#Cyclic vomiting syndrome Treatment Doctors

[vorpalfae]

Trigger Warning: Rare Illness/Health Issues [wasn't sure if this need a tw but these topics make some ppl uncomfy so i wanted to be considerate anyway💜]

so a lot of ppl have been asking me why i don't post pics anymore or why i have barely been on social media compared to how i used to be. and the reason is i've been having severe health issues for a very long time. i can't even remember the last time i went more than a month without feeling nauseous, or actually throwing up, or just having headaches and stomach pain that are so bad i can barely tolerate them.

i've known for a while that i have gastritis, but my mom & my bf convinced me to go to a new doctor for a second opinion. after months & months of pure agony and feeling exhausted and sick to the point where i have no energy, i finally know why. i went to a specialist and discovered i have a rare illness called CVS (Cyclic vomiting syndrome). and i also am lactose intolerant which was amplifying my symptoms because i eat dairy products constantly.

i am going to be starting treatment for it and i really hope it improves my life and my ability to function because i am so tired of "living" like this. just existing has been exhausting and painful. i literally haven't been able to accomplish any of the goals i have because i can't go more than a few days without feeling horrible.

i already feel useless because i'm autistic and i have bipolar 1 and i'm waiting on disability payments to come through because i am unable to work with my disabilities. so my bf has been working and doing his best to take care of me and our kids. i just feel so horrible and guilty all the time. and i genuinely didn't know why i feel sick 24/7. all i want is to feel like myself again. and to do all the things i miss doing. i feel like i'm trapped by this illness.

i'm grateful to have answers and know what i'm dealing with finally. but after suffering like this almost every single day for so long its so hard to feel hopeful for the future at this point. i'm literally in tears as i type this. its just been really bad. i never do my makeup anymore or feel good about myself. i can barely move sometimes because the pain in my stomach is so bad or i get pain in my throat from vomiting for hours at a time, and then i get MORE pain from dry heaving due to not being able to hold down any food. and then i get random migraines and headaches that last all day as a result of all of that. its taking a huge toll on my body and my mental health. my depression gets worse during the winter season so when this started getting really bad it just made my mental health a million times worse. its literal hell.

but yeah thats why i haven't been online. real life is hard enough and i haven't been motivated to post because of the hell i'm going through or a lot of the time i physically CAN'T make content. but i'm going to keep trying. i'm going to do every fucking thing my doctors tell me to do because im so fed up with suffering. i promise that i will make content again and post the things i create and other stuff i used to post about before i stopped being able to function. as soon as i start to feel semi normal or at least well enough to do daily activities and complete even small goals, i will post about it. i'll keep u guys updated.

i appreciate every single person who follows me and my content, and all the ppl who keep checking up on me and wondering where the fuck i went. i love you guys so much💜 and i'm so sorry to all the ppl who haven't heard from me. if i can gain at least a little bit of my physical strength and health back, i will be so happy. i also am trying to get vitamins prescribed to me because im severely lacking nutrients but they are so expensive and i can't afford them out of pocket until i get my disability money. i'm also anemic and have to start taking iron supplements again. i'm just a giant ball of health issues😭 its actually ridiculous how bad my health has been. but i'm a mom and for that reason i will never stop trying. i will do whatever it takes to get better. i don't think my health could get much worse than it is currently. hopefully i didn't just jinx myself by saying that😭

sorry for the super long explanation, i just have sooo many messages in my inbox and questions that you guys send me that i haven't answered. i don't want to leave u in the dark. the connections i've made on this silly little blog mean the world to me. and everything i've been going through has been so hard to explain. but since i recently got a REAL answer as to why i'm suffering so much, i felt it was a good time to let you guys know what is going on with me. like i said, when i am able to feel somewhat normal again i will post consistently and re-open my shop too! it sucks so bad having a passion for creating but being too sick to even get out of bed other than to get sick in the bathroom. i've been to the emergency room more times this month than i have in the last 4 years. if i can overcome this awfulness i will not take it for granted. i will work harder than i ever have to create and share it with the world. but for now i just have to sit back and do whatever my doctors tell me to do and hope to god that it helps me 😞

[meadowsystem]

💙 my heart is heavy with this one 💙

I have consistent nervous breakdowns over knowing this is my life. But yet I know many have no idea about the things I'm about to tell you.

Cyclic vomiting syndrome itself is not truely life-threatening but the complications that it creates can be.

I'M BEGGING FOR HELP!!

They do not provide enough accessible treatment. For complications I face from this rare disease.

I am unable to keep a job as I cannot work during vomiting episodes. Lasting anywhere between hours to days. Not including the recovery time needed after the episode is finished.

IT IS DEBILITATING.

Workplaces refuse to hire me when accomodations are asked due to this disability making me "unreliable". If you don't tell your employer and you miss too much work, your let go for being "unreliable". Finding a workplace who will accommodate you and provide consistent wages ... is unobtainable.

Accessing proper insurance coverage needed to make this rare disease manageable is unobtainable due to the plethora of needs we require to have met. Even when on welfare or disability.

Those who are not able to manage the triggers are pushed out of the workforce and forced to fight to get disability. Often unable to obtain federal disability as it isn't "as bad as cancer" as I was told... even with my other plethora of diagnoses that made my doctor feel it was my best course of action.

Not only dose this rare disease have complications of dehydration, damage to the esophagus and tooth decay. Most with this disease also suffer from other conditions (comorbidities), particularly other functional issues. Some of the common functional comorbidities to CVS include migraine headache, chronic fatigue, irritable bowel, gastroparesis, depression, anxiety, POTS and/or other forms of dysautonomia as well as neuromuscular disease include intellectual disabilities, autism, seizures, and/or hypotonia. As well as mitochondria dysfunctions

Incase you don't know mitochondria dysfunctions means your body cannot efficiently turn sugar and oxygen into energy, so the cells do not work correctly. This can affect different parts of the body: the brain, kidneys, muscles, heart, eyes, ears, and others. Organ dysfunction can be a very real possibility. Organ failure is organ dysfunction to such a degree that normal homeostasis cannot be maintained without external clinical intervention.

I have been diagnosed with 8 and counting of the comorbidities. These comorbidities have their own comorbidities that have also been added to my list.

Many doctors are under educated on CVS. Often those with CVS are not properly diagnosed, even with symptoms at a young age.

Many doctors tell us to figure out our CVS triggers to manage the disease. In my case I have so many triggers due to my plethora of diagnoses/comorbidities that my CVS is incredibly difficult, even unrealistic to manage even with proper medical support. (So many overlapping, environmental, situational, medical, life triggers... so many triggers not on this list and still more unknown triggers)

THIS IS MY LIFE! THERE IS NO CURE.

They're are only underfunded small individual research/studies. They have not found a cure. We don't have proper support and thus we suffer. Look at this link ... the lack of information

https://rarediseases.info.nih.gov/diseases/6230/cyclic-vomiting-syndrome

I SUFFER.

My disadvantages have been continually coming to light. My realization I likely won't be able to achieve basic life milestones has been heartbreaking.

Medically assisted suicide is easily achievable even in even minor cases of CVS. While there is little to no support and even less accessibility.

What options do those with this disease have?

Suffer or give up ...

I'd also like to finally note the journey to diagnosis is horrendous. Doctors diagnose cyclic vomiting syndrome based on family and medical history, a physical exam, pattern of symptoms, and medical tests. Your doctor should perform medical tests to rule out other diseases and conditions that may cause nausea and vomiting.

-add on the factors of age, ethnicity, gender, life style, fashion choices, preconceived assumptions ... the list goes on ... the journey to diagnosis often feels unbearable-

If you have read this please comment, I need some validation.

💙

[healingtouristry]

Cyclic Vomiting Syndrome Treatment in India

Cyclic Vomiting Syndrome is characterized by episodes of extreme vomiting with no clear cause. Episodes can last for hours or days and overlap with symptom-free periods. Episodes are similar, which means that they appear to start at the same time of day, last the same amount of time, and occur with the same symptoms and severity. Cyclic vomiting syndrome occurs in all age ranges, but it mostly starts in children between 3 and 7 years of age. While it is more common in children, the number of cases diagnosed in adults is growing. The condition is difficult to diagnose since vomiting is a symptom of many disorders. Treatment also requires behavioural changes that can prevent vomiting episodes from occurring. Medications, including anti-nausea and migraine therapy, can help to reduce symptoms.

Symptoms of cyclic vomiting frequently begins in the morning. Signs and signs shall include:

• Three or more repeated episodes of vomiting that begin at around the same time and last for a similar amount of time.

• Variation of periods of usually normal health without nausea between episodes

• Extreme nausea and sweating until the episode begin

Other signs and symptoms during a vomiting episode may include:

· Abdominal pain

· Diarrhea

· Dizziness

· Sensitivity to light

· Headache

· Retching or gagging

There is no treatment for cyclic vomiting syndrome, but many children no longer have vomiting episodes until they reach adulthood. For those with a cyclic vomiting episode, care focuses on the monitoring of signs and symptoms. You or your child may be administered for the following:

• Anti-nausea drugs

• Pain-relieving medications

• Medications that suppress stomach acid

• Antidepressants

• Anti-seizure medications

The same kind of medicines used for migraines often helps avoid or even eliminate cyclic vomiting episodes. These drugs may be recommended for people with regular and long-term episodes or those with a migraine family history. To avoid dehydration, IV fluids can be needed. Treatment is individualized depending on the length, and occurrence of complications of the symptoms. Lifestyle changes can help to control cyclic vomiting syndrome signs and symptoms. Cyclic vomiting syndrome normally involves ample sleep. After vomiting starts, it can help to remain in a dark, quiet room in bed and to sleep. Some people may feel well enough to start eating a regular diet shortly after vomiting stops. However, you could start with clear liquids, if you or your kid does not feel like eating right away, and then add solid food slowly.

If stress or excitement causes vomiting episodes, consider finding ways to alleviate stress and keep calm during symptom-free periods. Instead of three big meals, it can also benefit to eat small meals and snacks every day. Alternative and additional medications can help to avoid episodes of vomiting, but none have been well studied. Before beginning any supplements, be sure to see a doctor and get a cyclic vomiting syndrome diagnosis confirmed. Check that your doctor is always confident you or your child takes a healthy dosage and that the supplement does not interfere adversely with any drugs you are taking before you take any supplement. Some people can experience side effects similar to cyclic vomiting syndrome symptoms, such as nausea, diarrhea, and appetite loss, as a result of coenzyme Q10, L-carnitine, and riboflavin.

Since you never know when the next episode could happen, the whole family might have a hard cyclic vomiting syndrome. Children may be very concerned and continually worry that when an episode occurs, they will be with other children. You or your child will benefit from talking to someone who knows how to deal with cyclic vomiting syndrome confusion. Ask your doctor about your local support groups.

At Healing Touristry, we give caring, personalized, and outstanding treatment. As a medical tourism service provider, our experience is not limited to connecting you with the best doctors and hospitals, but to ensuring your overall well-being in a country that might be contrary to yours. A success rate of more than 90% is evidence of our commitment to delivering the most advanced care for both routine and serious illnesses. At Healing Touristry, we can provide you with an expert pool of doctors and hospitals for Cyclic vomiting syndrome Treatment in India from our elaborate list of Hospitals. Healing Touristry is widely recognized as one of the best in medical hygiene safe treatment as well as maintaining the standards of safety and privacy of its patients.

[wafflehouse-enthusiast]

Hey! I've been reading your cvs posts and one, aaa holy crap I hope you feel better soon, but two - when/if you get a chance, (no pressure though) I was wondering - would you be willing to write a bit about the unhelpful side of the doctors you've seen, and/or things they actually do well that you wish were more common? I'm applying to med school and hoping to avoid being the kind of doc who causes frustrated memes about bad healthcare experiences (yikes) and you seem like you Have Thoughts D:

Okay, so I can touch on a few experiences that my mother and I both have had dealing with cyclic vomiting syndrome and going to the hospital. Before I start, I just want to point out a couple of things first. I’ve had both really lovely healthcare workers and not so great ones. This is a really rare condition, so I do generally try to cut them some slack. Secondly, I don’t have health insurance and neither does my mother. I’ve had really good health insurance before I was 18 though and I have noticed a massive disparity in the treatment I have gotten from doctors and nurses before and after having insurance. (One time they just told my mom there was nothing wrong with her, that she just had the flu, and they gave her a Gatorade and sent her on her merry way). My main gripe is not being taken seriously by healthcare professionals because I’m not officially diagnosed (Thanks, Covid) My mom is though, my episodes and symptoms are the exact same, so we figured it’s safe to assume. Another issue is due to the way CVS is treated when you are bad enough to warrant a hospital visit. There’s nothing that can be done other than sedatives and fluid. Naturally, that causes problems when there’s no test for CVS and all my other tests come back completely normal with the exception of my electrolytes and the obvious vomiting that /could/ be caused by a myriad of other things. My mom and I have had a history of doctors assuming we’re just looking for drugs. The other issue I have is not being listened to regarding my treatment. Usually, I get upset because they ALWAYS try to give me Zofran no matter how many times I tell them it won’t work for me and that I need Phenergan. My first time going to the ER, I was even given morphine without being asked. Really, it just boils down to the age old problems the healthcare industry are contantly trying to fix regarding the degree of involvement doctors are willing to let a patient have over their own treatment.

[mxopifex]

So because today was like the 5th time in 4 months that I’ve spent the day puking my guts up, I put on my adulting pants and got myself to a doctor.

She suspects it is cyclical vomiting syndrome. And while it’s great to have a dx and possible treatments on the horizon, I can’t help but be a bit mystified that I went to the doctor because I’ve been throwing up a lot and got told “yah you probably have throws up a lot disorder.”

Same thing happened when I was fainting a lot and got dxed with vasovagal syncope. “You faint a lot cause you got faints a lot disorder.”

Kinda takes the glamor out of medical science.

[whsprings]

has your team ever considered cyclic vomiting syndrome?

thats what my pcp put down as my diagnosis when I went to see her but she still wanted me to see a GI doctor to see if there was a specific cause. as far as I know there's not like. a treatment for cyclic vomiting syndrome so it's not exactly the most helpful thing to be diagnosed with

[ceramicskies]

Like as much as gastroparesis sucks at least there’s a treatment for it. Like yeah it’ll never be cured and I’ll have it for the rest of my life but like... there’s medicines I could take if I felt I needed to. My cyclic vomiting syndrome doesn’t even have that. Like it’s a rare lifelong disease that doctors know very little about and there’s never gonna be treatment for it in my lifetime and I hate that I have two (2!) lifelong stomach diseases that will affect me for the rest of my life ❤️ anyways I’m eating a bagel rn what y’all up to?

[olisticacbd]

The Ultimate Guide To The Ketogenic Diet For Beginners

Have you tried different fad diets? Do you often starve yourself but every time end back to the same square? Well, if so, then you must give a try to the keto diet. It's simply an amazing low-carb diet that will strip the fat rapidly.

If you have diabetes and want to lose weight, the keto diet is worth trying. Alongside it also helps you improve your health and battle against serious diseases such as cancer, Alzheimer's and epilepsy.

Let's go straight to the comprehensive guide to the ketogenic diet.

What is the keto diet?

The keto is a low carb diet that is much similar to the Atkins diet. It supports the idea of getting more calories from fats instead of carbohydrates. This reduced intake of carbs enters the body in a metabolic condition known as ketosis.

As a result of ketosis, the body rapidly melts fat reserves for fueling. When it enters the liver, it converts the fatty acids into ketones, which cross the blood-brain barrier and provide a significant amount of energy to the brain.

The ketogenic diet is also involved in lowering blood glucose and insulin levels, which provides tremendous health benefits.

What are the types of keto diets?

Here are the few important types of ketogenic diet;

1. Standard ketogenic diet: This type of diet focus on the consumption of the diet containing high fat (70%), moderate protein (20%) and very low carbs (10%) content.

2. Cyclical ketogenic diet: This is a diet that includes portions of high carbs. You can follow the ketogenic diet for five days and high carbs diet for two days in a week.

3. Targeted ketogenic diet: This diets benefits you with the high carbs intake around the exercises or workouts.

4. High protein ketogenic diet: This diet is much like the standard ketogenic diet but involves more proteins.

The recommended ratio is

5% carbs

35% proteins

60% fats

However, greater researches are conducted on high protein ketogenic diets. Although targeted and cyclical are more sophisticated methods but are suitable for athletes and bodybuilders.

What does ketosis mean?

Ketosis is a metabolic state in which fat melts to provide most of the energy for the body.

This happens when you have limited glucose access, which is mostly the preferred source of fuel for the body.

To start ketosis, one must have to strictly follow a ketogenic diet.

Generally, this needs 20 to 50 g of carbs per day and adds more fat-rich foods, including meat, fish, nuts, eggs and essential oils.

Another important thing for ketosis to begin is the moderate intake of proteins.

However, if consumed in a larger amount, the proteins break down into glucose and disrupt the switching of your body to ketosis.

Nowadays, the frequently used method of weight loss is intermittent fasting.

This method also aids you to enter into ketosis. Intermittent fasting is of different types, but the most preferred way is to limit the food consumption for 8 hours and practice the fast for 16 hours.

To determine whether your body started ketosis or not, blood, breathe, and urine tests are highly preferred.

Some of the symptoms that show the formation of ketone (ketosis) in your body are as follows

Frequent urination

Loss of appetite

Dry mouth

Increased thirst

Ketosis is safe for many people. But still, if you want to know more about it, you can find detailed info about ketosis on this article. What is ketosis - is it beneficial or not.

Is the keto diet effective for weight loss?

A ketogenic diet is the most suitable method to drop a large amount of weight in a limited time. Several types of research suggest that the keto diet is a low carbs diet that reduces the risk of developing different diseases.

Is it promising? Yes, of course, you can eventually lose a significant amount of weight without tracking your calorie intake. It also results in a decrease in the diastolic blood pressure and cholesterol (bad) levels.

For more details on the keto diet for weight loss, read this article.

Is the keto diet beneficial for diabetics and pre-diabetics?

Diabetes is an ailment that occurs due to impaired insulin function, elevated blood glucose level, and metabolic changes.

The keto diet may eliminate excess fat, which has a close association with pre-diabetes, type 2 diabetes, and different metabolic syndromes.

According to a study, the ketogenic diet can enhance insulin sensitivity by almost 75%.

Another study reveals that the keto diet significantly loses weight and helps manage the blood sugar level, which ultimately lowers hyperglycemic medications intake.

For more information, about managing your diabetes with keto diet read the following article:

==> Diabetes and Ketones - Symptoms, Testing and Treatment.

Other health benefits of the ketogenic diet

The keto diet has been linked with various mental health benefits like epilepsy. Beyond the weight loss, the keto diet may also help you with various incredible health benefits.

Heart health:

Keto can help lower the risk factors such as increased HDL cholesterol, improvement in blood pressure and lower blood glucose level.

Cancer:

The anti-tumor effects of the ketogenic diet have also been revealed recently.

Alzheimer's disease:

The keto diet may also improve cognitive functions and slow down Alzheimer's disease progression.

Epilepsy:

According to research, the ketogenic diet can reduce the episodes of seizures in epileptic patients.

Parkinson's disease:

Although more research is required, a study suggests that the diet stimulates the breakdown of proteins and manages Parkinson's disease.

Polycystic ovary syndrome:

The keto diet can also lower insulin levels, which play a significant role in controlling polycystic ovary syndrome.

Traumatic Brain injuries:

According to the studies, the diet could also lower the outcomes of severe brain injuries.

But Remember that the researches in most of these areas are still insufficient.

What kind of foods should you avoid?

Foods rich in carbs are prohibited during the keto diet.

Such food intake should be reduced;

Sugar-rich foods: fruit juices, ice creams, smoothies, cakes etc.

Starchy foods: rice, cereal and wheat-based products.

Fruit: all types of fruits and only a small portion of strawberries or cheery is allowed.

Legumes: kidney beans, peas, lentils, chickpeas etc.

Tubers: potatoes, carrots, sweet potatoes etc.

Low-fat foods: mayonnaise and salad dressings.

Sauces and condiments: ketchup, barbecue sauce, honey mustard etc.

Unhealthy fats from processed vegetable oils

Alcohol and diet free foods products like syrups, sweeteners, sugar-free desserts, puddings etc.

What type of food must you eat?

Here is the must-have list of foods for the ketogenic diet:

Meat: beef, mutton, chicken, turkey, ham etc.

Fish containing fats: trout, tuna, salmon and mackerel

Eggs: Whole eggs or pasteurized eggs

Cheese and butter: unprocessed cheese and heavy cream

Healthy oils: Coconut oil and extra virgin olive oil.

Nuts: peanuts, almonds, flaxseeds, walnuts etc.

It's perfect for consuming all of these foods; however, for tons of recipes, check out our keto recipe eBook or video keto recipes.

Tips and tricks for the keto diet

Although, initially, the keto diet might seem tough. It may seem difficult to keep up with the specific diet plan, but here are some tips and tricks that may help you.

The key to a useful keto diet is thoroughly reading the fats, carbs, and proteins in the food labels. This exercise will help you to pick your favorite fat-rich foods.

Eating in restaurants offering keto-friendly meal options can help you to stick to your diet.

Different food blogs, magazines, and cookbooks are widely available that share keto-friendly recipes and customized meals.

==> To get your custom menu, click here.

Prefer healthy frozen keto foods when you don't have much time.

When you go out to a social gathering or visit your friend's place, you can also take your home-cooked keto meal.

Tips for eating out

Most restaurants prepare keto-friendly meals. They offer different types of fatty fish and red meat.

Egg-based dishes like omelet and bacon are also good options.

Another great choice is bun-less burgers. You can replace the French fries with boiled veggies or avocados.

In dessert, berries with cream and mixed cheese board are the best choices.

What are the side effects of the keto diet?

Although the keto diet is safe but initially, most people experience some of the side effects. Here are the few most reported side effects.

Diarrhea and vomiting

Constipation

Less common side effects are:

Mental abnormalities

Sleep apnea

Low exercise performance

Nausea

To lower the risk of side effects, you can stick to the low carb diet initially. This will train your body to melt fat alternative to carbs.

Final verdict

Ok, now you have got the detailed ins and outs of the ketogenic diet. Conclusively, the keto diet demands you to lower your carbohydrate intake and, in turn, raise the consumption of fats.

The purpose is to utilize the fat stores instead of sugar as energy. It boosts your metabolism and keeps you charged until the next meal.

However, if you are a sportsperson and want to increase your muscle mass, the keto diet might not be sustainable.

For further details related to the keto diet, seek the recommendations of your doctor.

This Article was originally posted on https://hr.olistica.co on February 16, 2021

[warm-suggestions]

hello, im the anon a few days back that mentioned about vomitting (replaced with pouring). Upon reading you having cyclic vomitting syndrome, i went to check it up and i think i might have it too. Its like i have nearly all the symptoms

Hi! One thing I was not clear on from your ask was whether or not you are purposely causing yourself to throw up. If that is the case then I wouldn’t think its cyclic vomiting syndrome. Also, Cyclic Vomiting Syndrome, since its just a “syndrome” its just a name for that group of symptoms, meaning they don’t know what causes it and it is probably different for different people. (Just some stuff to keep in mind)

However, I’m super glad that I could be helpful and give you a hint in the right direction! I would also suggest seeing a doctor. While the first GI specialist I saw was not that helpful and we saw her for a year with no results. Then I saw a different Gastrointestinal specialist at my doctor, they immediately knew what I had. While CVS is just a group of symptoms that I have, they do know ways that are known to treat it, and I have been on a successful treatment for like 6 months now. (I have only thrown up once in that time and it was when I had mono). 

I wish you good luck with your journey and hope you can get to feeling better!!! Much love

[livehealthy-well]

Amenorrhea

Amenorrhea

Source: Amenorrhea

Amenorrhea is defined as the absence of a menstrual period in a woman during her reproductive age.  Women who missed her three menstrual periods are dealing with amenorrhea problem. It is a normal feature in prepubertal, pregnant, and post-menopausal females. The physiological state of amenorrhea is seen most commonly during pregnancy and lactation. Apart from the reproductive years, there is an absence of menses during childhood and after menopause.

For a woman to have regular menstrual cycles, her hypothalamus  (stimulates the pituitary gland), pituitary gland (that releases luteinizing hormone and follicle stimulating hormone which influence the production of estrogen and progesterone that control cyclic changes in the lining of the uterus), ovaries, and uterus must be functioning properly.

Environmental factors play an important role in determining the menstrual flow, its integrity, and regularity. Menstrual dysfunction reveals infertility and increases the future risk of various chronic diseases such as diabetes, breast cancer, and cardiovascular diseases.

What are the different Types of Amenorrhea?

There are mainly two types of Amenorrhea –

1. Primary Amenorrhea

When a woman has not her first menstrual period by the age of 14 years and no signs of other sexual characteristics (such as developing breasts and pubic hair), it is known as primary amenorrhea or delayed menarche. This is common in teenage girls who:

Are very thin or an athletic

Underweight

Have a genetic problem

Have abnormal female reproductive organs

Imperforate hymen

Hypothyroidism

Having low energy availability (for example eating disorders, excessive exercise, decreased caloric intake )

2. Secondary Amenorrhea

It occurs when periods have stopped for about three months or more. It is commonly seen in

Pregnancy

Breastfeeding

Menopause

Emotional or physical stress

Rapid weight loss

Strenuous exercise

Polycystic ovarian syndrome

Premature ovarian failure

Hysterectomy

What are the Signs & Symptoms of Amenorrhea?

The main symptom of amenorrhea is the absence of menstrual periods. Other signs & symptoms include-

Excess body and facial hair

Acne

Lowering of the voice

Altered sex drive

Changes in the breast

Weight gain or weight loss

Constipation

Dry skin and hair

Anxiety

Stress

Headache

Muscular and neural pain

What is an Ayurvedic view of Amenorrhea?

According to Ayurveda, Amenorrhea is termed as ‘Anartava’. According to Acharya Charka, the imbalance of the Vata Dosha in women is the main cause of Amenorrhea. Aggravated Vata dosha accumulated in the body and relocated to Purishvaha srotas.

Normally, the food is digested by the digestive fire and converted into rasa dhatu. This rasa dhatu provides nourishment to the successive dhatus and other tissues of the body. Anartava or menstrual blood is a part of this rasa dhatu. But when the digestion is impaired, instead of the healthy rasa dhatu, ama or toxins are produced. This ama gathers in rasavahi srotas or artavavahi srotas which causes blockage in them and stops the menstrual flow, leading to Amenorrhea.

What is an Ayurvedic Treatment for Amenorrhea?

The strength of Ayurvedic treatment is its ability to remove the root cause of the disease rather than treating the symptoms. Ayurveda has numerous natural and pure herbs which are very beneficial in the treatment of Amenorrhea.

Chandigarh Ayurved Centre provided you the ‘’Amenorrhea Go Kit’’, which includes total 5 products – Rajpravartini vati, Stri Poshak tablet, Stri Poshak capsules, Stri Poshak syrup, & Ashwagandha tablet.

ALL PRODUCTS DESCRIPTION IN DETAIL

1. Rajpravartini Vati

Rajpravartini vati is an Ayurvedic medicine that is best for the treatment of women’s health problems. Its main effects appear on ovaries and uterus. The ingredients used for the preparation of vati are – Shuddha tankan (Purified borax), Kaseesa (Purified blue vitriol), Shuddha Hingu (Purified ferula asafoetida), etc. It pacifies the Vata and Kapha doshas. The main action of the vati is to increase the menstrual flow and eliminate the flow obstruction caused by aggravated Kapha.

Recommended Dosage – Take 2 tablets twice a day with normal water.

2. Stri Rasayan

Stri Rasayan is the best remedy to treat all the gynecological problems. It is being prepared from the formation of several herbs and extracts to provide health benefits naturally. The composition of Stri Rasayan contains – Mulethi (Glycyrrhiza glabra), Amla (Emblica officinalis), Devdaru (Cedrus deodara), Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera), Nagkeshar (Mesua ferrea), Guggulu (Commiphora mukul), etc. It mainly helps to strengthen the uterine muscles, relieve the pelvic pain, vomiting, etc.

Recommended Dosage – Take 2 tablets twice a day with normal water.

3. Stri-Poshak Syrup

Stri Poshak Syrup is very beneficial in curing woman’s physical weakness, anemia, reproductive problems, etc. It includes – Ashok chall (Saraca asoca), Lodhar chall (Symplocos racemosa), Khadir chall (Acacia catechu), Guduchi (Tinospora cordifolia), Mulethi (Glycyrrhiza glabra), etc. The ingredients used in this syrup mainly balances the Pitta and Kapha doshas and helps to get relief from hot flashes, disturbed sleep, abdominal discomfort, mood elevation, amenorrhea, excess sweating, tiredness, etc.

Recommended Dosage– Take 2 teaspoonful twice a day with normal water.

4. Stri-Poshak Capsules

These capsules contain – Ashok chall (Saraca asoca), Lodhar chall (Symplocos racemosa), Aamlaki (Emblica officinalis), Nagkesar (Mesua ferrea), etc. Stri Poshak capsules mainly balance the kapha dosha. This capsule is very beneficial in maintaining women’s health. It is used in irregular menstrual periods, pelvic pain. The capsules are very effective in the management of headache, muscular pain, general weakness, etc.

Recommended Dosage – Take 2 capsules twice a day with normal water.

5. Ashwagandha Tablet

Ashwagandha is a traditional medicinal herb with multiple health benefits. It helps to reduce anxiety, stress, and helps to fight against depression, beneficial for regulation of the menstrual cycle and also supports the female reproductive system and gives satisfactory results.

Recommended Dosage – Take 2 tablets twice a day with normal water.

What is the Panchakarma Treatment for Amenorrhea?

Panchakarma is the best way to treat any type of acute or chronic diseases as it overall detoxifies the body. Chandigarh Ayurved Centre provides the Bliss therapy consisting of Abhyanga, Shirodhara, Swedana treatments. It helps in pacifying Vata dosha and nourishes the system. The therapies are beneficial for the treatment of amenorrhea and are conducted under the supervision of a Ayurvedic Doctor.

Healthy Tips and Diet for Amenorrhea Patients-

Take plenty of fresh fruits, and vegetable in raw, juice, or soup form.

Avoid hard digesting and junking food items.

Avoid ice creams, cold drinks, alcohol, smoking, etc.

Eat warm, nutritious and easily digestible foods like khichadi and soup which give the gastrointestinal tract a rest and facilitate cleansing.

Drink filtered or boiled water.

Limit the use of Contraceptive pills.

Eat a Calcium-rich food at each meal that helps in maintaining the bone density.

Medication and Relaxation techniques are beneficial to overcome mental stress.

Daily oil massage can be helpful in maintaining the imbalanced dosha.

Take deepana dravyas like Cinnamon (is a good choice because of its demulcent and stimulating properties), Dried Ginger (works as an emmenagogue), & Turmeric (helps to regulate menses by decongesting the liver).

Exercise is very beneficial to bring back the menstrual cycle because it reduces stress and brings balance to the endocrine system.

Regular practicing yoga has good results in the treatment of Amenorrhea. Do perform Yoga Asana such as Dhanurasana, Ustrasana, Bhujangasana, Malasana, and Baddha Konasana.

Do perform Pranayama like Anulom Vilom, Shitali, Sheetkari, and Chandrabhedi pranayama.

AlsoRead: ovarian cyst diet, tulsi amrit ras, sarcoidosis treatment in ayurveda,ayurvedic store in mohali, ayurvedic medicine for amenorrhea

[pakistangeonews-blog]

Aprepitant powder used for prevention of postoperative nausea and vomiting

1.What is Aprepitant?

Aprepitant (brand name: Emend) is an antiemetic chemical compound that belongs to a class of drugs called substance P antagonists (SPA). It mediates its effect by blocking the neurokinin 1 (NK1) receptor. It's used for prevention of acute and delayed chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV) and for prevention of postoperative nausea and vomiting. Aprepitant may also be useful in the treatment of cyclic vomiting syndrome and late-stage chemotherapy induced vomiting.

2.What is Aprepitant powder?

Name:    Aprepitant powder

CAS:    170729-80-3

Molecular Formula:    C23H21F7N4O3

Molecular Weight:    534.4266624

Melt Point:    244-246°C

Storage Temp:    -20°C Freezer

Color:    White powder

Aprepitant is made up of a morpholine core with two substituents attached to adjacent ring carbons. These substitute groups are trifluoromethylated phenyl ethanol and fluorophenyl group. Aprepitant also has a third substituent (triazolinone), which is joined to the morpholine ring nitrogen. It has three chiral centres very close together, which combine to produce an amino acetal arrangement. Its empirical formula is C23H21F7N4O3.

Aprepitant is an off-white crystalline solid that has a molecular weight of around 534.53. It has a very limited solubility in water. It does have a reasonably high solubility in non-polar molecules such as oils. This would, therefore, suggest that aprepitant as a whole, despite having components that are polar, is a non-polar substance.

3.How does Aprepitant works?

Aprepitant is classified as an NK1 antagonist because it blocks signals given off by NK1 receptors. This, therefore, decreases the likelihood of vomiting in patients.

NK1 is a G protein-coupled receptor located in the central and peripheral nervous system. This receptor has a dominant ligand known as Substance P (SP). SP is a neuropeptide, composed of 11 amino acids, which sends impulses and messages from the brain. It is found in high concentrations in the vomiting center of the brain, and, when activated, it results in a vomiting reflex. In addition to this it also plays a key part in the transmission of pain impulses from the peripheral receptors to the central nervous system.

Aprepitant has been shown to inhibit both the acute and delayed emesis induced by cytotoxic chemotherapeutic drugs by blocking substance P landing on receptors in the brain's neurons. Positron emission tomography (PET) studies, have demonstrated that aprepitant can cross the blood brain barrier and bind to NK1 receptors in the human brain. It has also been shown to increase the activity of the 5-HT3 receptor antagonists ondansetron and the corticosteroid dexamethasone, which are also used to prevent nausea and vomiting caused by chemotherapy.

Aprepitant is taken orally in the form of a capsule. Before clinical testing, a new class of therapeutic agent has to be characterized in terms of preclinical metabolism and excretion studies. Average bioavailability is found to be around 60-65%. Aprepitant is metabolized primarily by CYP3A4 with minor metabolism by CYP1A2 and CYP2C19. Seven metabolites of aprepitant, which are only weakly active, have been identified in human plasma. As a moderate inhibitor of CYP3A4, aprepitant can increase plasma concentrations of co-administered medicinal products that are metabolized through CYP3A4. Specific interaction has been demonstrated with oxycodone, where aprepitant both increased the efficacy and worsened the side effects of oxycodone; however it is unclear whether this is due to CPY3A4 inhibition or through its NK-1 antagonist action. Following IV administration of a 14C-labeled prodrug of aprepitant (L-758298), which is converted rapidly and completely to aprepitant, approximately 57% of the total radioactivity is excreted in the urine and 45% in feces. No unchanged substance is excreted in urine.

One of the main features of aprepitant, and a major advantage it has over other chemotherapy-induced side-effect treatments, is its ability to selectively antagonize NK1 receptors, while having very low affinity to other common receptors such as serotonin, dopamine, and corticosteroid. It is estimated that aprepitant is at least 3,000 times more selective to NK1 receptors compared to these other enzyme transporter, The normal dosing of aprepitant given as 125 mg in the first day after chemotherapy and followed by

80 mg the following 2 days.

4.Where Aprepitant usage for?

Aprepitant is used to help prevent nausea and vomiting that can sometimes follow chemotherapy treatment. For patients receiving chemotherapy, nausea and vomiting may occur within the 24 hours immediately following treatment (acute), or several days later (delayed). Given in combination with other medications, aprepitant may prevent both acute and delayed nausea and vomiting. Aprepitant is not used to treat nausea and vomiting once they have already begun.

Aprepitant is used with other medications in adults and children 6 months of age and older to prevent nausea and vomiting that may occur within 24 hours after receiving cancer chemotherapy treatment. It is also used with other medications in adults and children 6 months of age and older to prevent delayed nausea and vomiting that may occur several days after receiving certain chemotherapy medications. Aprepitant is also used alone in adults to prevent nausea and vomiting caused by surgery. Aprepitant is not used to treat nausea and vomiting that you already have. Aprepitant is in a class of medications called antiemetics. It works by blocking the action of neurokinin, a natural substance in the brain that causes nausea and vomiting.

5.How should Aprepitant be used?

Aprepitant comes as a capsule and as an oral suspension (liquid) to take by mouth. To prevent nausea and vomiting caused by cancer chemotherapy, aprepitant is usually taken once daily, with or without food, during the first few days of your cancer chemotherapy treatment. You will probably take aprepitant 1 hour before your chemotherapy on days 1,

2, and 3 of your treatment. If you do not receive chemotherapy on days 2 and 3, then you will take aprepitant on those days in the morning. To prevent nausea and vomiting caused by surgery, aprepitant is usually taken as one dose within 3 hours before the start of surgery. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take aprepitant exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.

Aprepitant capsules come in two different strengths. Your doctor may prescribe both of the strengths for you to take at different times. You should be careful to take the right strength at the right time as directed by your doctor.

Swallow the capsules whole; do not split, chew, or crush them.

The oral suspension will be prepared by your healthcare provider and given to you in an oral dispenser. Store the oral dispenser in the refrigerator until it is time for your dose; however, it can be stored at room temperature for up to 3 hours before use. When ready to use, remove the cap from the dispenser before placing it in your mouth to slowly release the medication.

Aprepitant only works to prevent nausea and vomiting. Call your doctor if you already have these symptoms and do not begin to take aprepitant.

When used to prevent nausea and vomiting caused by cancer chemotherapy, aprepitant is usually used only during the first 3 days of the chemotherapy treatment cycles. Do not continue taking aprepitant longer than instructed by your doctor.

6.Aprepitant Dosage

Usual Adult Dose for Nausea/Vomiting - Chemotherapy Induced

MODERATELY TO HIGHLY EMETOGENIC CANCER CHEMOTHERAPY (HEC/MEC): Oral Capsules:

-Day 1: 125 mg orally once 1 hour before chemotherapy

-Days 2 and 3: 80 mg orally once a day, 1 hour before chemotherapy OR in the morning (if chemotherapy is not given on Days 2 and 3)

-Duration of therapy: 3 days/cycle

Oral Suspension:

-Day 1: 3 mg/kg orally once 1 hour before chemotherapy

---Maximum dose: 125 mg/dose

-Days 2 to 3: 2 mg/kg orally once a day, 1 hour before chemotherapy OR in the morning (if chemotherapy is not given on Days 2 and 3)

---Maximum dose: 80 mg/dose

-Duration of therapy: 3 days/cycle

Comments:

-The recommended dosage of dexamethasone is 12 mg orally on Day 1 administered 30 minutes prior to chemotherapy and 8 mg orally in the mornings on Days 2 through 4 (HEC) or Days 2 through 3 (MEC).

-The 5-HT3 antagonist is administered on Day 1 only. Consult the package insert for the

5-HT3 antagonist dosing prior to initiation of treatment.

-This drug may be taken with or without food.

Uses:

-In combination with other antiemetic agents for the prevention of acute and delayed nausea and vomiting associated with initial and repeat courses of HEC including

high-dose cisplatin

-In combination with other antiemetic agents for the prevention of nausea and vomiting associated with initial and repeat courses of MEC

Usual Adult Dose for Nausea/Vomiting - Postoperative

40 mg orally once within 3 hours prior to induction of anesthesia

Use: Prevention of nausea and vomiting Usual Pediatric Dose for Nausea/Vomiting - Chemotherapy Induced

12 years and older: MEC/HEC:

Oral Capsules:

-Day 1: 125 mg orally once 1 hour before chemotherapy

-Days 2 and 3: 80 mg orally once a day, 1 hour before chemotherapy OR in the morning (if chemotherapy is not given on Days 2 and 3)

-Duration of therapy: 3 days/cycle

Oral Suspension:

-Day 1: 3 mg/kg orally once 1 hour before chemotherapy

---Maximum dose: 125 mg/dose

-Days 2 to 3: 2 mg/kg orally once a day, 1 hour before chemotherapy OR in the morning (if chemotherapy is not given on Days 2 and 3)

---Maximum dose: 80 mg/dose

-Duration of therapy: 3 days/cycle

Comments:

-If a corticosteroid (e.g., dexamethasone) is coadministered, patients should be given

50% of the recommended pediatric dose on Days 1 to 4. Consult the package insert for the corticosteroid dosing prior to initiation of treatment.

-The 5-HT3 antagonist is administered on Day 1 only. Consult the package insert for the

5-HT3 antagonist dosing prior to initiation of treatment.

-This drug may be taken with or without food.

Uses:

-In combination with other antiemetic agents for the prevention of acute and delayed nausea and vomiting associated with initial and repeat courses of HEC including

high-dose cisplatin

-In combination with other antiemetic agents for the prevention of nausea and vomiting associated with initial and repeat courses of MEC

7.Other Comments for Aprepitant

Administration advice:

-Take with or without food.

-Oral suspension: Oral syringes should be placed along the inner cheek, and should be dispensed slowly.

-Oral capsules: Swallow whole.

-For prevention of CINV, take first dose 1 hour prior to chemotherapy.

-For prevention of PONV, receive medication within 3 hours prior to induction of anesthesia.

Storage requirements:

-Oral suspension: Refrigerate; use within 72 hours of preparation, and discard any remaining suspension after 72 hours.

General:

-Limitations of use: Use has not been studied for the treatment of established nausea and vomiting.

-Patient profiles may change during chronic continuous administration; chronic use is not recommended.

Monitoring:

-Hematologic: INR in patients on chronic warfarin therapy

-Hypersensitivity: Hypersensitivity reactions at any time during treatment

Patient advice:

-Patients should be advised to report all concurrent prescription and nonprescription medications or herbal products they are taking.

-Instruct patients to immediately report any signs/symptoms of Stevens-Johnson syndrome, toxic epidermal necrolysis, or hypersensitivity reactions.

-Patients should be advised to speak to healthcare provider if pregnant, intend to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding; patients using hormonal contraception to prevent pregnancy will need to speak with their health care provider about using a non-hormonal back-up method of birth control for up to 2 months after completing therapy.

8.What special precautions should I follow?

Before taking aprepitant

· tell  your  doctor  and  pharmacist  if  you  are  allergic  to  aprepitant,  any  other medications, or any of the ingredients in aprepitant capsules or oral suspension. Ask your pharmacist for a list of the ingredients.

· do not take aprepitant if you are taking pimozide (Orap). Your doctor will probably tell you not to take aprepitant if you are taking this medication.

· tell  your  doctor  and  pharmacist  what  other  prescription  and  nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking or plan to take. Be sure to mention any of the following: anticoagulants ('blood thinners')   such   as   warfarin   (Coumadin,   Jantoven);   antifungals   such   as itraconazole (Onmel, Sporanox) and ketoconazole ; benzodiazepines such as alprazolam (Xanax), diazepam (Valium), midazolam , and triazolam (Halcion); cancer chemotherapy medications such as ifosfamide (Ifex), irinotecan (Camptosar), vinblastine, and vincristine (Marqibo Kit); carbamazepine (Equetro, Tegretol, Teril); clarithromycin (Biaxin, in Prevpac); diltiazem (Cardizem, Cartia, Tiazac); HIV protease inhibitors such as nelfinavir (Viracept) and ritonavir (Norvir); hormonal contraceptives (birth control pills, patches, rings, and injections); nefazodone; oral steroids such as dexamethasone and methylprednisolone (Medrol);   phenytoin   (Dilantin,   Phenytek);   rifampin   (Rifadin,   Rimactane,   in Rifamate, in Rifater); and troleandomycin (TAO; no longer available in U.S.). Your doctor may need to change the doses of your medications or monitor you carefully for side effects. Many other medications may also interact with aprepitant, so be sure to tell your doctor about all the medications you are taking, even those that do not appear on this list.

·     tell your doctor if you have or have ever had liver disease.

·     tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding.

If you are taking birth control medications during treatment with aprepitant you should also use an additional method of birth control to avoid pregnancy during treatment with aprepitant and for one month after your final dose. Talk to your doctor about birth control methods while  you  are  taking aprepitant and after treatment. If you become pregnant while taking aprepitant, call your doctor.

9.Aprepitant other uses

Major depression

Encouraged by positive results in their early controlled studies of aprepitant (300 mg/d with enforced food intake) and L-759,274(another NK1 receptor antagonist), as well as those of CP-122,721 (Pfizer) in patients with major depressive disorder, Merck & Co. conducted Phase III clinical trials on aprepitant in which patients received 80 mg or 160 mg/d (a new formulation, prescribed without enforced food intake) as a treatment for major depressive disorder. Despite achieving 90-95% receptor occupancy of aprepitant in certain brain regions, negative clinical results were observed in three actively controlled studies. The company has since abandoned plans to market aprepitant 160 mg as an antidepressant. Subsequently, large clinically positive double blind controlled studies with two additional NK1 receptor antagonists, casopitant, and orvepitant (both GlaxoSmithKine compounds) have been published in peer reviewed medical journals. This work now replicates the early findings of Merck and Co with aprepitant and L-759,274, and of Pfizer with CP-122,721. Arguably, the weight of preclinical data and positive clinical evidence provides evidence that NK1 receptor antagonism, including that of aprepitant, is a distinct antidepressant mechanism. Across all these studies, efficacy appeared to be dose-related. Only mild, transient, and tolerable side effects, not those typically observed with either the SSRI, SNRI, or NRI classes of antidepressants, have been observed.

Beyond suggestions that PET receptor occupancy must not be used routinely to cap dosing for new medical indications for this class, or that > 99% human receptor occupancy might be required for consistent psycho-pharmacological or other therapeutic effects, critical scientific dissection and debate of the above data might be needed to enable aprepitant, and the class of NK1 antagonists as a whole, to fulfill preclinically predicted utilities beyond CINV (i.e., for other psychiatric disorders, addictions, neuropathic pain, migraine, osteoarthritis, overactive bladder, inflammatory bowel disease, and other disorders with suspected inflammatory or immunological components (see anti-cancer below.) However, most data remain proprietary and thus reviews on the expanded clinical potential for drugs like aprepitant range from optimistic to crepe-hanging.

Related Post: Aprepitant powder used for prevention of postoperative nausea and vomiting

[yes-dal456]

Real Stories Of Americans Who Will Be Affected By The Proposed Changes To The ACA — And What YOU Can Do To Fight

With the proposed changes to the Affordable Care Act (ACA), 20 million Americans are at risk of losing their health care coverage.

A survey, conducted by Brunswick Partners, found that “75 percent of Americans agree that the proposed changes to Medicaid in the AHCA are a bad idea. And that we should not allow 14 million Americans to become uninsured even if there is a potential to reduce Medicaid spending. These results are significant because they find majorities of Americans identifying as conservatives (55 percent), moderates (82 percent) and liberals (90 percent) are opposed to the AHCA’s Medicaid provisions.”

Some of the proposed changes to the ACA made by the House include:

Over $800 Billion in cuts to Medicaid*

Elimination of the Medicaid expansion*

Reversal of the pre-existing conditions clause

Elimination of many of the essential health benefits (EHB)

Cuts to behavioral and mental health coverage

Raises in premiums for those over 65

30% surcharge for those who don’t have coverage in order to get coverage

Eliminates Federal subsidies and replaces them with tax credits based on age

Elimination of many of the workforce diversity provisions

Inclusion of high-risk pools

Shift to per capita caps and block grants

Elimination of women’s healthcare coverage

Lifetime caps

*These Medicaid cuts and caps are not at all related to the ACA, but are only there to “pay for” for the tax breaks for the wealthy in the bill.

Terms to Understand:

- Affordable Care Act (ACA) – also dubbed “Obamacare”

- American Health Care Act (AHCA) – also dubbed “Trumpcare,” which is the bill proposed by the House.

- Essential Health Benefits (EHB) – the ACA required that EHBs be covered on all healthcare plans.

- Medicaid – is also called Medical Assistance or MA

Harry Nelson, co-author of the book, “From ObamaCare to TrumpCare: Why You Should Care” estimates that the number of Americans who lose health coverage could be closer to 30 million, and the biggest nightmare of the proposed changes is this fact: those with pre-existing conditions will lose their ability to be insured.

Nelson also states, “the essential health benefits (EHB) that are currently required under all plans was life changing for many families, especially those with addiction treatments and mental health concerns. The ACA also provided dramatic change to families with children with special needs. The Republican plan is to get rid of the EHB and pre-existing conditions. The super conservatives see $100 billion in their pockets. They want tax cuts, and in order to balance the budget it means eliminating the overall costs of health care.”

“The working middle-class who have jobs without company insurance are going to be the hardest hit, along with the 50-65 age group,” Nelson added. “The two parts of the ACA that Americans loved most was the elimination of pre-existing conditions, and the ability to keep your children on your policy until age 26. Under the new proposal, if you lose your job you may never be able to get insurance again if you have a pre-existing condition.”

REAL STORIES OF AMERICANS AFFECTED BY THESE CHANGES:

Tymia McCollough, age 11 – Georgetown, South Carolina

Tymia was born with sickle cell anemia type SS. While her mother is a carrier, she does not have sickle cell. As a Medicaid recipient, Tymia has received blood transfusions, optical care, ER attention, medication in and out of the hospital, and undergone two surgeries. These treatments gave her the chance to thrive and grow through her treatments at MUSC Children’s Hospital. Today, Tymia is an ambassador for the American Red Cross, leader on the police community board, involved with the elderly in her community, enjoys pageantry, modeling, singing and ballet. She is an ambitious young girl, who is best described as BRAVE.

“Medicaid is very important to Tymia because it allows her to see the doctors and specialists who help her sustain a great quality of life. Medicaid has guaranteed that my daughter will receive consistent and effective medical care. Without it, she may not be here today. For this, we are truly grateful.” – Tymia’s mother, Susie.

Katie Alee, age 16 – Minnetonka, Minnesota 

Katie was diagnosed with complex movement disorder, a rare form of cerebral palsy, when she was a year old. Her condition requires ongoing and constant medical care. Medicaid has assisted Katie’s family from day one with access to quality and affordable care. Katie has grown into a vibrant young woman who can advocate for herself because of the care she has received throughout her life with Medicaid assistance. An example of this is when her elementary school’s playground couldn’t accommodate her power wheelchair, she used her voice and an accessible one was built. Her care at Gillette Children’s Specialty Healthcare in St. Paul and her Medicaid insurance empowered her to speak out.

“Knowing that Medicaid is there for Katie should anything ever happen to me is vital to me and my peace of mind. And Katie’s future needs are not really known at this time, so we need to make sure there is always an affordable healthcare opportunity for Katie.” – Katie’s mom, Edwina Alee

Apollo Howell, age 3 – Austin, Texas

Apollo Howell was diagnosed with tracheoesophageal fistula, esophageal atresia, tracheomalacia, lung disease, acute gastroenteritis, reflux disease, chronic gastroparesis, and cyclic vomiting syndrome when he was born. He spent the first 171 days of his life in three different Neonatal Incentive Care Units (NICU). Through his Medicaid insurance and the pediatric surgeons and physicians at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center and Dell Children’s Hospital, Apollo’s trachea was successfully rebuilt and his esophagus was repaired. Today, Apollo is an unstoppable force of nature, and loves to play with trains and swim.

Khalil Pereira, age 22 – North Brunswick, New Jersey

Khalil was returning from college with one of his friends when the driver fell asleep at the wheel and lost control of the vehicle. The car flipped 15 times. During his six-month inpatient stay at Children’s Specialized Hospital, Khalil received phenomenal medical and nursing care and intense physical, occupational, speech and recreational therapy. His family received hope and reassurance during a critical time of shock and uncertainty. After treatment, Khalil was able to talk, walk and do all his daily activities on his own. All of this phenomenal progress was made possible by Medicaid assistance. Despite some persisting cognitive issues, Khalil is now employed and works part-time as a store clerk.

“When I learned of Khalil’s accident I was on my way to work, I was blown away by the news and my family was in shock. Without Medicaid I would not have been able to pay for his medical treatments. At the time of his injury I was a single mom of three boys working only part-time.” –Khalil’s mother, Shanette.

Kenedi and Kendal Breyfogle, Pierre, South Dakota

Twin sisters Kenedi and Kendal were diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia at 3 months old. After 17 months in remission, Kendal relapsed and now, at day +40 from her transplant, the cancer has already returned.

Kenedi and Kendal’s mom, Abby Breyfogle, is one of many #IAmAPreexistingCondition video stories posted on The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s Advocacy Facebook page, as Kenedi and Kedal have preexisting conditions.

Susan Helene Gottfried, Wexford, PA In January 2016, Susan had a bicycling accident that almost took her right eye. She’s now dependent on daily meds and routine scans of the back of the eye to make sure the damage doesn’t turn into glaucoma, and to make sure the retina repair holds and no new scar tissue forms, requiring more surgery. With every surgery comes decreased vision. Glacuoma, of course, causes damage to the optic nerve that results in blindness. The proposed changes to the ACA will either knock Susan off insurance altogether (given her pre-existing condition) or make her meds and the retinal scans unaffordable to her as a single mother.

Eryn Paxton, Charles Town, West Virginia

Eryn works in Virginia as a clinical social worker for adults with a dual diagnosis with IDD and SMI. Eryn explains, “I can say many people I work with would be impacted (and possibly even my job in the long run), but on a more personal level, I have an amazing 17-month-old son who recently was diagnosed with epilepsy as a result of a lesion in his brain. This year alone we will pay at least $22,000 out of pocket to cover just the health insurance costs and make sure he has the treatment he needs. We are moving in two weeks to a more affordable home so that we can meet his current medical needs and cover additional expenses that we may have to travel and seek treatment out of the area.”

Eryn continues, “Even for a family with a moderate income and ‘good insurance,’ the possibility that my son could be denied coverage due to lifetime maximums (he’ll need brain surgery soon, and possibly more surgeries along the road) is terrifying. In addition the proposals to allow states to charge higher costs to individuals who are sick would make it impossible for our family to afford the care my son needs—and will need. We have a long road ahead of us, and I lay awake at night worried for my son, and my family’s financial future. It shouldn’t be that way. I shouldn’t have to worry if we will be able to afford the medical care my son will need to live. It shouldn’t be a choice I have to make, but sadly is the reality for our family. I get tears in my eyes just thinking about it. I just want lawmakers to see my sweet boy and know that this issue has a face.”

Heather Childs, Coatesville, Pennsylvania Everyone in Heather’s family has pre-existing conditions. She states, “Three of us have autoimmune diseases that cannot or will not ever be cured. They can be maintained with expensive medications. Except my son, a Type 1 diabetic, who will die without his insulin. I worry about my kids as they finish college, already many thousands of dollars in debt, who may not be able to get insurance because of their conditions—or have to pay more.”

Amy Zellmer, Saint Paul, Minnesota Amy is currently on Medicaid through the expansion. As a single adult without children, Amy says that she is fortunate for the expansion that has allowed her affordable healthcare the past few years while she got back on her feet financially after sustaining a traumatic brain injury from a fall on the ice.

Matthew M. Massee, Salt Lake City, Utah Matthew explains that he and his wife do not have enough income to add her to his company health insurance without going into debt. Medicare rejected his wife because she is a “documented immigrant” (their words). The proposed change to the ACA—that will add a 30% premium surcharge to people who do not currently have insurance—will add another financial barrier that prevents this family from entering the insurance market.

Linda Ware, Bellaire, Texas Linda lives 20 minutes from the famous cancer hospital, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston. She was lucky to be treated there when she was diagnosed with invasive breast cancer in October of 2013. After 30+ years in media, her job was eliminated in January 2016. She stayed on COBRA at almost $1500 per month, which runs out at the end of August 2017. MD Anderson Center is working with her to advance all her appointments to fall within that deadline, but Linda says, “then I’m on my own.”

Roy Steele, San Francisco, California

“If the Affordable Care Act is repealed, it will be the most controversial act of cruelty, inhumanity, and political malice in our nation’s history,” Ray said. Before the Affordable Care Act was implemented, Roy was deathly ill and drowning in medical bills. He lost his home when the insurance company terminated his coverage because he reached lifetime spending limits. “I am a survivor of childhood sexual abuse. I am a cancer survivor. I am living with HIV. I am living with PTSD. I am living with other maladies. I lose sleep nearly every day from the stress related to the Republican party’s promise to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act. Medication keeps me alive. The excellent care I receive from the doctors and healthcare professionals at University of California, San Francisco Medical Center keeps me alive. The AHCA will have a tremendous impact on the care I receive today. Reducing essential health benefits, and cutting Medicaid, threatens my physical health, my future, and my long-term survival.”

Dawn Hamilton, Los Angeles, California “As parents of a severely disabled child (she went without oxygen at birth and has cerebral palsy and a host of medical conditions as a result), we rely heavily on the combination of private insurance coverage and Medi-Cal (California’s version of Medicaid). Because of the extensive therapy, treatments and medical care we’ve been able to provide my daughter, she is growing and thriving today despite her disability. My husband and I are both self-employed. The thought that pre-existing conditions may make our access to healthcare more difficult or more expensive…the thought that the lifetime limits/caps could return…less options for self employed people…reduced Medicaid resources…less access to the high level care we are dependent on…losing nursing support that allows me to work while my daughter is cared for—all of it is terrifying. My only saving grace in all of this is that we live in California where we have legislators like Kamala Harris and Dianne Feinstein looking out for our best interests.”

WHAT YOU CAN DO TO FIGHT:

Send this article to your senators, along with your own story of how YOU will be affected.

Share this article far and wide on your social networks.

Meet in person with your members this week! Share you story!

If you cannot meet in person, call the Capitol switchboard at (202) 224-3121. A switchboard operator will connect you directly with the Senate office you request

Social media – (sample tweets at the end of this toolkit): http://ift.tt/2rFEKlS

Additionally, you may send this letter http://ift.tt/2sIRmMl

Info on Per Capita Caps/Block Grants: http://ift.tt/2rFUyVE

Info on what the ACA has done: http://ift.tt/2sZ4Wf7

More national and state-specific info: http://ift.tt/2sYQyTX

Additional information on Medicaid: http://ift.tt/2rG46ju

Amy Zellmer is an award-winning author, speaker, and advocate of traumatic brain injury (TBI). She is a frequent contributor to the Huffington Post, and has created a privateFacebook group for survivors and also produces a  podcast series. She sits on the Brain Injury Advisory Council (BIAC) through the Brain Injury Association of America’s and is involved with the Minnesota Brain Injury Alliance. She travels the country with her Yorkie, Pixxie, to help raise awareness about this silent and invisible injury that affects over 2.5 million Americans each year.

In November, 2015 she released her first book, “Life With a Traumatic Brain Injury: Finding the Road Back to Normal” which received a silver award at the Midwest Book Awards in May, 2016. Her second book, “Surviving Brain Injury: Stories of Strength and Inspiration”is a collection of stories written by brain injury survivors and caregivers and was released November 2016. for more information:www.facesoftbi.com

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-- This feed and its contents are the property of The Huffington Post, and use is subject to our terms. It may be used for personal consumption, but may not be distributed on a website.

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Real Stories Of Americans Who Will Be Affected By The Proposed Changes To The ACA — And What YOU Can Do To Fight

With the proposed changes to the Affordable Care Act (ACA), 20 million Americans are at risk of losing their health care coverage.

A survey, conducted by Brunswick Partners, found that “75 percent of Americans agree that the proposed changes to Medicaid in the AHCA are a bad idea. And that we should not allow 14 million Americans to become uninsured even if there is a potential to reduce Medicaid spending. These results are significant because they find majorities of Americans identifying as conservatives (55 percent), moderates (82 percent) and liberals (90 percent) are opposed to the AHCA’s Medicaid provisions.”

Some of the proposed changes to the ACA made by the House include:

Over $800 Billion in cuts to Medicaid*

Elimination of the Medicaid expansion*

Reversal of the pre-existing conditions clause

Elimination of many of the essential health benefits (EHB)

Cuts to behavioral and mental health coverage

Raises in premiums for those over 65

30% surcharge for those who don’t have coverage in order to get coverage

Eliminates Federal subsidies and replaces them with tax credits based on age

Elimination of many of the workforce diversity provisions

Inclusion of high-risk pools

Shift to per capita caps and block grants

Elimination of women’s healthcare coverage

Lifetime caps

*These Medicaid cuts and caps are not at all related to the ACA, but are only there to “pay for” for the tax breaks for the wealthy in the bill.

Terms to Understand:

- Affordable Care Act (ACA) – also dubbed “Obamacare”

- American Health Care Act (AHCA) – also dubbed “Trumpcare,” which is the bill proposed by the House.

- Essential Health Benefits (EHB) – the ACA required that EHBs be covered on all healthcare plans.

- Medicaid – is also called Medical Assistance or MA

Harry Nelson, co-author of the book, “From ObamaCare to TrumpCare: Why You Should Care” estimates that the number of Americans who lose health coverage could be closer to 30 million, and the biggest nightmare of the proposed changes is this fact: those with pre-existing conditions will lose their ability to be insured.

Nelson also states, “the essential health benefits (EHB) that are currently required under all plans was life changing for many families, especially those with addiction treatments and mental health concerns. The ACA also provided dramatic change to families with children with special needs. The Republican plan is to get rid of the EHB and pre-existing conditions. The super conservatives see $100 billion in their pockets. They want tax cuts, and in order to balance the budget it means eliminating the overall costs of health care.”

“The working middle-class who have jobs without company insurance are going to be the hardest hit, along with the 50-65 age group,” Nelson added. “The two parts of the ACA that Americans loved most was the elimination of pre-existing conditions, and the ability to keep your children on your policy until age 26. Under the new proposal, if you lose your job you may never be able to get insurance again if you have a pre-existing condition.”

REAL STORIES OF AMERICANS AFFECTED BY THESE CHANGES:

Tymia McCollough, age 11 – Georgetown, South Carolina

Tymia was born with sickle cell anemia type SS. While her mother is a carrier, she does not have sickle cell. As a Medicaid recipient, Tymia has received blood transfusions, optical care, ER attention, medication in and out of the hospital, and undergone two surgeries. These treatments gave her the chance to thrive and grow through her treatments at MUSC Children’s Hospital. Today, Tymia is an ambassador for the American Red Cross, leader on the police community board, involved with the elderly in her community, enjoys pageantry, modeling, singing and ballet. She is an ambitious young girl, who is best described as BRAVE.

“Medicaid is very important to Tymia because it allows her to see the doctors and specialists who help her sustain a great quality of life. Medicaid has guaranteed that my daughter will receive consistent and effective medical care. Without it, she may not be here today. For this, we are truly grateful.” – Tymia’s mother, Susie.

Katie Alee, age 16 – Minnetonka, Minnesota 

Katie was diagnosed with complex movement disorder, a rare form of cerebral palsy, when she was a year old. Her condition requires ongoing and constant medical care. Medicaid has assisted Katie’s family from day one with access to quality and affordable care. Katie has grown into a vibrant young woman who can advocate for herself because of the care she has received throughout her life with Medicaid assistance. An example of this is when her elementary school’s playground couldn’t accommodate her power wheelchair, she used her voice and an accessible one was built. Her care at Gillette Children’s Specialty Healthcare in St. Paul and her Medicaid insurance empowered her to speak out.

“Knowing that Medicaid is there for Katie should anything ever happen to me is vital to me and my peace of mind. And Katie’s future needs are not really known at this time, so we need to make sure there is always an affordable healthcare opportunity for Katie.” – Katie’s mom, Edwina Alee

Apollo Howell, age 3 – Austin, Texas

Apollo Howell was diagnosed with tracheoesophageal fistula, esophageal atresia, tracheomalacia, lung disease, acute gastroenteritis, reflux disease, chronic gastroparesis, and cyclic vomiting syndrome when he was born. He spent the first 171 days of his life in three different Neonatal Incentive Care Units (NICU). Through his Medicaid insurance and the pediatric surgeons and physicians at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center and Dell Children’s Hospital, Apollo’s trachea was successfully rebuilt and his esophagus was repaired. Today, Apollo is an unstoppable force of nature, and loves to play with trains and swim.

Khalil Pereira, age 22 – North Brunswick, New Jersey

Khalil was returning from college with one of his friends when the driver fell asleep at the wheel and lost control of the vehicle. The car flipped 15 times. During his six-month inpatient stay at Children’s Specialized Hospital, Khalil received phenomenal medical and nursing care and intense physical, occupational, speech and recreational therapy. His family received hope and reassurance during a critical time of shock and uncertainty. After treatment, Khalil was able to talk, walk and do all his daily activities on his own. All of this phenomenal progress was made possible by Medicaid assistance. Despite some persisting cognitive issues, Khalil is now employed and works part-time as a store clerk.

“When I learned of Khalil’s accident I was on my way to work, I was blown away by the news and my family was in shock. Without Medicaid I would not have been able to pay for his medical treatments. At the time of his injury I was a single mom of three boys working only part-time.” –Khalil’s mother, Shanette.

Kenedi and Kendal Breyfogle, Pierre, South Dakota

Twin sisters Kenedi and Kendal were diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia at 3 months old. After 17 months in remission, Kendal relapsed and now, at day +40 from her transplant, the cancer has already returned.

Kenedi and Kendal’s mom, Abby Breyfogle, is one of many #IAmAPreexistingCondition video stories posted on The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s Advocacy Facebook page, as Kenedi and Kedal have preexisting conditions.

Susan Helene Gottfried, Wexford, PA In January 2016, Susan had a bicycling accident that almost took her right eye. She’s now dependent on daily meds and routine scans of the back of the eye to make sure the damage doesn’t turn into glaucoma, and to make sure the retina repair holds and no new scar tissue forms, requiring more surgery. With every surgery comes decreased vision. Glacuoma, of course, causes damage to the optic nerve that results in blindness. The proposed changes to the ACA will either knock Susan off insurance altogether (given her pre-existing condition) or make her meds and the retinal scans unaffordable to her as a single mother.

Eryn Paxton, Charles Town, West Virginia

Eryn works in Virginia as a clinical social worker for adults with a dual diagnosis with IDD and SMI. Eryn explains, “I can say many people I work with would be impacted (and possibly even my job in the long run), but on a more personal level, I have an amazing 17-month-old son who recently was diagnosed with epilepsy as a result of a lesion in his brain. This year alone we will pay at least $22,000 out of pocket to cover just the health insurance costs and make sure he has the treatment he needs. We are moving in two weeks to a more affordable home so that we can meet his current medical needs and cover additional expenses that we may have to travel and seek treatment out of the area.”

Eryn continues, “Even for a family with a moderate income and ‘good insurance,’ the possibility that my son could be denied coverage due to lifetime maximums (he’ll need brain surgery soon, and possibly more surgeries along the road) is terrifying. In addition the proposals to allow states to charge higher costs to individuals who are sick would make it impossible for our family to afford the care my son needs—and will need. We have a long road ahead of us, and I lay awake at night worried for my son, and my family’s financial future. It shouldn’t be that way. I shouldn’t have to worry if we will be able to afford the medical care my son will need to live. It shouldn’t be a choice I have to make, but sadly is the reality for our family. I get tears in my eyes just thinking about it. I just want lawmakers to see my sweet boy and know that this issue has a face.”

Heather Childs, Coatesville, Pennsylvania Everyone in Heather’s family has pre-existing conditions. She states, “Three of us have autoimmune diseases that cannot or will not ever be cured. They can be maintained with expensive medications. Except my son, a Type 1 diabetic, who will die without his insulin. I worry about my kids as they finish college, already many thousands of dollars in debt, who may not be able to get insurance because of their conditions—or have to pay more.”

Amy Zellmer, Saint Paul, Minnesota Amy is currently on Medicaid through the expansion. As a single adult without children, Amy says that she is fortunate for the expansion that has allowed her affordable healthcare the past few years while she got back on her feet financially after sustaining a traumatic brain injury from a fall on the ice.

Matthew M. Massee, Salt Lake City, Utah Matthew explains that he and his wife do not have enough income to add her to his company health insurance without going into debt. Medicare rejected his wife because she is a “documented immigrant” (their words). The proposed change to the ACA—that will add a 30% premium surcharge to people who do not currently have insurance—will add another financial barrier that prevents this family from entering the insurance market.

Linda Ware, Bellaire, Texas Linda lives 20 minutes from the famous cancer hospital, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston. She was lucky to be treated there when she was diagnosed with invasive breast cancer in October of 2013. After 30+ years in media, her job was eliminated in January 2016. She stayed on COBRA at almost $1500 per month, which runs out at the end of August 2017. MD Anderson Center is working with her to advance all her appointments to fall within that deadline, but Linda says, “then I’m on my own.”

Roy Steele, San Francisco, California

“If the Affordable Care Act is repealed, it will be the most controversial act of cruelty, inhumanity, and political malice in our nation’s history,” Ray said. Before the Affordable Care Act was implemented, Roy was deathly ill and drowning in medical bills. He lost his home when the insurance company terminated his coverage because he reached lifetime spending limits. “I am a survivor of childhood sexual abuse. I am a cancer survivor. I am living with HIV. I am living with PTSD. I am living with other maladies. I lose sleep nearly every day from the stress related to the Republican party’s promise to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act. Medication keeps me alive. The excellent care I receive from the doctors and healthcare professionals at University of California, San Francisco Medical Center keeps me alive. The AHCA will have a tremendous impact on the care I receive today. Reducing essential health benefits, and cutting Medicaid, threatens my physical health, my future, and my long-term survival.”

Dawn Hamilton, Los Angeles, California “As parents of a severely disabled child (she went without oxygen at birth and has cerebral palsy and a host of medical conditions as a result), we rely heavily on the combination of private insurance coverage and Medi-Cal (California’s version of Medicaid). Because of the extensive therapy, treatments and medical care we’ve been able to provide my daughter, she is growing and thriving today despite her disability. My husband and I are both self-employed. The thought that pre-existing conditions may make our access to healthcare more difficult or more expensive…the thought that the lifetime limits/caps could return…less options for self employed people…reduced Medicaid resources…less access to the high level care we are dependent on…losing nursing support that allows me to work while my daughter is cared for—all of it is terrifying. My only saving grace in all of this is that we live in California where we have legislators like Kamala Harris and Dianne Feinstein looking out for our best interests.”

WHAT YOU CAN DO TO FIGHT:

Send this article to your senators, along with your own story of how YOU will be affected.

Share this article far and wide on your social networks.

Meet in person with your members this week! Share you story!

If you cannot meet in person, call the Capitol switchboard at (202) 224-3121. A switchboard operator will connect you directly with the Senate office you request

Social media – (sample tweets at the end of this toolkit): http://bit.ly/2sXJ9oG

Additionally, you may send this letter http://bit.ly/2txAqX1

Info on Per Capita Caps/Block Grants: http://bit.ly/2sYa1EN

Info on what the ACA has done: http://bit.ly/2txpglk

More national and state-specific info: http://bit.ly/2sXHsY0

Additional information on Medicaid: http://bit.ly/2txdPdn

Amy Zellmer is an award-winning author, speaker, and advocate of traumatic brain injury (TBI). She is a frequent contributor to the Huffington Post, and has created a privateFacebook group for survivors and also produces a  podcast series. She sits on the Brain Injury Advisory Council (BIAC) through the Brain Injury Association of America’s and is involved with the Minnesota Brain Injury Alliance. She travels the country with her Yorkie, Pixxie, to help raise awareness about this silent and invisible injury that affects over 2.5 million Americans each year.

In November, 2015 she released her first book, “Life With a Traumatic Brain Injury: Finding the Road Back to Normal” which received a silver award at the Midwest Book Awards in May, 2016. Her second book, “Surviving Brain Injury: Stories of Strength and Inspiration”is a collection of stories written by brain injury survivors and caregivers and was released November 2016. for more information:www.facesoftbi.com

Tweets by amyzellmer

-- This feed and its contents are the property of The Huffington Post, and use is subject to our terms. It may be used for personal consumption, but may not be distributed on a website.

from Healthy Living - The Huffington Post http://bit.ly/2tx7aQe