Funny Name, Serious Help…

When I thought to do a story on cervical cerclage’s I asked several people if they had ever heard of them before.  Overwhelmingly, the response was “NO…What’s that?”  That tells me we’ve made the right story selection. 

A cervical cerclage is a little talked about surgical procedure that doctors say can help women who may otherwise never be able to carry a baby to full-term become moms.  In order to keep a weak cervix from opening early doctors place stitches around the cervix to close it.  They leave the stitches in until you’re just about ready to give birth.  Then, just before your due date they’ll clip the stitches and women usually go into labor within a day or so.

Here’s what the doctor we spoke to said you should keep in mind:

1.  This  isn’t for everyone.  This is for women with an incompetent cervix.  You could be born with this problem or have issues as a result of a prior surgery.  Either way, signs of a weak cervix include but are not limited to having a silent, rapid labor with very few contractions, early delivery, bleeding during pregnancy, and/or dilating long before your expected due date.  If you are not diagnosed, each pregnancy will become more dangerous.

2.  History is VERY important.  You have to make sure you give your doctor your FULL medical background so that they can make the proper diagnosis!!  Our doctor said this is CRITICAL!

Ideally, this is an outpatient procedure that only takes about 30 minutes.  It should be performed when you’re 11 to 12 weeks along, but it can be done in emergency situations as well (rarely after 24 weeks).  The woman we spoke to for this story is 11 weeks pregnant with her 3rd child and she just had her 2nd cerclage performed.  Her water broke without warning at a movie theater well before her 1st child was due.  She was 3 centimeters dilated 3 months into her second pregnancy and got the cerclage that time around.  She’s not waisting any time now.  And if you think you may suffer from the same problem she and the doctor we spoke to both agree that you shouldn’t wait either!

For more information on having a cervical cerclage check this link out: http://www.webmd.com/baby/cervical-cerclage-to-prevent-preterm-delivery

The Great Debate

Many women wonder…natural birth?  or cesarean section?  Well, statistics show that right now c-sections are one of the most common hospital procedures performed in the U-S.  There are many benefits to the procedure, but one local mom says what happens after some women leave the operating room isn’t being discussed.

The mother we spoke to always dreamed of having a natural birth…listening to her other female family member’s stories.  But, she experienced pre-eclampsia and wound up having to have a c-section birth instead.  After she returned home from her surgery she says she immediately knew something was wrong….guilt and depression suddenly set in.

Her experience is not isolated.  In fact, it’s common enough for there to be an International Cesarean Awareness Network that has support groups around the country to help women through what can be a very difficult stage.  The mother we spoke to started a local chapter of ICAN here in Oklahoma City.  Their next meeting is April 26 at 2pm in the Norman Library.

Doctors say at least 10 percent of c-section patients experience significant depression.  When you add in sleep deprivation, pain, and post-surgery medication sometimes their condition can be much worse.  So as you think about whether to have a natural childbirth or a cesarean section make sure you’re thoroughly discussing the pros and cons with your doctor.  And here’s a link to a website that may help you along the way:

http://www.childbirthconnection.org/article.asp?ck=10285

Mending Hearts

“Your newborn needs open heart surgery.”  After 9 months of bonding with her unborn child, that’s the last thing any mother wants to hear!  But, as drastic as it sounds, statistics show that one in every 125 children will undergo this major procedure. 

We spoke to a mother who’s on a mission to make sure no one else in our area experiences the loneliness and pain that she felt during that trying time alone.  Her son had to have open heart surgery when he was 8 days old!  She found Mended Little Hearts support program online, and chartered a local chapter for Oklahoma City.  They do lots of things as a group now including hospital visits to other families with children who are heart patients, and group outings so that their children can meet peers who have experienced many of the same things.

The greatest thing about our interview was that we talked with her at her son’s first t-ball game!  If it weren’t for the scar on his chest, you’d never know what he had been through to get to that major milestone.  To me, they hit a homerun as a family before he ever stepped up to the plate!!

Support is good for the soul.  It’s always good to have someone who’s been through what you’re going through by your side.  If your child has been diagnosed with a heart disease log on to the Mended Little Hearts website below and find a chapter near you.

http://www.mendedhearts.org/mlh/frame-mlh.htm

Here’s an Eye-Opener

Optometrists have a new tool on their hands called the “optomap”.  It’s a digital scan that can diagnose serious problems.  They say it’s a revolutionary exam that’s increasing in popularity each day. 

Here’s why we found it interesting.  Optometrists say it not only spots normal eye diseases.  It also catches things like high blood pressure, high cholesterol, potentially cancerous tumors and diabetes too.

They say the machine shows more the 80% of your eye.  So how does it work?  Well, all you have to do is sit in front of the machine, stare at a green dot, and let them flash away.  They’ll take a few pictures of each eye and then usher you to another room for consultation on their findings. 

According to the gentleman we spoke to who had just taken the optomap retinal exam, it’s quick (captures picture in 1/4 of a second per eye; 30 mins or less for entire appt), inexpensive ($25), painless, and there are no side effects from the procedure at all.

The exam is not covered by most insurance companies.  And, not all optometrists have it in their office yet, but the doctor we spoke to said that the optomap should be a part of your annual eye exam.  Here’s a link to see if which doctors offer it in your area:

http://www.optos.com/us/Products-Services/About-optomap-products/optomap-Retinal-Exam/

Superwoman Needs Sleep Too

When is a mother’s work ever done?  I know many of you feel like you cook, clean, go to football and basketball games, dance and gymnastics meets.  Some of you work and there’s always a debate as to what you give up in order to balance it all.  Well ladies, the expert at Integris Sleep Disorders Center that we spoke to says that sleep is the last thing you want to sacrifice!

I should note here that I know there are men out there who have stepped up to be both mom and dad in some households and this message is for you too!

But, depression, anxiety, hypertension, an increased risk of substance abuse, gastrointestinal disorders…the list of side effects from a lack of sleep goes on.  The woman who so graciously shared her story with us for this story could recall times when she’s driven places and forgotten how she got there once she arrived at her destination.  Dr. Jonathan Schwartz says that’s called a sleep attack and it’s a common and dangerous side effect too. 

The reality of it is, you are cutting back on your capability to care for others when you don’t take care of yourself!  I know it can be hard.  Sometimes we feel like all-powerful Superwomen…and to a certain extent we are!  But, we have limits here on earth.  So Dr. Schwartz says you should start establishing regular bedtimes and wake time for yourselves, and avoid things close to time for bed that can disturb sleep for starters.  Make sure you’re getting plenty of exercise and eating right too.  OH, AND SHARE THE LOAD IF AND WHEN YOU CAN!!!

My favorite quote from the interview with Dr. Schwartz…”My own mother used to say that if men had to have babies we would have been extinct about a million years ago”!  Sorry guys!  Moms, take some time to rest for you and those you love.  You’re doing a great job!  You’ll need sleep to keep it up!!

Time for Change

Someone suffers a stroke nearly ever 45 seconds.  On average, someone dies of a stroke every 3 to 4 minutes.  But, doctors say if they can get to a stroke patient within 3 hours from the onset of a stroke, in most cases, not only can they save your life…they can totally reverse the effects too.  So, what will it take you to realize how much time matters?

The woman that we interviewed for this story is a true testiment to how much quick action can make a huge difference.  She’s only 46 and she was a picture of health until she suffered a stroke just recently as she headed out the door for a 10k race.  She thought maybe her symptoms were from carbon monoxide in the house and did her best to get to her sons room so they could get out of the house.  But, carrying his mother out of the house seeing her condition alone deteriorate her son new they needed help.  He dialed 911 and from the time that his mother began to show signs of a stroke, to the time she eventually arrived at the hospital only 1 hour had elapsed.  She’s back out slowly starting to run again with no long-lasting effects from the stroke.  Doctors diagnosed her with a protein dificiency in her blood that’s not commonly checked…something she may never have known about had it not been for the stroke. 

The paramedic who helped her that day came back to the house to do an interview with us as well and he said that sadly, her story is all too rare.  Oftentimes, he says he asks people why they waited so long to get help and they say they thought whatever was wrong would go away.  Change your way of thinking now if you would do the same!  Waiting could and does often result in death or prolonged effects. 

Symptoms of stroke may include: a sudden change in alertness, difficulty speaking, severe headache, difficulty swallowing, loss of coordination, difficulty writing and reading, loss of motor skills, nausea, numbness or tingling, and decreased vision.  Learn how to spot the warning signs now.  Find out how to prevent them.  And get help quickly if you ever think that something is wrong!

http://www.stroke.org/site/PageServer?pagename=HOME

Love Your Legs

It’s finally spring and if you’re wondering whether or not you should slide into a pair of shorts as temperature rise…know this…you don’t have to let unsitely spider and varicose veins get in your way.  Sclerotherapy, also known as sclero, isn’t a “fix-all” but it can drastically change the look of your legs.  It’s now the second most common invasive cosmetic procedure among American men and women.  And the latest takes on this procedure…foam sclero and laser sclero…promise little pain and quick results for a few hundred dollars regardless of whether you need sclero for cosmetic or medical reasons. 

Doctors say weight, heredity, pregnancy and working in occupations that require you to stand for long periods of time all contribute to men and women having problems with spider and varicose veins.  Not only did the sclero patients we spoke to talk about how much they despised the look of the veins in their legs, but also they feel. 

So, foam sclero is moreso used for painful varicose veins.  If you can stand a small prick in your leg from a needle you’re half-way to the finish line.  Shortly after that the foam is inserted into your veins and later massaged through your leg for even distribution.

If you’re interested in the laser sclero you might need a slightly higher pain tolerance, but the lady we spoke to after getting the procedure done said it was “nothing unbearable”.  The laser is frequently described though as feeling like a burning sensation.  Numbing cream is put on your leg beforehand to help.

Sclero used to be a 4 to 5 hour procedure that could sometimes require an overnight stay in the hospital.  The two patients we spoke to were in and out in less than an hour!  You should know that you may have to go for a few touch-ups after the fact, but your legs should be looking and feeling better in no time.  Here are links to the two locations that we went to in order to get a first hand glimpse of these new sclero procedures: http://www.kevinmcmullenmd.com/ and http://www.ouphysicians.com/body.cfm?id=224

Losing an Angel

As you know, I’ve been updating you on Tallie Anderson’s condition each week here on the blog. Tallie was diagnosed with a rare blood disease one year ago.

Due to her Choctaw descent it took months to finally get the bone marrow transplant she so desperately needed to live. ‘What mattered’ to the Anderson family was seeing Tallie’s condition improve, and raising awareness to the great need for bone marrow donors.

I’m deeply saddened to report that Tallie passed away this weekend due to complications from her transplant.

Her story brought more than three thousand people to registar to become donors over the last year.

Here at KOCO our thoughts and well-wishes are with the Anderson family during this extremely difficult time.

Primetime for Planning

Some people would say timing is everything when it comes to achieving pregnancy.  The PlanAhead test available online only promises to help you on your journey to pregnancy by timing your biological clock just right.  That might be a great idea for some women or couples thinking about trying conceive or thinking about when to start. 

Here’s how it works:  After purchasing the kit for $350 you take it to a participating doctor to administer a blood test.  That’s sent to PlanAhead where they use a formula to combine things like ovary related hormones and your age to tell you whether your egg supply and egg quality is above average, average, or below average for your age.  You should receive a detailed report in 14 to 21 days.

The fertility doctor we spoke to says there’s no risk involved in the PlanAhead test.  But, you should keep in mind that the results it gives you may not provide all of the answers you need.   You could be fertile and still have other factors keeping you from achieving pregnancy.  You could also get bad news from PlanAhead and it doesn’t mean you won’t be able to have kids. 

You should note that fertility doctors can test for the same information.  It’s about $100 more.  However, this is not routine testing for everyone!  Most fertility doctors will not perform testing for ovarian reserve (egg supply and egg quality) unless: 1. a woman is under 35 and has tried to get pregnant for at least a year without success, or 2. if you’re over 35 and have tried to conceive for six months with no luck.

If you’re planning to get pregnant I wish you the best.  I know it can sometimes be a very stressful process regardless of whether you have fertility issues or not.

Here’s the link to PlanAhead: http://www.early-pregnancy-tests.com/planahead-test.html

Number 2 Cancer Killer

 

MAKE SURE YOU TUNE IN TO EYEWITNESS NEWS FIVE AT FIVE FOR TONIGHT’S WHAT MATTER’S TO YOU!!

Dr. William Tierney at OU Cancer Institute says it’s a tragedy when they diagnose cancer in many patients because they haven’t undergone screenings.  With proper preventative measures, it’s estimated that 70% of all colon cancer can be prevented.  But, we know that without insurance, and even sometimes with it, that bill can be a tough one to foot alone. 

The OU Cancer Institute and the GI Division of Internal Medicine have received state dollars to provide free Colorectal Screenings for a limited number of uninsured and underinsured Oklahomans.  Here’s the criteria you’ll need to meet to get some help:

1.  Patients must not have insurance or another payer source to cover Colorectal Screening.

2.  Patients must be between the ages of 50-64 OR have a risk indication for early screening including symptoms such as bleeding or alterations in bowel habits.

3.  OU Physicians Pharmacy Vouchers for Golightly are available through the Internal Medicine Clinic at Presbyterian Professional Building.  Otherwise, the patient will need to pay for the Golightly (approximately $12)

4.  Patients must be Oklahoma Residents-Oklahoma Driver’s License

5.  Funds are available to cover their initial visit and their co-pay may be waived if they identify themselves to the financial counselors as an OUCI-colorectal screening patient.

Patients must be able to provide a driver for them to and from the procedure.

Questions?–Call 405-271-6822

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I lost my maternal grandfather to colon cancer many years ago.  I wish he could see the woman I’ve become.  And I hope that during this Colon Cancer Awareness Month you’ll hear someones’ story and make an appointment to get a screening for yourself or your loved one soon!  If you need another reminder of the reason why screenings are so important or you think you might be away from your tv around 5p tonight, go to the ‘what matters’ section of koco dot com and you can view our What Matters to You piece once it airs tonight.