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chicagoneuropain · 24 days ago

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Shingles Pain: Causes, Symptoms, and Effective Relief Option

What Is Shingles?

Shingles, or Herpes Zoster, is more than just a skin rash—it's the reawakening of the chickenpox virus that has remained dormant in your body, sometimes for decades. For many people, Shingles is a short-lived and painful inconvenience. But for others, especially older adults or those with weakened immune systems, it becomes a long-term, physically and emotionally draining experience.

The pain isn’t just on the surface. It seeps deeper—into your nerves, into your routines, and sometimes into your sense of self, impacting focus and mental wellbeing.

How Shingles Affects Your Nerves

The Shingles virus targets your nerves, which is why the pain often feels burning, electric, or stabbing—sensations that don’t match the rash alone. It typically strikes one side of your body, wrapping around the torso, but it can also affect the face, eyes, or limbs.

As the virus travels along nerve pathways, it leaves behind inflammation and damage that your body can take weeks or even months to repair. For some, that nerve disruption doesn’t go away, leading to a lingering condition known as postherpetic neuralgia (PHN).

What Is Postherpetic Neuralgia?

Postherpetic neuralgia is nerve pain that persists long after the Shingles rash has healed. Think of it as your nerves stuck in an alarm state. Even the slightest touch from clothes or a breeze can cause intense discomfort.

If you feel like your pain is outlasting the Shingles episode, you’re right(it’s not imagined), PHN can alter sleep, mood, and memory and outlasts long term after Shingles rash completely healed. Many patients describe becoming more withdrawn, emotionally exhausted, or hyper-aware of every twinge. It’s not just the pain—it’s how unpredictable and demoralizing it can be.

Symptoms of Shingles-Related Nerve Pain

Burning or tingling pain in a localized area

Extreme sensitivity to touch or temperature

Shooting or stabbing pain without a clear cause

Itching, numbness, or a crawling sensation

Emotional distress—low mood, anxiety, irritability

This pain may begin days before the rash appears and often continues even after the visible symptoms fade. The impact on mental health is just as real. Chronic discomfort can cause people to lose confidence, become socially isolated, or even develop depressive thoughts about their bodies and sense of control.

Treatment Options for Shingles Nerve Pain

Managing Shingles nerve pain doesn't have to be overwhelming—or something you handle on your own. If the discomfort has lingered longer than expected, or if it’s affecting your quality of life in ways that are hard to explain, you're not alone. And the good news is, there are several proven treatment options that can help bring real relief.

Effective pain management isn’t one-size-fits-all. The right approach depends on your symptoms, how long they’ve been present, and how the pain is impacting your daily routine. Often, it’s about layering different strategies that work together to help you feel better, physically and emotionally.

Some of the commonly recommended options include:

Antiviral Medications – These are most effective when started early and can help reduce the duration and severity of the Shingles outbreak, potentially lowering the risk of lasting nerve pain.

Nerve Pain Medications – Medications like gabapentin or pregabalin are frequently used to calm irritated nerves and reduce abnormal pain signals without dulling your senses.

Topical Patches and Creams – These may seem simple, but they’re often helpful in reducing skin sensitivity and calming localized nerve irritation.

Nerve Blocks or Injections – When the pain is concentrated in one area, targeted injections can offer significant, localized relief by interrupting the pain signals at the source.

Counseling and Emotional Support – Chronic pain can affect more than just the body. Emotional wellness plays a key role in recovery, and having someone to talk to—or joining a support group—can help ease the mental burden of living with pain.

In cases where medications and creams aren’t providing enough relief, additional therapeutic options are considered under the guidance of your specialist:

TENS (Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation) – This non-invasive treatment uses gentle electrical impulses delivered through the skin to help reduce pain by interfering with the signals traveling along your nerves.

PENS (Percutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation) – A more targeted version of TENS, this treatment uses fine needles placed near nerve endings to deliver impulses and provide more focused relief.

Spinal Cord Stimulation – For individuals experiencing more persistent or widespread nerve pain, this method uses implanted electrodes near the spinal cord to help modulate pain signals. It’s typically considered when other treatments haven’t provided enough relief.

At Chicago Neuro Pain, our goal isn’t just to treat pain—it’s to support people through it, with compassion, clarity, and customized care. If you or a loved one is navigating the challenges of Shingles-related nerve pain, we’re here to talk through your options and create a plan that feels manageable, hopeful, and centered on your needs.

When to See a Shingles Pain Specialist

If you've been dealing with the aftereffects of Shingles and are unsure whether it’s time to seek more focused care, consider this: when pain becomes persistent or begins to interfere with everyday comfort, it’s worth speaking to someone who understands the complexities of nerve-related conditions.

As Chicago Institute for Neuropathic Pain, our focus is on helping you understand what’s happening beneath the surface and guiding you through options that go beyond standard pain relief from general medications—offering more targeted, effective pathways to recovery.

You don’t need to have all the answers before reaching out. You don’t need to wait for the pain to get worse. The first step is simply a conversation that prioritizes clarity, calm, and care from the beginning.

At Chicago Institute for Neuropathic Pain, it isn’t just about treating pain—it’s to support people through it, effectively manage it to the point of it not interfering with your activities, and having a complete relief. If you’re ready to explore your options, our team is here with insight, compassion, and a clear plan for Shingles nerve pain treatment that meets you where you are—without judgment, and without pressure.

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felixhospital0 · 2 months ago

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Find the Best Orthopedic Hospital in Greater Noida for your Better Joint health

Ever had a knee twinge that stops you mid stride or a shoulder ache that makes lifting groceries a chore? In Greater Noida, where life moves fast—rushing to offices, chasing kids or hitting the local gym—joint and bone issues can really throw you off. About 1 in 5 folks here deals with some kind of orthopedic problem, from arthritis to sports sprains.

Finding a top notch orthopedics hospital can feel like a lifeline, whether you need a quick fix for a fracture or a full-on hip replacement. Greater Noida’s got a thriving healthcare scene, with hospitals that blend high-tech treatments and caring staff. So, what makes the best orthopedics hospital stand out in this bustling city? Let’s dig into what you should look for to get back to living pain-free.

Struggling with joint pain or a lingering sports injury? Book a consultation with an orthopedic expert in Greater Noida.

Why Orthopedic Care Hits Home?

Living in Greater Noida, you’re probably no stranger to long hours at a desk, weekend badminton games, or the occasional traffic-jam slump. All that takes a toll on your body—knees, back, you name it. With 30% of people over 40 battling joint pain and a growing number of young adults nursing sports injuries, orthopedic issues are a big deal. A great hospital doesn’t just patch you up; it helps you walk, work, and play again. Here’s why orthopedic care matters:

Covers All Ages: From kids with broken arms to grandparents needing knee surgeries, 80% of cases span every life stage.

Stops Problems Early: Catching things like osteoporosis, which hits 20% of women over 50, prevents bigger issues down the road.

Keeps You Moving: Untreated injuries turn chronic for 15% of folks, making daily tasks a struggle.

Supports Active Lives: With 10% of younger residents facing sports injuries, expert care gets you back to the field or gym.

The right hospital feels like a partner, helping you tackle pain and stay active in Greater Noida’s lively rhythm.

What Makes a Hospital the Best?

When your back’s screaming or your wrist won’t bend, you want a hospital you can trust, not just the closest one. The best orthopedics hospitals in Greater Noida shine because they’ve got the whole package—great doctors, cool tech, and a vibe that puts you at ease. Here’s what sets them apart:

Top-Notch Doctors: Experienced orthopedic surgeons, often with a decade or more under their belts, nail 90% of tricky cases, from fractures to spine fixes.

Fancy Tools: Think robotic surgery or 3D imaging, used in 20% of procedures, for pinpoint accuracy and quicker healing.

Gentler Surgeries: Minimally invasive options like arthroscopy, picked by 70% of patients, mean smaller cuts and less downtime.

Rehab That Rocks: On-site physiotherapy, a must for 85% of surgical folks, helps you rebuild strength fast.

Team Effort: Doctors, radiologists, and nutritionists work together, boosting recovery for 60% of patients.

It’s not just about fixing bones—it’s about getting you back to your life with care that feels personal.

Greater Noida’s Healthcare Glow

Greater Noida isn’t just about shiny malls and wide roads—it’s a healthcare hub that’s hard to beat. Close to Delhi and with metro lines zipping through, it’s home to hospitals that draw patients from all over, treating 100,000+ people a year. Whether you’re in Gamma I or Delta II, you’re never far from world-class care. What makes Greater Noida special for orthopedics?

Easy to Reach: Most hospitals are a 10–15 minute drive from places like Sector Chi or Pari Chowk, convenient for 80% of locals.

Wallet-Friendly: A knee replacement runs ₹1.5–₹3 lakh, about 20% cheaper than bigger cities, and insurance covers half for many.

High-Tech Hubs: Dedicated orthopedic units with super-clean operating rooms, used in 30% of surgeries, keep infections low.

Sports Savvy: With young folks loving cricket or running, 15% of treatments focus on ligament tears, using slick arthroscopy tech.

Flexible Options: Virtual consults or home rehab, chosen by 40% of patients, fit right into your busy day.

Greater Noida’s mix of quality and convenience makes it a sweet spot for orthopedic care.

Treatments You’ll Find

The best hospitals in Greater Noida have you covered, whether it’s a minor tweak or a major surgery. They handle everything with expertise, so you’re in good hands. Common treatments include:

Joint Replacements: Knees, hips, or shoulders, needed by 25% of folks over 60, get replaced with minimally invasive methods, boasting 90% success.

Arthroscopy: Tiny cameras fix knees or shoulders for 20% of athletes, with recovery in just 1–2 weeks.

Spine Fixes: Slipped discs or curved spines, bugging 10% of adults, get endoscopic relief with 80% less pain.

Fracture Care: Broken bones, common in 15% of accidents, heal with pins or plates, getting you moving in weeks.

Non-Surgery Paths: Braces, injections, or physio, used by 30% in early stages, ease pain without going under the knife.

Add in high-tech scans like MRI or digital X-rays, and you’re getting care that’s spot-on for your needs.

Looking for advanced orthopedic care without leaving town? Explore top-rated hospitals in Greater Noida and get personalized treatment.

Conclusion

Whether it’s a sore knee, a busted ankle, or a joint that needs a new lease on life, the best orthopedics hospital in Greater Noida can help you shine again. With expert surgeons, high-tech treatments, and physio that gets results, these hospitals are here to lift you up. Greater Noida’s easy access and affordable care make it the place to heal, whether you’re a student or a grandparent. Don’t let pain steal your spark—reach out to an orthopedic specialist, book a consult, and find a hospital that feels like a fit. Your next step toward moving freely, laughing loudly, and living fully starts right here in Greater Noida.

FAQs

How do I know if my joint pain needs orthopedic attention or just rest?

If your pain persists beyond a week, worsens with activity, causes swelling or stiffness, or limits daily movement, it’s time to consult an orthopedic specialist.

Are orthopedic hospitals in Greater Noida equipped for minimally invasive surgeries like arthroscopy?

Yes, many top hospitals offer arthroscopy and other minimally invasive options using advanced technology, helping you recover faster with minimal scarring.

Can I get physiotherapy support at home after orthopedic surgery in Greater Noida?

Absolutely. Many hospitals provide home physiotherapy plans tailored to your recovery goals, especially helpful for post-surgery rehab or elderly care.

What orthopedic conditions are most common among working professionals in Greater Noida?

Sedentary lifestyles and long hours lead to issues like lower back pain, frozen shoulder, and early-onset arthritis, which are commonly treated at local orthopedic centers.

Is it possible to get a second opinion from a specialist online before visiting a hospital?

Yes, several orthopedic hospitals in Greater Noida offer virtual consultations, allowing you to discuss MRI/X-ray results or treatment options from home.

How do hospitals ensure safety during orthopedic surgeries like joint replacements?

Reputed hospitals follow strict infection control protocols, use modular OTs with HEPA filters, and perform surgeries with real-time imaging for precision.

What post-surgery recovery services do Greater Noida hospitals provide apart from physiotherapy?

Many offer holistic rehab plans including pain management, diet counseling, mobility aids, and psychological support to ensure a smooth and complete recovery.

#Best orthopedic hospital in Greater Noida #Orthopedic specialist Greater Noida #Joint replacement hospital Greater Noida #Top orthopedic doctor in Greater Noida #Hip replacement in Greater Noida #Affordable orthopedic care Greater Noida #Best hospital for joint pain treatment in Greater Noida

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newhologram · 8 years ago

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New’s Atlas Subluxation and chronic illness timeline

It’s in my nature at this point to document things and it’s smart to keep track of my healing post-procedure anyway, so I might as well make a timeline here and share the experience as usual :p

Feel free to ask any questions, it doesn’t bother me at all. We need to let patients be teachers too, I think.

So here is my atlas subluxation and chronic illness timeline with backstory leading up to the procedure before it gets super specific with dates. I will try to update this during my healing as much as I can to document changes. I’m putting lots of links to posts where I talk about things as well, but you can also go into these tags on my blog to find more information: #personal #atlas subluxation #fibromyalgia #chronic pain #chronic illness #invisible illness #narcolepsy #ulcerative colitis 1.16.17 Posted with info up until this day. 4.12.17 3 month update!

1989: Born December 29th at a 3 1/2 lbs. Taken out prematurely because there was a complication with the umbilical cord and I was no longer growing. I had to stay in an incubator for 11 days until I weighed enough to go home, which was 5 1/2 lbs. It’s unclear whether or not the subluxation was present after birth; it’s possibly that I could’ve been pulled out in a way that caused it, but we have the next event as a definite marker for when things started getting worse.

Summer of 1996, age 6: While playing with sister I accidentally fractured my collar bone. I went up into the air, I remember seeing the ceiling coming closer, and then I fell straight down onto my back pretty hard. I cried and cried and said over and over again, “I broke something, I broke something” until they took me to the hospital. I vividly remember how I shook when they put me on the table to x-ray me. The doctor cheered me up by pointing out the gas in my chest. But basically they were like yep, there’s a fracture right there. And they sent me home with a sling. I remember that it had dinosaurs on it and it made me happy.

1996~2000, age 6 to 10: Always sick. Daily stomach aches, digestive issues leading to restrictive diet, nausea, back pain, bad posture, fatigue, insomnia, nightmares, sleepwalking, always cold, chronic bronchitis, hypersensitivity to stimulus like sound, light, color, taste, smell, temperature, and even experiences whether positive or negative, auditory processing disorder making it hard to understand what people said, problems with being “too excitable” and having intense reactions to rejection which was hard because I was constantly bullied and controlled by peers for being “weird” and “different”. I struggled in most subjects, but especially math, and I could never really handwrite properly, even to this day. School in general was just very hard because I never felt well and couldn’t keep up with others. Crying on the floor meltdowns whenever there are loud sports games or if a friend goes home early from a sleepover or if a parent gets mad at me (or I think they are). These meltdowns persisted into adulthood. I was always just called dramatic for them.

2001~2009, age 11 to 19: Middleschool and highschool were even harder. I struggled in most classes except for creative ones. Health problems persisted: first sleep paralysis with hallucations episode at age 12 or 13 and often had episodes after school that would eat up my early evening and wear me out mentally, still had problems with bronchitis, ovarian cyst caused me a lot of pain and missed classes, then I started having even worse digestive problems. By age 15 I had my first upper endoscopy and colonoscopy where they discovered ulcers in my esophagus, stomach, and intestines. Feelings of isolation, unable to feel like I could connect with people, noticeable depression, loneliness. First vomiting panic attack at age 17. At 19 did a homestay in Japan; an amazing experience but made difficult by vomiting, fatigue, insomnia, anxiety leaving the house and exploring by myself and freaking out when I got lost.

2010~2016, age 20-26: Health problems begin to worsen in early adulthood. Age 21: I’m vomiting a few times a week and having a ton of other problems, diagnosed with ulcerative colitis. Sleep and fatigue problems making it hard to work at my retail job especially while I’m in college. Age 23: suddenly the sleep paralysis and insomnia are impossible to manage and I go several months with very little sleep, getting worse and worse, every day having looong hard sleep paralysis episodes that leave me with horrible headaches and slurring like I’m drunk. I still go to auditions and work jobs I book as best as I can but get a narcolepsy diagnosis after a long process of sleep study and being yanked around by insurance not letting me actually see the neurologist for my diagnosis. Depression is getting to the point where it almost paralyzes me but I do my best. Health problems cause fights with family. Age 24: not long after the narcolepsy diagnosis: the pain and fatigue become excessive and debilitating and I get the fibromyalgia diagnosis. Condition worsens and worsens, a bump forms on my upper spine that causes horrific pain and distress. 2014 I’m in the ER/urgent care 4 times because the pain makes it unable to rest or stop vomiting for days on end (the most being 6 days where I lost 12lbs). I go to an Ayurvedic healing center because the doctors were useless. There is some improvement but I still struggle, at least I had a lot of good coping tools to keep myself a live, if only barely at times. In bed most days in horrible pain and exhausted by simple things such as getting up to use the restroom. Depression is horrible and a cloud of suicidal urges hang over me for almost 2 years because I feel like a failure who is ruining my family’s happiness by being sick and I feel an intense hatred for myself. I try to work a very mellow part time job at a perfumery but the pain makes it too hard and I’m eventually let go. Age 25: Depression persists but I force myself to start doing background TV/film work on a weekly basis. Making money helps calm me but it’s incredibly difficult with my health problems and I often vomit on set from fatigue and pain. I start seeing a chiropractor to help alleviate the pain and depression. It helps but I have to see him twice a week at first, then once, then every other week, but during a flare up it’s back to once a week. I also start seeing an acupuncturist which helps with organ function and eases some symptoms but I still have to see her regularly and the expenses add up and cause more problems with my family since I’m barely able to afford them on my own. Age 26: I get a part time job in retail to help supplement me while I do background work. With the skills I learned I’m able to manage things but I still suffer a lot every day and don’t sleep well because of the pain. Later in the year I stop doing bg work and get an additional part time job. I had accepted long ago that I would be in pain for the rest of my life and that all these tiny minimum wage paychecks I worked so hard through agony for would just go straight into managing my symptoms. I accepted that by age 45 I might be bedridden but at least I was doing my best now in my 20′s and I needed to accept whatever time my body had on this planet and do my best to be a source of light for others going through the same thing.

Starting the week of the December 18th, 2016, I have a lot of work days in a row and I’m slammed with auditions. It’s getting colder and colder, my pain is higher, I don’t have much time to rest. By Christmas Eve I’m in bed all the day with only short sporadic moments up to pee or try to soothe the depression with an activity. It’s so bad I can barely last 20 minutes at times before I have to stumble back to bed green in the face and weak.

This flare up continued until Wednesday, January 11th, 2017. 25 days of high pain and fatigue levels and going a few weeks only able to eat yogurt and a few crackers with one or two proper meals a week if I can. Lots of throwing up, usually two nights in a row, maybe a little break, and then back to it, just horrible persistent deep nausea. This is why I got down to 103lbs. Oops.

So, here’s where the timeline of atlas subluxation discovery and treatment starts:

12.18.16 ~ 1.11.17: Flare up from hell that wouldn’t end. It was suddenly back to the intense high levels I had back in 2014 when I didn’t know all these pain management techniques. Naturally, I was terrified and used every possible coping technique possible to get through it. Since it was so high I was just. Hoo. Each day was a rollercoaster. The pain gives me hella moodswings. Zip, zip, had to just keep it zipped as much as I could so I didn’t look like an asshole. If I had to work one shift I basically had to make sure I didn’t do ANYTHING beforehand to save those spoons and keep the pain from spiking, but I didn’t want to pass up auditions so I forced myself to a few. The pain got so bad I couldn’t even sit up in bed most nights. Missed a lot of work. Had to meditate like crazy to keep positive thoughts in the front of my brain but it was very difficult.

1.5.17: Barely clinging to positivity but trying my best, since I’m always in bed I work up the strength with a LOT of rest and pain management to play a little Pokemon. Meanwhile I’m trying to work on gross crunchy calcium in the back of my neck (yeah, it’s nasty) and this huge chunk comes off inside my neck, like just... a crunchy chip floating in there that I could move and scrape against my neck

UM. I YELLED and immediately posted about it and freaked out because by googling “hard crunchy back of neck floating” I discovered atlas subluxation. http://newvagabond.tumblr.com/post/155495266822/atlas-orthogonal-changed-my-life-migraines

1.6.17: Appointment with primary care physician to update her on my rapidly worsening condition and talk to her about atlas subluxation. She got flustered and was saying, “this isn’t something the healthcare system considers as treatment” and I was like WHY and at this point I was done being pushed around and I said many times, “Sorry, I just need you to hear everything that I’m saying” as I went over this whole page of notes I made for her about how this procedure could give me my life back. I lamb’d her into submission in order to get her to write several referrals to try to find someone. All she could do was refer me to the bone doctor and the neurologist.

GUYS IT’S LITERALLY LIKE, oh, your brain and body are breaking down because this one bone might be out of place? It’s that simple and obvious and we can find it in x-rays easily if we know what we’re looking for and there are already specialists who do this specific adjustment around the world?

Hmm... nahhh... nah... don’t even check there. Just treat this girl’s depression and pain with drugs FIRST, before we determine that it’s the organs themselves with the deficiency. We’ll just try that and see what happens, $50 please. I have been on 3 different depression/anxiety meds, zofran, xanax, ativan, tramadol, various colon steroids?? Just a ton of crap.

Even knowing I will need to pay an atlas doc out of pocket, I get so depressed that I can’t even bring myself to make a phone call for an appointment.

1.11.17: Crying and screaming level of pain, very weak, depression so intense all I could think while obviously very, very ill was “I’m the worst/I should die/I’m just a problem/I’m ruining my dad’s life/I’m an unreliable loser and all my coworkers and employers think I’m lazy and dumb/no one likes me because I’m too weird and always sick” etc etc. My dad almost took me to the hospital because the pain was just way too intense and making me lose my shit.

1.12.17, day of procedure: In the morning my dad called me and suggested we just do it, just call one of those specialists. I was in no state to make phone calls so he did it for me. He picked the closest one and called her. He said, “my daughter has fibromyalgia and she’s in bad shape” and the doctor said we could come in that day.

My post after the adjustment describing the experience with photos Even walking is different Other details about the visit Brain activity is high at bedtime but I can feel my body 1.13.17, day after procedure: Wake up sharp at 8am, do yoga. Got some pretty intense back and neck pains and fatigue but it’s different. I feel sore and aching like my body is letting go after holding onto something for a long time. I have an appetite. Talking about how this is the first doctor I’ve ever met who was just so confident in her ability to help me instead of shrugging and giving me drugs Reeling because everything is making so much sense and how our medical system is awful Prophetic dream? 1.14.17, day 2: Went to school, had fun because I could think properly. My dad took me to do errands after. I got really tired and had pain but it was still very different. We picked up some suggestions the doc gave me to help my body during the healing process. Thinking about how crazy it is that my body is going to be slowly adjusting and healing over the next year or so More thoughts as I feel my body change and think about what lead up to all this Hope and healing Already seeing a drastic change in sleep

1.15.17, day 3: Back to work at my retail job. Kind of difficult because I’m under strict orders from the doctor not to lift more than 5lbs as not to make my atlas go back out of whack. Lots of pain and fatigue by noon from having to use my body so much. But brain is still sharp, having fun with customers. On my break I start looking up atlas subluxation and how it affects a child’s brain development since I realize that this means that I grew up with a compressed brain stem. Unfamiliar feeling of peace and calm Sad thoughts remembering my childhood Suspicious of the medical system not recognizing this A thank you to friends and followers during this hugely important time

1.16.17, day 4: Day off. Pain levels got pretty high so I did my best to rest a lot. I was too tired to play more than a little video games. Noticing I look different in pictures Anon asks if the bump on my spine is gone More research, ebook with alarming symptoms that match mine Exposing a secret Text post talking about the pain and family members looking into this now/ Meant to be Stepping stones Having another look at my MRI More info 1.17.17, day 5: Very tired. Slept in until 9am, managed to do 5 pushups, yoga, and some light hula hooping. Had a good breakfast and got about an hour of editing done by 11:30 before I was just way too tired, so I napped until a little after 1 and had a small lunch. The pain wasn’t so bad, it was mostly fatigue. I ended up needing another 30 minute nap before I went to work. I felt kind of depressed but I’m not sure if it’s because of my worry about work. I worked today and I have to work tomorrow, I’m just worried 2 days in a row will be rough like it usually is. I still really wish I could just take time off completely and not force myself through these shifts. But I don’t want to lose my jobs. :( We’ll see. Epic upper body spasm while trying to make a snack 1.18.17, day 6: I slept really well despite waking up randomly at 3. I felt calm and warm without my heated blanket on for awhile, and fell back asleep easily. I ate a really good breakfast and lunch and work wasn’t too bad. I’m still very sore and aching, and having to move around so much definitely doesn’t help that. My mood was back up again, but I do feel a bit emotionally overwhelmed by all this information. I’m feeling anger and the urge to call my primary care doctor and ask her how she can even call herself a doctor. Wondering what differences my acupuncturist will notice Crooked glasses no crooked atlas yes Sharper brain at work Frustration and wondering how much worse I would’ve gotten Positivity is important but it doesn’t fix a spine by itself Happy to have answers but feeling a lot of sadness 1.19.17, day 7 and my follow up with the atlas orthogonal doctor: Follow up post here with “after” x-ray pics Thoughts on Snapchat Ashwagandha Lots of fatigue and also depressive mood swings keeping me in bed. 1.20.17, day 8: Fun day out with a friend, very much needed. She got me a gemstone for spinal alignment! Pain wasn’t too bad all day and by 5pm I was getting tired. VERY squirmy feelings.

Atlas noise is grossing me out Dear my body Reflection on my experience in the crystal store and how life has been the past 4 years being so sick Thinking about a classmate saying something kind of inappropriate 1.21.17, day 9: Bad depression and fatigue. Missed school and had a really rough time at work. 1.22.17, day 10: Mood improved a lot, felt okay at work and had a good massage. Super hungry. Sat at my desk for so long! But also so much wiggliness that I hate

1.23.17, day 11: I felt good so I vlogged a lot! I pushed it a little and had to rest a lot after though, oops.

Pain is high at bedtime, I need some kind of memory foam pillow 1.24.17, day 12: Acupuncture appointment went well, she was pretty amazed. Worked, pain came and went. Felt energetic. Even played OW when I got home. Depression is coming in smaller waves now but they’re still strong and can knock me over. Answering an ask about x-rays Another ask about fixing the atlas yourself Depression coping tips

1.25.17, day 13: A lot of depression first half of the day. It got better once I got to work. Pain got up there at night but I managed to get some OW in. Forgot to buy spicy patches but I have a new magnesium oil spray.

Brain reprogramming

1.26.17, day 14: Went to the market by myself and regretted it because I ended up in bad pain by 11am. Didn’t get much done the whole day, slept on and off like a toddler.

Thoughts on growing up Spoonie snaps: food and owies Night sweats pretty much gone 1.27.17, day 15: Another day of lots of pain and fatigue, but I managed to do a little bit and play some games. The impact of choosing not to suffer in silence Fatigue depression

2.6.17, day... omg idfk! I’ve been so wiped out I haven’t had the energy to sit at my desk and keep this updated.

Basically, things have still been a wild ride. I had a little over a week of high pain levels and fatigue but thankfully no vomiting, but looots of depression and badbrain. I’ve been doing my best to manage everything and stay on top of my self-care routine as usual. Each day is different and things are changing little by little.

Since so many of my updates/thoughts are in text posts I’ll just link them like I was already doing.

1.28.17 Chronic pain problem of trying to time medicating

1.29.17 I feel like I’m not allowed to rest One day I’ll be big and strong Recent snaps of pain management and finding comfort in cats and facemasks

1.30.17 PMS messing me up and such

1.31.17 Before and after x-rays and thoughts about my MRIs Got an adjustment at my regular chiro and it went great

2.1.17 Recent snaps of special spine pillow and such Missing gaming because too much pain ;(

2.2.17 Vlog teaser: working on medical marijuana vlogs! Advice for an anon Relating to a follower about overstimulation caused by a new pain

2.3.17 Spoonie actor visibility Snapchat story Heard back from the MyStrength people Intense flare with bad spine and rib pain and fever

2.4.17 Vlog about getting my handicap parking placard

2.5.17 Tonsil stones ; ; Morning depression Spoonies, Stay (about spoonie suicide) Intrusive thoughts, healing is painful, and on being a late bloomer

3.14.17

Time has gotten away from me. It’s hard to keep track of things. I’m having good days but more bad days. Lots of swelling in my upper neck now. Video here to show how big it gets http://newvagabond.tumblr.com/post/158336271242/this-is-what-i-mean-when-i-say-ow-my-upper-spine possibly because I didn’t rest and stuff, chiro had to do a lot

Depression was pretty bad too. And there’s been a huge weather change. It’s possibly that’s related to my flare up. Feeling hopeless.

Frustration at being told I’m lucky to be so skinny when I am skinny because of health problems Going to school in pain and realizing other people don’t have any idea what this is like Spine pain feels like spine is moving slowly, like braces on teeth Feeling pressured to work when my body is not well I wish I’d known it’s not normal Bad pain, acupuncture, experimenting with oils Threw up for the first time since January Being happy isn’t only for the neurotypical ER doctors hate us Malingering, teachers thinking I was faking Low spoons from having to keep up with people who have near infinite spoons

March got better towards the end with more frequent massage and me getting very serious about my Ayurveda self-care routine. Yoga deep stretch 2x a day, strict rest breaks, lots of ashwagandha, etc. Sleep became difficult again, both at night and during the day.

Neurological tics and SP Spine spoonie end of March Appreciate the time a spoonie gives you Emotional detox the past 4 years Low pain day despite stress and activity ?? didn’t have to medicate until 9pm Ashwagandha powder feeling changes Two days in a row of low pain and good brain function Survival is anything but typical More ashwa goodness Glass half full Suddenly back to being in bed most of the day Medical records showing just how incompetent my old docs were What does it mean to be strong? Spine swelling stealing my days I want a spinal implant Spoonies are always performing Losing friends when you get sick

Sesame oil and hot/cold pack life New vape cartridge for spine pain relief! Golden milk with ashwagandha every night!

Had a very busy week even with low pain days and got worn out after 6 days, high pain, but still great mood. I felt very positive and optimistic. Reality felt very strange with low pain. But I was back to my usual struggle the next week.

I still feel very much like the only way people will take my health seriously is if I push myself into collapsing. Also spine is so noisy when I do my yoga. I got my tax return and I’m so thankful because I was able to stock up on pain relief products! But I’m still kinda worried about the neurological symptoms I’m having.

I saw my new doctor and was really surprised.

4.12.17 3 month update and thoughts.

#atlas subluxation #chronic illness #invisible illnesses #disability #personal #teku #new's medical timeline

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lauramalchowblog · 5 years ago

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Redefining Values in American Health Care

By RICHARD HOEHN, MD

Experts claim we could have been better prepared when the COVID-19 pandemic struck in early 2020. With an annual budget of $400-700 million, the Strategic National Stockpile (SNS) is designed to respond to chemical, biological, and other disasters. Its $8 billion inventory included 13,000 ventilators and a limited supply of personal protective equipment, N95 masks, and medical supplies. This left state and local governments scrambling as the COVID-19 pandemic accelerated and the capacity of many hospitals was overwhelmed.

Faced with immediate and visible death and suffering, leaders took drastic steps to contain the virus, “flatten the curve,” and mitigate economic consequences. Trillions of dollars were allocated to recovery and stimulus packages.

This scenario mirrors our general approach to health care: chronic underfunding of public health followed by high costs and loss of life.

While not as shocking as a sudden pandemic, millions of Americans struggle daily with medical and socioeconomic challenges. Our health care system is designed to care for these patients when they have a problem, not to keep them well. This creates a dichotomy where a minority of the population spends most of the health care dollars and little is invested in the remaining majority

National spending on health care was $3.6 trillion in 2018, or $11,000 per person. Half of spending goes to 5% of people, at $53,000 each; the costliest 1% averaged $116,000. This leaves just $300 per person for the other half of Americans. Millions spend nothing.

How much should we spend? Historically, $50,000 per quality-adjusted life-year (QALY) has been the accepted threshold, but this number is higher today. We cannot assign a cost per patient, but understanding costs is important. This highlights the aspects of health care that we currently value – and others we should perhaps value more.

What we pay for

Surgical hospital stays cost $18,500 in 2014 (versus $7,900 for non-surgical admissions), totaling $187 billion. Many common surgeries are generally accepted as necessary, such as cesarean sections, cardiac procedures, cancer resections, and fracture repairs. However, controversies exist around procedures with more nuanced indications.

Back pain affects 80% of Americans and is associated with obesity, depression, and inactivity. Costs are estimated at $100 billion per year, mostly due to lost wages and productivity. The most common surgical treatment is spinal fusion surgery, which costs $12 billion per year, or $29,000 per person. For patients who meet specific criteria, surgery offers hope of improving their symptoms.

The Spine Patient Outcomes Research Trial (SPORT) compared surgery and other nonoperative treatments among highly-selected patients. Surgery cost $34,000-$69,000 per QALY, depending on the procedure, and led to long-term symptom improvement. Successful outcomes were less likely in patients with obesity, diabetes, and other comorbidities.

However, many fusion procedures may be unindicated. A spine multidisciplinary conference reported that 58% of patients offered spinal fusion may be better managed nonoperatively. In fact, when orthopedic surgeons at a 2009 conference were asked what they would choose for themselves, 61% said nonoperative treatment, 38% said no treatment, and only 1% was willing to undergo surgery.

Our fee-for-service system creates a conflict of interest. Spine surgery is five times more common in the United States than other developed countries, and directly related to the supply of spine surgeons. Over a 10 year period, while rates of back pain were unchanged, there was a twofold increase in opioid prescriptions and a fourfold increase in MRIs, epidural steroid injections, and lumbar spinal fusions. Providers are incentivized to deliver treatments aimed at diagnoses, beyond back pain.

Another example of high cost care is chronic kidney disease. Medical and lifestyle interventions can slow disease progression, but many patients eventually reach end stage renal disease (ESRD) and become dependent on hemodialysis. In 2018, Medicare spent $12.7 billion on outpatient dialysis services for nearly 400,000 ESRD patients, or $32,000 per patient.

The lifetime costs of hemodialysis are such that payors have determined kidney transplantation is relatively cost-effective. While long-term hemodialysis costs $72,000 per QALY gained, transplantation costs $40,000-$80,000. ESRD and other chronic medical conditions make up the majority of health care spending.

Another factor that drives health care costs is end-of-life spending. Nearly one-third of Medicare spending is on the last year of life, estimated at $40,000-$50,000 (compared to $7,000 for other years). This is often due to unexpected declines in health that require high-intensity care meant to be lifesaving. But not always. Many patients with terminal conditions receive similar interventions in their final months with less consideration of the expected benefit.

End-stage or end-of-life care is expensive, and the outcomes are often foregone. Earlier investments can have greater impact with lower cost.

What we should value more

It has been said that a person’s life expectancy is more accurately predicted by their zip code than their genetic code. Decades of research have shown that up to 80% of health outcomes are due to non-medical characteristics such as income, education, employment, and housing. These are the social determinants of health, and insurers are beginning to recognize their importance.

The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services is investigating new ways to buy health, rather than health care. The state’s Medicaid program will invest $650 million over five years in the Healthy Opportunities Pilot program, testing the use of health care dollars to pay for social interventions. Investments will focus on four important social domains: food, housing, transportation, and interpersonal violence/toxic stress.

In preparation, the Department spent a year developing a comprehensive fee schedule. Housing investments are the most expensive, such as $1,300 for moving support or $10,000 for safety/accessibility modifications. Most fees are considerably lower. Domestic violence intervention, monthly medical transportation, and weekly meal assistance all cost less than $200. This fee schedule is a valuable starting point for insurers interested in launching similar programs.

But there are barriers to investing in social determinants of health. North Carolina created their fee schedule to accommodate a special waiver from the federal government that allowed reimbursement for non-medical interventions. This infrastructure is unique and not available in most of the country. Without new policies, it never will be.

Some private organizations are taking similar steps to improve care and reduce costs for various high-risk populations. Commonwealth Care Alliance, a community-based health care organization in Massachusetts, has special programs for elderly and disabled patients. These programs increased utilization of outpatient services and reduced hospitalizations by half. Average monthly savings per patient were $1,600.

HealthCare Partners in California created its Comprehensive Care Centers to manage its high-risk patients. Physicians are salaried and may earn bonuses for meeting quality goals. Hospitalizations have decreased and the program has saved $2 million per year for every 1,000 members.

“You are what you do,” said Carl Jung, “not what you say you’ll do.” Similarly, what we pay for defines what we value. We spend thousands of dollars per patient on high-intensity, episodic health care, while failing to invest in programs that improve health. We spend more money and have worse health than most developed nations.

Payers and policy makers must create universal billing and reimbursement structures that support comprehensive care, social determinants of health, and other proactive programs. We must also reconsider how we incentivize costly and less beneficial interventions.

A growing segment of our population will face economic challenges due to the deepest recession since World War II. These Americans will fall behind. Their health will suffer, and their delayed care will be expensive.

By taking a pragmatic approach and re-aligning incentives it is possible to both improve health and save money. While the public debate is often consumed with the cacophony of “Medicare for All” and “Repeal and Replace,” our reality is somewhere in the middle. The conversation must shift to identifying values we share and applying evidence-based solutions. The COVID-19 pandemic is amplifying the flaws in our health care system; going forward, we should find ways to be better prepared.

Richard Hoehn is a surgical oncology fellow at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center.

Redefining Values in American Health Care published first on https://venabeahan.tumblr.com

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kristinsimmons · 5 years ago

Text

Redefining Values in American Health Care

By RICHARD HOEN, MD

This scenario mirrors our general approach to health care: chronic underfunding of public health followed by high costs and loss of life.

What we pay for

End-stage or end-of-life care is expensive, and the outcomes are often foregone. Earlier investments can have greater impact with lower cost.

What we should value more

Richard Hoehn is a surgical oncology fellow at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center.

Redefining Values in American Health Care published first on https://wittooth.tumblr.com/

0 notes

centralparkpawsblog · 5 years ago

Text

Petplan Pet Insurance Review

https://www.centralparkpaws.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/Toby-225x300.jpg

My friend Kathleen adopted a one-year-old puppy, Toby, that had been returned to the breeder.

Toby is a purebred poodle, and though they are predisposed to specific genetic diseases, they are usually considered a healthy sturdy breed.

Knowing my love of dogs, Kathleen reached out and asked my thoughts on pet insurance and whether or not it was worth the cost.

After reading my Eusoh pet health plan review, and knowing how expensive vet bills can be, Kathleen was considering signing Toby up and wanted my opinion on the subject.

After discussing the pros and cons of general insurance, Kathleen asked if I had written a Petplan review since it was one of the companies at the top of her list.

I told her I knew a little about Petplan, but if she would like, I could look into it and get back to her.

About Petplan

Petplan’s founders Chris and Natasha Ahston[1] moved to the US from Britain with their cat Bodie.

In 2001 they moved into their Pennsylvania apartment, looking forward to getting started on their MBA at the University.

Unfortunately, Bodie became very ill, and the vet bills piled up quickly, forcing the Ashtons to move to a more economical apartment to help pay their $5,000 vet bill[2].

During this challenging time, the Ashtons reflected on pet insurance availability in Britain and how it would have been financially helpful had they had insurance for Bodie here.

So, from their scary and expensive experience with their cat, the Ashtons gained inspiration and pursued their journey, opening up a pet insurance company.

And in September of 2003, the Ashtons started their new business under the name Fetch, Inc. However, by November, they were given exclusive rights to the Petplan name in the US and granted affiliation with Petplan UK.

Since opening Petplan has grown to over 200 employees and has received multiple awards, like:

2013 Ernst and Young Entrepreneur of the Year

Smart CEO Future 50

Stevie American Business Award for Petplan’s fetch! magazine[3]

In addition to winning awards, Petplan has been recognized by several media companies such as Financial Times, Bloomberg and Inc Magazine, and Forbes[4].

And they are listed as the preferred insurance provider with American Animal Hospital Association Preferred Provider, AARP, and North Shore Animal League America.

How Petplan Works

Petplan offers conventional pet insurance. Petplan offers protection for both cats and dogs, without any age restrictions.

Petplan makes working with them as easy as one-two-three:

Bring your pet into a licensed vet.

Submit your claim using your smartphone or online

Get reimbursed quickly and easily.

Petplan offers up to 80% coverage for accidents and illnesses, which is in line with most other insurance companies.

And, since they allow you to submit your claims using your smartphone, it makes sending in requests even easier.

I wish the pet insurance company I work with would offer this feature since it would make things even more convenient and help me send in my requests in a more timely fashion.

There are three insurance plans available:

Most Affordable

Maximum payout: $5,000

Annual deductible: $500

Reimbursement: 80%

Most Popular $118.39

Most Reimbursement $190.55

If she were a purebred Golden Retriever then prices would be higher by $28.80-$74.55

Calvin, 12 y/o, would cost $286.70 per month and Sophie, 15 y/o, would cost $805.78 per month for the following coverage (there was only one plan available for my seniors):

Maximum payout $15,000

Annual deductible $750

Reimbursement 70%

Based on the prices I got back, I would say that though they would insure my older dogs, it is cost-prohibitive to do so.

Social Proof

I searched the internet and found some user reviews that seemed fairly positive.

I like to take the time to see what other pet parents are saying about different products and services, so I sought out other Petplan reviews.

When I checked Petplan out on the Better Business Bureau, I was happy to see they scored an A+. Unfortunately, they only received 1 star based on customer reviews.

The two primary complaints were:

Increase in cost but decrease in coverage over the years

Misunderstanding the coverage policy

Though I understand their frustration, the first complaint seems to be the industry norm.

And for the second complaint, I feel it is the consumer’s responsibility to understand the plan they sign up for, but I also think companies should be upfront and clear regarding their guidelines.

Alternatives

If you are interested in how Petplan compares to other companies or are just curious about alternatives, below are three other pet insurance options.

Eusoh

Eusoh prides itself on being a community of pet parents that help to support one another to help cover vet bills together.

Since Eusoh is a cost-share plan, your monthly fees vary based upon what was covered the month before. The monthly fees range between $17-$65/month, though the average payment is about $35 per month.

Like Petplan, Eusoh only covers illnesses, accidents, and injuries but does not include any wellness or preventative care.

Eusoh only has the one community plan which has a maximum $250 deductible, and they cover 80% of the national average of the approved charges.

Which is another difference, in that Eusoh bases its coverage on a national average whereas Petplan is community-based.

If you are interested in Eusoh’s cost-share plan, click here to learn more.

Companion Protect

Companion Protect is similar to Petplan as it covers accidents, injuries, and illnesses.

However, Companion Protect also includes some pre-existing conditions; qualifying conditions are listed in the plan.

Another difference between Petplan and Companion Protect is that their pricing is non-breed-specific, but like Petplan, prices vary depending on your dog’s age.

Companion Protect covers conditions like prescription food (some restrictions apply), cancer treatments, hip dysplasia, and holistic therapy such as acupuncture and chiropractic care.

Other differences between Companion Protect and Petplan are:

Companion Protect works with a vet hospital network but will cover expenses at a lower percent from vet clinics not on their list.

Covers 90% of the cost instead of 70%-80%

Companion Protect is the ideal plan for those who have dogs with pre-existing conditions that qualify for coverage.

Additionally, if you are looking for a non-breed specific program with a higher coverage amount, click here to get a quote.

Pets Best

Pets Best is a conventional pet insurance company that offers a variety of coverage plans, including unlimited care options.

Just like Petplan, the monthly premium is impacted based on the plan’s deductible and other coverage options, such as reimbursement limits.

Unlike Petplan, they do have some insurance plans that cover wellness and preventative care. Also, Pets Best offers a very low-cost accident plan for $9 a month for any age dog of any breed.

The differences between Pets Best and Petplan:

Specific policies cover spay/neuter up to $150

They offer plans that include coverage for flea/tick/heartworm prevention.

Coverage reimbursement is sometimes a flat rate versus a percentage

Pets Best is the ideal pet insurance for those looking for more comprehensive coverage or those looking for low-cost accident coverage for a senior.

If you want more information on a full-coverage plan, click here for a free quote!

Should You Get Petplan?

If you have a senior dog with pre-existing medical issues, you may want to put the monthly premiums into a savings account instead of signing up for PetPlan insurance since the monthly senior premiums are high

If you recently adopted a puppy, signing up for PetPlan would be perfect

If you have a dog that is relatively healthy and is only a few years old, signing them up with Petplan before any health issues arise would be a great idea.

If you adopt a dog that has a higher chance of suffering from a hereditary condition, then Petplan is a sound investment choice.

Conclusion

After reviewing Petplan’s options and customer feedback, I told Kathleen I believed they were an excellent choice if she as seeking an accident, injury, and illness plan.

Some of the reasons I liked Petplan for Toby is that they cover hereditary conditions, none of which are showing in Toby at this time but are future possibilities.

Additionally, I said I liked the three-tier plan options they offer since it is more budget-friendly than companies who only provide the one choice.

Finally, because I know my friend is crazy busy, I told her that they offer a easy and fast way to submit claims using your smartphone.

If you are interested in taking a few seconds to get a free quote, click here.

Resources

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Petplan

https://www.gopetplan.com/about-us

https://stevieawards.com/aba/publication-awards-0

https://www.forbes.com/companies/petplan/

from https://www.centralparkpaws.net/pet-health/petplan-pet-insurance-review/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=petplan-pet-insurance-review

#dogs #cats #pets #reviews

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timclymer · 6 years ago

Text

Dealing With Headaches

Headache: Who in the world has not suffered from the glitches of heads? A header is defined simply as a pain, which could occur in any area inside the head. They are sometimes felt at both sides of the head, while sometimes the headache is restricted to a single zone of the head. It may happen that a wave of pain emerges from a single point in the head and get spread across the whole head.

Symptoms: Headaches can be felt in the following ways:

· A sharp, piercing pain.

· Dull, persistent and throbbing sensation.

· A gradual or sudden pain.

· Pain lasting from minutes to hours

Causes of Headaches: A header is not a pathology; rather it is a symptom manifesting the psychological or physiological pathologies. There could be a hundred f reasons behind a simple head ache but broadly heads are divided into two main categories. They are:

Tension -oriented headaches: Seventy percent of the population suffered from tension oriented headaches. This is common in both male and females; although adult’s especially older people are more prone to such type of headaches.

The muscles of head and neck contract intensely with a painful stimulus. The causes for such a muscle contraction includes

· Stress

· Fatigue

· Pre and post -menopausal hormonal changes

· Eye sight overload

· Nicotine addiction

· Alcohol addiction

· Over stimulation of sensory nerve like via loud noise, intense lightings

This type of headache results from any significant stress, however, constant fatigue will lead to chronic headaches persisting for longer durations.

Migraine: About twenty percent of the population is suffering from Migraine. The underlying cause of migraine is still unknown. Migraine can be defined as an unbearable pain at a side of the head with over all feeling of illness. Nausea, vomiting and intolerance of lights and sounds are the typical symptoms of migraines. The factors triggering the migraine associated headaches involve:

· Female hormonal imbalance

· Nicotine and alcohol usage

· Genetic factors

· Extensive muscle stretching or stress

· Insomnia

· Other lifestyle irregularities

· Use of oral contraceptives

Some foods also enhance the migraine pain intensely. Common dietary elements leading to migraine are:

1. Chocolate,

2. Dry fruits

3. Fermented condiments,

4. Tyramine containing compounds like aged cheese or smoked fish

5. Preservatives and artificial sweetener containing diets

The chemicals from the above food groups are either trigger the migraine pain or the cravings for such food are liable for this tender

Remedies to Treat Headaches:

Finger pressures: Exerting pressure on the pressure points like where the bones of your thumb or the index finger connects to help reduce portions of all categories. It’s amazing that the harder you put the pressure from the finger on your head, the more you feel comfortable and your pain is gone.

Towing hair: Slowly pick some hair over your nape and pull it then continue pulling more hair in your fist closer to the scalp. Use both the fists to pull a bunch of hair. Pull for three seconds and then release the pressure, continue the process until you reach the forehead. Then repeat the procedure at the back of the ear. This procedure will ease the pain for at least ten minutes.

The Temperature Gradients: You can treat the headaches by hot or cold techniques. If you are considering for a warm solution, take a hot bath or use hot water bottle to massage your head, you can use heating pads either, On the contrary if you need some cold remedies, put some ice packs on your head, you can use frozen vegetables as packs on skin to lower your headache and nourish your skin simultaneously.

Work-outs: Work outs as alternative healing has been found very effective in decreasing muscular or skeletal pains. Here also stretch work outs can help you to get rid of the head ache fast. The most functional types of stretches include

· Neck movements like chin forward, upward, and revolving toward each shoulder

· Shrigging the shoulders up, forward, up and back

· Press your palm on your forehead and hold for a while then press the palm on each side of the head this technique is known as neck isometrics

A twenty minutes, twice a day workout will be sufficient to get rid of heads and perform these exercise by alternative holding and releasing the stretch for five minutes each and a single stretch is repeated two to three times per session.

Foot Bath: It may sound ridiculous that foot bathing will relieve the head but it works; a hot water basin in which your feet are immersed for a suitable length of time will draw blood flow to the lower portion of your body, thus releasing the tension in your forehead blood vessels.

Aerobics: Oxygen is vital for life and this oxygen will help in reducing headaches. Deep breathing can help you get rid of the head ache; you can exhale or inhale with deep breaths few times a day. An authentic medical research has demonstrated evidences that regular aerobic exercises can reduce migraines and other form of headaches. These exercises include swimming, cycling or a simple few miles walk.

Meditation: When you are in deep thought or in a meditative state you are not feeling any pain. Your mind is totally focused at a point and you could not be distracted further. However, the significant relation of meditation on relieving pain is not established.

Reflexing: Rubbing your feet relaxes your body and relieves the pain. The pressure points, all over your sole will trigger the pain zones to reduce the stress. Children are treated more effectively through such technique. You can rub your feet yourself or can ask someone to give your feet a slightly pressured massage.

Dietary and Aromatic Home Remedies:

Peppermint tea: Peppermint tea is the most effective home remedy to eliminate headaches. A cup of peppermint tea relieves the migraine, effectively. Moreover, you can press the used peppermint tea bags, at the site of the pain to get an instantaneous relief from the cool and soothing aroma of the peppermint tea.

Lavender oil: Lavender oil is an essential oil. Few drops of lavender oil in a cup of boiling water will release the steam full of lavender aroma which soothes the headaches. Massage the oil on the forehead. This oil is not used orally.

Caffeine: Drinking caffeine lowers the swelling of blood vessels which helps to cure headaches. Withdrawal of caffeine is one of the causes of headache. Drink a cup of tea or coffee if you are feeling pain in your forehead.

Cinnamon and Sugar: A good home treatment for curing headache is cinnamon and sugar solution. Take some bits of cinnamon and ground it to a powder. take a cup of boiling water and add this cinnamon powder with two teaspoon sugar. boiling water will release the ingredients from cinnamon and sugar into the air. Sniff the fumes to lessen the sinus oriented and stress based headache, pour this cinnamon sugar solution into an air tight zip locked bag. Hold against the pain spot and press gently to remove the pain

Fish Oil: it is said that ingestion of omega 3 fatty acids will reduce inflammation, lowers the blood pressure and inhibits blood from clotting; this overall physiology will ever exert less stress on the head and treat headaches.

Apple and Apple Cider Vinegar: Both apple and apple cider vinegar balance the body pH. And that relieves the tense headaches, even aroma from green apple reduces the headaches. Add four table spoon apple cider vinegar in a cup of boiling water and smell the scent.

GINGER ROOT: Ginger root is a miraculous home treatment as it has potent therapeutic effects. ginger root acts by inhibiting the prostaglandin synthesis in the body thus reducing the pain upshot.

Take three to four quarter sized ginger root slices and add them in a cup of water. let it simmers for half an hour. Keep the cup closed to retain the flavor. Drink this amazing solution for prompt relief.

Conclusion: Headache is not a disease, it is may be a sign of some underlying pathology or simply a symptom of environmental or physiological stress. Generally headaches are treated via massages, workouts, reflexive treatment and other pressure techniques, but there are many edibles or aromatic stuffs to treat the headaches effectively. If you are suffering from severe headaches try simple therapies and home remedies to get rid of the pinching pain.

Source by Farah Hedayat

from Home Solutions Forev https://homesolutionsforev.com/dealing-with-headaches/ via Home Solutions on WordPress from Home Solutions FOREV https://homesolutionsforev.tumblr.com/post/185506791660 via Tim Clymer on Wordpress

#Home Solutions FOREV

0 notes

homesolutionsforev · 6 years ago

Text

Dealing With Headaches

Symptoms: Headaches can be felt in the following ways:

· A sharp, piercing pain.

· Dull, persistent and throbbing sensation.

· A gradual or sudden pain.

· Pain lasting from minutes to hours

Tension -oriented headaches: Seventy percent of the population suffered from tension oriented headaches. This is common in both male and females; although adult's especially older people are more prone to such type of headaches.

The muscles of head and neck contract intensely with a painful stimulus. The causes for such a muscle contraction includes

· Stress

· Fatigue

· Pre and post -menopausal hormonal changes

· Eye sight overload

· Nicotine addiction

· Alcohol addiction

· Over stimulation of sensory nerve like via loud noise, intense lightings

This type of headache results from any significant stress, however, constant fatigue will lead to chronic headaches persisting for longer durations.

· Female hormonal imbalance

· Nicotine and alcohol usage

· Genetic factors

· Extensive muscle stretching or stress

· Insomnia

· Other lifestyle irregularities

· Use of oral contraceptives

Some foods also enhance the migraine pain intensely. Common dietary elements leading to migraine are:

1. Chocolate,

2. Dry fruits

3. Fermented condiments,

4. Tyramine containing compounds like aged cheese or smoked fish

5. Preservatives and artificial sweetener containing diets

The chemicals from the above food groups are either trigger the migraine pain or the cravings for such food are liable for this tender

Remedies to Treat Headaches:

Finger pressures: Exerting pressure on the pressure points like where the bones of your thumb or the index finger connects to help reduce portions of all categories. It's amazing that the harder you put the pressure from the finger on your head, the more you feel comfortable and your pain is gone.

· Neck movements like chin forward, upward, and revolving toward each shoulder

· Shrigging the shoulders up, forward, up and back

· Press your palm on your forehead and hold for a while then press the palm on each side of the head this technique is known as neck isometrics

Dietary and Aromatic Home Remedies:

GINGER ROOT: Ginger root is a miraculous home treatment as it has potent therapeutic effects. ginger root acts by inhibiting the prostaglandin synthesis in the body thus reducing the pain upshot.

Source by Farah Hedayat

from Home Solutions Forev https://homesolutionsforev.com/dealing-with-headaches/ via Home Solutions on WordPress

#Home Solutions Forev

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chicagoneuropain · 24 days ago

Text

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amnexicon · 7 years ago

Text

Ghosts

Part I. The Dove’s Death Hymn

Part II. An epitaph for the Wisteria

Part III. Black Sand Wonderland

- - -

CHRONIC KIDNEY DISEASE—

Causes: Diabetes, high blood pressure, glomerulonephritis, polycystic kidney disease, genetically transmitted.

Diagnosis: Blood tests measuring glomerular filtration rate, urine tests measuring albumin, ultrasound, biopsy.

Treatment: Pills managing blood pressure, active lifestyle, dietary changes, hemodialysis, peritoneal dialysis, kidney transplant.

Symptoms: Swelling of the legs, feeling tired, vomiting, loss of appetite, confusion.

Status: Incurable, at 323 million affected and 1.2 million dead.

COMMON COLD, THE—

Causes: Virus, transmission via airborne droplets, direct contact with infected objects or persons.

Diagnosis: Self-diagnosis.

Treatment: Fever medication, nasal decongestant, rest, maintaining hydration.

Symptoms: Cough, sore throat, runny nose, fever.

Status: Incurable, with 2-4 and 6-8 cases per year for adults and children respectively.

FIBRODYSPLASIA OSSIFICANS PROGRESSIVA—

Causes: Autosomal dominant allele on chromosome 2q23-24, genetically transmitted.

Diagnosis: Elevated levels of alkaline phosphatase, bone-specific alkaline phosphatase, deformed big toes, missing joint, notable lump.

Treatment: N/A

Symptoms: Ossification of fibrous tissues either spontaneously or when damaged.

Status: Incurable, at 0.5 million affected.

GLIOBLASTOMA—

Causes: N/A

Diagnosis: CT scan, MRI scan, stereotactic biopsy, craniotomy with tumor resection and pathologic confirmation.

Treatment: Anticonvulsant treatment, corticosteroids, surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy.

Symptoms: Seizures, headaches, nausea, vomiting, memory loss, personality changes, localized neurological problems.

Status: Three new cases per 100,00 people per year.

INSOMNIA—

Causes: Psychoactive drugs, use and/or withdrawal of sedatives and pain-relievers, heart disease, pain, hormone shifts, fear, stress, anxiety, emotional tension, gastrointestinal issues, mental disorders, disturbances to the circadian rhythm, genetically transmitted, elevated nighttime levels of circulating cortisol and adrenocorticotropic hormones.

Diagnosis: Athens insomnia scale, sleep history and habits, overnight sleep study.

Treatment: Sleep hygiene, stimulus control, keeping a journal, regular sleep and wake cycle, music, medication, melatonin, antidepressants.

Symptoms: Trouble sleeping, sleepiness, low energy, irritability, depression.

Status: Between 10% and 30% of adults may have insomnia at any given time, while in 6% it may last for longer than a month.

TOXOPLASMOSIS—

Causes: Toxoplasma gondii, eating poorly cooked foods, exposure to cat feces, genetically transmitted (if contracted during pregnancy), blood transfusion.

Diagnosis: Blood tests, amniotic fluid tests.

Treatment: Medication.

Symptoms: N/A unless the patient has a weakened immune system or is immunosuppressed which can result in headaches, confusion, poor coordination, seizures, lung problems, encephalitis, necrotizing retinochoroiditis.

Status: About 50% of the population affected.

- - -

Part I. The Dove’s Death Hymn

Se Uita sat hunched in the corner of the dark room scribbling notes and throwing them to the ground when he was satisfied with his work, only to immediately replace the page with another. The mortician had fallen behind on his paperwork, and his assistant would sort through the mess on the floor in the morning. For now, his goal was to get down as much information onto paper as he could. Names, ranks, ages, and the district and time of birth and death if available. After hours of filling forms, he stood from his compact seat, stretched his legs and back, and headed out. The light shut off behind him, shrouding Se Uita in the dark of the night.

Initium Vitae Columbae opened early to ensure that preparations could be made before the mourning. Se arrived before the sun had risen, the metal door handle still cold. He worked his way across stacks of papers, ensuring none of them would be kicked up by the force of his heavy morning trudge as he made his way over to the pastel blue wall painted to give a calming presence to the families making their way through his door. There were no mournings to conduct today. A buzzing came from within his skull, and he put his index finger over his temple.

His gravelly voice, still tired with the early sun, sighed and answered.

“Se Uita, yes?”

The vision of a masked figure appeared in the left corner of his eye and spoke to him, the voice modulated so as to avoid identification.

“We’ve arranged a truck to transport a body over. Don’t need to know who it is. Cremate them. You’ll be paid fully in advance.”

“When should I expect it? When do you want the ashes? I’ve got a clear schedule today. If it stays that way, I can have the job done by nightfall.”

“Should be here now. We don’t. Do what you want with them, so long as there isn’t a body by the end.”

“That’s it? Who do I call when I’m do—” The other end cut out before the mortician had the time to finish his question.

Se Uita returned his hand to his temple and shut the blank display. As he turned around to face the front window, men dressed in white, Cleaners, lowered a dark bag from the back of a large truck on to the sidewalk in front of Initium Vitae Columbae. They were gone before Se had even reached the door. A team of runners, they weren’t usually so secretive with their requests. He’d get a truck like that every few months, but they’d always booked ahead of time. He always got a name, and he always knew where the money was coming from.

The sun had started to rise by the time he’d retrieved a bariatric stretcher from the back and managed to roll the bagged body on to it as cleanly as he could, given the unusual delivery method. With a solemn respect to the unknown person he was wheeling into his front door, he held his head low and kept quiet. While he didn’t know who, or what kind of person he was dealing with, after death they were all the same to him anyway. His procedure wasn’t going to change. They could still be watching him, and he was going to play by the rules.

He transferred the body from the stretcher onto a steel bed near the back of the building, hidden away from any potential customers. He kept his head clear in case any buzzing were to alert him of anybody entering, he found a pair of scissors, and proceeded to open the bag. He was disarmed by the smell. Nothing. The body, a woman, had been cleaned before she was placed in the bag. A plastic case was strung around her neck with a zip tie. He cut it loose. The payment.

\\\ \\\ ||| /// ///

The steel bed was surrounded by seven canopic jars that held the remains of a Blimp-Whale corpse the mortician had found once while on a trip to the edge of the Ocean. Most of the jars held small sections of rib. On his trip, Se had also managed to find fragments of teeth, the sand having shifted enough during the night to reveal them before the party returned to the city. He’d cut the ribs into pieces as the sun rose and fit as many into his coat and bags as he could before everyone else had awoken.

After cutting the bag away from the body, he turned to one of the jars and filled it with water. He let it sit, doing this with each jar. After they’d all been filled, he waited for ten minutes for the bones to absorb the water. In the meantime, he opened a hatch on the side of the metal slab and replaced the fire-paper that lay underneath the cover of the metal table.

Once the clock had run its course, he removed the small sections of rib from each of the jars and placed them at each of her extremities. One at the head, two at the hands, and two more at the feet. The last two bones he held for himself, and again he waited as the cleaned bones transferred the Blimp-Water into their new host. Se could feel both of his hands weakening but there was no one else here for the woman in her death, and so he was left dealing with her final rites alone. He could hear the shuffling of papers in the other room as his assistant began the cleanup.

Soon, a grey smoke began to rise from her body. It was funnelled through a vent and sent to the roof of the building where it could find its way back to the Ocean. Usually, the mortician would close any openings and ensure to catch as much of the Ghost as he could, but there was no one here to collect any of the essence on her behalf, and he had no need to pry into her memories, thoughts, or feelings.

“May your Ghost reach the Ocean,” Se muttered, “and provide harmony.”

When the smoke cleared, he returned the bones to their respective jars and began the final phase of operations. Hands still weak, Se shuffled through drawers until he found a lighter and bent down under the steel bed. He felt around the metal bottom of the table until his fingers felt a small hole where the fire-paper could be reached by the lighter’s flame, and ignited it. Instantly, the table began to glow red until it was completely engulfed in flame. He watched in silence as she burned.

When there was nothing left but ash on the metal sheet, Se Uita beckoned for his assistant who’d been rummaging through the stacks of paper in the room outside. He came in with a small black bag, while the mortician lifted the table at an angle, sending all of the ash into the bag. Searching through his drawers once again, he pulled out a tag, labelled it A. #3323 and used it to tie the bag. He then turned to his assistant.

“Is the schedule still clean?”

“It is, sir.”

“Then you’ll be joining me on a trip to the Breach this afternoon.”

\\\ \\\ ||| /// ///

Se Uita and his assistant, who held the black bag, departed once the schedule was confirmed clean. Initium Vitae Columbae was near enough the Breach that they could walk to the nearest Versenwatch in minutes. A Crimson Guard Watchman sat behind a thick wall of glass and stood up as the pair approached him. He saluted them and sat back down.

“Me and the boy need Breach permits.”

The Watchman looked over his desk to identify the names, occupations, and ages of the travelers before him that the computer had gathered from it’s scan and entered into the terminal in front of him. He asked them the same questions for confirmation.

“Names?”

“Se Uita. The boy is my—”

“He’ll tell me.” Interrupted the Watchman. “What is your name, and what are your relations to this man?” he questioned, focusing intensely on the assistant.

“I’m his assistant, Kohsahr An.” The reply was much more confident than the Watchman had anticipated.

“Uita, your occupation?”

“Mortician.”

“And what brings you both down to the Breach?”

Se grabbed the bag from Kohsahr’s hands and brought it up to the glass. “The Transisting. No one to see her off but us.”

“Alright,” the Crimson Guard pushed a button on the console in front of him, opening a small square in the glass. “Pass it through.”

Se pushed the bag through the hole. The Guard placed it into a black box for scanning. Once confirmed clear, he pushed the bag back through to Se, who in turn handed it back to his assistant.

“Can’t be too careful,” the Watchman told them. “Two Breach permits. That comes to one-hundred CC each.”

Se reached into his pocket and placed 200 CCs through a second slit that had opened up before him. The Guard reached through, took the Capitol Currency, and replaced it with two Breach passes. A gate ahead of the two travelers opened, and they walked through.

The inside of the Breach that was available to the public was filled with souvenir shops and flashing lights. Groups of tourists wandered around, hopping from one destination to another. On the far end, windows peered out the the vast Ocean, only briefly interrupted by the forest directly below. The Breach was the only thing that protected the citizens of Novissimus Flos from nomad raids and the storms outside. To be this close made Se anxious, but the Ocean fascinated him just as much as it did everyone else. They made their way to an elevator and hit the top floor.

The roof of the Breach was barren and smooth from all of the sandstorms that had passed overhead. The few tourists who dared venture this high shielded their eyes from the harsh sun and debris that flew through the sky toward them. Most quickly returned to the elevator and back down into the primary tourist areas. Se and Kohsahr walked toward the railing, the only thing preventing either of them from falling off of the massive structure and into the sand-covered forest below.

“Kohsahr,” the mortician used his name. “The Transisting, if you would.”

The request startled him. He’d never been given this permission before. “Right, yes.”

He reached into the bag and threw the ashes into the wind. Behind him, Se Uita had begun chanting.

“May your Ghost reach the Ocean and provide harmony. May the harmony brought forth satisfy the Whale, Irisidiom. May Irisidiom, provided for and satisfied, return a harmony of her own.”

||| ||| ||| ||| |||

Part II. An epitaph for the Wisteria

The apartment was built on an axis, allowing the building to follow the sun as it moved through sky. From the Flos mountains, it looked like a sunflower in constant motion against the still outline of a city. It generated power for those living within who’d come to call the building Follower, or Flower. Inside, mirrors directed light from one end of the building to the other. It was a constant bright that bombarded the halls. Only the drawing of shades would drive it out.

Lillian sat, her arms folded on the table and huddled under a blanket, as she looked at Walker preparing breakfast. He’d pulled two red pills from two orange containers labelled separately for the both of them and held them in his hands. Suppression Pills. In a drawer just under them, he grabbed a black box, opened the top and placed both pills inside, checking quickly out the window first. He closed the lid and waited. The air around the 31st floor of the building was cold.

Lillian Lewis eyed the box. “You know they make better Skips now, right, that don’t take as long?”

“I’m waiting for a pink model before I upgrade.”

She smiled, laughing at the answer that had caught her off guard. “Dumbass.”

Walker turned back towards her, lifting his shoulders. “It’d look so much better with the decor.”

“Then why don’t you make one yourself?” She said as she got up, moving toward him.

“Oh, they’ve long surpassed my original design. Plus, I can’t paint f—”

Both of their skulls vibrated, and the corner of their vision was met with a view from the outside of their door.

“Should only be a few more seconds the pills are done. I’ll let them in,” he said as he pushed his way past her and out of the cramped kitchen.

The woman’s face was beaming as the door opened. “Walker Lewis! What took you so long? You think they’d teach you about punctuality in all that Guard training. How’ve you been?”

“We’re just about ready to execute th—”

A ringing from the kitchen. Lillian pulled the top off of the black box and put the now blue pills into their cups.

“—the plan. We were just waiting on you both to get here.”

Lillian walked in and welcomed Anoice and Scott Dourque, passing a purple cup to Walker. “All out of pink, sorry.”

“Oh, how will I ever get by.” He said dramatically before taking a big sip and pulling the pill in.

Anoice stared. “You still bother with that old Skip?”

“There’s no pink model, so obviously we can’t upgrade yet.” Chimed Lillian.

She led the group through a closet into a hidden room away from any of the large windows that covered the full lengths of the wall to the outside. She pulled a key from her long coat and opened a door leading to a black room filled to the brim with maps and pieces of equipment. A Crimson Guard uniform sat in the back corner, still shining from the recent polish Walker had given it. The four sat on opposing couches, cleaning the equipment and making small talk.

\\\ \\\ ||| /// ///

The four converged individually upon the Central Novissimus Flos Suppression Office. It was broad daylight. A queue formed long within the building as people went in to confirm that they had been taking the pills and to ensure that their daily Suppression was working as intended. The outside of the building was lined with the Crimson Guard. Arms in hand, they stood on watch, unmoving, as people entered and exited the building. Only the guard at the entrance would move, inspecting everybody that entered.

Lillian, ID in her shirt pocket, pulled it out as she approached the guard. After a brief scan and a few questions, he waved her through. The inside of the building was sterile. The white walls had stripes of red pointing in various directions to lead the unfamiliar around. She made her way to the back of the line and waited for the commotion. Very few were unfamiliar with the layout. Most of the Offices were built as images of the first.

Walker had positioned himself, adorned in his Crimson Guard set, at the entrance of the Office and allowed Lillian in after putting up an act of inspection. He refused entrance to enough people so as not to draw suspicion to himself, wary of being watched by the other guards. The C-NF-SO was a squat, rectangular piece of concrete with massive windows and pillars looming out of the front. It was built on a tough foundation, and the outside was nearly indestructible.

Anoice and Scott were geared in a black suit of body armour meant for absorbing shock. It would be suitable enough for protection as long as the situation didn’t escalate any more than they expected. They stood around the block from the C-NF-SO and unpacked their large mud-green bags, pulling out arms large enough to get the attention of the Crimson Guard in order to draw them away from the building. Scott looked her in the eye.

“You ready?”

She replied as she placed the helmet over her head, her voice coming in through each of the four radios in a static haze.

“A3 and A4 in position, A1?”

Lillian looked to the ground, trying to avoid eye contact with the people in the building. “A1 ready, A2?”

Walker looked in the direction that the two were hiding.

“A2 set. Go.”

Scott and Anoice ran around the corner of the building and fired blindly at the guards, ensuring to miss Walker who instantly ran in their direction and called the other Guards over to his position, ordering capture rather than extreme use of force. The Crimson Guard had been wanting to question the Anti-Suppression Cell since they’d first caught wind of their activities. The group used this to their advantage. Civilians within the Office fell to the floor.

Lillian took the opportunity to run behind the counter, grab one of the receptionists, and force him to a door at the back of the building. She scanned his ID to the door, opening it. He dropped as she stepped through the door leading to the database and servers that contained all of the information on the people who lived in the central sector. She pulled open her jacket, taking out small, flat objects and placed them around the room. She attempted to run back out of the building, only for one of the civilians to grab hold of her ankle and pull her down with them.

Outside, Walker’s no kill order had been voided when they saw the explosion that Lillian had triggered when she fell. Anoice and Scott were shot on the spot, and the Guards returned to the Office to look for survivors and whoever had set off the explosion. The sounds of shouting surrounded the guards, but the man who’d grabbed Lillian stood up. He shouted, luring them towards her.

Walker was confronted with a helicopter that drew nearer to the ground ahead of him as he looked for signs of life in Anoice and Scott. He caught a glimpse of the Captain of the Crimson Guard, Eris Vermillion, as she and her entourage jumped out of the helicopter which then returned to the building to airlift the survivors to the nearest hospital.

\\\ \\\ ||| /// ///

One of the Crimson Guard broke from the squad and moved toward the survivor who had shouted to them, holding his hostage who squirmed in a fruitless attempt at escape. He picked her up over his shoulder and directed the survivor to the helicopter along with the rest of the people in the building, and called in to Captain Vermillion.

“Sir, I’ve captured one of the Anti-Suppression Cell’s members. What should I do with her?”

“We’ve got complications. Get rid of her, make it an accident.”

The Guard threw her off of his shoulder and she hit the ground, cracking emanating from various places throughout her body. He unholstered his pistol, quickly fired between the eyes, and called the Cleaners in to his position as he continued looking for survivors. When the group, dressed head to toe in white and looking out of a blank mask arrived at the scene, they already had Anoice and Scott laid out between them on a stretcher. One of the group picked Lillian up and placed her on the pile. The Cleaners then returned to their van.

Vermillion held the radio to Walker’s ear so he could hear his wife’s final screams.

“Walker Lewis,” she stated coldly.

She threw down a small cube, and a large gray box formed around the two of them until they were both completely enveloped within, alone in the darkness, until a small light descended from the ceiling.

The Captain found her way behind Walker, tying his gloved hands to the chair that had appeared under him, until she sat comfortably behind a table opposite him. “You will tell me what you know.”

“Goddamn nothing,” he said, “Just arrived at the wrong moment, is all.”

She slammed her fist into his shoulder, dislocating it.

“One of my former Guards just happened to suit up as a Suppression Office was attacked. You think I’m that stupid?”

“Should I have left the suit behind when I disappeared?” He said, laughing at her anger.

“Now’s not the time, Lewis. The casualties are over two-hundred at the last count. More are still coming in. What have you got against the Office?”

He spit in her direction. “A system of pills so regulated. Our immune systems are shot. We’ve been trying to wean off the pills for years, and we can still only dilute them so much without serious consequences. Doesn’t help when we’re tracked to ensure we take them.”

“We weren’t around before the Suppression System, Walker. You know the stories. Death for even the smallest things. We’re eliminating that threat. Without people like you, sickness would be gone completely. It would have nowhere left to go.”

“So until then we just risk complete extinction?”

“We’ve got all of these systems in place to fight that from happening, you know that. You were that. Soon, we won’t need to worry about anything. Killing innocents isn’t going to help.”

The Portable Cell-Block walls retracted, and Captain Ze Vermillion ordered one of the Guard to restrain Lewis, who caught a view of the destruction that surrounded them. The C-NF-SO had become a pile of rubble. Unidentifiable bodies lay strewn about the wreckage.

“You’re not going to face trial, Lewis. We can’t have the public knowing it was a Crimson Guard who caused this.”

She lifted her pistol.

||| ||| ||| ||| |||

Part III. Black Sand Wonderland

Twelve Hours Prior to the C-NF-SO Bombing

“C076, confirm presence.”

“C076, confirm.”

“C077, confirm presence.”

“C077, confirm.”

The figures dressed entirely in white stood in line and acknowledged their presence for the days work. The floor resembled fallen ash, but their steps made no marks. Ahead of the lined figures was one other, this one dressed in a similar uniform but marked by the distinct red features underlying various sections of the gettup. He stood, unmoving, and barked directives at the group.

“C078, confirm presence.”

“C078, confirm.”

“C081, confirm presence.”

“C081, confirm.”

He looked over the pad in his left hand, a section of names crossed out.

“Unfortunate accident. C082, confirm presence.”

“C082, confirm.”

“C083, confirm presence.”

“C083, confirm.”

The leader placed the pad on the podium beside him, which retracted into the ground.

“All confirmations acquired. Stand for orders.”

\\\ \\\ ||| /// ///

Thirteen Minutes After the C-NF-SO Bombing

The figures loaded the last body into the back of the white van and all seven stepped in to the vehicle after them. The leader, sitting at the wheel, received a message just as he began to pull the van away from the site.

“Captain Vermillion,” the static voice reported. “This drop is to be discreet. Three separate locations, no official statements.”

“Confirmed.”

He began driving and relayed the information to C082 in the seat next to him, who called three separate morticians.

“Se Uita, yes?” responded the voice of the first.

The old, bearded man was tired. It was still early.

“We’ve arranged a truck to transport a body over. Don’t need to know who it is. Cremate them. You’ll be paid fully in advance.”

One of the hooded figures in the back loaded three tags with the appropriate amount of Capitol Currency and placed them around the three necks.

“When should I expect it? When do you want the ashes? I’ve got a clear schedule today. If it stays that way, I can have the job done by nightfall.”

“Should be here now. We don’t. Do what you want with them, so long as there isn’t a body by the end.”

“That’s it? Who do I call when I’m do—”

He’d already moved on to a call with the next mortician before he had the time to hear Uita’s response.

#short story #fiction #scifi #science fiction

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mimiof4grands-blog · 8 years ago

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Survivors Teaching Students

I AM A FACE OF OVARIAN CANCER

My name is Carol Rodman and I’m a 69 year old retired nurse, mother of 2 and Mimi of 4. I’m also a survivor of Stage 2B breast cancer in 2003 and Stage 3C ovarian cancer in 2006 and 2010.

My cancer story began in 1977 when my sister was diagnosed with Stage 4 breast cancer. She died of ovarian cancer at 37 when her kids were 15, 11 and 6. JoAnn was a wild woman who, on the day I drove her to hospice, plowed through deep snow in her station wagon into town to buy gifts for her family.

Cancer appeared again 20 years later in 1997 when my 80 yo mother had a mastectomy for late stage breast cancer. So 9 years later when my gynecologist found a lump in my right breast I wasn’t too surprised given my family history.

My treatment was a lumpectomy, chemo and radiation. Genetic testing showed an “unknown variant” which meant there was a mutation but couldn’t be specifically identified. Options were having bilateral mastectomies and/or a hysterectomy but I was working full-time, had a new granddaughter and frankly it got put on the back burner. If I knew then what I know now .. but we can’t go backwards.

Only 2 years later my routine colonoscopy and gyn exam were due but were postponed because my mother was in failing health. She passed away and the exams were rescheduled.

The gyn exam was negative but just a few weeks later I had belly pain, felt full quickly, was exhausted and had increased waist size. However, I attributed it to stress eating over the holidays and when mom died. A friend told me that her mom was having belly pain and thought it might be colon or ovarian cancer. I did what every good nurse or nursing student or medical student did - I GOOGLED my symptoms. It sure sounded like ovarian cancer given my family history. When I told my husband John, Director of Pharmacy and scientist at a children’s research hospital in Memphis, he said “you don’t have ovarian cancer” but he didn’t sound very convincing. Later I found mounds of articles proving that he WAS thinking the same thing.

The colonoscopy was scheduled for later in the month but I called and INSISTED on an exam before the procedure. The gastroenterologist came in, felt my belly and left without saying a word. I waited for what seemed like an eternity so I went into the hall, clutching my paper gown and asked to see him. When he returned he said felt a large mass and scheduled a CT scan. Later he said that if the procedure had been done, the bowel could have been perforated.

The phone rang 3 days later and he said the scan showed widespread late stage ovarian cancer. We were stunned, started to cry when my 4 yo granddaughter said “Mimi, come color with me and you’ll feel better.” She remains a champion for me!

We took the CT scan to the clinic where I’d been treated for breast cancer for had lab work and a consult with a gyn-onc surgeon. When I heard her name, Dr. Linda Smiley, I knew I was in good hands. The plan was for chemo to shrink the tumor, followed by a hysterectomy and placement of a catheter to deliver chemo into my belly. By week’s end I’d had needle biopsy showing Stage 3C adenocarcinoma, a portacath inserted and got my first dose of chemo. Because John was a researcher he was able to personalize the dose which I had every 2 weeks rather than every 3 so we could “give it our best shot”. I’m now convinced that he saved my life.

After finishing pre-op chemo, a CT scan showed that the football sized mass had shrunk dramatically. In early April I had a total debulking hysterectomy, removal of the omentum, mesentery and several malignant lesions. During surgery my church group had 40 people that prayed continuously in the hospital chapel. Dr. Smiley was extremely optimistic because she saw very little evidence of disease. The next best news that day was the birth of Abigail Carol, granddaughter of my late sister and named after me! 3 days later when Dr. Smiley walked in I was completely dressed and she said “I guess you’re going home today.”

My recovery went well and 3 weeks later I had the first chemo into my belly and intravenously. It went well but I felt like the Michelin guy with 2 liters of fluid in my abdominal cavity. One night I told John that I wasn’t afraid to die. He said “we all die but living is the hard part.”

A few days later he was ready to go to work but said he didn’t feel well. He rested for a bit and said “see you later.” About an hour later a nursing supervisor where he worked called to say he’d been found in full cardiac arrest.

They took him to the medical center and I called the kids to say he’d been taken there. When I arrived I could tell by everyone’s faces that John had died. The hardest thing I’ve ever done was to call the kids while touching his chest that say that their Daddy had died.

Because chemo was time-sensitive and I was determined to “give it our best shot”, I had the second round 2 days later. By week’s end we’d had 2 memorial services, one where I gave the eulogy.

In there next 2 months between chemo I took 2 trips that John and I had been planned. I took my son on the sailing trip to the British Virgin Islands and my daughter on a trip to Barcelona for a conference where John was honored.

After completing 5 of 6 chemo with very few side effects “living the hard part” began. Because I’d lost my husband, my job and my will to live, I contemplated suicide and was hospitalized. With intense therapy, medication and support from my family, friends and faith community I not only survived but thrived!

Two years later I had a more specific genetic test. One night as I was sipping wine with friends, the phone rang and the genetic counselor called to say that I had the BRCA1 mutation. The next call was from the breast surgeon and I asked what was next. He strongly advise bilateral mastectomies. By the way, my brother and my sister’s kids all have the mutation but my kids don’t.

At my pre-exam the mammographer drew happy faces on my boobs. When the surgeon came in he said “I see Mary Ann has been here.” Gotta find laughs where you can!

The day before surgery we had a “Life is Good” party complete with pony rids for the kids, a friend videotaping and a BOOB cake! I left the hospital only 23 hours after surgery and because I was unsure of my prognosis I chose NOT to have reconstruction. Instead I went on a Breast Cancer Survivor cruise where I parasailed and zip-lined instead!

Only a year later a routine CT scan showed a tumor by the aorta. Because of the position of the lesion I was referred to a New York City hospital. Despite it being a metastatic lesion the surgeon was very optimistic and I hugged him for giving me HOPE. He offered surgery by laparoscope or incision and I chose incision so he could “check under the hood”. I heard later at a conference that he has the best hands for finding cancer.

Only 1 of the 9 lesions was malignant and I returned home for chemo. Once more we had a “Life is Good” party and I went skydiving! One of my surgeons said “We’re trying to keep you alive and you jump out of a perfectly good airplane.” My bucket list now includes tandem hang gliding at Torrey Pines!

Because ovarian cancer is a chronic diseases like diabetes, I was followed every 6 months with CA125s and CT scans. Now that I’m 6 years out from my recurrence I’m considered a long term survivor my testing is yearly.

One chemo drug caused hearing loss so I wear hearing aids. Another caused peripheral neuropathy but I soothe the pain with a Snickers Blizzard - eaten, worn. Plus I’ve lost my hair 3 times. Side effects are a nuisance but they mean that the chemo worked! I’m alive and hopeful that I’ll stay in remission of many years to enjoy the kids and their spouses, my grands and friends.

Two more things — please get family histories and be your own best advocate in everything, not just health concerns. If a doctor won’t listen to you, find one who will. One lady listened to her body and challenged a doctor to “prove to me that I DON”T have ovarian cancer” - guess what? She was right.. she DID have it.

My daughter’s family with 3 grands lives here in San Diego and my son’s family with 1 grand lives in VA. They all make this crazy journey worthwhile!

My hope for you is that we’ve put faces to this disease, that you’ll remember our stories and what you’ve learned today. If that happens, we’ve done our job and feel you’ll be even better healthcare providers.

Thank you.

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chicagoneuropain · 1 month ago

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chicagoneuropain · 2 months ago

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Finding Relief Where It Hurts Most: How Sacroiliac Joint Fusion Can Restore Your Quality of Life

If you've been living with persistent lower back or pelvic pain that radiates into your hips or thighs, the source of your discomfort might not be your spine—it could be your sacroiliac (SI) joint. At the Chicago Institute for Neuropathic Pain (CINP), led by Dr. Rock, we specialize in cutting-edge procedures like sacroiliac joint fusion to help patients regain mobility and find lasting relief.

What is the Sacroiliac Joint?

You have two sacroiliac joints, one on each side of your lower back, connecting the sacrum (the base of the spine) to the iliac bones of the pelvis. These joints support the weight of your upper body and absorb shock between the spine and legs. When these joints become inflamed or unstable due to injury, arthritis, pregnancy, or degeneration, it can lead to intense pain, a condition known as sacroiliac joint dysfunction.

When Is Sacroiliac Joint Fusion Recommended?

Patients who undergo sacroiliac joint fusion often try multiple forms of conservative sacroiliac joint pain treatment first—such as physical therapy, medications, joint injections, or bracing. But when these methods fail and pain continues to interfere with walking, sitting, or even sleeping, an SI joint fusion procedure may offer the best solution.

At CINP, we take a patient-first approach. Diagnosis includes a physical exam with movement-based “provocative tests,” imaging, and sometimes diagnostic injections to confirm the SI joint as the pain source.

The Minimally Invasive Advantage

Dr. Rock and the CINP team offer a minimally invasive spine surgery approach right here in Chicago. The procedure is performed through a small incision near the buttocks using advanced imaging for precision. Specialized implants are inserted to stabilize the joint and allow it to heal naturally, reducing movement and minimizing inflammation.

This technique avoids large incisions, minimizes muscle damage, and reduces recovery time significantly compared to traditional open surgery. Most patients return home the same day and resume light activity within a few weeks.

What Makes CINP Different?

Our expertise in pain management and minimally invasive spine surgery in Chicago allows us to offer treatment options that aren’t widely available elsewhere. Dr. Rock is not only a skilled surgeon but also a leading researcher who has participated in pivotal clinical trials demonstrating the effectiveness of sacroiliac joint fusion.

In fact, a CINP clinical study showed that patients who underwent SI joint fusion procedures had significantly greater improvements in both pain and function at six months compared to those who pursued nonsurgical treatments.

Benefits of SI Joint Fusion at CINP

Long-term pain relief

Improved mobility and daily function

Shorter recovery time

Minimal scarring and tissue disruption

Personalized recovery and physical therapy plans

Access to leading pain management specialists in Chicago

Recovery and What to Expect

After surgery, patients typically use a back brace and follow a customized recovery plan. Most can return to desk jobs or light activities within a few weeks. Full recovery may take 6–12 weeks, depending on individual health and lifestyle factors. Our team is there with you every step, from post-op care to long-term rehabilitation.

Don’t Live With Debilitating Back Pain

Sacroiliac joint dysfunction is often misdiagnosed, leading many to suffer unnecessarily. If your back, hip, or pelvic pain isn’t improving with conservative care, it may be time to consult a specialist.

At the Chicago Institute for Neuropathic Pain, we’re committed to finding the root of your pain and delivering results with compassion, innovation, and expertise.

Schedule a consultation with Dr. Rock today and explore how sacroiliac joint fusion could help you take back your life.

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chicagoneuropain · 7 months ago

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chicagoneuropain · 8 months ago

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#Neuropathic Pain Chicago #Injections & Blocks Specialist #Neuropathic Pain Treatments in Chicago #Radiofrequency Ablation Specialist #Kyphoplasty Specialist #kyphoplasty Surgeons Near Me #Spinal Cord Stimulation Specialist #Sacrix SI Joint Fusion Treatment #Vertiflex Superion Specialist #Aurora ZIP Procedure #ZIP Procedure for Chronic Back Pain #ZIP Spine Procedure #ZIP Procedure for Spinal Stenosis #Fibromyalgia Specialist Chicago #Spinal Compression Fracture Treatment Chicago #Spinal Cord Stimulation Therapy Chicago #Lumbar Spinal Stenosis Treatment Chicago #Vertiflex Superion Procedure #Motor Vehicle Injuries Treatments #Spinal Cord Pain Treatment Chicago #Lumbar Spinal Stenosis Surgery Chicago #Nerve Block Injections Specialists #Dorsal Ganglion Root Stimulation #Pain Specialist Chicago #DRG Stimulation Procedure #Chronic Pain Treatment in Chicago #DRG Stimulator Surgery #Pain Management Specialists Chicago #Dorsal Root Ganglion Stimulation Therapy #Sacroiliac Joint Fusion Treatment

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chicagoneuropain · 9 months ago

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Burning away the Chronic pain: Advantages of Radiofrequency Ablation

Have you ever felt trapped in a world of constant pain? An ache that lingers without warning.

For many, chronic pain is a debilitating condition that can significantly impact their quality of life. Traditional pain management methods may offer temporary relief, but they simply aren't enough. That's where Radiofrequency Ablation comes in.

What is Radiofrequency Ablation?

Radiofrequency ablation, or RFA, is a minimally invasive treatment in which nerve tissue is heated and destroyed using radiofrequency energy. The procedure is of special help for chronic pain emanating from a specific set of nerves in the back or neck area.

This involves the placement of a thin needle in the region of interest in RFA. The needle is attached to a radiofrequency generator, an equipment piece that feeds heat into targeted nerve tissue. Such heat causes the death of nerve tissue and hence impairs the transmission of pain impulses.

How does RFA work?

Identifying the source of pain: A specialized doctor, often referred to as a Radiofrequency Ablation Specialist, uses imaging techniques like X-rays or CT scans to pinpoint the specific nerve causing the pain.

Inserting a needle: A thin needle is inserted into the affected area, guided by the imaging equipment.

Delivering radiofrequency energy: Once the needle is in place, radiofrequency energy is delivered through it. This energy heats the nerve tissue, causing it to be destroyed.

Benefits of Radiofrequency Ablation

Minimally invasive: The procedure of RFA is a lot less invasive as compared to the usual surgeries—often with just a small skin incision.

Quick recovery: Most patients have minimal downtimes after RFA, resuming their day-to-day activities within a relatively short time.

Long-lasting pain relief: For most patients, RFA provides long pain relief and improves their overall quality of life.

Effective for a range of pain conditions: RFA can be applied for a wide variety of chronic pain conditions, such as the following:

Back pain

Neck pain

Facet joint pain

Osteoarthritis pain

Neuropathic pain

Safe and effective treatment modality: RFA is a well-established procedure with a very high success rate and negligible risks.

Who is the ideal candidate for RFA?

People suffering from chronic pain: You could be a good candidate for RFA if one has been suffering from chronic pain, and other treatments are not effective enough.

Patients for Whom Other Treatments Have Been Tried: The RFA procedure is considered for patients who have tried different medications, physical therapy, and other pain management techniques without substantial relief.

General good health: Although RFA is a generally safe procedure, there is a necessity for a person to be in the best general health condition before undergoing RFA.

Radiofrequency Ablation for Back Pain

The final and most common effect could be back pain, which may significantly impact every activity an individual carries out. When all other conservative modes of treatment have been tried, Radiofrequency Ablation for Back Pain is considered

Diagnosis of the origin of the pain in the back: A Radiofrequency Ablation Specialist shall carefully evaluate the symptoms and medical history for identifying the exact nerve causing your backache.

The RFA procedure targets the pain-carrying nerve itself: Inserting a needle in the region of the spine where the affected nerve responsible for pain signal generation lies. Radiofrequency energy stops the pain signals transmitted by the nerves.

Possible benefits of RFA in back pain: It does alleviate lower back pain considerably and thus enables them to go about their activities with a lot less discomfort. It may also help reduce reliance on pain medications.

RFA Procedure specifics for Chronic Pain

RFA for chronic pain is a treatment that can be centered towards the needs of a patient.

Preparation for the test: You will be requested to provide your history and current medications. You may be asked to fast for a certain period of time before the test.

The procedure itself: The RFA is usually performed in an outpatient setting or a clinic. It involves the use of any image guidance to thread a needle at the injured nerve, followed by radiofrequency energy delivery.

Post-procedure care: You might be kept under observation for a short while after the procedure before being sent home. You will also be given thorough instructions on post-procedure care, such as wound care and any further check-ups that may be required.

Pain Management Solutions in Chicago

Radiofrequency Ablation may prove particularly useful if one is searching for Chronic Pain Management Solutions in Chicago.

Experienced specialists: Chronic Pain Management Specialists in Radiofrequency Ablation in Chicago possess extensive experience in providing the best treatment plans to the patients through comprehensive consultations & ongoing support.

Advanced facilities: We are equipped with the latest technological infrastructure to perform such RFA procedures.

Pain management services: Our comprehensive services include pain management, but are not limited to RFA only, we also provide pharmacological treatment, physical therapy, & other interventional procedures for pain.

Conclusion

Chronic pain could drain your energy in day to day life, but RFA promises to be an answer. Minimally invasive, it gives durable pain relief sans heavy surgical burdens and addictive medicines. Consult a Radiofrequency Ablation Specialist today and find out more about this innovative therapy that could help you take back your life.

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