of ignorance; “disease” is prey. It can be defined, parsed, deduced, and sometimes defeated.
Little of this pertains to “health.” Health does not objectify itself. Nor is it simply the absence of disease. Health has temporal and geographic dimensions. Health is inseparabl...
Source: The Health Care Blog - July 15, 2016 Category: Consumer Health News Authors: John Irvine Tags: Uncategorized Medicalization Population Health Presenteeism Workman's Compensation Workplace Wellness Source Type: blogs
Bright Sun and Clouds
June 22, 2016Bright Sun:After the 10th Darzalex infusion, with daily 2 mg Pomalyst and weekly dexamethasone (DEX), IgG is down once again, from 644 to 515 mg/dL, another drop of 20%. M-spike is down too, by a similar ratio, from 0.6 to 0.5 g/dL. Both myeloma markers are now at a level never seen in my 13 years
since diagnosis, and apparently continuing down. It probably means that the actual count of myeloma cells in my bones is declining by roughly the same ratio, a very hopeful thought.Clouds:
HEMOGLOBIN: For the first time in years my hemoglobin is down a little, at 13.2 g/dL, where it is normally over 14...
Source: Myeloma Hope - June 26, 2016 Category: Cancer & Oncology Tags: angina daratumumab Darzalex heartburn pomalidomide Pomalyst Source Type: blogs
Bright Sun and Clouds
June 22, 2016
Bright Sun:
After the 10th Darzalex infusion, with daily 2 mg Pomalyst and weekly dexamethasone (DEX), IgG is down once again, from 644 to 515 mg/dL, another drop of 20%. M-spike is down too, by a similar ratio, from 0.6 to 0.5 g/dL. Both myeloma markers are now at a level never seen in my 13 years
since diagnosis, and apparently continuing down. It probably means that the actual count of myeloma cells in my bones is declining by roughly the same ratio, a very hopeful thought.
Clouds:
HEMOGLOBIN: For the first time in years my hemoglobin is down a little, at 13.2 g/dL, where it is nor...
Source: Myeloma Hope - June 26, 2016 Category: Cancer & Oncology Tags: angina daratumumab Darzalex heartburn pomalidomide Pomalyst Source Type: blogs
Living the oath requires physicians to set boundaries
“I solemnly pledge to consecrate my life to the service of humanity.” Standing with my medical school colleagues, we continue: “I will respect and hold the secrets that are confided in me. I will exercise moral integrity.”
I easily agree. But then, “The health of my patient will be my first consideration.” I’m 40 weeks pregnant, with swollen feet and raging heartburn. My baby kicks wildly. With certainty, I know that living this part of the oath will be much more difficult than saying it.
My first son is born soon afterward, and my thoughts are only for him — this beautiful, completely dependent new...
Source: Kevin, M.D. - Medical Weblog - June 10, 2016 Category: Journals (General) Authors: Kathy Stepien, MD Tags: Physician Primary care Source Type: blogs
Managing GERD: Lifestyle Changes vs. OTC Medications
Credit: Thinkstock
Many people reach for over-the-counter antacids and medications to ease physical discomfort after eating a big platter of, say, fried and greasy food. But what if long-term use of some of these common medications can lead to serious health problems?
An eye-opening study from Houston Methodist asked that very question, and found that chronic use of the commonly used heartburn and gastroesophageal reflux (GERD)... (Source: Dorian Martin's SharePosts)
Source: Dorian Martin's SharePosts - May 31, 2016 Category: Consumer Health News Authors: Dorian Martin Source Type: blogs
Sleep Drugs: What Every Woman Should Know
The post below first appeared on Law Street.
Sleepless nights; nights full of tossing and turning. It happens to all of us–but for some it’s more frequent than others. In fact, an estimated 50 to 70 million American adults suffer from sleep disorders like insomnia or obstructive sleep apnea. Many turn to prescription sleep medications for relief– but women are more likely to take sleep drugs than men. About 3.1 percent of American men and 5 percent of American women report having used a prescription sleep medication within the last 30 days.
What does this use of sleep aids mean for women? Read on to learn more...
Source: Disruptive Women in Health Care - May 11, 2016 Category: Consumer Health News Authors: dw at disruptivewomen.net Tags: Women's Health Source Type: blogs
Better DEX Experience
Three weeks ago I whined mightily about taking DEX. The worst problem was acid reflux the second night after taking it, but there were other issues too. I'm happy to say that I have had better experiences since then.
Acid reflux:
Lots of good people offered great suggestions regarding the heartburn (acid reflux). This formula has worked for three weeks in a row. After the worst heartburn of my life, now zero heartburn:
I take the 40 mg of DEX with food at the Sunday evening meal, and the reflux happens (happened) Monday night.
No food at all in the last few hours before going to bed Monday night...
Source: Myeloma Hope - April 5, 2016 Category: Cancer & Oncology Tags: acid reflux DEX dexamethasone GERD hearatburn Source Type: blogs
Better DEX Experience
Three weeks ago Iwhined mightily about taking DEX. The worst problem was acid reflux the second night after taking it, but there were other issues too. I ' m happy to say that I have had better experiences since then.Acid reflux:
Lots of good people offered great suggestions regarding the heartburn (acid reflux). This formula has worked for three weeks in a row. After the worst heartburn of my life, now zero heartburn:I take the 40 mg of DEX with food at the Sunday evening meal, and the reflux happens (happened) Monday night.No food at all in the last few hours before going to bed Monday night. I f...
Source: Myeloma Hope - April 5, 2016 Category: Cancer & Oncology Tags: acid reflux DEX dexamethasone GERD hearatburn Source Type: blogs
It’s time to treat mental illness as seriously as we treat heart disease
I saw a patient last week for her chest pain. A 60-year-old woman came into the hospital because her chest tightened every time she went running. The pain would last about 20 minutes, centered on the left side of her chest, and radiated to her left arm. It lasted until she would finally take a break from running and sit down.
“This is classic,” I thought. “Stable angina.” I could now direct my line of questioning for the rest of the medical history to confirm my suspicions. “Any other medical problems? Ever been hospitalized before?”
“Well, I had a heart attack two years ago.”
“OK, any medications?”
“...
Source: Kevin, M.D. - Medical Weblog - March 25, 2016 Category: Journals (General) Authors: Ramin Lalezari Tags: Conditions Psychiatry Source Type: blogs
Whining About DEX
Dexamethasone (DEX) is a part of many myeloma regimens - my doctor says "everything works better with DEX." I've taken it before, and not liked it then, but this most recent experience is something new indeed.
Sunday night I took the "usual" 40 mg dose, ten little 4 mg tablets, at bedtime. In the past this has worked OK for me because the DEX doesn't interfere with my sleep that first night. And it didn't interfere Sunday night, I slept well. Monday, then, was "DEX day," full of energy, as if 200% caffeinated all day. I got a lot done, including an energetic 4-mile walk/run.
Trouble started ...
Source: Myeloma Hope - March 18, 2016 Category: Cancer & Oncology Tags: acid reflux DEX dexamethasone GERD hearatburn Source Type: blogs
Whining About DEX
Dexamethasone (DEX) is a part of many myeloma regimens - my doctor says " everything works better with DEX. " I ' ve taken it before, and not liked it then, but this most recent experience is something new indeed.
Sunday night I took the " usual " 40 mg dose, ten little 4 mg tablets, at bedtime. In the past this has worked OK for me because the DEX doesn ' t interfere with my sleep that first night. And it didn ' t interfere Sunday night, I slept well. Monday, then, was " DEX day, " full of energy, as if 200% caffeinated all day. I got a lot done, including an energetic 4-mile walk/run.
Trouble sta...
Source: Myeloma Hope - March 18, 2016 Category: Cancer & Oncology Tags: acid reflux DEX dexamethasone GERD hearatburn Source Type: blogs
