Symptoms Of A Hernia

The signs and symptoms of a hernia can be as simple as detecting a painless lump or as severe as discovering a sensitive, painful and inflamed protrusion of tissue that cannot be pushed back into the abdomen (an incarcerated strangulated hernia).

Reducible Hernia

• It might hurt, but it is not painful to the touch.
• It could show up in the groin or another area in the abdomen.
• Occasionally, pain comes before finding the lump
• The lump gets bigger when standing or when there is abdominal pressure, such as that associated with coughing.
• It can be reduced (pushed back inside the abdomen) except when it is extremely large.

Irreducible hernia

• An irreducible hernia is also called an incarcerated hernia.
• It can be an aching enlargement of a formerly reducible hernia that is unable to be returned into the abdomen by itself or by pushing it.
• Some might be persistent, but painless
• Symptoms of bowel obstruction might present themselves, such as vomiting and nausea.
• It might result in strangulation, in which the bloods supply is cut off to the tissue in the hernia.

Strangulated Hernia

• The individual might seem ill and a fever may or may not be present.
• There is pain, then soreness and occasionally there are symptoms of bowel obstruction (vomiting and nausea).
• This is an irreducible hernia where the entrapped intestine has its supply of blood cut off.
• This constitutes a medical emergency requiring surgery.

Symptoms Of A Hernia

The signs and symptoms of a hernia can be as simple as detecting a painless lump or as severe as discovering a sensitive, painful and inflamed protrusion of tissue that cannot be pushed back into the abdomen (an incarcerated strangulated hernia).

Reducible Hernia

• It might hurt, but it is not painful to the touch.
• It could show up in the groin or another area in the abdomen.
• Occasionally, pain comes before finding the lump
• The lump gets bigger when standing or when there is abdominal pressure, such as that associated with coughing.
• It can be reduced (pushed back inside the abdomen) except when it is extremely large.

Irreducible hernia

• An irreducible hernia is also called an incarcerated hernia.
• It can be an aching enlargement of a formerly reducible hernia that is unable to be returned into the abdomen by itself or by pushing it.
• Some might be persistent, but painless
• Symptoms of bowel obstruction might present themselves, such as vomiting and nausea.
• It might result in strangulation, in which the bloods supply is cut off to the tissue in the hernia.

Strangulated Hernia

• The individual might seem ill and a fever may or may not be present.
• There is pain, then soreness and occasionally there are symptoms of bowel obstruction (vomiting and nausea).
• This is an irreducible hernia where the entrapped intestine has its supply of blood cut off.
• This constitutes a medical emergency requiring surgery.

Hemorrhoid Symptoms

Symptoms and signs of hemorrhoids can include:

• Discomfort or pain in the anal region
• Irritation, swelling or itching of the anus
• Bleeding bright red blood into bowl or toilet paper during bowel movements, without feeling pain
• Bumps near the anus that can be painful or sensitive
• Feces leakage

The symptoms of hemorrhoids vary depending on where they are located. Internal hemorrhoids are found inside the rectum. They are usually unable to be seen or felt, and they generally cause no discomfort. Passing stool while straining or when the hemorrhoids are irritated can damage them and lead them to bleed. Sometimes, bearing down too hard can force an internal hemorrhoid outside through the anus. These protruding or prolapsed hemorrhoids can be painful and irritating.

External hemorrhoids are found under the skin of the anus. Irritated external hemorrhoids can bleed or itch uncomfortably. There is a risk of blood accumulating in an external hemorrhoid, causing a clot to form (thrombus). This in turn causes intense pain, inflammation and swelling.

While rectal bleeding is the commonest sign of hemorrhoids, other diseases such as anal and colorectal cancers cause bleeding as well. A physician's diagnosis of hemorrhoids is necessary to rule out any other, more serious, conditions that cause rectal bleeding. A physician should also be consulted if hemorrhoids bleed an excessive amount or for too long, cause excessive pain, or don't clear up after the use of over the counter medications.

It is also necessary to see your doctor right away if hemorrhoid symptoms are found alongside a drastic bowel habit change, or if stools are black, contain blood or blood clots, or tarry or maroon. Stools such as these can indicate serious bleeding in your digestive system.

If you suffer from excessive rectal bleeding, dizziness, feeling faint or lightheadedness, head to the emergency room right away.

Hemorrhoid Symptoms

Symptoms and signs of hemorrhoids can include:

• Discomfort or pain in the anal region
• Irritation, swelling or itching of the anus
• Bleeding bright red blood into bowl or toilet paper during bowel movements, without feeling pain
• Bumps near the anus that can be painful or sensitive
• Feces leakage

The symptoms of hemorrhoids vary depending on where they are located. Internal hemorrhoids are found inside the rectum. They are usually unable to be seen or felt, and they generally cause no discomfort. Passing stool while straining or when the hemorrhoids are irritated can damage them and lead them to bleed. Sometimes, bearing down too hard can force an internal hemorrhoid outside through the anus. These protruding or prolapsed hemorrhoids can be painful and irritating.

External hemorrhoids are found under the skin of the anus. Irritated external hemorrhoids can bleed or itch uncomfortably. There is a risk of blood accumulating in an external hemorrhoid, causing a clot to form (thrombus). This in turn causes intense pain, inflammation and swelling.

While rectal bleeding is the commonest sign of hemorrhoids, other diseases such as anal and colorectal cancers cause bleeding as well. A physician's diagnosis of hemorrhoids is necessary to rule out any other, more serious, conditions that cause rectal bleeding. A physician should also be consulted if hemorrhoids bleed an excessive amount or for too long, cause excessive pain, or don't clear up after the use of over the counter medications.

It is also necessary to see your doctor right away if hemorrhoid symptoms are found alongside a drastic bowel habit change, or if stools are black, contain blood or blood clots, or tarry or maroon. Stools such as these can indicate serious bleeding in your digestive system.

If you suffer from excessive rectal bleeding, dizziness, feeling faint or lightheadedness, head to the emergency room right away.

What Is PAD

Peripheral arterial disease (P.A.D.) is a condition in which plaque accumulates in the arteries responsible for carrying blood to your organs, head and limbs. Plaque is comprised of cholesterol, fat, fibrous tissues, calcium, and other substances found in blood.

Atherosclerosis occurs as plaque builds up in the arteries. This plaque can harden over time, narrowing the arteries and restricting the movement of oxygenated blood to your head, organs, and limbs.

In most patients, P.A.D. affects the arteries in the lower extremities. It can affect patient's arteries that move blood from the kidneys, head, stomach and arms, but this article deals with P.A.D. in relation to the legs.

Pain and numbness of the legs is one result of restricted blood flow, another is an increased risk for infection of the legs. An ancillary risk is the difficulty your body may face in fighting off the infection if it occurs.

If the condition is severe, restricted blood flow can cause gangrene and tissue death. In the most extreme cases, gangrene can result in the amputation of the leg.

If you have pain in the legs when you climb stairs or even just walk, be sure to consult with your doctor. Older patients may believe that aching legs are just symptomatic of age, but the pain could be being caused by P.A.D. Discuss the pain in your lower extremities with your physician, and ask if a test for P.A.D. is right for you.

The main risk factor for P.A.D. is smoking. Smokers or those who have smoked in the past face a four times higher risk for P.A.D. than other patients. Increased age and other medical conditions are also P.A.D. risk factors to be aware of.

P.A.D. increases your risk factor for heart attack, stroke, transient ischemic attacks (mini-strokes), and coronary heart/artery disease (C.H.D.). Patients suffering from C.H.D. have a 30% chance of suffering from blocked arteries in the legs.

Serious as P.A.D. is, it is manageable. Seeing your doctor regularly and treating the atherosclerosis are the first steps in treatment.

Treating P.A.D. can reduce the disease in progress and even halt it and any related complications. Medicine, lifestyle changes and surgery procedures are all P.A.D. treatments available, and researchers are still looking into new P.A.D. therapies.

What Is PAD

Peripheral arterial disease (P.A.D.) is a condition in which plaque accumulates in the arteries responsible for carrying blood to your organs, head and limbs. Plaque is comprised of cholesterol, fat, fibrous tissues, calcium, and other substances found in blood.

Atherosclerosis occurs as plaque builds up in the arteries. This plaque can harden over time, narrowing the arteries and restricting the movement of oxygenated blood to your head, organs, and limbs.

In most patients, P.A.D. affects the arteries in the lower extremities. It can affect patient's arteries that move blood from the kidneys, head, stomach and arms, but this article deals with P.A.D. in relation to the legs.

Pain and numbness of the legs is one result of restricted blood flow, another is an increased risk for infection of the legs. An ancillary risk is the difficulty your body may face in fighting off the infection if it occurs.

If the condition is severe, restricted blood flow can cause gangrene and tissue death. In the most extreme cases, gangrene can result in the amputation of the leg.

If you have pain in the legs when you climb stairs or even just walk, be sure to consult with your doctor. Older patients may believe that aching legs are just symptomatic of age, but the pain could be being caused by P.A.D. Discuss the pain in your lower extremities with your physician, and ask if a test for P.A.D. is right for you.

The main risk factor for P.A.D. is smoking. Smokers or those who have smoked in the past face a four times higher risk for P.A.D. than other patients. Increased age and other medical conditions are also P.A.D. risk factors to be aware of.

P.A.D. increases your risk factor for heart attack, stroke, transient ischemic attacks (mini-strokes), and coronary heart/artery disease (C.H.D.). Patients suffering from C.H.D. have a 30% chance of suffering from blocked arteries in the legs.

Serious as P.A.D. is, it is manageable. Seeing your doctor regularly and treating the atherosclerosis are the first steps in treatment.

Treating P.A.D. can reduce the disease in progress and even halt it and any related complications. Medicine, lifestyle changes and surgery procedures are all P.A.D. treatments available, and researchers are still looking into new P.A.D. therapies.

Thyroid Surgery FAQ

The thyroid is a gland that is located in the neck and regulates many functions of the body. The heart, energy and weight are a few things that function correctly with the hormone produced by the gland. When the thyroid is not functioning properly it may cause various conditions, including nodules that are benign (non-cancerous) or cancer related.

Thyroid operations are sometimes necessary when patients experience complications from the thyroid gland. There are times that the thyroid gland becomes enlarged causing a goiter, is overactive causing hyperthyroidism or is underactive causing hypothyroidism.

What are reasons for the surgery?
When a patient experiences hyperthyroidism or goiters, it is important for an evaluation and testing to be done to see if surgery is an option. Surgery is usually performed when there are goiters that can become large and for hyperthyroidism. Most times when there is cancer, surgery is part of the process to get rid of the cancer.

Are there non-surgical treatments?
If the thyroid is affected with cancer then removal by surgery is imperative. The cancer can continue to grow without surgery and jump into other locations within the body. If it is a condition of the thyroid that does not have cancer than there are options available to assist with thyroid problems.

Your primary physician has more information for various options and may refer you to an endocrinologist (a doctor who specializes in thyroid and other hormone-producing functions of the body) for further examination.

What tests and procedures should be performed before an operation?
It is important to have a thorough examination that includes a medical history. Blood tests and a heart evaluation are needed along with testing for any patient who may have had vocal or throat surgery in the past.

How do I choose a surgeon?
It is best to find a surgeon who specializes in thyroid surgery. Surgeons who have a history of performing many, successful surgeries is usually the best. The complication rate with an experienced surgeon is lower. Your primary physician may know a reputable surgeon for you to meet with. 

What risks are associated with thyroid surgery?
There are known risks associated with all surgeries. Complications from thyroid surgery are usually less than two percent. Some of the risks include bleeding that can cause sudden breathing problems, injury to a nerve in the throat that can cause permanent hoarseness and parathyroid damage that can cause calcium deficiency in the body. 

Is the whole thyroid gland removed?
Different complications require different amounts of the thyroid to be removed. Usually, with thyroid cancer most or the entire thyroid is removed. Your doctor and surgeon will be able to discuss the amount that needs removed.

What happens once surgery is decided to be the best option?
You will meet with several doctors and/or nurses for an evaluation before your surgery. You will meet the doctor who puts you to sleep with anesthesia and with the surgeon.

You cannot eat or drink anything the night before your surgery.

You should wear comfortable clothes and leave important objects and all your jewelry at home or with a loved one. Removing your wedding ring or any rings is usually best because of post-operative swelling that may leave your hands puffy.

The surgery usually takes around two hours and then you spend another 45 minutes in a quiet recovery room. You may have a drainage tube in the incision that is removed the next day and experience a sore throat.

After the anesthesia fully wears off you will move into a regular hospital room and stay the night. Most patients leave the following day and can resume normal activities. Strenuous exercise, sports and heavy lifting should be avoided for at least 10 days.

Is life after surgery the same?
Life after thyroid surgery is the same and does not alter your ability to do the same things as before the operation. Sometimes, it is necessary to start taking thyroid hormone to replace, or give a level balance from the loss of the gland. Thyroid hormone is an inexpensive and small pill taken once a day.

Thyroid Surgery FAQ

The thyroid is a gland that is located in the neck and regulates many functions of the body. The heart, energy and weight are a few things that function correctly with the hormone produced by the gland. When the thyroid is not functioning properly it may cause various conditions, including nodules that are benign (non-cancerous) or cancer related.

Thyroid operations are sometimes necessary when patients experience complications from the thyroid gland. There are times that the thyroid gland becomes enlarged causing a goiter, is overactive causing hyperthyroidism or is underactive causing hypothyroidism.

What are reasons for the surgery?
When a patient experiences hyperthyroidism or goiters, it is important for an evaluation and testing to be done to see if surgery is an option. Surgery is usually performed when there are goiters that can become large and for hyperthyroidism. Most times when there is cancer, surgery is part of the process to get rid of the cancer.

Are there non-surgical treatments?
If the thyroid is affected with cancer then removal by surgery is imperative. The cancer can continue to grow without surgery and jump into other locations within the body. If it is a condition of the thyroid that does not have cancer than there are options available to assist with thyroid problems.

Your primary physician has more information for various options and may refer you to an endocrinologist (a doctor who specializes in thyroid and other hormone-producing functions of the body) for further examination.

What tests and procedures should be performed before an operation?
It is important to have a thorough examination that includes a medical history. Blood tests and a heart evaluation are needed along with testing for any patient who may have had vocal or throat surgery in the past.

How do I choose a surgeon?
It is best to find a surgeon who specializes in thyroid surgery. Surgeons who have a history of performing many, successful surgeries is usually the best. The complication rate with an experienced surgeon is lower. Your primary physician may know a reputable surgeon for you to meet with. 

What risks are associated with thyroid surgery?
There are known risks associated with all surgeries. Complications from thyroid surgery are usually less than two percent. Some of the risks include bleeding that can cause sudden breathing problems, injury to a nerve in the throat that can cause permanent hoarseness and parathyroid damage that can cause calcium deficiency in the body. 

Is the whole thyroid gland removed?
Different complications require different amounts of the thyroid to be removed. Usually, with thyroid cancer most or the entire thyroid is removed. Your doctor and surgeon will be able to discuss the amount that needs removed.

What happens once surgery is decided to be the best option?
You will meet with several doctors and/or nurses for an evaluation before your surgery. You will meet the doctor who puts you to sleep with anesthesia and with the surgeon.

You cannot eat or drink anything the night before your surgery.

You should wear comfortable clothes and leave important objects and all your jewelry at home or with a loved one. Removing your wedding ring or any rings is usually best because of post-operative swelling that may leave your hands puffy.

The surgery usually takes around two hours and then you spend another 45 minutes in a quiet recovery room. You may have a drainage tube in the incision that is removed the next day and experience a sore throat.

After the anesthesia fully wears off you will move into a regular hospital room and stay the night. Most patients leave the following day and can resume normal activities. Strenuous exercise, sports and heavy lifting should be avoided for at least 10 days.

Is life after surgery the same?
Life after thyroid surgery is the same and does not alter your ability to do the same things as before the operation. Sometimes, it is necessary to start taking thyroid hormone to replace, or give a level balance from the loss of the gland. Thyroid hormone is an inexpensive and small pill taken once a day.

Signs Of GERD

GERD often appears as heartburn and regurgitation. Nausea may also appear in particular patients. Other symptoms could emerge as complications occur.

GERD patients are prone to experience stimulation of nerve fibers in the esophagus by acid reflux. This lifelong condition is called heartburn and usually consists of a burning pain through the middle of the chest. It may start high in the abdomen area but could extend as far as the neck. Certain patients will feel angina-like sharp pain or pressure instead of burning while others are prone to suffer with back pain.

Heartburn frequently occurs after meals as well as when patients lay down. Gravity helps to prevent reflux from reaching areas outside of the stomach. For this reason, many GERD patients report being awakened from painful heartburn. There is no measure to how much heartburn will happen during a specific period. Episodes usually occur sporadically meaning patients could see severe heartburn frequently over weeks or months that stops without warning for an undetermined amount of time. This leads GERD patients who do not have esophagitis to seek intermittent treatment. 

Most GERD patients will experience regurgitation. It usually consists of small quantities of liquid that reach the esophagus. Some patients will be prone to larger amounts of liquid that could contain food. This situation will see the reflux liquid reach the upper esophagus.

The upper esophageal sphincter (UES) sits at the upper end of the esophagus. It is a circular ring of muscle, which prevents esophageal muscle from backing up into the throat. As small amounts of reflux liquid or foods move through the UES, an acidic taste appears in the mouth. Prolonged regurgitation could lead to acid-induced erosion of teeth.

Nausea does not appear as much with GERD though specific patients could experience it frequently. Doctors often look toward GERD when unexplained nausea appears. There is no clear reason as to why this symptom appears in some patients and not in others.

Signs Of GERD

GERD often appears as heartburn and regurgitation. Nausea may also appear in particular patients. Other symptoms could emerge as complications occur.

GERD patients are prone to experience stimulation of nerve fibers in the esophagus by acid reflux. This lifelong condition is called heartburn and usually consists of a burning pain through the middle of the chest. It may start high in the abdomen area but could extend as far as the neck. Certain patients will feel angina-like sharp pain or pressure instead of burning while others are prone to suffer with back pain.

Heartburn frequently occurs after meals as well as when patients lay down. Gravity helps to prevent reflux from reaching areas outside of the stomach. For this reason, many GERD patients report being awakened from painful heartburn. There is no measure to how much heartburn will happen during a specific period. Episodes usually occur sporadically meaning patients could see severe heartburn frequently over weeks or months that stops without warning for an undetermined amount of time. This leads GERD patients who do not have esophagitis to seek intermittent treatment. 

Most GERD patients will experience regurgitation. It usually consists of small quantities of liquid that reach the esophagus. Some patients will be prone to larger amounts of liquid that could contain food. This situation will see the reflux liquid reach the upper esophagus.

The upper esophageal sphincter (UES) sits at the upper end of the esophagus. It is a circular ring of muscle, which prevents esophageal muscle from backing up into the throat. As small amounts of reflux liquid or foods move through the UES, an acidic taste appears in the mouth. Prolonged regurgitation could lead to acid-induced erosion of teeth.

Nausea does not appear as much with GERD though specific patients could experience it frequently. Doctors often look toward GERD when unexplained nausea appears. There is no clear reason as to why this symptom appears in some patients and not in others.

Carotid Artery Disease

A disease where plaque builds inside carotid arteries is called Carotid Artery Disease, also called CAD.  Each person has two main carotid arteries, one on each side of the neck, which divides into internal and external carotid arteries.

These external arteries bring oxygen-enriched blood to people’s scalp, face, and neck, while the internal arteries bring fresh blood to the brain.

Without blood flow to your brain, a stroke occurs, also known as a brain attack.  This is why CAD is so serious.

Brain cells start to die within a few minutes of a lack of blood and oxygen, impairing the ability of the brain to control different parts of the body.  Side effects of a stroke include long term disability, brain damage, vision and speech problems, and at worst, death.

Atherosclerosis is a condition in which plaque builds up in the arteries and hardens, narrowing the arteries, and limiting blood flow to other parts of the body.

Atherosclerosis can occur in any part of the body, causing heart attacks in the coronary arteries and strokes in the carotid arteries.

If a carotid artery cracks or ruptures a stroke can occur due to blood platelets clumping together to form clots which can in turn partially or fully block an artery.

Another way in which a stoke happens is if a piece of plaque or clot breaks away from the arterial wall and travels through the blood stream to get stuck in one of the brains more minute arteries, blocking oxygen rich blood flow.

Sadly, a stroke is the first sign of the disease because there may not be any symptoms until the carotid arteries are badly blocked or narrowed.

More than half of the strokes in the United States are caused by carotid artery disease, although certain heart problems and brain bleeding can also cause strokes.

Reducing the risk of stroke and preventing and treating CAD may include lifestyle changes, medical procedures, and medicines.

Call 9-1-1 immediately if you are showing signs of a stroke.  Although you need urgent treatment, do not drive yourself to the hospital.

If a clogged artery is treated within four hours there is the best chance for complete recovery, and the sooner you are treated, the better you will respond to the course of action.

Carotid Artery Disease

A disease where plaque builds inside carotid arteries is called Carotid Artery Disease, also called CAD.  Each person has two main carotid arteries, one on each side of the neck, which divides into internal and external carotid arteries.

These external arteries bring oxygen-enriched blood to people’s scalp, face, and neck, while the internal arteries bring fresh blood to the brain.

Without blood flow to your brain, a stroke occurs, also known as a brain attack.  This is why CAD is so serious.

Brain cells start to die within a few minutes of a lack of blood and oxygen, impairing the ability of the brain to control different parts of the body.  Side effects of a stroke include long term disability, brain damage, vision and speech problems, and at worst, death.

Atherosclerosis is a condition in which plaque builds up in the arteries and hardens, narrowing the arteries, and limiting blood flow to other parts of the body.

Atherosclerosis can occur in any part of the body, causing heart attacks in the coronary arteries and strokes in the carotid arteries.

If a carotid artery cracks or ruptures a stroke can occur due to blood platelets clumping together to form clots which can in turn partially or fully block an artery.

Another way in which a stoke happens is if a piece of plaque or clot breaks away from the arterial wall and travels through the blood stream to get stuck in one of the brains more minute arteries, blocking oxygen rich blood flow.

Sadly, a stroke is the first sign of the disease because there may not be any symptoms until the carotid arteries are badly blocked or narrowed.

More than half of the strokes in the United States are caused by carotid artery disease, although certain heart problems and brain bleeding can also cause strokes.

Reducing the risk of stroke and preventing and treating CAD may include lifestyle changes, medical procedures, and medicines.

Call 9-1-1 immediately if you are showing signs of a stroke.  Although you need urgent treatment, do not drive yourself to the hospital.

If a clogged artery is treated within four hours there is the best chance for complete recovery, and the sooner you are treated, the better you will respond to the course of action.

Factors Of Gallbladder Disease

People who regularly eat foods that are high in saturated fats, such as fast or fried food, as well as white sugar are going to be at a higher risk for contracting gallbladder disease and gallstones. White flour, hydrogenated fats and other nutrient lacking foods will also put a person at risk, when eaten on a regular basis. If a person regularly eats food that is high in trans fat, then they are putting themselves at risk. However, totally cutting the fat out of your diet puts you at risk as well. When the gall bladder does not have a sufficient amount of fat to process, it stops working properly causing stasis and bile thickening. Try to substitute these types of fats with olive oil and remember to use in moderation. Women have the highest risk for contracting this disease. Out of every 10 women, 8 are likely to be diagnosed with gallbladder disease. Men are far less likely to come get it, with the ratio being only 2 out of every 10 men. The disease is also on the rise in children, as a recent study published in BMC Gastroenterology 2002 points out.

• Hypothyroidism
• Hashimoto's Thyroid Disease
• Low stomach acid
• Food Sensitivities or Allergies
• Overweight
• Rapid weight loss
• Estrogen intake and birth control pills (estrogen increases the concentration of cholesterol in the bile)
• Chronic Heartburn
• Frequent use of antacids
• Atkin's Diet
• Over age 40 and increase in risk as one ages
• Female especially those who have had children
• Ethnicity (Pima Indians and Mexican-Americans)
• High triglycerides, high LDL cholesterol, decreased HDL cholesterol,
• Alcohol intake
• Family history of gallbladder disease (Heredity)
• Cholesterol-lowering drugs, immunosuppressive drugs
• Antidepressants that slow down gallbladder contractions
• Very Low Calorie Diets
• Diet high in saturated fats
• Diet high in refined foods and sugars
• Diet low in fiber (which is what the refined diets are) and not enough vegetables
• Non-fat diets
• Low-fat diets
• Constipation
• Diabetes
• Diseases such as chronic inflammatory bowel disease, chrons disease (ulcerative colitis is controversial) Hemolytic anemias

Factors Of Gallbladder Disease

People who regularly eat foods that are high in saturated fats, such as fast or fried food, as well as white sugar are going to be at a higher risk for contracting gallbladder disease and gallstones. White flour, hydrogenated fats and other nutrient lacking foods will also put a person at risk, when eaten on a regular basis. If a person regularly eats food that is high in trans fat, then they are putting themselves at risk. However, totally cutting the fat out of your diet puts you at risk as well. When the gall bladder does not have a sufficient amount of fat to process, it stops working properly causing stasis and bile thickening. Try to substitute these types of fats with olive oil and remember to use in moderation. Women have the highest risk for contracting this disease. Out of every 10 women, 8 are likely to be diagnosed with gallbladder disease. Men are far less likely to come get it, with the ratio being only 2 out of every 10 men. The disease is also on the rise in children, as a recent study published in BMC Gastroenterology 2002 points out.

• Hypothyroidism
• Hashimoto's Thyroid Disease
• Low stomach acid
• Food Sensitivities or Allergies
• Overweight
• Rapid weight loss
• Estrogen intake and birth control pills (estrogen increases the concentration of cholesterol in the bile)
• Chronic Heartburn
• Frequent use of antacids
• Atkin's Diet
• Over age 40 and increase in risk as one ages
• Female especially those who have had children
• Ethnicity (Pima Indians and Mexican-Americans)
• High triglycerides, high LDL cholesterol, decreased HDL cholesterol,
• Alcohol intake
• Family history of gallbladder disease (Heredity)
• Cholesterol-lowering drugs, immunosuppressive drugs
• Antidepressants that slow down gallbladder contractions
• Very Low Calorie Diets
• Diet high in saturated fats
• Diet high in refined foods and sugars
• Diet low in fiber (which is what the refined diets are) and not enough vegetables
• Non-fat diets
• Low-fat diets
• Constipation
• Diabetes
• Diseases such as chronic inflammatory bowel disease, chrons disease (ulcerative colitis is controversial) Hemolytic anemias

Symptoms Of Gallbladder Disease

Regardless of the eventual diagnosis of your gallbladder disease, most of the symptoms will be the same. This is one of the reasons it is hard to know exactly what the actual specifics of your particular issue are without several tests. The most common symptoms are indigestion, gas, bloating, burping and belching; especially (but not necessarily) following a meal. Symptoms most often occur after meals containing fat, as the disease related to the ability of the body to digest fats; but as the disease progresses it can become unrelated not only to fat intake, but even to food intake. The disease may progress to creating a constant tenderness or discomfort under the rib cage on the right side, which is unrelated to food intake. The symptoms are similar to those of a gallbladder attack but with lower severity.

Even if it does not seem to be connected to food now, the indigestion you experienced likely often followed a meal. What caused or is causing the problem with fat digestion could be one of many things: a stone could be blocking the bile flow, or the gallbladder could be distended due to stones or inflammation. The gallbladder could be not emptying fully (biliary dyskinesia), and lack of bile causes improper fat digestion. There could be infection in the gallbladder itself causing tenderness; or tenderness could simply be due to stasis of bile causing distention. Or the problem could start in the liver, with stasis of bile there via the formation of sludge or tiny calculi, which slows bile flow. Constipation and weight gain can also be symptoms of gallbladder problems, though these are not usually as relatable to fat intake.

Specific Gallbladder Diseases

Biliary Dyskinesia

Also called acalculous cholecystopathy, biliary dyskinesia is a disease or condition of the gallbladder that occurs without the presence of gallstones. It could also be termed “functional gallbladder disorder” or “impaired gallbladder emptying”. Some causes may be chronic inflammation or the gallbladder, an issue with the smooth muscles of the gallbladder, or the muscle that contracts the Sphincter of Oddi (and regulates bile flow) being too tight.

Symptoms include right upper quadrant pain, with the absence of gallstones. Any of the listed gallbladder symptoms may accompany this problem, as it results in a lack of concentrated bile from the gallbladder, which is necessary to digest fats.

There is evidence that stress may play a large role in causing this problem. The biliary dyskinesia kit is designed with that in mind.

Cholecystitis

Cholecystitis is inflammation of the gallbladder. Acute cholecystitis is nearly always due to gallstones, but may also be due to bacterial infection or chemical irritation. Chronic cholecystitis can occur with or without stones (acalculous cholecystitis is without). If there are no stones present, the medical treatment used is often antispasmodics and/or laxatives. The products in the gallbladder attack kit work very well for the pain in this particular case. Choledocholithias Choledocholithias is a condition where gallstones form in the bile ducts. This can be very painful, and symptoms can vary depending upon where the stones are and if it they are actually blocking bile flow. A stone can block the neck of the gallbladder, which causes distention and inflammation (cholecystitis). In the common bile duct, stones can cause a backing up of bile into the liver (resulting in obstructive jaundice), or into the pancreas (causing acute pancreatitis).

Cholelithiasis

Cholelithiasis is the medical term for gallstones. Gallstones are solid, crystalline precipitates in the biliary tract, usually formed in the gallbladder. They consist mainly of calcium, cholesterol, and/or bilirubin. See the page devoted to gallstones for more information.

Cholangitis

Cholangitis is inflammation of the bile duct. Acute cholangitis is most often caused by a bacterial infection resulting from stagnation of the bile in the duct. Choledocholithiasis (a gallstone that gets stuck or lodged in the bile duct) can create an obstruction that results in an infection. Infections can also be caused by a stricture or narrowing of the duct itself, such as in Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis (see below), or may accompany a cancer. In this condition, something blocks the free flow of the bile, which causes a stagnant condition that allows the bacteria to take hold.

Symptoms associated with cholangitis are pain, fever, chills, jaundice and abdominal pain.

Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis

PSC is a hardening of the bile ducts of the liver, which obstructs the flow of bile and causes inflammation, leading to the breaking down of and eventual hardening or fibrosis of the bile ducts within the liver and outside the liver both (intrahepatic and extrahepatic bile ducts.)

Cholestasis

Cholestasis is the impairment of bile flow due to obstruction in small bile ducts (called intrahepatic cholestasis) or obstruction in large bile ducts (called extrahepatic cholestasis).

Symptoms of cholestasis are caused by the blocking of the secretion of bile, which results in the bile backing up into the bloodstream. This can result in jaundice and excess bilirubin in the blood, which would make the urine dark and the stools pale or chalk colored. The excess of bile salts in the systemic circulation may cause intense itching and skin irritation, and there may be fat in the stools. The clotting time of blood may be impaired due to malabsorption of fats and Vitamin K, which is a fat-soluble vitamin that many clotting factors depend upon.

Gallbladder Cancer

The American Cancer Society estimates that about 8,750 people will be diagnosed with gallbladder cancer in 2006. Statistics show that gallbladder cancer occurs five times as often in Native American people in New Mexico than in whites, and that women are normally more susceptible than men.

There are rarely any symptoms early on in gallbladder cancer. It is so subtle that it is often only discovered when the gallbladder is removed for other causes, such as gallstones. Otherwise, gallbladder cancer is usually quite advanced by the time it is diagnosed.

If caught early, removing the gallbladder and affected tissues in bile ducts is the standard treatment for gallbladder cancer.

Gallbladder Polyps

Gallbladder polyps are growths or lesions that grow in and protrude from the lining of the gallbladder. They're usually benign and rarely cancerous. 95 percent are non-cancerous, and ten percent are the result of inflammation, with most being the result of cholesterol deposits.

Gallbladder polyps usually produce no symptoms, and therefore need no treatment. They may be found accidentally if an ultrasound of the gallbladder done for some other reason. There is rarely any pain involved, and any pain that is there is most likely due to something else (such as gallstones). Occasionally, the polyps may grow large enough to require surgical removal.

Symptoms Of Gallbladder Disease

Regardless of the eventual diagnosis of your gallbladder disease, most of the symptoms will be the same. This is one of the reasons it is hard to know exactly what the actual specifics of your particular issue are without several tests. The most common symptoms are indigestion, gas, bloating, burping and belching; especially (but not necessarily) following a meal. Symptoms most often occur after meals containing fat, as the disease related to the ability of the body to digest fats; but as the disease progresses it can become unrelated not only to fat intake, but even to food intake. The disease may progress to creating a constant tenderness or discomfort under the rib cage on the right side, which is unrelated to food intake. The symptoms are similar to those of a gallbladder attack but with lower severity.

Even if it does not seem to be connected to food now, the indigestion you experienced likely often followed a meal. What caused or is causing the problem with fat digestion could be one of many things: a stone could be blocking the bile flow, or the gallbladder could be distended due to stones or inflammation. The gallbladder could be not emptying fully (biliary dyskinesia), and lack of bile causes improper fat digestion. There could be infection in the gallbladder itself causing tenderness; or tenderness could simply be due to stasis of bile causing distention. Or the problem could start in the liver, with stasis of bile there via the formation of sludge or tiny calculi, which slows bile flow. Constipation and weight gain can also be symptoms of gallbladder problems, though these are not usually as relatable to fat intake.

Specific Gallbladder Diseases

Biliary Dyskinesia

Also called acalculous cholecystopathy, biliary dyskinesia is a disease or condition of the gallbladder that occurs without the presence of gallstones. It could also be termed “functional gallbladder disorder” or “impaired gallbladder emptying”. Some causes may be chronic inflammation or the gallbladder, an issue with the smooth muscles of the gallbladder, or the muscle that contracts the Sphincter of Oddi (and regulates bile flow) being too tight.

Symptoms include right upper quadrant pain, with the absence of gallstones. Any of the listed gallbladder symptoms may accompany this problem, as it results in a lack of concentrated bile from the gallbladder, which is necessary to digest fats.

There is evidence that stress may play a large role in causing this problem. The biliary dyskinesia kit is designed with that in mind.

Cholecystitis

Cholecystitis is inflammation of the gallbladder. Acute cholecystitis is nearly always due to gallstones, but may also be due to bacterial infection or chemical irritation. Chronic cholecystitis can occur with or without stones (acalculous cholecystitis is without). If there are no stones present, the medical treatment used is often antispasmodics and/or laxatives. The products in the gallbladder attack kit work very well for the pain in this particular case. Choledocholithias Choledocholithias is a condition where gallstones form in the bile ducts. This can be very painful, and symptoms can vary depending upon where the stones are and if it they are actually blocking bile flow. A stone can block the neck of the gallbladder, which causes distention and inflammation (cholecystitis). In the common bile duct, stones can cause a backing up of bile into the liver (resulting in obstructive jaundice), or into the pancreas (causing acute pancreatitis).

Cholelithiasis

Cholelithiasis is the medical term for gallstones. Gallstones are solid, crystalline precipitates in the biliary tract, usually formed in the gallbladder. They consist mainly of calcium, cholesterol, and/or bilirubin. See the page devoted to gallstones for more information.

Cholangitis

Cholangitis is inflammation of the bile duct. Acute cholangitis is most often caused by a bacterial infection resulting from stagnation of the bile in the duct. Choledocholithiasis (a gallstone that gets stuck or lodged in the bile duct) can create an obstruction that results in an infection. Infections can also be caused by a stricture or narrowing of the duct itself, such as in Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis (see below), or may accompany a cancer. In this condition, something blocks the free flow of the bile, which causes a stagnant condition that allows the bacteria to take hold.

Symptoms associated with cholangitis are pain, fever, chills, jaundice and abdominal pain.

Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis

PSC is a hardening of the bile ducts of the liver, which obstructs the flow of bile and causes inflammation, leading to the breaking down of and eventual hardening or fibrosis of the bile ducts within the liver and outside the liver both (intrahepatic and extrahepatic bile ducts.)

Cholestasis

Cholestasis is the impairment of bile flow due to obstruction in small bile ducts (called intrahepatic cholestasis) or obstruction in large bile ducts (called extrahepatic cholestasis).

Symptoms of cholestasis are caused by the blocking of the secretion of bile, which results in the bile backing up into the bloodstream. This can result in jaundice and excess bilirubin in the blood, which would make the urine dark and the stools pale or chalk colored. The excess of bile salts in the systemic circulation may cause intense itching and skin irritation, and there may be fat in the stools. The clotting time of blood may be impaired due to malabsorption of fats and Vitamin K, which is a fat-soluble vitamin that many clotting factors depend upon.

Gallbladder Cancer

The American Cancer Society estimates that about 8,750 people will be diagnosed with gallbladder cancer in 2006. Statistics show that gallbladder cancer occurs five times as often in Native American people in New Mexico than in whites, and that women are normally more susceptible than men.

There are rarely any symptoms early on in gallbladder cancer. It is so subtle that it is often only discovered when the gallbladder is removed for other causes, such as gallstones. Otherwise, gallbladder cancer is usually quite advanced by the time it is diagnosed.

If caught early, removing the gallbladder and affected tissues in bile ducts is the standard treatment for gallbladder cancer.

Gallbladder Polyps

Gallbladder polyps are growths or lesions that grow in and protrude from the lining of the gallbladder. They're usually benign and rarely cancerous. 95 percent are non-cancerous, and ten percent are the result of inflammation, with most being the result of cholesterol deposits.

Gallbladder polyps usually produce no symptoms, and therefore need no treatment. They may be found accidentally if an ultrasound of the gallbladder done for some other reason. There is rarely any pain involved, and any pain that is there is most likely due to something else (such as gallstones). Occasionally, the polyps may grow large enough to require surgical removal.

Isaac Clinic - Day 3

I am excited about the new people I have started getting to know here. I am hopeful about returning and the things that are happening here. I am touched by so many who love their country despite its political and social shortcomings. I am humbled by how hard they work. I am challenged by their grateful outlooks. I am tired. I miss my children. I am dreading 24 hrs of long flights, customs and airports bw America and I. I am full. 

We have continued to see many at the clinic. A 32 yr old woman who traveled 400 kilometers to the clinic only to find out that we would admit her to Hospice to spend the last days of her Earthly life. Peter, a 1 and 1/2 yr old boy who was so malnourished that he was tiny and had little muscle tone. He didn’t move his head or respond but his eyes had life. His grandmother so humble that she would not look us in the eye as she spoke to us through the interpreter about how she had recently become Peter’s new “mother.” She told the interpreter she wished she had gone to school so that she would know how to thank us. The young man who came in so weak and barely able to walk, bleeding from an issue that we would have treated in America long ago with over the counter meds, now admitted to the hospital for surgery today. His brother, returned yesterday and overwhelmed with how to thank Danny. Many who have been to do med clinics here before report that the amount of mothers nursing babies and little babies that we have seen this time is far greater than before. Our trip leader makes the parallel between Isaac’s short life and the babies here. The privilege of getting them early and trying to impress upon them and their mothers the importance of returning to Isaac Clinic regularly. So many have have left deep impressions. Lord, help me to remember. 

I am sitting on the porch with a few of my sweet college-aged friends. One just read aloud “Jesus Calling” as we admire our last African sunrise for this morning. I see coconut, and avocado tress. I am full.

I will continue to ask God to teach me as I reflect on time here. I will continue to pray for the faces and names of the people who God has allowed me to spend time around.

Isaac Clinic - Day 3

I am excited about the new people I have started getting to know here. I am hopeful about returning and the things that are happening here. I am touched by so many who love their country despite its political and social shortcomings. I am humbled by how hard they work. I am challenged by their grateful outlooks. I am tired. I miss my children. I am dreading 24 hrs of long flights, customs and airports bw America and I. I am full. 

We have continued to see many at the clinic. A 32 yr old woman who traveled 400 kilometers to the clinic only to find out that we would admit her to Hospice to spend the last days of her Earthly life. Peter, a 1 and 1/2 yr old boy who was so malnourished that he was tiny and had little muscle tone. He didn’t move his head or respond but his eyes had life. His grandmother so humble that she would not look us in the eye as she spoke to us through the interpreter about how she had recently become Peter’s new “mother.” She told the interpreter she wished she had gone to school so that she would know how to thank us. The young man who came in so weak and barely able to walk, bleeding from an issue that we would have treated in America long ago with over the counter meds, now admitted to the hospital for surgery today. His brother, returned yesterday and overwhelmed with how to thank Danny. Many who have been to do med clinics here before report that the amount of mothers nursing babies and little babies that we have seen this time is far greater than before. Our trip leader makes the parallel between Isaac’s short life and the babies here. The privilege of getting them early and trying to impress upon them and their mothers the importance of returning to Isaac Clinic regularly. So many have have left deep impressions. Lord, help me to remember. 

I am sitting on the porch with a few of my sweet college-aged friends. One just read aloud “Jesus Calling” as we admire our last African sunrise for this morning. I see coconut, and avocado tress. I am full.

I will continue to ask God to teach me as I reflect on time here. I will continue to pray for the faces and names of the people who God has allowed me to spend time around.

Isaac Clinic - Day 1 & 2

It is Friday at about 6:30 pm in Kampala. I posted an entry this morning but with the spotty internet, it did not load in time and was lost. That’s okay. I will give a recap on the past two days.

Thursday we had the dedication service for the Isaac Clinic. It was a sweet morning. The pastor, medical staff, and board went to great efforts to honor God and celebrate His faithfulness in many ways in the Waikiso community. The children sang and recited a poem that had been written about our Isaac. There was a ribbon cutting, prayer and cake. For Danny and I it was a rich time of remembering how God has blessed and taught us during Isaac’s short life and since.

One of the primary lessons we began to learn during the season of Isaac’s life and after is the hope that we as believers have in Heaven. The idea of this earth as temporary and Eternity as our home began to give us comfort in the early days of grieving the death of our first born. We both pray that those who are treated at Isaac Clinic will be drawn to a saving faith in Christ and have the same hope of Eternity. After the celebration we quickly began to set up the clinic for our first official day of service.

We saw 77 people in the second half of the first day after the dedication was over. We are here with a team of two other physicians and many nurses. Additionally, there are some of us who are non- medical who are doing children’s activities, working in the pharmacy (me), and helping with triage. We are also distributing eyeglasses and sharing the gospel. There are also some very sharp Ugandan nurses and med students who have come to serve with the clinic staff and our Tennessee for the week.

Today we began with a short worship at the church and then clinic. The children sang again today. Danny is going to try to post a short video. It is such a sweet thing to hear them sing. Despite so many cultural differences, in church when we are singing, I am touched by the sense of closeness I feel with these people. I do believe it is a small glimpse at what we will one day enjoy in Heaven.

We saw 137 people today by 4:30p. There were children who came to be seen by themselves. Often we saw entire families. Almost everyone who came were prescribed meds and received them from our pharmacy. I think all of them came on foot despite the unseasonable rain.  It is a blessing to be able to offer such a tangible and valued service. It is also a privilege to know that as we love them we are also sharing with them a glimpse of the hope that can be theirs in Christ.

It is a blessing to be here with these hardworking people. If you feel lead here are a few ways to pray:

1. Pray for relationships with the medical staff and church leaders. Danny and I hope that God allows us to be involved here for years. We have much to learn and many neat folks we want to know better.
2. Pray for people to see and be drawn to Christ.
3. Pray for health. A few of our group of 23 Tennessee group have had nausea and vomiting.  

Isaac Clinic - Day 1 & 2

It is Friday at about 6:30 pm in Kampala. I posted an entry this morning but with the spotty internet, it did not load in time and was lost. That’s okay. I will give a recap on the past two days.

Thursday we had the dedication service for the Isaac Clinic. It was a sweet morning. The pastor, medical staff, and board went to great efforts to honor God and celebrate His faithfulness in many ways in the Waikiso community. The children sang and recited a poem that had been written about our Isaac. There was a ribbon cutting, prayer and cake. For Danny and I it was a rich time of remembering how God has blessed and taught us during Isaac’s short life and since.

One of the primary lessons we began to learn during the season of Isaac’s life and after is the hope that we as believers have in Heaven. The idea of this earth as temporary and Eternity as our home began to give us comfort in the early days of grieving the death of our first born. We both pray that those who are treated at Isaac Clinic will be drawn to a saving faith in Christ and have the same hope of Eternity. After the celebration we quickly began to set up the clinic for our first official day of service.

We saw 77 people in the second half of the first day after the dedication was over. We are here with a team of two other physicians and many nurses. Additionally, there are some of us who are non- medical who are doing children’s activities, working in the pharmacy (me), and helping with triage. We are also distributing eyeglasses and sharing the gospel. There are also some very sharp Ugandan nurses and med students who have come to serve with the clinic staff and our Tennessee for the week.

Today we began with a short worship at the church and then clinic. The children sang again today. Danny is going to try to post a short video. It is such a sweet thing to hear them sing. Despite so many cultural differences, in church when we are singing, I am touched by the sense of closeness I feel with these people. I do believe it is a small glimpse at what we will one day enjoy in Heaven.

We saw 137 people today by 4:30p. There were children who came to be seen by themselves. Often we saw entire families. Almost everyone who came were prescribed meds and received them from our pharmacy. I think all of them came on foot despite the unseasonable rain.  It is a blessing to be able to offer such a tangible and valued service. It is also a privilege to know that as we love them we are also sharing with them a glimpse of the hope that can be theirs in Christ.

It is a blessing to be here with these hardworking people. If you feel lead here are a few ways to pray:

1. Pray for relationships with the medical staff and church leaders. Danny and I hope that God allows us to be involved here for years. We have much to learn and many neat folks we want to know better.
2. Pray for people to see and be drawn to Christ.
3. Pray for health. A few of our group of 23 Tennessee group have had nausea and vomiting.