HEADACHES....
Have you ever thought about using oxygen for headaches?Do you suffer from headaches? A cluster headache is defined as a recurrent headache that occurs in"clusters". They are often the most painful and are characterized by a stabbing feeling around or near one of the eyes. Cluster headaches can last for hours or days. Usually, the pain is so intense that one can not work, stand or function at all. The current treatment for an acute attack is an injection of sumatriptan. However, frequent dosing is not recommended because of the side effects. Cluster headaches are more common in men than women and the age group is usually 28-30 years of age. It is becoming more common to use a high-dose , and a high flow oxygen. A prescription is required for the oxygen. There is no side effect or danger in using oxygen for a cluster headache. Normally, a home medical equipment company can supply the oxygen. The treatment is usually at least 12 liters per minute and the oxygen has to be delivered via face mask. For the most part insurance does not cover this benefit. Usually, the oxygen has to be used at onset of headache and if treatment is going to work the headache usually eases up within 15 minutes of using the oxygen. Research has shown to be promising but more study is needed. For more information contact OxygenPlus Medical Equipment at 734-429-7444. Visit www.oxygenplusmichigan.com
Monday, January 18, 2010
Thursday, January 7, 2010
Lymphedema the facts...
What is lymphedema(lim-fi-dee-muh)?
It is the accumulation of lymph in soft tissue with accompanying swelling,often of the extremities:sometimes caused by inflammation, obstruction or removal of lymph channels.
Lymphedema is a condition where the lymph vessels located under the skin fail to transport the lymph fluid back into circulation.The build up of that fluid results in swelling and thicken of the skin, usually in the arm or leg, although it can happen in both. There are two categories of lymphedema. First, is primary which is caused by malformation of the lypmphatic system at birth or may develop later during puberty. The next category is secondary. It is the result of damage to the lymphatic system. For example, a mastectomy,lumpectomy with radiation and/or removal of lymph nodes are a cause. Recently, studies have shown that almost 65% of women who undergo cancer treatment develop this condition. It can appear immediately after a procedure or can be a condition that appears much later.
An inital symptom is swelling with a "pitting"appearance to the skin or if you make a depression in the skin and the indentation does not dissapear right away. Another symptom is a feeling of tightness or heaviness in an extremity.
There is not a cure, which is why early diagnosis will significantly aid in the management plan. In some cases Decongestive Theapy(CDT) is the treatment plan. In addition to CDT graduated compression garments,therapeutic exercise and meticulous skin care may be an option. In some cases insurance may reimburse for these items. For more information contact OxygenPlus Medical Equipment or call 734-429-7444. Visit www.oxygenplusmichigan.com
It is the accumulation of lymph in soft tissue with accompanying swelling,often of the extremities:sometimes caused by inflammation, obstruction or removal of lymph channels.
Lymphedema is a condition where the lymph vessels located under the skin fail to transport the lymph fluid back into circulation.The build up of that fluid results in swelling and thicken of the skin, usually in the arm or leg, although it can happen in both. There are two categories of lymphedema. First, is primary which is caused by malformation of the lypmphatic system at birth or may develop later during puberty. The next category is secondary. It is the result of damage to the lymphatic system. For example, a mastectomy,lumpectomy with radiation and/or removal of lymph nodes are a cause. Recently, studies have shown that almost 65% of women who undergo cancer treatment develop this condition. It can appear immediately after a procedure or can be a condition that appears much later.
An inital symptom is swelling with a "pitting"appearance to the skin or if you make a depression in the skin and the indentation does not dissapear right away. Another symptom is a feeling of tightness or heaviness in an extremity.
There is not a cure, which is why early diagnosis will significantly aid in the management plan. In some cases Decongestive Theapy(CDT) is the treatment plan. In addition to CDT graduated compression garments,therapeutic exercise and meticulous skin care may be an option. In some cases insurance may reimburse for these items. For more information contact OxygenPlus Medical Equipment or call 734-429-7444. Visit www.oxygenplusmichigan.com
Monday, January 4, 2010
What should you know before starting Chemotherapy?
Chemotherapy...
When patients start chemotherapy they often think oh I'm going to lose my hair and be sick......
That is not the only thing people should think about. There are several others side effects that people should know about. The most common side effects that most patients talk about are hair loss and nausea. The other short-term side effects are fatigue, decreased blood counts, mouth sores and generalized pain. Also, studies have shown one out of ten patients who have chemotherapy can eventually suffer from heart damage. The other possible side effects are cranial nerve damage,brain damage and problems with the spine. Overall changes in the central nervous system can lead to neck pain,headaches, depression,seizures and eye problems. Moreover, certain types of drugs used for chemotherapy can affect certain body parts. For example, Bleomycin can cause long-term damage to the lungs. Also, radiation can magnify the long-term damage. Lastly, chemotherapy and radiation can directly impact fertility. In several studies men and women have reported lower sex drives and infertility issues. There are many indirect problems associated with chemotherapy and radiation. There is much to learn about the long-term affects of the drugs used today.
When patients start chemotherapy they often think oh I'm going to lose my hair and be sick......
That is not the only thing people should think about. There are several others side effects that people should know about. The most common side effects that most patients talk about are hair loss and nausea. The other short-term side effects are fatigue, decreased blood counts, mouth sores and generalized pain. Also, studies have shown one out of ten patients who have chemotherapy can eventually suffer from heart damage. The other possible side effects are cranial nerve damage,brain damage and problems with the spine. Overall changes in the central nervous system can lead to neck pain,headaches, depression,seizures and eye problems. Moreover, certain types of drugs used for chemotherapy can affect certain body parts. For example, Bleomycin can cause long-term damage to the lungs. Also, radiation can magnify the long-term damage. Lastly, chemotherapy and radiation can directly impact fertility. In several studies men and women have reported lower sex drives and infertility issues. There are many indirect problems associated with chemotherapy and radiation. There is much to learn about the long-term affects of the drugs used today.
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