#medical tips

[jupiterjames]

My medical self-advocacy post is making the rounds again, and lots of people have been asking for tips and tricks, most ESPECIALLY on how to advocate in a normal doctor's office.

That's an excellent question because your doctors can take on a lot of beauracratic and/or insurance issues for you. *Should they happen to like you as a patient enough to do so.* Yes, it is a popularity contest and you can win.

So here is my (sage) advice.

No matter where you are on this blue marble or what doctor you're seeing, a majority of your care will most likely be seen to by nurses. They will probably be both the first and last person you deal with. And THEY can be some of your best resources and advocates and medical office gossips. They are worth more than gold.

Tip #1: If possible, try NEVER to be the first or last patient of the day (if you're in the hospital, this isn't as relevant except to say try not to go at the end of a shift). We're all human. We're all tired. And medical personnel are even more so. If you go before the coffee has fully hit, or when they are packing up to go home, you are inevitably going to be left in a situation where no one has a full HP bar. Try for midmorning appointments if your situation in life and health permits. Again, with hospitals, it's different. Do not endanger your health further, but if you can wait for a shift change, go at the beginning of one.

Tip #2: Remember how I said nurses are gold? If you are pleasant to them, they will go the extra mile for you, because they are tired as hell of assholes, literally and figuratively. And they can make the process much easier all the way down to getting the doctor to actually listen to you. How does one accomplish wooing the ACTUAL important person in the office? It's actually quite easy. The following has worked for me 100% of the time.

When you encounter the nurse, be it them collecting you from the waiting room, or stepping in to take your vitals and notes for the reason for your visit, often they will say something along the lines of "hi, how are you?" Or even just, "my name is Awesome Person and I'm Doctor Tough Nut's nurse/assistant/underpaid servant."

Even if they say nothing at all besides a simple "hello," you greet them in your most pleasantly business tone with the following statement (please memorize and practice until it feels natural)

"Hi! My name is (name). I hope your day is going, to quote international Korean pop star group BTS, 'smooth like butter.'"

100% whether they know what the fuck you're referencing or not, they will be endeared to you. Perhaps they will even smile. And then, my friends, you will have the most valuable bedside person in the medical field on your team to help you.

[asmrgaret]

figured out a new tip for doctors visits today

do not ever use phrases like "i was looking up my symptoms, and..."

this can make some doctors automatically assume you're a hypochondriac, make them feel like you're trying to render them useless or go over their heads, etc.

Never let a doctor know you've done your own research.

they hate this more than anything

don't ever lead with what you think you might have. it makes them defensive and they hate it so much.

instead, open the conversation by discussing all your individual symptoms. keep it in the realm of the concrete, e.g. tummy hurts, dizzy, feeling sluggish, more pain when waking up then at other times of day, etc.

discuss symptoms not speculations - even well-grounded concerns often come across as hypochondria to the ears of doctors -

Begin the conversation with concrete symptoms

not with "i was doing some reading and..." please learn from my communication mistakes ily

[your-health-buddy]

Are you suffering from high blood sugar?

[gatortavern]

more medical tips to help with writing? more medical tips in general? yummy. please send more

So I’ve noticed a bunch of medical errors in fics I read, so I decided to post this handy guide to some of the most common errors and some background on basic medical things.

ps- they are not medical treatment or first aid advice. I’m not actually a doctor. yet. but I am certified in first aid. this is just so your writing can be more realistic.

[news-buzz]

Study Shows Intense Exercise More Beneficial Than Ozempic

With Ozempic and other hunger suppressing drugs becoming all the rage for weight loss, new research into exercise suggests that physical activity may be superior to prescription drugs, especially for women. Here’s why. Active ingredients like semaglutide, found in Ozempic help type 2 diabetes sufferers to lose weight through an ability to crush food cravings, but for those who don’t qualify for a…

[medicalmeowmeow]

Frostbite

With winter months quickly approaching, let's take a quick look at something a lot of people talk about: frostbite!

Frostbite is caused by freezing of the skin and tissues underneath, and the early stages are called frostnip. Exposed skin is at risk in freezing temperatures and windy, or wet weather.

Symptoms can be tingling, numbness, skin changing color, waxy or hard skin, joint stiffness, pain, and blistering after rewarming.

Frostbite is most common on the fingers, toes, ears, cheeks, chin, and tip of the nose. Because of numbness it may be hard to notice.

[kdlmedtech]

Pencil Point Spinal Needle : Tips to Find the Perfect Spinal Needle

Choosing the right spinal needle is crucial for the success of spinal anaesthesia. Among the various needle types available, medical professionals highly regard pencil point spinal needle for their atraumatic design and their ability to reduce complications like post-dural puncture headache (PDPH). Selecting the most suitable needle requires considering several factors, as different needles can significantly impact both the procedure and patient outcomes. Understanding these considerations can help anaesthetists make informed decisions and achieve the best results for their patients.

What is Pencil Point Spinal Needle

Pencil point spinal needles are widely used in medical settings, especially for administering spinal anesthesia. Unlike traditional cutting needles, pencil point needles are designed to reduce tissue trauma and minimize the risk of complications, such as post-dural puncture headaches. Choosing the right pencil point spinal needle is crucial for the success of spinal procedures and can impact patient outcomes. This guide aims to help you understand the different types of pencil point needles and factors to consider when making a selection.

Benefit of Using Pencil Point Spinal Needle

Reduced Risk of Tissue Damage

Pencil point needles feature a rounded, non-cutting tip that minimizes tissue trauma during insertion. This design gently pushes tissues aside rather than cutting through them, resulting in less tissue damage.

Lower Risk of Post-Dural Puncture Headache (PDPH)

The rounded tip reduces the likelihood of causing significant damage to the dura, the outer membrane surrounding the spinal cord. This decreases the chances of cerebrospinal fluid leakage, which is a common cause of PDPH.

Better Control During Procedures

The needle’s design offers greater precision and control for the practitioner, making it easier to navigate through tissues. This is particularly helpful in delicate procedures like spinal anesthesia.

Improved Patient Comfort

Since pencil point needles cause less trauma to tissues, patients often experience less pain during the procedure. This leads to a more comfortable experience and a quicker recovery.

Minimized Bleeding and Swelling

The non-cutting design helps reduce bleeding and swelling around the insertion site, which can be particularly beneficial in patients with bleeding disorders or those taking anticoagulant medications.

Suitable for Repeated Procedures

For patients who require frequent spinal or epidural procedures, pencil point type spinal needle provide a safer option with lower risks of complications associated with repeated use.

Reduced Complication Rates

Overall, using pencil point needles is associated with fewer complications, making them a safer and more reliable choice for various medical procedures.

These benefits make pencil point needles a preferred option in specific medical scenarios, ensuring better outcomes for both patients and healthcare providers.

Types of Pencil Point Spinal Needle

Pencil point spinal needles come in various designs and materials, each suited for different clinical scenarios. The most common types include:

Standard vs. Specialty Needles

Standard Pencil Point Needles: These needles have a basic design with a rounded, non-cutting tip that helps separate the dural fibers during insertion. They are suitable for most routine spinal anesthesia procedures and are known for reducing the likelihood of post-dural puncture headaches.

Specialty Pencil Point Needles: Specialty needles often incorporate unique features such as a finer gauge or a reinforced structure for better handling and stability. Some may have additional elements like echogenic markings, which improve needle visualization under ultrasound guidance, making them ideal for more complex procedures or patients with challenging anatomy.

Materials and Design Considerations

Materials: Pencil point spinal needles are typically made from stainless steel or other medical-grade metals that offer strength and durability. Some specialty needles use advanced alloys to provide additional flexibility or rigidity, depending on procedural requirements.

Design: The length, gauge, and bevel angle of the needle can all impact its performance. There for spinal needle size are matter for spinal procedure. A smaller gauge needle may be more appropriate for minimizing tissue disruption, while a longer needle might be necessary for patients with a higher body mass index (BMI) to reach the spinal space accurately.

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Pencil Point Spinal Needle

Several factors influence the choice of a pencil point spinal needle. Understanding these can help tailor the selection to the specific needs of the patient and the procedure.

Patient Anatomy

Patient anatomy plays a significant role in selecting the right spinal needle. For example, patients with a higher BMI or challenging spinal anatomy may require longer needles to ensure proper placement. Additionally, older patients or those with degenerative spine conditions may benefit from finer gauge needles to reduce trauma to delicate tissues.

Procedure Type and Purpose

The type of spinal procedure also dictates the choice of needle. For example, a needle used for spinal anesthesia in a Cesarean section may differ from one used for a pain management procedure. The intended depth of insertion and the level of anesthesia required are crucial considerations.

Practitioner Experience

Practitioner experience with certain types of needles can also guide the selection process. Certain practitioners may prefer specialty needles with echogenic markings for precision, while others opt for standard needles.

Tips for Proper Usage pencil point spinal needle

Proper usage of a pencil point spinal needle is essential to maximize its benefits and minimize complications. Here are some key tips for using these needles effectively:

Position the Patient Correctly: Proper patient positioning helps in the accurate placement of the needle. The sitting or lateral decubitus position is often chosen for spinal anesthesia according on patient comfort and anatomical factors.

Use Gentle Insertion Techniques: Pencil point needles are design to reduce trauma, but proper insertion techniques are still essential. Avoid excessive force, and use a slow, steady approach to navigate through the tissues.

Confirm Needle Placement: Before injecting any medication, make sure that you correctly place the needle tip in the subarachnoid space. You can confirm this by observing a free flow of cerebrospinal fluid.

Avoid Multiple Punctures: Minimize the number of punctures, as each additional attempt increases the risk of complications. If initial placement fails, consider adjusting the needle angle or repositioning the patient.

Conclusion

Choosing the right pencil point spinal needle is a multifaceted decision that requires considering patient anatomy, procedure type, and practitioner experience. By understanding the available options and using proper techniques, you can significantly improve patient outcomes and procedural success. Remember to stay updated on the latest advancements in needle technology and guidelines to ensure you are making the best choice for each clinical situation.

Source :Pencil Point Spinal Needle : Tips to Find the Perfect Spinal Needle

[screamingatmyfandom]

Get baking soda (99 cents at walmart). Take baking soda & put a few spoonfuls in small bowl (or cup or whatever). Add a few spoonfuls of water to turn into a paste. Smear paste on bug bite or sunburn.

Alternatively, add a lot more water (warm) and soak a hand towel in it, then place on bug bite or sunburn.

Should stop itching and swelling should go down relatively fast (and you won't deal with it for a long time either. great for sensitive skin or allergy reactions)

Put it in a ziplock bag or cover with cling wrap and it'll keep for a good while

Awful terrible bugses bits us... it itches us so badly...... it would feel so goooood to SCRATCH ITS... NO WE MUSTENT. Ouuughhh

[ballyhubbock]

A quiet word from a pharmacist – for Irish readers

Spring advice from a chemist in Ireland regarding Allergies, Vaccinations, and Probiotics

Our local pharmacist spoke to a group of residents this week and I picked up some useful information that I believe is worth sharing. I am not an expert in medical matters and I would refer you to the HSE or your own doctor or chemist if you need further advice. Hay Fever & allergies: Spring is the time of year when people struggle with pollen-related allergies. Hay Fever can be fought with a…

[crnrsphrmcy]

Your pharmacy’s function in providing health care supplies in Spring Hill, Florida goes much beyond dispensing medications. Your pharmacist is a trusted ally in managing your health and ensuring the efficacy and safety of your medications. Understanding pharmacy dos and don’ts is crucial for maximizing the benefits of your treatment regimen.

[attentivehomecar]

Undergoing a surgical procedure is a significant life-altering experience, and the journey to recuperation can be both challenging and pivotal. It is crucial to comprehend the necessary actions and precautions during this phase to facilitate a seamless and successful post-operative healing process.

[classycookiexo]

Hopefully this tip can really help someone, please take this advice or suggest to friends and family if you feel it could really assist them 💕

[livingsociety]

Cholesterol: Dispelling Misconceptions, Unveiling Truths, and Exploring its Benefits to Humans

🌿 Demystifying Cholesterol: Separating Fact from Fiction 🌿 Cholesterol, often misunderstood, plays vital roles in our health. While high LDL levels can pose risks, not all cholesterol is bad. Discover the truths and benefits in our latest blog. #health

Written by Abubakar Sheudeen and medically reviewed by Adline Ben-Chioma (PhD), MPH, PGDE, IFBA-CP Cholesterol has long been a subject of controversy and confusion in the realm of health and nutrition. Often vilified as a silent killer, it’s crucial to understand that cholesterol is essential for human health. This article will unravel the misconceptions surrounding cholesterol, illuminate the…

[five-pillows]

TRIGGER WARNING: BLOOD AND NEEDLES

If you are planning on getting blood work done for the first time, this post is my experience of first-time blood work. I tried not to make it super descriptive, but there are a couple places where I couldn’t avoid it completely.

I have listed some tips AT THE END for anyone who’s worried about getting blood work done. I separated it from the experience story for convenience

There are mentions of blood and light-headedness in the tips

Today I got some blood work done

I know right, super fun (sarcasm)

If you’d like to know why, it was to see if I have any medical conditions that would make me anxious rather than just anxiety itself

In preparation for the needle the nurse (I think she was a nurse) wrapped a band around my arm and sanitized the inside of my elbow. She told me to make a loose fist with my hand and felt around my elbow to find the vein

While she was taking the blood I kept my eyes closed because I didn’t want to see that, I was already pretty queasy

It was going pretty well, there were little sharp pains that kept coming and going so idk if she did multiple needles or something (she said that when it went in my vein it would pinch a little) or if it was just the same needle but I was doing pretty good, I didn’t feel super bad other than my anxiety about it

And then she told me to open my hand slowly (because I had to make a fist at first) and all of a sudden I started to feel really light headed. It took about 30 seconds I think to finish drawing the blood (from start to end), and by the end I felt sick

Apparently I looked really pale, and I felt super light-headed, so that’s plausible

The nurse asked if I wanted some juice (she was really nice) and I declined because I didn’t think I’d be able to drink it without feeling even more sick. I did sip some of my water though (it’s a good idea to bring some water)

The light-headedness got worse for about 60 seconds (I thought I was going to puke, but didn’t), and the nurse brought over a chair on wheels that wasn’t quite a wheelchair to bring me to another room (for an ECG I also needed) so that I wouldn’t faint or fall over from the light-headedness by moving around. I was still able to stand up and move around a bit by myself, but didn’t want to risk fainting. In the ECG room there was a thing to lay down on, like in a doctor’s office, and in about five seconds of lying on it I felt a lot better

Tips for blood work newbies!!

If you’re worried about getting light-headed or fainting, you can ask to lay down while the blood is being drawn (lying down helps a lot for light-headedness). Lots of people get light-headed from drawing blood so you don’t have to be too worried about that being a bad thing unless there is a medical condition or concern specific to you that may affect or be affected by that

Try to help yourself relax a bit while waiting for the doctor or nurse. The more anxious and tense you are, the worse the experience is going to be. For me, breathing deeply and stimming helped calm me down a bit

Bring water or juice (I brought water). Taking a sip or two of something might help if you get light-headed

The person taking the blood will tie a band around your arm (tightly but shouldn’t be painful, if it is ask them to adjust it) and feel the inside of your elbow for your vein BEFORE starting. Be prepared for that

They tape some cotton over the spot they drew blood from after the procedure is over. You can take it off after about half an hour

If you need to take a minute to recuperate from anxiety or light-headedness or something afterwards I’m pretty sure they’ll let you take a breather

That’s all! This is just my experience, so I can’t garuntee that it’ll be accurate to everyone. I just thought it might be helpful for someone else!

[news-buzz]

PEMF Therapy: What Is It, Benefits, Costs

Our body relies on electricity and electromagnetics for many processes to work optimally. Not the kind, however, that keeps our homes well-lit and our phones charged, but one that’s more subtle on the surface yet meaningful on the cellular level. Pulsed electromagnetic frequency (PEMF) therapies have made their way into sports team recovery rooms, longevity clinics, biohacking centers, and even…