Tag Archives: Lee county

10.04.17
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What is a Colposcopy?

Colposcopy

ColposcopyIf you have had a routine pap smear exam, which is suggested for women every three years, and it has come back repeatedly with a result of abnormal cells, your Gynecologist may suggest that you have a colposcopy done to further examine the situation and get a better gauge of your cervical health.

A colposcopy is a term used to describe a cervical biopsy. A tissue sample may be taken from either outside or inside the cervix, occasionally both are needed for the exam. A typical colposcopy takes only 10-15 minutes at the most.

What you will experience

Much like your yearly wellness exam or pap smear you will be asked to put on a paper gown and lay flat on the exam table, knees up, heels in the stirrups so the doctor can examine you. This position is necessary to be able to clearly see the cervix.

A speculum is inserted and a vinegar-like solution is used to wash the area to be biopsied. The physician will use an instrument called a colposcope (it looks like stand mounted binoculars attached to a light). It is used to examine you visually from several inches away. If at that time abnormal cells are visible a small biopsy is taken.

The colposcopy itself is nearly pain-free. Only the normal pressure of the speculum sliding in is felt and a possible slight sting of the vinegar solution. If you do need the actual biopsy expect slight discomfort. It is described as a sharp pinching which brings on a cramp like you have during a menstrual cycle. Bleeding and dark discharge is to be expected for the next 24 to 48 hours.

While it is often told to patients that they can simply return to work following the procedure, the fact is that this is actually a trauma to the body, however minor, some people do not feel so hot afterwards so if at all possible on the day you have this done, have the rest of the day off to go lay down and rest, just in case. With that said, many feel just fine afterward – it is just better to err on the side of caution.

Following a colposcopy do not have sex, use tampons or use any medication vaginally for a full 24 hours in order for the biopsied area to have time to heal. Your doctor’s office will let you know when the lab results are back and call you to let you know how to proceed based on the findings.

If you are in need of a gynecologist or oncologist in the Lee County, Florida area we invite you to utilize our free resource www.ipalc.org/find. It is a listing of Independent physicians in Lee County who provide the finest health care in Southwest Florida putting the value back in the doctor-patient relationship.

07.10.17
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Managing Hives

ipalc rash

ipalc rashBreaking out in hives can make you crazy. The itching, the scratching, it can be so intense it keeps you up at night. Nothing seems to help and until you know the source, you feel doomed to bouts at pretty well any moment.

When they initially come to pass it becomes a process of elimination in order to figure out the cause and eliminate it from your life.

Brought on by Hives, although normally associated with allergic reactions, can also be brought on by stress, insect bites, certain medications, infections, sun exposure and even extreme cold. The sooner you identify what it is that is causing hives for you, the better and more quickly you can halt them.

What works?

  1. Avoidance of the stimulant is the #1 best defense. If you can’t avoid it or haven’t yet figured out what it is here are some suggestions to help.
  2. Take Benadryl (antihistamine) to calm the reaction.
  3. Oatmeal or anti-itch bath – take a cool bath and soak allowing the skin to moisturize.
  4. Scratching, though it may feel good, will increase the need to scratch. It’s a vicious circle. If at all possible, avoid scratching. If that isn’t possible, try and use a skin brush rather than your nails which can have bacteria on them and are more prone to tearing. The brush will feel even better and not lead to broken skin areas.
  5. Moisturize with a hypoallergenic lotion directly after the bath. Pat dry.
  6. Use Calamine lotion to relieve itching by cooling the skin.
  7. Talk to your doctor about prescription options if you experience chronic hives.

 

Let your doctor help you pinpoint the cause. They are able to help diagnose and get to the root of the problems so that you can get on with your life, hive free. To find a practitioner here in Lee County, Florida please visit our FREE resource list from the Independent Physicians Association of Lee County by going to www.ipalc.org/find.

07.05.17
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Does Medical Terminology Confuse You?

terminology

terminologyDoctors spend over a decade on schooling, sometimes more depending on the choice of specialty. Is it any wonder that they come out speaking a whole other language than the rest of us?

While many different professions have their own lingo, the medical profession exaggerates this disconnect because so many of the terms are simply foreign to the majority of us in the public.

Doctors need to be able to get across their diagnoses, thoughts, and possible strategies in order to have a successful doctor-patient exchange.

Unfortunately, not all doctors have an ideal bedside manner or the ability to simplify and communicate effectively. This can leave patients not fully understanding their situation and if there was ever a topic that really needs to be fully understood it’s your own medical advice.

Brushing up on your medical lingo can give you confidence in doctor-patient communications making your visits less stressful. Even more importantly, if you don’t understand something you are being told, do not be afraid to ask questions.

 

Here are some of the most commonly used medical terms. They are a good starting off point for better understanding your own health.

 

ABATEMENT – A decrease in the acuity of a symptom.

 

ABSCESS – A collection of fluid located on or in the body. This is an immune system response to an infection. It is accompanied by redness and swelling.

 

ACUTE – Condition that comes on suddenly, with severity and ends after a short course.

 

AMBULATORY – Ability to walk.

 

ASYMPTOMATIC – Shows no symptoms.

 

BENIGN – A condition or abnormal growth that is treatable and not life-threatening.

 

BIOPSY – Removal of tissue for diagnostic purposes.

 

CYANOTIC – Bluish color of the skin due to poor circulation and lack of oxygen in the blood.

 

EDEMA – Abnormal accumulation of fluid in the body causing swelling of the affected area.

 

EMBOLISM – The halting of blood flow by a blood clot, which can result in a stroke or heart attack.

 

FIBRILLATION – Uncontrollable twitching of muscle fibers of the heart.

 

IDIOPATHIC – Of unknown cause.

 

PALLIATIVE – Treatment is given to alleviate symptoms of a disease but not cure it. This mainly refers to pain management of a chronic disease state.

 

RADICULAR – Referring to the nerve roots which originate in the spine.

 

SUBLUXATION – A slight dislocation or misalignment of a bone in a joint.

 

The more well-learned you are, the more confident you will feel when speaking with doctors, nurses and other medical personnel, whether it’s regarding your own health or that of a friend or loved one.

To find a doctor in Lee County, Florida please visit our free resource www.ipalc.org/find sponsored by the Independent Physicians Association of Lee County.

01.25.17
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Is it time for a trip to the ENT?

ENT

ENTAn ENT is an ear nose and throat specialist. They have chosen this as their practice and specialty over focusing on general medicine. They can help you to better understand how you are feeling and if your symptoms are in any way related to inflamed sinuses or if there could be more serious underlying causes.

Why visit an ENT?

Headaches – An ENT can help determine if the headache cause stems from a sinus problem, respiratory infection, sinusitis, or even anatomic abnormalities. Chronic headache causes are tough to diagnose.

A sore throat – if you have a lingering sore throat that does not get better with normal home care or a round of antibiotics from your general practitioner a visit to the ENT may be warranted. Sore throat symptoms can sometimes be related to digestive issues or sinus problems.

Hearing Loss – Hearing loss may be due to ear wax build-up, fluid, or possibly damage to the nerves.

Sinus Issues – Tooth pain, earache, and even facial pain – congestion, nasal discharge, and allergies all can be disconcerting.

If you are experiencing these symptoms without improvement after a week or longer or they are reoccurring, you should be checked by an ENT. To find a board certified ENT please visit www.ipalc.org/find