Orgasm and Sexual Response: A Users Guide. Part II

Part IITaking it on the road: Sex with a partnerSo, if you understand how sexual response works in general and for yourself, and have a good handle on what pleases you and makes you feel good, you've got a great start in bringing that to a partnership, if that is something you are interested in doin...
Part II

Taking it on the road: Sex with a partner

So, if you understand how sexual response works in general and for yourself, and have a good handle on what pleases you and makes you feel good, you've got a great start in bringing that to a partnership, if that is something you are interested in doing. It should go without saying that because sex is a multifaceted thing which is mainly based in ourselves, no one HAS to have a partner to be sexually satisfied, and some people don't want a partner, either for certain periods of time, or permanently. However, we may want one, or may have a partnership in which sex evolves as a natural part of expressing love and attraction for our partner.

Silly as it may sound, the best analogy I can make to having sex with a partner is that it is nearly identical to learning to dance with a partner. When we dance alone, we feel the rhythm on the music in our bodies, and move as feels natural. But if we add a partner, sometimes the way we move doesn't always mesh with how THEY move, and we can both end up with a lot of bruises and sore toes.

If we know how we %26quot;move%26quot; in our own sexuality, it's easier to work with someone else. The way that we can make our different styles, movements, desires and preferences work together is by communication and by simply paying attention and being respectful of one another. If we use masturbation when we feel nonspecific desire, and are with a partner because we want to be with that particular person and share our energy and care with them, we've got a great head start.

A good way to handle the start of any sexual relationship is to talk about it. Discuss your limits. Are there things you like and don't like? Are there things you are and are not comfortable doing? Get all of that stuff out in the open. It's hard to respect someone's boundaries if you don't know what they are. That doesn't mean you need to know them all walking in, however. Often, only once we are with someone do we get a sense of what is okay and what isn't, but if we've already developed a relationship where we can talk about sex freely, it's pretty easy to pull back the reins and say, %26quot;Whoa!%26quot; when we need to without anyone getting upset. Sometimes talking about sex with someone else can be a little awkward, but it's okay to be nervous or get the giggles.

Working out sex with a partner is surprisingly similar to working it out with yourself: the only real difference is that you need to talk out loud and you need to take someone else's feelings, desires and needs into consideration and make them work with your own.





Just like with masturbation, you need to make sure you both feel -- and really ARE -- safe and secure. If you're avoiding pregnancy, you need to be using a reliable birth control method that works for you both. You also need to be practicing safer sex to keep you both safe and healthy, you need to be consistently taking care of your sexual health with regular clinic or OB/GYN visits.

Being physically safe has a lot to do with feeling emotionally safe. Just as important is that you both feel emotionally safe together on others levels. Can you trust each other to respect limits and boundaries? To think of the both of you, not just yourselves? To listen and ask questions to find out what feels good and what doesn't? All of those things are important, and you should establish them all long before you get sexually involved.

Again, think of it just like learning to dance. Do what feels good to you both, where you can both enjoy yourselves. Talk about the steps that you like. If your partner doesn't know one of them, teach him or her how! You may find you learn things with a partner you didn't on your own, or that some things feel different than they do when you do them by yourself, and that's the beauty of sex with a partner. There's no shame in having something be new or unknown. We all have to learn, and learning can be enjoyable. In fact, if you've got it all going, every single time you have sex -- no matter what you do or do not do -- with yourself, or with someone else, should be a new and wonderful experience.

Q%26amp;A

What is multiple orgasm, and can only women experience it?

Multiple orgasm is when someone has more than one orgasm, and it isn't unique to women, though it is more common for women to have secondary orgasms closer to their first one. So, if you have an orgasm, and you then either take a little break and stimulate yourself again, or keep going with your stimulation and have another, you have experienced multiple orgasm.

How come I can't orgasm when my boyfriend and I are having intercourse? What is wrong with me?

Nothing is wrong with you at all. At least half of ALL women (and that is a very conservative estimate) do not usually (or sometimes ever) experience a sexual climax from penis-in-vagina intercourse alone. As was said before, intercourse is not sex, but can be part of sex. In order to enjoy sex and experience full arousal, plateau and climax, you need to stimulate more than just your vaginal canal. Perhaps you and your boyfriend aren't giving you enough other stimulation before or during intercourse. Perhaps you just aren't in the mood. Take stock of what you are and are not doing when you don't climax or enjoy intercourse, and compare it to the things that DO please you, then incorporate them into your sexual intercourse.

Why didn't my boyfriend orgasm from oral sex?

No single sexual act can guarantee intercourse for everyone, nor can something which brings us to orgasm on one day necessarily bring us to orgasm the next. Talk to your boyfriend: ask him how he's feeling, what he enjoys, and what feels good to him, and think beyond orgasm. Again, sex isn't about orgasm. Sometimes, when we try and practice sex with orgasm as a goal -- rather than pleasure -- we make orgasm harder to achieve rather than easier.

How can I make my partner orgasm?

You can't. But your partner can help you to do the things that bring him or her to orgasm by showing you or talking about what things they enjoy, how they like to be touched, and so forth. The best thing to do if you want to please your partner is to focus on their pleasure, not an impending orgasm. If everyone is feeling good, it's much less of a big deal whether they orgasm or not.

Do women ejaculate?

Yes and no. During arousal and orgasm, the vagina produces more vaginal fluid and lubrication. This is the most common kind of sexual fluid that women%26rsquo;s vaginas produce. This is not considered an actual ejaculation.

However, some women enjoy stimulation to the g-spot (a spongy spot inside the vagina a couple inches, towards the belly, not the back), and some women find that this can sometimes result in an orgasm which expels a thin, watery, whitish fluid from the urethra, the same place from which males ejaculate. That IS considered to be an ejaculation. Not all women have ejaculatory orgasms, even with g-spot stimulation. Not all women who are capable of having this kind of orgasm have it all the time. The amount of fluid that is ejaculated can vary greatly from person to person, as well, when these kinds of orgasms happen in women.

Is it bad for you to get sexually aroused and not orgasm? Is it bad for people to abstain form sex or be celibate their whole lives, or even for a little while?

No and no. Sometimes getting highly sexually aroused, especially if you have been stimulating your genitals can be uncomfortable, a little or a lot. This is because the blood that rushes to the genitals when you are aroused and sexually stimulated gets trapped as your blood vessels constrict (get smaller), and then it is difficult and time-consuming for the blood to drain back out, a process which orgasm accelerates. It%26rsquo;s extremely similar to the process that causes tension headaches. If this happens and you find it uncomfortable, you can either try and masturbate and have an orgasm, or, as we mentioned before, take a walk, a nap, or a few ibuprofen or aspirin tablets. In men, sometimes people call this sexual congestion %26quot;blue balls,%26quot; but it isn't harmful. For some men who find it highly uncomfortable, using an ice pack in addition can be a great relief. But it isn't bad for you, and can%26rsquo;t do any permanent damage.

The same goes for sex of any sort. Even if we don't masturbate (and most people do), we won't get sick or unhealthy, and our bodies don't store up sperm or sexual fluids. Our bodies constantly replace dead cells of all types, including blood, sperm, vaginal fluids, and most other kinds of cells we have to keep the level of functional cells constant. You don%26rsquo;t need to masturbate in order to get rid of %26ldquo;excess%26rdquo; semen or sperm any more than you need to bleed out %26ldquo;excess%26rdquo; blood, because there is no such thing.

What's bad for you is to have sex when you don't want to, or to try and force your body to orgasm when it just isn't in the right state. Needless to say, it is also exceptionally unhealthy to try and force or pressure a partner into sexual activities by saying we'll get sick or feel bad if they don't participate in them with us. Our bodies don't really know the difference between a hand and a vagina, a finger or two and a penis -- only our minds do. If we're feeling sexually pent up, we can and should relieve that on our own through masturbation when our partners don't want to participate.

Is sex better when both partners orgasm at the same time?

Not necessarily, and in fact, most sex therapists advise couples against aiming for simultaneous orgasm. Trying to have sex like synchronized swimming isn't such a great idea because it makes it harder for both people to focus on simply enjoying themselves, therefore making any orgasm at all more difficult, let alone doing it at the same time. When it happens on it's own, it's pretty neat, and is a very nice moment, but it's more likely to happen naturally than to be forced. More times than not, when people try and force it, one or both partners ends up faking an orgasm, which sets a bad sexual pattern, and isn't any fun for anyone.

What if I just CAN'T orgasm?

Then you just can't right now, and that's no big deal. Again, sex isn't about orgasm, it's about pleasure, and it's hard to experience pleasure when you're trying to get past the finish line with little care for running the race. You know how people say %26quot;It isn't if you win or lose, it's how you play the game?%26quot; Same holds true for sex: it's a process, not a product.

First, make sure that you're getting involved in sexual activities when your mind and body really want to. You can't skip all of the stages of sexual response to get to the end. If you aren't desiring sex, or aren't getting aroused -- for whatever reason -- you cannot orgasm. Maybe you aren't in the mood. Maybe you're tired, or maybe you've overstimulated your body. If you're having trouble with a partner, maybe you're not communicating what you need, or maybe there is some stress in the relationship that has you preoccupied.

Remember that sex isn't about getting points or prestige, or about being %26quot;mature%26quot; or impressing anyone. You can't do it %26quot;wrong%26quot; if you're respecting yourself and others, practicing it safely and sanely, and you and your partner (if you have one) are enjoying one another. No one is a %26quot;sex master,%26quot; and thank goodness, or else sex wouldn't be very exciting or enriching. Sex is a normal and natural part of life, and like the rest of our lives, is something that is always growing and changing alongside us as we grow and change. We get to know our sexual selves the same way we get to know all of the other aspects of ourselves, and that isn't something we can or should rush -- it's what we've got our whole life to do.

Read More...

Cheilectomy

CheilectomyWhat is cheilectomy?You have haliux rigidus and probably don’t know anything about the treatment. The only thing you know is that your doctor suggested you a cheilectomy. You are wondering what to do, and worry about the surgery. We can help you. Everything you should know about che...

Cheilectomy

What is cheilectomy?

You have haliux rigidus and probably don%26rsquo;t know anything about the treatment. The only thing you know is that your doctor suggested you a cheilectomy. You are wondering what to do, and worry about the surgery. We can help you. Everything you should know about cheilectomy, you will find here, but if you have any concerns about surgery talk with your surgeon! Your surgeon is familiar with your case, and he will know what is best for you!

First you should know that cheilectomy is a surgery to remove a bony lump on the top of the main joint of the big toe. This problem is almost always caused by arthritis of the great toe. Cheilectomy increases joint movement, and is successful in reducing symptoms in patients with less severe arthritis.

Reasons for Cheilectomy

First reason why Cheilectomy is done is because the bony lump is pressing painfully on your shoes. The reason for this surgery is a treatment for early arthritis of the big toe, when the joint is not yet badly affected. Most common indications for cheilectomy are hallux rigidus in grade I or grade II without sesamoid disease.

You probably tried different shoes, before you went to surgeon. If arthritis is the main problem, Cheilectomy would only be advised if other treatments which include anti-inflammatory drugs, modifications to your shoes and injections had not helped.

How is the surgery performed?

You shouldn%26rsquo;t eat, drink or smoke for 6 hours prior to surgery. Surgeon made cut over the lump on the big toe.





When the lump is removed then the joint flushed out. The joint must be checked to find out how bad your arthritis is. When this done the joint is stitched up and dressings are applied.

How long you will stay in hospital?

If you are healthy, have someone to help you after the operation, the operation can be done on a day case basis.

But, if you have some chronic disease such as diabetes, asthma or high blood pressure, you must stay in hospital a day before operation, and day after operation.

Another reason for having to stay overnight after a cheilectomy is for pain control, because operation involves cutting out a piece of bone. You will have pain immediately after surgery. Local anesthetic injections can help with pain. The most of people who have a cheilectomy are able to go home the same day.

Will you have general anesthetic?

Cheilectomy can be done under general anesthetic. But, also can be done while the patient remains awake. An injection in the back, leg or around the ankle can be done to make the foot numb. You should know that sometimes local anesthetic injections aren%26rsquo;t enough, and you may need general anesthetic. Anesthetist will suggest you the best anesthetic for you.

After Cheilectomy is done what happen?

After surgery is done you will have a firm bandage. After surgery the foot is always painful, but it is usually possible to control the pain with medication. Next morning after the operation you should remove the bandage and put an Elastoplast-type dressing over the wound. Surgeon will explain to you how to stretch your big toe up and down gently. This can be painful but it is very important to get your toe moving early, as the toe heals you should work harder and harder at it. Keep your foot elevated at the level your heart as much as possible first two week after your surgery.

Doctor will tell you when you will come back to the clinic, approximately 1-2 weeks after the surgery. He will check your wound and advice you how to exercise. You will have another check-up about 6-8 weeks after your operation and if everything is all right you need not come back.

If you have arthritis you will have some improve, pain relief within a month. If the operation was done for arthritis, you will probably notice an improvement in the arthritic pain within a month. With cheilectomy there is usually an increase in the movement in the joint of about 20 degrees.

It is important that you inform a doctor if you get an increase in pain after you go home, if the painkillers don%26rsquo;t help, this may indicate early infection. If you get swelling of the leg or foot which does not despair when the foot is elevated above heart level you should inform your doctor.

How soon can I walk, work?

After, surgery first two week, skin should heal. Surgeon will advise you to start exercise and start the joint moving. You should take this serious; you must exercise early and regularly. This will help you to have the best result from your surgery. You can walk right away after operation. Walking helps you to avoid stiffness. You must avoid swelling when you don%26rsquo;t actually walking. When you will get back to work that depend witch kind of job do you have. If you have sitting down job you can back a few days after surgery. But, if you have a heavy manual job you may be off work more than 3 months. Your doctor will tell you when you will able to drive. Usually this is 2-4 weeks after surgery. It is important to know if you cannot safely make an emergency stop your insurance will not cover you in the event of an accident. When you start to drive again don%26rsquo;t drive long distances.

When you can run, exercise?

Bed for the first two to three days with your foot elevated above the level of the heart, foot should be elevated on 3 to 4 pillows. Your doctor will give advice how to elevate your foot. You must supply with post %26ndash; operative shoe which you will wear for 6 weeks.

You can start exercising your foot and walking further each day, as the swelling in your foot goes down. You must be careful! When you are comfortable doing this you can start gentle running and stretching. Contact, twisting and impact sports can follow as comfort dictates. Everyone is different in how quickly they can take up exercise again: be guided by your own body's reactions and the advice of your surgeon. Most people can get back to most of their previous activities within 6 months of a cheilectomy.

What are possible complications of cheilectomy?

Cheilectomy produces good results in most cases, but complications do occur. You can reduce the risk of complications by preparing yourself and your foot before surgery. You can have some discharge from the wound, because you exercise. I f you worry ask your doctor about that. Damage to the small nerves and blood vessels, which are stretched, can cause numbness or tingling on top of the big toe. If you have arthritis in the joint, this may progress over the next few years and you may eventually need further treatment. The weight transfer to the second toe also can occur as the complication of the surgery. After this surgery patients can suffer with persisting stiffness, or the arthritis can progress. Every surgery care potential risk of infection. The complications of any surgery are complications such as thrombosis and anesthetic problems.

Most complication can be treated by medications, therapy and sometimes by further surgery. Cheilectomy surgery shouldn%26rsquo;t be done for cosmetic reasons only. Symptoms you have before surgery must be worth the risk of these complications. Surgery shouldn%26rsquo;t be done to avoid problems that are not yet present. You must talk with your doctor about the potential risk of the operation, if you have any worries you should ask the doctor who will explain it to you. Dependent upon the nature of the disease, the results varied with the most beneficial results in the early stages of hallux rigidus, which include symptoms, re-operation, and range of motion.

Read More...

How to help a depressed person?

How can friends help a depressive person?You’ve noticed that someone close to you has a problem with depression, showing signs such as persistent sadness, anxiousness, decreased energy, fatigue, loss of interest or pleasure in usual activities including work or sex, insomnia, early-morning wak...

How can friends help a depressive person?

You%26rsquo;ve noticed that someone close to you has a problem with depression, showing signs such as persistent sadness, anxiousness, decreased energy, fatigue, loss of interest or pleasure in usual activities including work or sex, insomnia, early-morning waking or oversleeping, weight gain or weight loss, feelings of hopelessness, feelings of guilt, worthlessness, helplessness, thoughts of death or suicide, suicide attempts, difficulty concentrating, remembering, making decisions, chronic aches, or persistent bodily symptoms that are not caused by physical disease.

If a person close to you has some, or even most of these symptoms, that person is likely suffering from depression. They needs help, but do you know how to help them adequately?

How to help a depressive person get the right treatment?

Depressive people need encouragement from family and friends to seek treatment to ease their pain. Often people don't know that they are depressive, so they cannot ask for or get the right help. Be there for your loved ones in depression. The most important thing you can do for a depressive person close to you is help him or her get an appropriate diagnosis and treatment for depression. Close relatives or friends who understand that depression is an illness can often convince the depressive person to seek treatment. It isn't always easy, but it can be done, and helping can make you both feel better.







After depression is diagnosed you should monitor whether the depressive person is taking medication. In some cases it may require making an appointment and accompanying the depressive person to the doctor. A family doctor may also be helpful. A psychotherapist can help that person learn more positive ways to think about themselves, change their behavior, cope with problems, or handle relationships.

Remind your loved one of the importance of continuing their treatment. There is a wide choice of medications available that can help relieve the symptoms of depression. It may be necessary for a depressive person to try several different medications before they find the most effective one. Since most antidepressants take several weeks to begin working, a depressive person may need encouragement to continue with the treatment. The combination of psychological therapy and medication is beneficial. Negative thinking fades as treatment begins to take effect.

If all efforts to get the depressive person to doctor fail, you will need to consider how well they are coping. Consultation with a psychiatrist may be useful in this situation.

Learn more about depression

Depression is a mood disorder characterized by sad feelings and a loss of interest in life which does not go away. Most people are sad sometimes, but when that sad feeling last more than a week or two, and has an influence on someone%26rsquo;s daily activities, these are tell-tale signs of depression. A depressive person feels tired, worthless, helpless, and hopeless.

Depression is maybe the most common psychological problem. This disorder is affecting nearly everyone through either personal experience or through via a family member. Learn everything you can about depression to better understand why your loved one behaves the way they do. Learn what depression feels like; get the facts about what depression really is. Educate yourself about their illness and its treatment.

Emotional support for a depressive person

Next thing to do is offer emotional support to the depressive person, which includes encouragement, understanding, patience, and affection. Tell the depressive person that he or she is loved. They deserve to feel better, and will feel better with appropriate care. Listen to the person, don%26rsquo;t interrupt them, and be patient. Give them a shoulder to cry on if that is what they need. A depressive person is probably speaking slower and less clearly. Never accuse them of faking illness or laziness. A depressive person isn't lazy, that is just one of the signs of their illness. Give them some little tasks they can easily accomplish to encourage them, but if you live with that person, you may need to help them out for quite a while, just as you would if that person had any other illness.

Give them hope in whatever form you can, whether faith in God, their love of their children, or anything else that makes them want to go on living.

What should you do if a depressive person talks about suicide?

Some people even tell others about their plans to kill themselves before they actually try to. If a person talks about suicide, take this very seriously. Report that to the depressive person's therapist. If the depressive person is openly suicidal, or is having hallucinations or delusions, you should arrange for hospitalization.

Take care of yourself

Depression can cause people to become withdrawn, rejecting, and irritable. Living with a depressive person is difficult, and feelings of depression can be contagious. It is all too easy to be overcome with feelings of helplessness and hopelessness if you are living with a depressive person. So, go out an do something for yourself. If your partner is in depression, and he has lost interest in sex, don%26rsquo;t think that you are at fault. It doesn't mean they don't love you. Loss of sex drive is a very common symptom of depression. Even if the depressive partner is getting treatment, the situation can be stressful. When people are depressive, they're not the only ones who suffer. It can destroy a relationship. Never confuse the person you love with the illness.

Sometimes you will feel upset and frustrated. You can join a support group to talk with someone about your feelings. Try to get other people involved in helping a depressive person, since doing it on your own can be very hard. Counseling may be useful if the depressive person refuses treatment. Take care of yourself, and remind yourself that it%26rsquo;s not your fault if a person close to you is depressive.

Activities for people suffering from depression

Invite the depressive person to go out to the movies or other activities. Maybe that person will refuse to go out, but you should be very careful when choosing whether or not to insist. You probably know what that person is like. Encourage her to take part of activities which they enjoy, such as sports, hobbies, or cultural activities, but don%26rsquo;t push them. Too many demands can increase the feeling of failure in them.

A depressive person deserves to feel better

Share the things you've learned about depression. A depressive person should know that it isn%26rsquo;t their fault, and that she isn%26rsquo;t weak or worthless. Don't give up too soon. The depressive person may have to hear more than once and from several people that he or she deserves to feel better and can, with proper treatment. With treatment and support of their family or friends most people do get better. You should believe that your loved one will, with time and right help, be healthy again.

Read More...

Cataract surgery

Cataract surgery First you notice that you have vision problems, everything looks blurred. Colours may not bright as they did before. Finally, you decided to see an ophthalmologist. Ophthalmologist diagnosed cataract, and probably suggested you a surgery. You don’t know anything about surgery,...

Cataract surgery

First you notice that you have vision problems, everything looks blurred. Colours may not bright as they did before. Finally, you decided to see an ophthalmologist. Ophthalmologist diagnosed cataract, and probably suggested you a surgery. You don%26rsquo;t know anything about surgery, or maybe you want to find out more. Read this article.

What is cataract surgery?

First you should know what cataract is. A cataract is a cloudiness of the eye's lens, which is between the front and back areas of the eye.Cataract surgery is an operation which successfully restores vision. You should know that cataract surgery is successful, 9 out of 10 people who have cataract surgery regain very good vision, somewhere between 20/20 and 20/40. During the surgery, an eye doctor removes the clouded lens from your eye and replaces the lens with an artificial lens. Cataract surgery will significant improve your vision. Cataract surgery is a simple, relatively painless procedure to regain vision. Every surgery involves some risk. You should choose surgeon with experience, which will reduce the risk of something going wrong.

When is time for cataract surgery?

You and your ophthalmologist must work together. If cataracts progress is rapidly (complications of diabetes), don%26rsquo;t wait for cataract surgery. But, if your vision is still quite good, you may not need cataract surgery immediately. You need to continue to visit your ophthalmologist regularly.





You should know that some cataracts never really reach the stage where they should be removed.

With cataract the best time for surgery is individual. Think about how cataract affect on your life. If cataracts don%26rsquo;t bother you a lot, you can wait some time for surgery. Think about surgery when your cataracts have progressed enough to seriously impair your vision. If cataract have significant effect on your daily activates, you should have cataract surgery soon as possible.

In some cases a cataract should be removed even if it doesn't cause major problems with vision but interfere with diabetic retinopathy or retinal detachment or some other eye problems. You may have cataract in both eyes. You will have two separate surgeries.

How is surgery performed?

In some cases a cataract may be removed without implanting an artificial lens. During the surgery in most of cases eye doctor removes the clouded lens from your eye and, replaces the lens with an artificial lens.

Before a cataract surgery, your ophthalmologist measures the size and shape of your eye to determine the proper power of the lens implant. This procedure is a painless, this is an ultrasound test.

Local or general anaesthesia

Cataract surgery takes less than an hour. Most patients are awake and need only local anaesthesia. In rare cases some people may need general anaesthesia.

Methods used to remove cataracts

Surgical methods used to remove cataracts include: phacoemulsification and extracapsular cataract extraction. During the phacoemulsification surgeon removes the cataract but leaves most of the lens capsule in place.

During phacoemulsification, your surgeon makes a small incision, about 3 mm, where the cornea meets the conjunctiva and inserts a probe. Probe transmits ultrasound waves, to break up the cataract and suction out the fragments. The lens capsule provides support for the lens implant.

If phacoemulsification can%26rsquo;t be done, another method is used. Your surgeon may do an extracapsular cataract extraction. The extracapsular cataract extraction requires a larger incision, about 10 mm. Surgeon opens the lens capsule, removes the nucleus in one piece and vacuums out the softer lens cortex, leaving the capsule in place.

When the cataract has been removed by one method, a clear artificial lens is implanted into the empty lens capsule. This implant is an intraocular lens, is made of plastic, acrylic or silicone. Intraocular lens becomes a permanent part of your eye. You will need reading glass after surgery.

Intraocular lens are being developed all the time to make the surgery less complicated and the lenses more helpful to patients. New intraocular lens lets patients see at all distances, not just one. Another new intraocular lens blocks both ultraviolet and blue light rays, which research indicates may damage the retina. There are different intraocular lenses, multifocal and blue-blocking lenses. Multifocal lenses offer well near and distance vision. Glare can be problem with multifocal lenses.

After cataract surgery

With phacoemulsification surgical incisions are very small. If all goes well, you'll heal fast and your vision will start to improve within a few days. If you had extracapsular cataract extraction which requires a larger incision full healing can take up to eight weeks.

You can go home on the same day of your surgery. You must know that you can%26rsquo;t drive, so make sure to arrange for a ride home. You should provide necessary help, because your doctor may limit some activities for a few days. You will see your doctor the next day, the following week and then after a month.

You will feel itching and mild discomfort for a couple of days after surgery. Don%26rsquo;t rub or press your eye. You may wear a protective shield the day of surgery. Ophthalmologist may prescribe medications to prevent infection and control eye pressure. After a few days, all discomfort should disappear. In most off cases complete healing occurs within eight weeks.

You should contact your doctor if you have following symptoms. They include: vision loss, increased eye redness, pain that persists despite the use of medications, light flashes or multiple floaters in front of your eye, nausea, vomiting or excessive coughing.

Ophthalmologist will let you know when your eyes have healed enough for you to get a final prescription for eyeglasses. Most people need to wear glasses after cataract surgery. Astigmatism is a common complication of the surgery but is less of a problem when the procedure involves a small incision.

If you have cataracts in both eyes, after first eye surgery you need a month or two before you can schedule surgery for the other eye.

Complications after cataract surgery

Complications after cataract surgery include: swelling, inflammation, infection, bleeding retinal detachment and glaucoma. Complications after surgery are rare and can be treated. In some cases cataract surgery doesn%26rsquo;t improve vision because of underlying eye damage (glaucoma or macular degeneration). If other eye problems are present, they must be evaluated and treated, before you decide to have cataract surgery.

The second cataract occurs when the back of the lens capsule becomes cloudy and impairs vision. This condition is called posterior capsule opacification. Posterior capsule opacification can develop months or years after cataract surgery.

Treatment involves a technique called YAG laser capsulotomy. This procedure is a short, painless outpatient procedure that usually takes less than five minutes. After procedure patient stay in the doctor's office for about an hour to make sure your eye pressure doesn't increase. In some people, YAG laser surgery can raise eye pressure.

Read More...

Flat Feet in Children

Many parents are worried that their child might have flat feet. This condition occurs when the foot doesn't have a normal arch. Feet that have a low arch or no arch at all are called flat feet, or fallen arches. Don’t worry if your baby’s foot looks flat, because all babies' feet are fla...
Many parents are worried that their child might have flat feet. This condition occurs when the foot doesn't have a normal arch. Feet that have a low arch or no arch at all are called flat feet, or fallen arches. Don%26rsquo;t worry if your baby%26rsquo;s foot looks flat, because all babies' feet are flat. Arches form by the time child is 2 or 3 years old. Flat feet at this age rarely require any treatment. A person who has a low arch or no arch at all is said to have flat feet. Flat feet in children occur with high frequency, and treatment is somewhat controversial. Some pediatricians and orthopedic surgeons will tell you that flat feet are normal and that the child will grow out of flat feet.

Causes

In many people, flat-footedness is just the shape the foot is. It may be a hereditary condition. Flat feet are caused by loose joint connections between the foot bones. When this happens, the arch falls when your child stands up. You should know that the foot is made up of 26 bones held together by 33 joints, and more than 100 muscles, tendons, and ligaments. Lax ligaments can also cause flat feet.

Symptoms

Some children with flat feet feel an ache in the arch, around the ankle or down the outer side of the foot. A small percentage of children has feet so flat that they have symptoms either of pain, or a dislike for physical activities like running.

Children with very over-pronated feet tend to wear shoes out very quickly.





Your child may feel foot or ankle pain. If your child is older, flat feet can cause pain in the heel or arch when the child is walking and running. If your child complains of such pain you should them to a doctor. Doctor will look at your child's feet to make sure that the pain isn't caused by a problem in the hip or the knee. The doctor will tell you what the problem is just by looking at your child's feet. Only when the foot is very flat some sort of treatment is required.

How to know if your child has flat feet

Children%26rsquo;s feet come in a variety of shapes, from high arch to extremely flat. When your child gets out of a swimming pool, look at the footprint left on the concrete. If the foot is flat, then the strip is the same width as the front of the foot, creating a footprint that looks like a stretched out pancake.
Take the child%26rsquo;s shoes, and put them on a flat table and view them at eye level from behind. Flat feet will cause more wear on the inside of the sole, especially in the heel area. Both shoes should wear out about the same way.

If you think that your child has flat feet, take them to a doctor. The doctor will perform an examination, observing the feet from the front and the back, and ask the child to stand on toes so he or she can view the mechanics of the feet. When a child between ages 6 and 10 has flat feet, and a flexible flat foot is confirmed, immediate intervention is necessary to encourage normal development of the longitudinal arch, and to prevent spinal postural deformities
To view the interior structure and bones of a child%26rsquo;s feet, the doctor may request imaging which may include an X-ray, a computerized tomography scan or a magnetic resonance imaging scan.

Treatment

Most flat feet cause no trouble and do not need treatment. An arch support can help a mild flat foot. An in-shoe orthotic can benefit any child with flat feet. This device never causes harm. Worn from an early enough age, they might actually help the adult position of the foot. All podiatrists and orthopedists can provide you with custom orthotics. If the child is 10 or older, the flexible flat feet can be considered permanent. Long-term use of orthotics will be required to prevent future problems in the feet and spine. This is especially important when one foot is flatter than the other. Asymmetrical forces imposed during locomotor%26rsquo;s activities can eventually result in significant trauma to the foot. Flat feet can cause problems when a child is overweight or athletically active.

If treatment is needed, it includes:

* Arch supports, called foot orthotics. There are three types - rigid, semi-rigid and soft. The type that's right for your child depends on what kind of support the doctor is trying to provide. If your child has foot pain, the doctor may recommend a shoe insert. The arch support does not change the shape of the foot.
* Orthopedic shoes, which are only useful to keep the shoe on your child's foot.
* Surgery

Surgery

Very rarely, surgery is performed to remedy flat feet. Children who have an abnormal foot because it has not developed properly may need an operation to straighten the foot. There are two types of surgical procedures. If symptoms cannot be controlled with shoe changes and orthotic arch supports, then surgical procedure is the solution. In the first surgical procedure, a surgeon inserts a small cylindrical plug into the heel bone joint. The procedure to insert the plug takes approximately 20 minutes. The child is able to walk on the foot after a few days using either a short leg walking cast or a removable walking boot. If the foot gets more deformed, first surgery may not be sufficient to correct the flat foot deformity. The second operation is performed to change the shape of the foot with bone cuts, combined with the use of a bone graft. Both procedures are a very successful in the correction of a child's flat foot.

Complications

Flat feet are not related with any complications except pain. Some causes of flat feet can be successfully treated without surgery if caught early. Surgery is the last option to relieve pain.

Surgery sometimes does not result in satisfactory results for all patients, sometimes resulting in persistent pain. Other possible surgical complications include infection and failure of fused bones to heal.

Self-care

Depending on the severity of symptoms, your doctor may advise you to limit your child%26rsquo;s weight-bearing activities while wearing orthopedic shoes or arch supports, and wait for the swelling and pain to subside. You should strengthen the child's lower leg muscles with home exercises. Talk about this with your child podiatrist. Insist the child wears supportive shoes with a stable heel and a strong counter.

Proper shoes are important for the developing foot. A child is going barefoot stimulates proprioceptors and encourages muscular coordination and strength. Shoes should have flexible soles to allow for proper foot joint movement. Constricting shoes stop normal growth and may result in deformity. Frequent evaluation of size and fit is an important concept for parents to understand and accept.

When symptoms have subsided, your child can return to normal activities, including exercise. Cycling and swimming are the best for your child, especially when the child first resumes activity. The doctor may suggest a continued use of orthotics.

Parents need reassurance and appropriate recommendations when their child has flat feet. Most of their child%26rsquo;s flat feet conditions will be resolved during normal growth and development.

Read More...

Helicobacter: The Bacteria that Cause Ulcers

What is Helicobacter pylori?Maybe you already have Helicobacter pylori or peptic ulcer. Early diagnose and treatment Helicobacter pylori can save you of a lot of trouble. If you have a peptic ulcer and have not been tested for H. pylori infection you should have test soon as possible.Helicobacter py...

What is Helicobacter pylori?

Maybe you already have Helicobacter pylori or peptic ulcer. Early diagnose and treatment Helicobacter pylori can save you of a lot of trouble. If you have a peptic ulcer and have not been tested for H. pylori infection you should have test soon as possible.

Helicobacter pylorus is a bacterium that lives in the stomach and duodenum. Helicobacter pylori was discovered in 1982, studies have shown that using antibiotics to destroy H. pylori cures peptic ulcers. Helicobacter pylori infections are usually silent. If left untreated the bacteria can lead to serious digestive illnesses, including peptic ulcer disease, gastritis and even stomach cancer later in life. Diseases associated with Helicobacter pylori are duodenal ulcers, non-ulcer dyspepsia, stomach ulcers and stomach cancer.

Helicobacter pylori damage the protective mucous of the stomach and duodenum, which allows acid to get through to the sensitive lining beneath. Helicobacter pylori and acid irritate the lining and cause a sore, or ulcer.

Signs and Symptoms

Helicobacter pylori infections are usually silent and produce no symptoms. Most of people who have infection don%26rsquo;t have any symptoms. When the symptoms are present, those are symptoms of gastritis or peptic ulcer disease. Symptoms of gastritis may include nausea, vomiting, and frequent complaints about pain in the abdomen. Helicobacter pylori can also cause peptic ulcers. The most common symptom of peptic ulcer disease is a burning pain in the abdomen, usually in the area below the ribs.





This pain occurs when someone with ulcers has an empty stomach and despairs when he or she eats food, drinks milk, or takes antacid medicine.

Peptic ulcer disease can cause bloody vomit or vomit that looks like coffee grounds or stool that's black, bloody, or looks like tar. If you have any of these symptoms (sharp, sudden, persistent stomach pain, bloody or black stools, bloody vomit or vomit that looks like coffee grounds) you should call your doctor. Any of these symptoms can be sign of perforation, bleeding and obstruction. Take these symptoms very serious and call your doctor.

Is Helicobacter pylori infection contagious?

Some scientists suspect that H. pylori infection may be contagious. H. pylori infection seems to run in families and is more common where people live in unsanitary conditions. But, transmission of the H. pylori infection isn't clearly understood. Some scientists believe that H. pylori is can be transmitted orally. Some researches believe that people can be contracted with H. pylori through food or water.

How is Helicobacter pylori diagnosed?

Diagnostic tests include breath tests, blood tests, stool tests or endoscopy.

Breath tests are usually performed in the morning. You will swallow a capsule, than you provide the breath sample usually by blowing up a small balloon. Samples of breath are then taken between 10 and 20 minutes after the capsule is given. It is very important that prior to any testing, except the blood test, for H. pylori, you have not taken any antibiotics for a month. Doctor will explain you that before test. The test is quick and simple to perform.
Blood tests check your blood. If antibodies which stick to H. pylori are present, it means either you have H. pylori or have had it in the recent past.
Maybe your gastroenterologist will suggest you endoscopy. To check if you have H. pylori a biopsy can be taken during endoscopy.
The complete endoscopy examination takes 15 minutes. After the test you may not drive a car for the remainder of the day because you may be drowsy. It is also illegal to drive after taking sedative drugs.

Stool tests may be used to detect H. pylori infection. Stool tests called the Helicobacter pylori stool antigen test, is accurate for diagnosing H. pylori.

Helicobacter pylori and duodenal ulcers

Duodenal ulcers occur in the first part of the intestine. H. pylori infection is cause of most duodenal ulcers. Duodenal ulcer can be cured by killing Helicobacter pylori. Peptic ulcers are ulcers in the stomach or duodenum. Most common symptoms include: abdominal discomfort which occurs 2 to 3 hours after a meal, weight loss, poor appetite, bloating, nausea and vomiting.

Helicobacter pylori and stomach ulcers

Stomach ulcers have two causes. The most common cause is also H. pylori infection of the stomach. Stomach ulcers are more complicated than duodenal ulcers, but the effectiveness of antibiotic treatment for stomach ulcers is similar to treatment duodenal ulcers.

Treatment

Treatment of Helicobacter pylori is usually simple. Some people need repeated endoscopies, biopsies, and several courses of treatment with antibiotic drugs. Treatment usually includes a combination of antibiotics, acid lowering drugs, and stomach protectors.

To decide which the best treatment for H. pylori is, it may be necessary to do an endoscopy and take a biopsy. Treatments for H. pylori infection are antibiotics. If you have H. pylori doctor will prescribe you combination of antibiotics. The antibiotics which are usually recommended are amoxycillin, clarithromycin, tetracycline and metronidazole. Doctor may suggest that you take different antibiotics or higher doses to treat H. pylori infection. You should tell your doctor if you have allergy on antibiotics. Combinations of antibiotics with the acid lowering drugs eradicate H.pylori. The most effective is two week triple therapy which reduces ulcer symptoms, kills the H. pylori, and prevents ulcer recurrence. The antibiotics used in triple therapy may cause mild side effects such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, dark stools and other. Some patients may find triple therapy complicated because it involves taking more than 15 pills per day. If you have symptoms of bleeding from the stomach or small intestine, these symptoms will be treated in a hospital.

Because H. pylori infection can be cured with antibiotics, the most important home treatment is to take any prescribed antibiotic medicine on schedule for as long as your child's doctor has directed. Your doctor may also give antacids or acid-suppressing drugs to neutralize or block production of stomach acids.

Eating five or six smaller meals each day may be best. You should take some time to rest after each meal.

Don%26rsquo;t use aspirin, aspirin-containing medicines, ibuprofen, or anti-inflammatory drugs because these may irritate the stomach or cause stomach bleeding.
If therapy fails, your doctor should try another combination of antibiotics.

With prolonged antibiotic therapy, H. pylori gastritis and peptic ulcer disease can often be cured.

After treatment of H. pylori, it is necessary to repeat one of these tests to see H. pylori has been killed. The breath tests or endoscopy with biopsy can be used to prove that the bacterium has been cured.

Can Helicobacter pylori infection be prevented?

Prevention is difficult, because the transmission of the H. pylori infection isn't clearly understood. Some researchers are trying to develop a vaccine to prevent infection. There are some general advices. It is important to wash your hands. Always wash your hands after using the bathroom and before eating. You should drink water from a safe source. Food must be properly prepared.

Read More...