#or if this is becoming a peritonitis

[valoale]

Back at the hospital. It seems the infection is getting worse and the radiologist had read my CT scans sloppily and there’s free fluid in my abdomen and they don’t know why. They’re doing more tests to find out if my previous doctor misdiagnosed me because of the vague description of the scans

[mcntsee]

— ★ tomorrow

↳ summary: “I wasted all those yesterdays, and now,—“ His words trailed off with a sigh, his eyes red-rimmed from hours of tears shed in the hospital, his gaze blurry as it searched for her face, “—What if I am completely out of tomorrows?”

↳ warnings: hospitals, mentions of gunshot wounds, pain, regret, not proof-read. No use of “y/n”

↳ author’s note: This is fluff, I promise the end is really sweet! This is also inspired by different, random, pinterest quotes my friends sent me. Enjoy!

* ੈ✩‧₊˚

No one enjoyed hospitals. The colors lacked vibrancy, the sounds became repetitive after a few minutes, the antiseptic smell was overpowering, the food tasted bland, and the anxious wait for news about a loved one was excruciating.

Unfortunately, the team was all too familiar with hospital waiting rooms, and even more unfortunate was their familiarity with being patients themselves.

Thankfully, the Federal Employees' Compensation Act provided some relief. Without it, they couldn't even begin to fathom the astronomical medical bills they'd be facing.

Tonight, however, finding themselves stuck in the uncomfortable chairs of the hospital waiting room had not been part of their plans.

The young genius's head throbbed relentlessly, a sensation he'd endured for weeks. The unimaginable pressure around his entire head, compounded with the bright light reflecting off the hospital's shiny white walls, the incessant beeping and the sounds of loved ones crying doing nothing other than intensify his discomfort.

The nurse they had bombarded with questions upon arrival had emerged not long ago to thankfully inform them that everything was alright. The surgery had gone well, and she was now in recovery. Soon enough, if they wished, they could stop by her new temporary room and visit her.

By now, most of the team had returned to the office. Hotch had been called back to work to tackle the pending files on their desks. Fortunately, he had allowed Rossi and Reid to remain behind. Ostensibly, their task was to update the team on her condition, but both of them understood that even if that hadn’t been necessary, there was no force on earth that could have budged Spencer from his spot, where he had been stationed for the last however many hours.

Spencer could feel David's gaze piercing through him. He wanted to snap at him, but he knew his current behavior had undoubtedly attracted more attention than just the older agent's. Clutching at his head, tugging on strands of hair intermittently, his leg bouncing up and down, with eyes tightly shut—his agitation was palpable.

“Kid, they said she’s alright. You need to relax.”

It was true, they had been told that, but it did little to reassure him. His mind raced through various worst-case scenarios. Her wound could become infected, or there might be undetected damage to internal organs. He fretted over potential complications like inflammation of the peritoneum, the formation of blood clots, or even damage to blood vessels leading to reduced blood flow to vital organs, potentially resulting in organ dysfunction or failure.

“The survival rate might seem high, but statistically speaking, complications can arise, even with the best medical care.”

“Spencer—“

“For instance, studies have shown that gunshot wounds to the abdomen carry a significant risk of infection, with rates as high as 20%. And there’s the possibility of peritonitis, which occurs in approximately 10% of cases.”

“Kid—“

“Organ damage is also a concern, particularly with injuries to vital organs like the liver or intestines. Even with the most advanced treatments—“

“Reid!”

For the first time since he sat down, his leg ceased its relentless movement. His hand, which had been tugging at the ends of his hair, relaxed and dropped to his lap, along with the hand he had been waving in the air to explain the statistics. His eyes unclenched, the worry in his brow disappearing as the rest of his facial muscles relaxed.

“What is going on, Spencer?”

The genius's eyes met the older agent's worried gaze with deliberate blinks, adjusting to the harsh fluorescent lights overhead while tuning out the cacophony of noise that surrounded them. “I just— I”

“I never told her and I— I don’t— “ His breathing was uneven, his words tumbling out faster than his mind could keep pace, his mouth struggling to articulate as his chest constricted with anxiety.

A gentle weight settled on his shoulder, its warmth grounding him as it gave a light shake, bringing him back to the present moment and prompting him to pause and take a breath.

“Rossi I- I devoted half my time since meeting her to loving her, only to spend the other half hiding it from her.”

With a sigh, the formerly retired agent settled down next to the much younger agent, his hands staying on the genius's shoulder as he shifted slightly to find a comfortable position.

Reid's gaze lingered on Rossi's face for a moment before he averted it, focusing instead on the bustling activity in the hallway where nurses and doctors hurried back and forth attending to patients.

“Every moment we shared, every laugh, every smile she graced me with, even in her unconscious gestures—“ His gaze returned to the hallway momentarily before lowering to where his hands rested on his knees. With a quick, almost imperceptible shake of his head, he cleared his throat. “Every time I looked at her, the words swelled in my throat. I longed to tell her how much she truly means to me, the happiness and peace she effortlessly brings into my world.”

“To tell her that I love her. That I have for a while now.”

David’s mouth opened, but before he could utter a word, Spencer's pointer finger shot up in the air, silencing any impending speech. It hovered there for a brief moment before his whole palm opened, effectively halting whatever words David had intended to say and then dropping back down to his lap.

“Every single time, I held back. I stopped myself from reaching out to her, from letting my true feelings spill out, from whispering all the things I desperately wished she knew.” His words cracked along with his voice as he, for the first time, admitted aloud feelings he had hidden for so long. “And with my heart pounding in my ears, I always just watched her, silently promising myself, ‘Tomorrow. I’ll tell her tomorrow.’”

“I wasted all those yesterdays, and now,—“ His words trailed off with a sigh that escaped his lips, his eyes red-rimmed from hours of tears shed in the hospital, his gaze blurry as it searched for the older man’s face, “—What if I am completely out of tomorrows?”

They sat in silence for a moment, the weight of Spencer's admission hanging between them until the ringing of a phone shattered the stillness. With a sigh, Rossi reached into his pocket, retrieving the vibrating phone and glancing at the contact name.

“She’ll be okay, kid.”

With one final, reassuring squeeze to his shoulder, the older man rose to his feet, his knee cracking audibly as he turned to leave. Despite his efforts at reassurance, Spencer's profound anxiety remained largely unchanged.

He felt utterly helpless, his mind desperately grasping for solutions, for the comforting embrace of statistical analysis with its reassuring numbers. But instead, there was only silence. For the first time in his life, his mind was empty, devoid of answers, devoid of the usual cacophony of thoughts and calculations.

He couldn't recall the moment the nurse returned to inform him that he could visit her, nor did he remember following the nurse into the room and settling down beside her bed.

He cast restless glances around the room, his eyes darting from one piece of medical equipment to another, then flitting to the walls and ceiling. His gaze moved incessantly, pausing only briefly before moving on, taking in every detail. Except for her.

Alone in the quiet with her, he couldn't bring himself to meet her frame. To look at her now would make everything feel too real, and his heart was already heavy with pain.

His body felt like it was betraying him. Breathing became labored, thoughts fragmented, and the pain in his heart seemed insurmountable.

He wanted to tell someone— no, he wanted to tell her, but he knew she wouldn’t have a solution like she always did. So he sat there, his hands nervously tugging at strands of hair, eyes squeezed shut against the overwhelming cacophony of beeping machines surrounding them.

His heart weighed heavily in his chest, burdened by the weight of pain, regret, and fear. It was a sensation he never wanted to experience again, a darkness that threatened to engulf him entirely.

Throughout the night, nurses came and went. Some spoke to him, gave him updates on her condition but he didn’t listen. He tried, he just couldn’t understand it.

As the first light of dawn crept over the horizon, he reluctantly turned his gaze toward her bed. His eyes lingered on her hand, once so delicate and warm in his, now adorned with tubes and wires connecting her to different machines.

With a heavy sigh, his eyes remained fixed on her hand as he leaned forward, feeling the strain in his back from hours of immobility. With gentle care, he reached out and clasped her hand in his, his thumb tracing soothing circles over the back of it, mindful of the wires and tubes.

He remained still for a moment, relishing the warmth of her hand in his before allowing his gaze to travel up her arm, eyes tracing the patterns of the thin, cream-colored blanket that draped over her midsection when they got there. Then, his gaze shifted to her other arm, positioned protectively over her stomach where the wound lay, as if guarding it from further harm.

He studied the blue hospital gown draped over her body, its hue accentuating the sickly paleness of her skin. He traced every curve, every wrinkle, every wire, everything until his eyes finally met her bruised face.

She looked so peaceful and beautiful, devoid of worry. The furrows that typically marked her brow now absent, her closed eyes darting beneath her lids.

Tears welled in his eyes, the overwhelming emotions washing over him as he gazed upon her form. There was no smile, no gentle words escaping her lips, just a faintly parted mouth and serene countenance.

“Please wake up.” he whispered, his voice raspy from not being used in hours. “Please.” The desperation in his voice was evident in the way it cracked, in the way his chest tightened, in the way his throat constricted.

But she didn’t. Not for two weeks.

The medics reassured the team that she was showing positive signs and was going to be fine. They explained that in cases of severe internal bleeding within the abdominal cavity, it was common for patients to take longer to regain consciousness. "Sometimes, this can lead to hypovolemic shock and reduced blood flow to vital organs, including the brain," said the doctor they were currently questioning, one arm cradling a notepad against his chest while the other gestured towards her on the hospital bed, "which contributes to the prolonged unconsciousness she's experiencing."

Once the team's questions were answered, the doctor turned towards the door, his pen moving rapidly across the notepad as he scribbled something down. Upon reaching the door, he paused, pivoting back to face them. "While I can't predict the exact timeline for her awakening, I want to reassure you that we're doing everything we can to support her recovery." Tucking his pen back into his chest pocket, he scanned the room, meeting each person's gaze before lingering on on the genius’.

"Every individual responds differently to trauma and surgery, and it's not uncommon for patients to take some time to regain consciousness," he said, his tone gentle and reassuring, his kind smile directed at Spencer. "However, I want to emphasize that she's showing positive signs of progress, and her body is responding well to treatment. She should be waking up soon." With a final nod in the genius’ direction, he opened the door and disappeared into the flow of medical staff and patients outside her room.

The doctor's reassuring words and comforting demeanor provided Spencer with a small sense of relief.

As the days stretched on, nearing the two-week mark since her surgery, Spencer's exhaustion was becoming more evident. Dark circles underlined his eyes, his hair unkempt, and he felt the weight of fatigue settling into his bones. Sitting by her bedside day after day had taken its toll, leaving him feeling drained and with a sore backside.

It wasn’t until night, when he was alone with her again that he made a promise. “If you wake up tomorrow, I promise—“ He delicately released her hand, curling his fingers into a fist before extending his pinky finger to link with hers. “I pinky promise,” he whispered, a soft, trembling laugh escaping his lips as he recalled her insistence that a promise was only truly binding if sealed with a pinky. “If you wake up tomorrow, I’ll tell you everything.”

He had made up his mind days ago, swearing to himself that the moment she regained consciousness, he would lay everything bare. He hoped that verbalizing the promise would somehow penetrate her unconsciousness and draw her back to him.

As the night wore on and the room bathed in the soft glow of predawn, his senses awakened to a subtle movement near his head, his mind clouded with confusion as he remained still, trying to grasp his surroundings.

He found himself in a hazy state, unable to pinpoint the exact moment sleep had claimed him, yet the sensation of their linked pinkies lingered, his other hand placed gently on her leg, while his head rested on the bed.

It wasn’t until he felt his pinky being squeezed that Spencer’s senses sharpened, his back straightening with a crack as his eyes snapped into focus on her. The familiar furrow returned to her brow as she squeezed her eyes shut, her free hand instinctively reaching up to rub at her forehead.

His breath caught in his throat, his body frozen as he stared at her, his heart pounding loudly in his ears.

“Spence?”

Her voice was raspy, her tone confused as her eyes opened and scanned the room. Without hesitation, he rose from his seat, hands releasing hers as he hurried to the table with the water bottles. He swiftly grabbed one, unscrewing the cap as he returned to her side.

She struggled to lift herself up on her elbows, her eyes tracking his movements, fixated on the open water bottle as he presented it to her. With a gentle nod from her, he brought the bottle closer, tipping it carefully as it reached her parched lips, his other hand positioned beneath her chin, ready to catch any droplets that might escape.

After consuming almost half of the bottle, she gently pushed it away from her lips, taking a moment to swallow the last gulp before lying back down.

He remained in a state of shock, his mind racing faster than it had in weeks, attempting to process the moment as he observed her shifting, striving to find a comfortable position.

“Spence?”

“You—” he began, his words trailing off as he struggled to articulate his thoughts. “You are awake.”

At his words, a gentle smile, the one he had longed to see for weeks, graced her lips. She nodded in acknowledgment as she looked at him. Without hesitation, he moved forward, enveloping her in a tight embrace, being careful not to hurt her. "You're awake," he whispered softly, his face nuzzling into her neck.

He knew he was supposed to call a nurse in —something the staff had reminded him of repeatedly— , but in that moment, he couldn’t bear to let her go. So, he held her tighter, his arms enveloping her as if protecting her from everything, his hand gently cradling the back of her head, thumb tracing soothing circles as he drew her closer.

They stayed like that for what felt like an eternity before he released her from his embrace, his body reluctantly withdrawing from her warmth. His hands remained, tenderly cupping her face as he gazed into her eyes, memorizing every detail of her being.

"I have to tell you something," he whispered, gently tucking a loose strand of hair behind her ear. The familiar nerves and doubt flooded back, causing his heart to race so fast that he knew that if he had been the one hooked up to the machines, medics would have surely burst into the room thinking someone was having a heart attack.

He hesitated, his eyes lingering on her face, absorbing every detail illuminated by the gentle glow of the sun filtering into the room.

In his hesitation, his mind revisited every memory he shared with her. He recalled the moments he wanted to confess but held back, as well as his conversation with Rossi. Then, the memory of their pinky promise last night resurfaced, reminding him of his commitment. He couldn’t break a pinky promise.

“Spencer?”

“I love you.” There. He said it. His gaze lowered in fear of rejection, the nerves in his stomach growing, but he kept going, he had to. “I am so unimaginably in love with you.”

“Spencer—“

“No, I need—“ he paused, his eyes brimming with unshed tears, gazing still fixated downward as he cleared his throat from the imaginary knot that was beginning to form there. “I need you to know that every time you smile, every time you laugh, every time you talk to me, it’s like my whole world lights up.”

“And when you look at me, it’s like everything else fades away, and there’s just you.” With a deep inhale, he squeezed his eyes shut, colors swirling behind his eyelids from the pressure, before slowly exhaling and looking up to meet her gaze. “I can’t even scientifically explain how you make me feel. There is no book, or research article that explains what you make me feel.”

One of his hands left her face, gesturing through the air as he attempted to explain everything without the safety net of statistical knowledge. “Every time I’m near you, it’s like my heart speeds up so much that, scientifically speaking, I should be dead.” The quiet chuckle that escaped her lips reached his ears, easing the tight lines on his forehead as his lips formed into a gentle smile. “But it doesn’t matter, because being near you makes me feel more alive than I’ve ever felt before.”

“Every little thing you do, it just… it makes me fall more and more in love with you.”

“God, I’ve loved you for so long.” His hand halted its relentless movement and lowered to push the hair out of his eyes before running down his face with a grunt of frustration.

"I've fought multiple inner battles trying to tell you how I feel, only to back down at the last minute, silently promising myself that I would do it the next day."

Her eyes softened at his words, her lips pulling into a sad smile as his remained parted, eyes teary as they left her gaze and focused on his lap. “And then you got shot and I—“ The memories of everything that happened in the last two weeks rushing back to him. "I thought I had run out of next days.”

Her hand, which had been holding his against her cheek, shifted gently, cupping his cheek and wiping away the tear that had managed to escape his eyes.

With a sigh, he looked up to meet her eyes again, his own free hand coming up to hold the hand she now had on his cheek. He leaned into her touch, his head resting against her hand as she rubbed soothing circles against the stubble that had appeared after weeks of not shaving. “I adore you.”

His face inched closer to hers, resting his forehead against hers. "I’m fine with whatever you want as long as I'm able to have you in my life," he whispered, his warm breath brushing against her skin. "I love you so, so much. Always." With that, their foreheads separated and his lips moved up to plant a gentle kiss on her forehead.

The room fell silent, his words hanging in the air as she processed them. After another second, Spencer moved, standing up and letting her know that he was going to go get a nurse before quickly disappearing.

The nurses flooded her room with warmth and care, each one exuding kindness as they attended to her needs, explaining her situation, answering questions, and expressing relief that she was recovering well.

Spencer stood patiently by the door, his shoulder leaning against the frame as he observed the nurses with gratitude, thanking them as they left after ensuring everything was in order.

As the last nurse made her way to the door, she slowed her footsteps, casting a reassuring smile at Spencer. “I told you she’d be alright, sweetheart,” she said with a gentle tone.

Marisa, the lovely old nurse, had not only been concerned about his best friend’s well-being but also his. The genius could confidently say that, had it not been for Marisa, he probably would’ve starved in that hospital chair.

She would often stop by during her morning shift, offering reassurance that she would be alright, often bending a few hospital rules to make Spencer more comfortable, providing him with the comfiest blankets, or allowing him to take showers in the bedroom’s bathroom so he wouldn’t have to leave her side.

She also insisted on him taking breaks to get some fresh air, eat proper meals, and change his clothes, assuring him that if anything happened, she would call him immediately.

With a comforting squeeze to his arm, the nurse left, closing the door gently behind her and leaving the two of them alone in the room.

As he settled back into the familiar chair, their eyes met once more, exchanging a silent understanding. They sat in comfortable silence for a while, relishing each other's presence. Eventually, Spencer broke the quietude. "I should call the team," he suggested softly.

He rose from the chair, his hand diving into his pocket to retrieve his phone. With his back turned to her, he scrolled through his contacts, his foot shifting slightly as he prepared to step away.

Before he could get far, his movements halted by the touch of her hand on his arm, he lowered his phone and turned back to her, meeting her gaze with curiosity. "Wait," she said softly. With a nod, he returned his phone to his pocket, yielding to her gentle tug until he found himself seated by her side on the bed.

A grunt of discomfort escaped her lips as she struggled to sit up, reaching out for his hand for support. Once she was upright, she shifted closer to him. “What are- oomf—“ before he could finish, his question was cut off by the sudden press of her lips against his, her hands gripping the back of his head.

His body momentarily stiffened, eyes widening in surprise as he tried to process what was happening. When it finally clicked, the initial shock turned into a gentle surrender as he closed his eyes, allowing himself to be swept away by the warmth of her lips against his.

With a soft exhale, his hand instinctively rose to caress her cheek, pulling her face even closer to his and deepening the kiss.

If he had ever believed his heart couldn’t beat any faster than when in her presence, he stood corrected. Now, he was certain he was experiencing a heart attack.

His lips moved against hers so perfectly, as if they had kissed a thousand times before, as if their souls recognized each other instantly.

It was perfect, not because it was flawless, but because it felt so real.

He never wanted to stop; her lips were addicting, but when his lungs screamed at him for air, he reluctantly pulled his lips away from hers, resting his forehead against hers as they caught their breath.

“I love you too, Spencer.”

His head jerked back, eyes wide open as he looked at her, scanning her expression, looking for any hint that she was lying, only to find honesty shining through her eyes.

With a laugh, she took his face back in her hands, pulling him closer and pressing a quick kiss to his lips. “You have, and will always be the one my heart searches for in a world full of everyone else.”

With a toothy smile, he pulled her lips back to his, chuckling inwardly, as their lips met, acknowledging that if he thought he reached the peak before, he was mistaken again. His heart was racing faster than ever before. A heart attack of a different kind.

A heart attack that he’d gladly experience a million times more.

[afeelgoodblog]

The Best News of Last Week

⚡ - Charging Towards a More Electrifying Future

1. The Kissimmee River has been brought back to life—and wildlife is thriving

The Kissimmee River in Florida was straightened in the 1960s, causing a sharp decline in wildlife and ecological problems. But in the 1990s, a $1 billion restoration project was initiated to restore the river's natural state.

Today, nearly half of the river has been restored, wetlands have been reestablished and rehydrated, and wildlife has returned, including rare and threatened species. Already the biological impact of the project has become clear. As the wetlands have come back, so have the birds.

2. Plastic wrap made from seaweed withstands heat and is compostable

A cling film made from an invasive seaweed can withstand high temperatures yet is still easily compostable. The material could eventually become a sustainable choice for food packaging.

Scientists started with a brown seaweed called sargassum. Sargassum contains long, chain-like molecules similar to those that make up conventional plastic, which made it a good raw material. The researchers mixed it with some acids and salts to get a solution full of these molecules, then blended in chemicals that thickened it and made it more flexible and pliable.

3. An Eagle Who Adopted a Rock Becomes a Real Dad to Orphaned Eaglet

Murphy, a bald eagle that had been showing fatherly instincts, has been sharing an enclosure with an eaglet that survived a fall from a tree during a storm in Ste. Genevieve. Murphy, his rock gone by then, took his role as foster parent seriously. He soon began responding to the chick’s peeps, and protecting it.

And when, as a test, the keepers placed two plates of food in front of the birds — one containing food cut into pieces that the chick could eat by itself, and another with a whole fish that only Murphy could handle — the older bird tore up the fish and fed it to the eaglet.

4. World's largest battery maker announces major breakthrough in energy density

In one of the most significant battery breakthroughs in recent years, the world’s largest battery manufacturer CATL has announced a new “condensed” battery with 500 Wh/kg which it says will go into mass production this year.

“The launch of condensed batteries will usher in an era of universal electrification of sea, land and air transportation, open up more possibilities of the development of the industry, and promote the achieving of the global carbon neutrality goals at an earlier date,” the company said in a presentation at Auto Shanghai on Thursday.

This could be huge. Electric jets and cargo ships become very possible at this point.

5. Cat with '100% fatal' feline coronavirus saved by human Covid-19 medicine

A beloved household cat has made an “astonishing” recovery from a usually fatal illness, thanks to a drug made to treat Covid-19 in humans – and a quick-thinking vet.

Anya​, the 7-year-old birman cat, was suffering from feline infectious peritonitis (FIP), a “100% fatal” viral infection caused by feline coronavirus. That was, until Auckland vet Dr Habin Choi​ intervened, giving Anya an antiviral used to treat Covid-19 called molnupiravir.

6. Kelp forests capture nearly 5 million tonnes of CO2 annually

Kelp forests provide an estimated value of $500 billion to the world and capture 4.5 million tonnes of carbon dioxide from seawater each year. Most of kelp’s economic benefits come from creating habitat for fish and by sequestering nitrogen and phosphorus.

7. Medical Marijuana Improved Parkinson’s Disease Symptoms in 87% of Patients

Medical cannabis (MC) has recently garnered interest as a potential treatment for neurologic diseases, including Parkinson's disease (PD). 87% of patients were noted to exhibit an improvement in any PD symptom after starting medical cannabis. Symptoms with the highest incidence of improvement included cramping/dystonia, pain, spasticity, lack of appetite, dyskinesia, and tremor.

----

That's it for this week :)

This newsletter will always be free. If you liked this post you can support me with a small kofi donation:

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Also don’t forget to reblog

[macgyvermedical]

Let's Talk ESRD and Dialysis

Have you thanked your kidneys today? Do you feel grateful when you pee? How about when you eat a little too much potassium or drink a little too much water, do you really enjoy feeling confident that your kidneys will just dispose of the excess?

If so, you probably know the alternative.

About 10% of the world's population has a condition called Chronic Kidney Disease, or CKD. About 2 million of those people are in End Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) and require dialysis or a kidney transplant to live.

Your kidneys are amazing things. They are two organs that sit outside of the sac that hold the rest of the abdominal organs, called the peritoneum. They take in blood from the body, determine the levels of electrolytes, water, and waste products in that blood, and remove the waste products and excess electrolytes and water.

They also have secondary tasks. They monitor the amount of red blood cells in your blood and send out hormones that entice the bone marrow to make more when we're low. They also monitor blood pressure and release hormones that raise that blood pressure when it gets low.

Lots of things can hurt the kidneys. For example, poorly controlled high blood pressure and poorly controlled diabetes are among the top reasons why kidneys fail. Additionally, being dehydrated while engaging in strenuous exercise or taking medications like ibuprofen or naproxen (any NSAIDs) can cause kidney damage.

We measure how well the kidneys are working via the Glomerular Filtration Rate, or GFR. This is a measure of (essentially) how much blood in milliliters the kidneys filter per minute. 90 or higher is normal, while a GFR of 15 or lower is considered ESRD.

So let's say someone has a GFR of less than 15 and the decision is made to start them on dialysis and put them on the kidney transplant list. What options do they have?

Well, they need to figure out if they want to do hemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis.

In hemodialysis, the patient is hooked up to a machine that runs their blood across a special membrane. On the other side of the membrane, a solution called dialysate draws excess water, electrolytes, and waste products from the blood. Hemodialysis is usually done at a dialysis center for 3-5 hours, 3 times per week.

Hemodialysis is better for patients who have either failed home peritoneal dialysis or can't or aren't comfortable with doing the technical part of the job by themself at home. There is also a social component, where dialysis is a chance to meet and interact with other people who are going through the same things they are.

People who undergo hemodialysis have to have some kind of "access", or a way for the blood to come out of their body, go through a machine, and go back into their body. For some people, this is a dialysis catheter that is inserted into the person's chest and looks like this:

It can also be a fistula. A fistula is the surgical connection between a vein and an artery in the arm or leg. Over time, this connection becomes large and rubbery, and each time dialysis is done, two needles (one to remove blood, and one to return it) are placed in the fistula. A fistula often looks like this:

In peritoneal dialysis, the patient instills the dialysate directly into the sac that holds their abdominal organs. The sac itself acts as the membrane, and dialysate draws the electrolytes, water, and waste directly through the sac wall. They then wait a certain number of hours, and drain the dialysate. This can be done manually by the patient during the day, or at night while the patient sleeps with a machine called an automatic cycler. Usually peritoneal dialysis is done every day, with 2-4 cycles of 4 hours per cycle.

People using peritoneal dialysis also need a form of access, but instead of it being to their blood stream, it is to their peritoneum. Here's what that looks like:

The catheter is placed surgically into the peritoneum, and stays there all the time, even in between dialysis sessions.

Someone using peritoneal dialysis has to be very careful when they are accessing their dialysis catheter. This is because the biggest problem with peritoneal dialysis is the risk of a life threatening infection called peritonitis. Someone who gets peritonitis too many times may need to switch to hemodialysis.

Here is what a manual exchange looks ilke:

Someone may choose to do peritoneal dialysis over hemodialysis because it affords more freedom to keep a job or do daily tasks like keeping house. People who do PD also don't have to find rides to the dialysis center. However, they do have to take on more of the responsibility for making sure they do treatments correctly and be able to keep accurate records of the treatments they give themselves. Peritoneal dialysis also tends to be less taxing on the body, and have fewer side effects than hemodialysis when done correctly.

[felinefractious]

hi! love your blog, i love getting to see all these cool cat colors i didnt even know were a thing LOL like i didn’t know there was such a thing as lilac or cinnamon but theyre so pretty.

ive been looking into getting a ragdoll in the future, the ones i have met have been the sweetest cats and they’re so pretty.

ive been doing research into possible health concerns they can have, and all im really seeing is the same things your typical random little guy could have when improperly cared for and things like that. kidney disease while on a bad diet, issues with hairballs when not brushed and groomed properly due to being long haired, etc. ive seen a few places say that they’re more prone to respiratory issues and heart disease, but the latter also seems to be something that breeders work to make sure their cats are safe from? at least in my research.

i guess im basically just wondering if you know anything else that can affect ragdolls specifically, or if there’s anything horribly unethical that’s totally swept under the rug or hidden about them! additional things to research and places to look would be appreciated, i never know where to research stuff like this reliably and you seem to know where to find some good info and stuff on cat breeds :)

thank you in advance for any help you can give, i hope have a good day!!

I’m glad you enjoy the blog and are learning about some new colors!

Ragdolls are definitely cool cats and they’re a pretty health breed, one of the major things to be mindful of is that this assessment only applies to well-bred individuals from good breeders.

Common breeds mean a lot of breeders which, unfortunately, also means a lot of scammers and bad breeders.

And the Ragdoll is a very common breed so there are a lot of not so good breeders out there… and the temperament and health of these backyard bred cats is a gamble, one that can end in heartbreak.

Now with that warning out of the way the big thing to worry about with the breed is Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy. Fortunately the mutation responsible for this condition in the breed has been identified and can be tested for. Staying on top of heart health is an absolute must for a good breeder, this means regular echocardiogram’s as well as DNA testing.

The other big ones are Polycystic Kidney Disease and Progressive Retinal Atrophy, both of which can be tested for. These are common inherited disorders in the purebred population, you’ll have a hard time finding a breed which neither of these have been documented in.

Mucopolysaccharidosis VI is a storage disease that has been documented in the Ragdoll breed but it can be tested for and I’m not sure how common it is in current breeding populations.

A breeder shouldn’t cut corners when it comes to health testing, there are several commercially available tests which look for a wide variety of inherited disorders. Optimal Selection is becoming increasingly widely used, although personally I would feel most comfortable with testing submitted through somewhere like UC Davis.

But HCM is the big big one because heart disease is a silent killer. With the other conditions clinical symptoms will be apparent but a cat with HCM could appear normal and you wouldn’t know without testing. And remember - not all cardiac cases will have a heart murmur, either!

The other thing to keep in mind with Ragdolls is they seem to be more prone to developing Feline Infectious Peritonitis. This one is a little more complicated.

FIP occurs due to mutations in the feline coronavirus, which is a common viral infection in cats. Until recently FIP was considered nearly 100% fatal but thanks to Dr. Niels Pederson we now have a promising cure. One of our patients was actually one of the original study cats and has been doing well all this time, she’s amazing to work with - like a piece of living history!

One of the big problems with the treatment is the legality of it… for a long time it was only available through the black market and could easily run you thousands of dollars. Treatment is gradually becoming available through legal venues but it depends on where you live.

Anyways, the point is that we don’t know exactly why these mutations occur in some cats and not others but there’s strong evidence that there’s a genetic component - it’s common for related cats to develop FIP, we’ve seen this multiple times with littermates. We also know that it occurs at a higher incidence in some breeds than others…

And presumably your kitten wouldn’t have been exposed to feline coronavirus at the cattery but it’s not unlikely that they would be exposed at some point in their life given they don’t reside in a bubble… and if or when this happens what are the chances it’ll become the dreaded FIP?

So mitigating this risk when purchasing from a breeder can be a little more complicated… it’s not something I think should turn you off of the breed but it is something to keep in mind - and if you look into a breeder that seems good but has a lot of reviews or reports of their graduate kittens and cats developing FIP? Probably best to keep looking.

I think that’s a pretty good summary on the breed’s health but people are always welcome to chime in!

[killed-by-choice]

Julia L. Rogers, 20 (USA 1973)

At the age of 20, Julia L. Rogers underwent an abortion that was done by T.R.M. Howard at Friendship Medical Center, which was actually an abortion facility. The date was April 21, 1973. Julia outlived her baby by only about a week.

She became horribly sick and died a painful death at Tabernacle Hospital on April 28. Her death certificate lists her cause of death as “bronchopneumonia and generalized peritonitis complicating extensive peritonitis complicating extensive necrotizing endometritis and mymoetritis with sealed perforation.”

In other words, she had died because a hole was torn in her uterus, causing it to become infected and rot inside of her. Roe vs Wade had promised her “safe and legal” abortion, but this was the real result.

A $1,000,000 lawsuit was filed by Julia’s family for her excruciating and torturous death. Had Julia not had an abortion, she and her baby could have both had long lives ahead of them.

FMS also killed abortion clients Evelyn Dudley and Dorothy Brown before finally being shut down.

“Probe death here after abortion,” Chicago Tribune, May 3, 1973

Death Certificate No. C612195

“Suit Filed in Illinois After Abortion Death,” Omaha World Herald, July 18, 1973

12 Dead In State (Chicago Sun-Times, The Abortion Profiteers exposé)

[torturing-characters-101]

how hard would someone have to be punched in order to develop appendicitis?

My posts about appendicitis:

Symptoms

General Appendicitis Info

Low Resource Appendectomy 

Finding the Appendix

Impaled Item Close to Appendix

(please read these before reading the answer or this answer will not make sense)

As in the last link above, there is a very, very rare situation in which a punch to the abdomen could cause appendicitis.

Essentially, you'd have to get punched in exactly the right spot to cause swelling around the opening to the appendix. The swelling could then block the opening, trapping the bacteria goo in there, and cause the appendix to swell and eventually perforate if left untreated.

Something more likely to occur after blunt force trauma to the abdomen is a condition called peritonitis.

Peritonitis is inflammation of the lining of the abdomen (called the peritoneum). If an irritating chemical, blood, virus, or bacteria comes into contact with it, it can become infected or inflamed, causing pain and sometimes fever and/or nausea (the pain from appendicitis is actually because of peritonitis that occurs in a small part of the peritoneum near the appendix).

Now, if someone were punched hard enough to tear one of the organs (like the liver or spleen) or an intestine, blood and/or poop could spill into the peritoneum, causing peritonitis without appendicitis.

[strictlyfavorites]

Harry Houdini was born 148 years ago today.

A Hungarian-American illusionist and stunt performer, noted for his sensational escape acts, Houdini first attracted notice as "Harry Handcuff Houdini" on a tour of Europe, where he challenged police forces to keep him locked up.

Soon he extended his repertoire to include chains, ropes slung from skyscrapers, straitjackets under water and having to hold his breath inside a sealed milk can. In 1904, thousands watched as he tried to escape from special handcuffs commissioned by London's Daily Mirror, keeping them in suspense for an hour.

Another stunt saw him buried alive and only just able to claw himself to the surface, emerging in a state of near-breakdown. While many suspected that these escapes were faked, Houdini presented himself as the scourge of fake magicians and spiritualists.

As President of the Society of American Magicians, he was keen to uphold professional standards and expose fraudulent artists. He was also quick to sue anyone who pirated his escape stunts.

Houdini made several movies, but quit acting when it failed to bring in money. He was also a keen aviator, and aimed to become the first man to fly a plane in Australia.

Houdini died of peritonitis, secondary to a ruptured appendix, on October 31, 1926 in Detroit at age 52.

Eyewitnesses to an incident at Houdini's dressing room in the Princess Theatre in Montreal gave rise to speculation that Houdini's death was caused by a McGill University student, J. Gordon Whitehead, who delivered a surprise attack of multiple blows to Houdini's abdomen.

The eyewitnesses, students named Jacques Price and Sam Smilovitz, offered accounts of the incident. Price describes Whitehead asking Houdini "if he believed in the miracles of the Bible" and "whether it was true that punches in the stomach did not hurt him." He then delivered "some very hammer-like blows below the belt."

Houdini was reclining on a couch at the time, having broken his ankle while performing several days earlier. Price states that Houdini winced at each blow and stopped Whitehead suddenly in the midst of a punch, gesturing that he had enough, and adding that he had no opportunity to prepare himself against the blows.

Throughout the evening, Houdini performed in great pain. He was unable to sleep and remained in constant pain for the next two days, but did not seek medical help. When he finally saw a doctor, he was found to have a fever of 102 and acute appendicitis, and was advised to have immediate surgery. He ignored the advice and decided to go on with the show.

Despite the diagnosis, Houdini took the stage. He was reported to have passed out during the show, but was revived and continued. Afterwards, he was hospitalized at Detroit's Grace Hospital.

It is not entirely clear what relationship the encounter in the dressing room had on Houdini's eventual death. One theory suggests that Houdini was unaware that he was suffering from appendicitis, which would have been clearer to him had he not received blows to the abdomen.

After taking statements from Price and Smilovitz, Houdini's insurance company concluded that the death was due to the dressing-room incident and paid double indemnity. To this day, rumors persist that Houdini was murdered by his enemies. The truth is lost to the ages.

[ghostwood7]

Hollywood Forever, formerly known as Hollywood Memorial Park (located at 6000 Santa Monica Blvd), famous for its Permanent Celebrity Residents, had become a desolate ruin, especially after being extensively damaged by the Northridge Earthquake in 1994. It became a horrific disgrace, displaying crumbling walls that exposed open crypts, broken glass, rotting wood (Coffins and Caskets?) and extensive water damage. There were also reports of the stench of decay. The chief architect of this scandal was Jules Roth, a con man, a liar and a thief who stole money from endowment funds and had a wetbar in his cemetery office. He cared nothing for the cemetery or its legendary clients. He forced the cemetery into bankruptcy and some people who were buried there, were exhumed by their surviving relatives and taken to another cemetery. Max Factor was one such person. The State of California brought the Owners up on charges and threatened the Cemetery with closure. However, in 1998 a man named Tyler Cassity bought the property for $375,000.00 and not only made repairs to the place, but also modernized it, bringing it into the 20th Century with the latest technology and gimmicks such as Living Memory, Interviews, Biographical Movies and Webcasts of Funeral Services! Hollywood Forever even has its own website now and can be found here.

And, of course, there are ghosts here. One day, a man was searching for a certain celebrity gravesite in the Abbey Of the Psalms Mausoleum. He asked a quaint looking, old gentleman whom he saw standing in the Foyer where the grave of this person was. The man gave directions. When the other turned around to thank the man, he was gone! He gave a description of the man to a Cemetery Employee and was told that it was Mr. Clifton Webb….who had died of a heart attack in 1966! The other ghost at Hollywood Forever is not one that you will see, but you might hear it. It has been said that if you wander near the grave of tragic starlet, Virginia Rappe, you might hear a ghostly weeping. She died at the tender age of 25 due to Generalized Peritonitis. However, because she had died after a wild party attended by comedic actor Roscoe "Fatty" Arbuckle, it was thought she had been murdered. Arbuckle was charged with the murder. He was tried for the crime three times and acquitted each time. However, his career was irrevocably ruined. Rudolph Valentino, who died in 1926 of a ruptured appendix, a perforated ulcer and peritonitis is interred in the Cathedral Mausoleum. A grand tomb was planned for his final resting place and Valentino's body was placed in a temporary crypt until it could be built. Unfortunately, Rudy owed back taxes which set the building of the tomb back about three years. Then, another setback occurred on October 24, 1929. The Stock Market crashed and the world wide Depression began. The tomb was never built. Valentino still rests in that "temporary crypt" to this very day. It has been reported that his ghost has been seen walking thru the rear wall of the cemetery and onto the lot at Paramount Studios, where he has also been seen. According to eye witnesses, he looks around, seems confused and then walks back thru the wall and back into the cemetery. Perhaps his confusion stems from the passage of Time and the changes that have taken place in our world since then. He has also been seen at his former home, known as the Falcon's Lair. #Hollywood #Cemetery #HollywoodForever #Ghosts #Paranormal #Hauntings #Valentino #LosAngeles #LA #SoCal #California #Taphophile #Travels

[opera-ghosts]

OTD in Music History: Tenor Enrico Caruso (1873 - 1921) -- arguably the single most famous and beloved operatic tenor of all time -- is born in Naples, Italy. Over the span of a highly-celebrated 25 year professional career, Caruso sang to great acclaim at major opera houses all across Europe and the Americas, and appeared in a wide array of roles drawn from the Italian and French operatic repertoire. He sang more than 850 times with the New York Metropolitan Opera alone (both at the Met and on tour). One of the first major singing talents to be commercially recorded, Caruso released approximately 250 commercial recordings between 1902 and 1920 -- earning millions of dollars, and becoming the first true musical superstar of the modern recording era, in the process. Caruso also appeared in two (silent) motion pictures. In 1918, he played a dual role in "My Cousin" for Paramount Pictures, which included a sequence depicting him on stage performing one of his most notable roles: Canio the clown, who sings the famous aria "Vesti la giubba" from Ruggero Leoncavallo's (1857 - 1919) hit opera, "Pagliacci" (1892). The following year, Caruso also played a character called Cosmo in "The Splendid Romance." Producer Jesse Lasky paid Caruso $100,000 each to appear in these two efforts -- but "My Cousin" flopped at the box office, and "The Splendid Romance" was apparently never even released, and is now considered to be lost. When Caruso died suddenly of peritonitis at the age of just 48, it was a cause for international mourning. The King of Italy, Victor Emmanuel III (1869 - 1947), opened the Royal Basilica of the Church of San Francesco di Paola for Caruso's funeral, which was attended by tens of thousands of people. Caruso's embalmed body was then preserved in a glass sarcophagus at Del Pianto Cemetery in Naples and displayed for nearly a decade so that mourners could continue to come and pay their respects... PICTURED: One of the many lovely swiftly-executed caricatures that Caruso (also a talented visual artist) accomplished over the years. This example is a small and rather mischievous-looking self-portrait, which he signed and dated to London in 1901.

[saentorine]

Sometimes I think about how at 13, my appendix ruptured and my body took aggressive action to save my life. My immune system contained the infection within an abscess apparently so robust and localized I didn’t even present with a fever or increased white blood cell count. It held steady for ten full days, fending off what could have easily become peritonitis or sepsis, before the rupture was detected and the abscess drained and removed in two procedures.

And now, as an adult, I have an autoimmune disease. My body takes aggressive action on my behalf-- against my own body. My immune system goes on the offense over the most harmless of things and will burn the entire house down rather than risk the perceived danger of certain “intruders.”

Does my body remember her trauma? Is my immune system forever on the alert because of what it has experienced? Does my body have her own form of PTSD independent of my consciousness? 

I certainly don’t know if there’s any scientific validity in seeing a connection here, and my anthropomorphism of my immune system is more poetic than anything else-- but it’s a bittersweet image to think of my body trying desperately to “save” us, over and over again, growing bitter and paranoid like some disaffected veteran without the tools to reshape a trauma response.

[handeaux]

From Methodism To Pleasure: The Origin Of Some Curious Cincinnati Street Names

Why Two Epworths? (Westwood/Spring Grove Village) Cincinnati has two streets named Epworth, which suggests a strong Methodist population. Epworth is a town in Lincolnshire, England that was the birthplace of John Wesley and Charles Wesley, founders of the Methodist religious movement. When you see streets and towns named Epworth, you can be sure Methodists abound, just as “Bethlehem” place names signify Moravians, and the various manifestations of the Blessed Virgin announce Catholics. Winton Place (now Spring Grove Village) had an Epworth Place, with the requisite Methodist church, before Westwood was annexed by Cincinnati in 1896. To eliminate duplicates, City Council decided that Westwood’s Epworth would henceforth become Bethany Avenue. Council had not calculated on James N. Gamble, vice president of Procter & Gamble, and his fondness for the Epworth Avenue that ran alongside his own personal church. City Council backed down and the Winton Place Epworth became East Epworth. Mr. Gamble’s Westwood United Methodist Church still proudly dominates Epworth Avenue.

First Avenue (Price Hill) Most of Cincinnati’s numbered streets, from Second to Fifteenth are located downtown or in Over-the-Rhine. How did First Avenue get plunked down in Price Hill? The answer has to do with Cincinnati’s patchwork growth through annexation. Years ago, there used to be a little town named Cedar Grove located north of what is now Glenway Avenue and east of Sunset Avenue. Cedar Grove, according to an 1884 county map, included First through Fifth avenues. When Cedar Grove was annexed to Cincinnati in the 1890s, the city moved to remove duplicate names. Cincinnati has no First Street – below Second Street were Water Street and Front Street – so First Avenue remains. Cedar Grove’s Second Avenue became Iliff, Third became Gilsey, Fourth became Dewey and Fifth was going to become Milwaukee but residential objections led to it being named Rosemont.

Glendora Avenue (Corryville) At various times, parts of the street we know as Glendora were named Zeltner, Falke, and Dallas. By 1900, a northern extension of this street was named Glendora. Responding to a petition by residents, City Councilman Fred Emmert of the Twenty-Eighth Ward including Corryville introduced legislation renaming the whole chain of north-south streets Zeltner. His motion passed, and Councilman Emmert celebrated his victory by sailing for Europe. In his absence, his constituency changed their collective mind and, on 1 July 1901, parts of Zeltner reverted to Glendora, Falke and Zeltner. Ten years later, the city reconsidered and unified the whole collection of streets under the name Glendora.

Inco Lane (Sayler Park) Somewhere along the line, Inco Lane lost its logic for existence. It was named in 1945 because it connected (In)dian Lane and El(co) Avenue. The problem is that only half the street was built. The western section remains a paper street. Additionally, Elco Avenue has been renamed Cherokee Avenue.

Luckey Avenue (North Fairmount) It’s not a misspelling. Up on the old Schuetzenbuckel, where Annie Oakley made her reputation, this little street has nothing to do with good fortune. John S. Luckey owned a good part of Fairmount prior to his death from peritonitis in 1882. After his burial in Spring Grove Cemetery, his heirs remembered him by naming a street with a view in his memory.

Manitou Street (Walnut Hills) Back in 1888, overcome with celebratory fervor as Cincinnati marked its centennial, the city fathers decided to rename dozens if not hundreds of streets. Many of the new names were clearly intended to inject a little faux history into the city’s toponymy. Among the highways and byways whose names trace to that year are Calumet, Sachem, Chickasaw and Manitou. That last street, little more than a ligature connecting Fowler and Symmes, was chosen like the others because it sounded nostalgically “Indian.” Apparently, the official who suggested ditching the former Scott Street did not realize that Manitou, among America’s indigenous peoples, came in two flavors: the Great Spirit and the Evil Spirit (as in the 1978 horror film). By invoking Manitou, the city fathers may have cursed themselves.

Monon Avenue (Hartwell) There are a couple of creeks near Lafayette in White County, Indiana that, although originally called Monong (allegedly a Potawatomi word meaning “swift-running”), are now known as the Big Monon Creek and the Little Monon Creek. The creeks gave their name to a small town originally known as New Bradford. The town gave its name to the Monon Railroad which, every day, sent a passenger train through Hartwell on its way to Cincinnati alongside a street known then as Ohio Avenue. When Hartwell was annexed to Cincinnati, which already had an Ohio Avenue, the Hartwell street was renamed after the daily train.

Mound Street (West End) Certainly among the flattest streets in all of Cincinnati, Mound Street bears a curious name suggesting an elevation or slope. What’s left of Mound Street – a quarter-mile straightaway from Eighth Street up to Clark – is almost as level as a billiard table. Before 1841, there actually was an oval-shaped mound more than 40 feet high on Mound Street at the intersection of Fifth. That location is now covered by a UPS hub fronting on Gest Street. The mound was demolished in 1841 to make way for development of the southern section of the West End.

Muchmore Road (Indian Hill) Drivers along this wooded route may be forgiven for wondering how much more there is. The road was not named for uncertain aspirations, but recalls an early settler, David Muchmore and his descendants. The Muchmores were of English origin and relocated from New Jersey. They were among the first settlers near Madisonville, and owned quite a bit of land on which, among other crops, they were known for their berries.

Oak Park Place (Oakley) When Carl Jahnigen platted a small subdivision off Paxton Avenue in 1917, it’s only natural that he should name the main street after himself. This logic, by 1938, was lost on Jorma J. Salovarra, living at 3913 Jahnigen Avenue, who petitioned city council to rename the street Oakpark Place. Salovarra’s rationale? “[Jahnigen] is not only a difficult name to pronounce and spell, but in no way infers the locale of the street.” Council agreed, although today, most maps have “Oak Park” as two words.

Pleasure Drive (Price Hill) As a real estate investor and developer, Fred Duebber had to come up with a lot of street names as he laid out subdivisions throughout the Western Hills. A little cul-de-sac across West Eighth Street from Saint William Church gave him all sorts of headaches in 1955. He proposed more than a dozen names, all rejected by officials at the city. One night, as he told the story, he was watching his brand-new television and remarked to his wife how much pleasure a TV set would bring to shut-ins. With that inspiration, he contacted the city, and Pleasure Drive was approved.

[digestivewonders]

𝐀𝐩𝐩𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐜𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐬

An inflammation of your appendix, is the most common cause of acute abdominal pain requiring surgery. Untreated, it can lead to serious complications, such as peritonitis or an abscess.

Symptoms & Causes

Appendicitis may be caused by various infections such as virus, bacteria, or parasites, in your digestive tract. Or it may happen when the tube that joins your large intestine and appendix is blocked or trapped by stool. Sometimes tumors can cause appendicitis. The appendix then becomes sore and swollen. Appendicitis symptoms include abdominal pain, lack of appetite, vomiting, constipation, or diarrhea. See a doctor or go to the emergency room right away if you think you or your child has appendicitis. Quick treatment prevents most complications.

Treatment

Doctors typically treat appendicitis with antibiotics and with surgery to remove the appendix, either by laparoscopic surgery or a laparotomy. Prompt surgery decreases your chances of a burst appendix. Doctors use special care for treating a burst appendix, abscess, or peritonitis. Some mild cases of appendicitis may be treated with antibiotics alone.

Prevention

There's no proven way to prevent appendicitis. Eating a high-fiber diet with lots of whole grains and fresh fruits and vegetables may help, although experts can't explain why.

Reference:

Fitz RH. Perforating inflammation of the vermiform appendix with special reference to its early diagnosis and treatment. Am J Med Sci. 1886;92:321-46. Itskowitz MS, Jones SM. Appendicitis. Emerg Med. 2004;36:10-5.

[reclaimspecialist]

Mesothelioma Causes, Symptoms, and Prevention Mesothelioma is a rare but aggressive form of cancer primarily caused by exposure to asbestos. Understanding mesothelioma causes, symptoms, and prevention is crucial for those at risk or recently diagnosed. This guide, provided by Reclaim Specialist, not only explores the key factors that contribute to the disease but also delves into how victims can seek compensation through mass tort settlements.

What Causes Mesothelioma? The leading cause of mesothelioma is asbestos exposure, a toxic substance once widely used in construction and manufacturing. Asbestos fibers can become airborne, and when inhaled or ingested, they settle in the lining of the lungs, heart, or abdomen. Over time, these fibers cause irritation and inflammation, eventually leading to the development of cancerous cells. Even short-term exposure to asbestos can be dangerous, and it’s important to note that symptoms of mesothelioma may not appear for decades. Workers in industries such as shipbuilding, construction, and automotive repair are especially at risk. Occupational Exposure and Mesothelioma Risk Certain industries have historically exposed workers to high levels of asbestos. Construction workers, electricians, plumbers, and shipbuilders are among those most at risk. The prolonged and repeated exposure faced by these workers makes them particularly vulnerable to developing mesothelioma later in life. Additionally, secondary exposure can occur when workers carry asbestos fibers home on their clothing, unknowingly putting family members at risk. Understanding these mesothelioma causes can help individuals take proactive steps toward protection.

Recognizing the Symptoms of Mesothelioma Mesothelioma symptoms can be vague at first, often resembling less severe respiratory conditions. However, as the disease progresses, symptoms become more pronounced and debilitating. It's essential to recognize these early signs to seek treatment promptly. Common Symptoms of Mesothelioma Include: Persistent chest pain or discomfort Shortness of breath Chronic cough Unexplained weight loss Fatigue Swelling in the abdomen (for peritoneal mesothelioma) Symptoms vary depending on the type of mesothelioma, such as pleural (affecting the lungs), peritoneal (affecting the abdomen), or pericardial (affecting the heart). Unfortunately, because these symptoms overlap with other conditions, mesothelioma is often diagnosed in its advanced stages. The Importance of Early Detection Early detection of mesothelioma is rare due to the long latency period between asbestos exposure and the onset of symptoms. However, regular screenings for individuals with known exposure to asbestos can help detect the disease earlier, increasing the chances of successful treatment.

How to Prevent Mesothelioma While there is no guaranteed way to prevent mesothelioma, minimizing exposure to asbestos is the most effective strategy. Here are some steps individuals and employers can take to reduce the risk:

Avoid Asbestos Exposure The most critical factor in preventing mesothelioma is avoiding asbestos exposure. Workers in high-risk industries should follow safety protocols, including wearing protective gear and adhering to strict regulations regarding asbestos handling and removal. If you suspect that your home or workplace contains asbestos, contact a professional removal service immediately.

Regular Health Screenings for At-Risk Individuals For those who have been exposed to asbestos, regular health screenings are essential. Early detection of any abnormalities, including the development of mesothelioma, can significantly improve treatment outcomes.

Awareness and Education Raising awareness about the dangers of asbestos is crucial in the prevention of mesothelioma. Employers must educate their workforce about potential exposure risks and implement rigorous safety standards. Public education campaigns can also help individuals recognize the symptoms of mesothelioma and seek medical advice sooner.

Seeking Compensation: Mass Tort Settlements for Mesothelioma For victims of mesothelioma, seeking compensation through legal avenues can help cover medical costs, lost wages, and emotional suffering. Mass tort settlements are a common method of addressing mesothelioma cases, particularly for individuals who were exposed to asbestos by large corporations. A mass tort specialist can represent multiple plaintiffs who have suffered from the same cause, such as asbestos exposure, and help negotiate a fair settlement. These specialists play a pivotal role in ensuring that victims receive the compensation they deserve. What Are Mass Tort Settlement Amounts? Mass tort settlement amounts can vary significantly depending on the severity of the illness, the number of victims involved, and the culpability of the defendant. Typically, settlement amounts can range from tens of thousands to millions of dollars. Compensation often covers medical expenses, lost wages, and non-economic damages such as pain and suffering. Mass tort compensation is especially important for families of individuals who have lost their lives to mesothelioma. The financial support from a settlement can help ease the burden of medical bills and funeral costs, allowing families to focus on healing.

Working with a Mass Tort Specialist for Mesothelioma Cases If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with mesothelioma, working with a mass tort specialist can be a crucial step in securing compensation. These legal experts have experience handling cases involving asbestos exposure and can guide victims through the complex legal process. Benefits of Hiring a Mass Tort Specialist A mass tort specialist can help victims of mesothelioma in several ways: Expertise: They understand the nuances of asbestos-related cases and can build a compelling legal argument. Negotiation Power: Mass tort specialists can negotiate higher settlement amounts by representing a large group of affected individuals. Peace of Mind: These professionals handle the legal process, allowing victims to focus on their health and well-being. Choosing the right legal representation is essential when seeking compensation for mesothelioma. Reclaim Specialist is known for their dedication to securing fair settlements for mesothelioma victims.

Conclusion Understanding mesothelioma causes, symptoms, and prevention is the first step toward protecting yourself and your loved ones from this devastating disease. Asbestos exposure remains the primary cause of mesothelioma, and recognizing the symptoms early can significantly improve treatment options. Preventing further exposure and staying vigilant with regular health screenings are crucial in reducing the risk. For those already affected by mesothelioma, seeking mass tort compensation can provide much-needed financial relief. By working with a qualified mass tort specialist like Reclaim Specialist, victims can navigate the complex legal process and secure fair settlements. Mesothelioma is a challenging diagnosis, but with the right information and support, patients and their families can find hope in the fight for justice and compensation.

FAQs What is the primary cause of mesothelioma? Mesothelioma is primarily caused by exposure to asbestos fibers, which, when inhaled or ingested, can settle in the lining of the lungs, heart, or abdomen. What are the early symptoms of mesothelioma? Common early symptoms include chest pain, shortness of breath, chronic cough, and unexplained weight loss. These symptoms often resemble less severe conditions, which can delay diagnosis. Can mesothelioma be prevented? While there's no guaranteed way to prevent mesothelioma, minimizing asbestos exposure and regular health screenings can significantly reduce the risk. How are mass tort settlement amounts determined for mesothelioma cases? Settlement amounts depend on several factors, including the severity of the illness, the number of victims, and the defendant’s liability. They typically range from thousands to millions of dollars. What is the role of a mass tort specialist in mesothelioma cases? A mass tort specialist represents multiple plaintiffs affected by the same cause, such as asbestos exposure, and negotiates settlements for compensation. Is it worth pursuing a mass tort settlement for mesothelioma? Yes, pursuing a mass tort settlement can help victims of mesothelioma cover medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering, providing financial support during a difficult time.

[healthcare-skyquest]

Dialysis Market: Transforming Renal Care

The Dialysis market has become essential for patients suffering from chronic kidney diseases, providing life-sustaining treatments through innovative dialysis technologies. As the global prevalence of kidney disorders rises, the demand for effective dialysis solutions continues to grow. This article explores the latest trends, market segmentation, key growth drivers, and leading companies in the dialysis industry.

Market Overview

According to SkyQuest’s Dialysis Market report, the global dialysis market is valued at USD 122.47 billion in 2023, with a projected CAGR of 6.78% over the forecast period. The increasing incidence of end-stage renal disease (ESRD) and growing geriatric population are the primary factors contributing to market expansion.

Request Your Free Sample: - https://www.skyquestt.com/sample-request/dialysis-market

Market Segmentation

By Type:

Hemodialysis: The most common type of dialysis where blood is filtered outside the body using a dialyzer.

Peritoneal Dialysis: Involves using the patient’s peritoneal membrane to filter waste products from the blood internally.

Continuous Renal Replacement Therapy (CRRT): Used in critical care settings for patients with acute kidney injury.

By Product & Service:

Equipment: Dialysis machines, dialyzers, and water treatment systems form the backbone of dialysis treatments.

Consumables: Includes dialysate, tubing, and catheters required for each dialysis session.

Services: Healthcare providers offering dialysis treatments and support to patients in clinics or homecare settings.

By End-User:

Dialysis Centers: Specialized facilities that provide regular dialysis treatment to patients.

Hospitals: Serve patients with critical care needs or complex cases requiring dialysis.

Homecare: Growing in popularity, home-based dialysis allows patients to undergo treatment at their convenience.

Others: Includes nursing homes and specialized renal care clinics.

Key Growth Drivers

Rising Prevalence of Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD): Increasing rates of diabetes, hypertension, and kidney-related disorders are driving demand for dialysis treatments.

Technological Advancements: Innovations such as portable dialysis machines and automated peritoneal dialysis systems are improving patient outcomes and convenience.

Aging Population: As the global population ages, more people are experiencing renal complications, contributing to market growth.

Shift Toward Home Dialysis: The growing preference for home-based treatments is reshaping the dialysis landscape, offering more comfort and flexibility to patients.

Want to customize this report? — https://www.skyquestt.com/speak-with-analyst/dialysis-market

Leading Companies in the Market

SkyQuest’s report highlights the following key players in the Dialysis market:

Fresenius Medical Care AG & Co. KGaA, Baxter International Inc., DaVita Inc., Nipro Corporation, B. Braun Melsungen AG, Diaverum Deutschland GmbH, Asahi Kasei Corporation, Nikkiso Co. Ltd., NxStage Medical, Inc., Toray Industries, Inc., Medtronic plc, Rockwell Medical Technologies, Inc., JMS Co., Ltd., Satellite Healthcare, Inc., AllMed Medical GmbH, Fresenius Kabi AG, Quanta Dialysis Technologies Ltd., Outset Medical, Inc., Medivators Inc., Gambro AB

Read More at: - https://www.skyquestt.com/report/dialysis-market

Challenges and Opportunities

While the dialysis market is growing, it faces challenges such as high treatment costs, limited access to care in developing regions, and the need for frequent sessions, impacting the patient’s quality of life. However, these challenges present opportunities for innovation in more affordable and accessible dialysis solutions, particularly in home-based care.

Future Outlook

The dialysis market is expected to witness strong growth due to technological advancements, increasing awareness of home dialysis options, and rising demand for better renal care. Companies focusing on developing compact, cost-effective dialysis equipment and expanding service networks will have a competitive edge. SkyQuest’s Dialysis Market report provides deeper insights into the market dynamics and emerging trends.The Dialysis market is critical in managing renal health, offering life-saving treatments to millions worldwide. As the market evolves with technological innovations and a shift towards home-based treatments, decision-makers in the healthcare industry should focus on expanding services and improving access to care. For detailed insights and strategic recommendations, consult SkyQuest's in-depth Dialysis Market report.

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The Best Nephrologist in India: A Comprehensive Guide to Kidney Health

Kidney health is critical to our overall well-being. The kidneys are responsible for removing waste, balancing body fluids, and ensuring proper blood pressure regulation. When something goes wrong with these vital organs, seeking expert care from a top nephrologist becomes crucial. In India, the field of nephrology has advanced significantly, and patients have access to some of the best medical facilities for treating kidney diseases. In this blog, we will explore the role of nephrologists, the types of kidney conditions they treat, and why you should consider expert care from Preethi Hospitals, Madurai, a trusted healthcare provider in southern India.

What Does a Nephrologist Do?

A nephrologist is a specialized doctor who focuses on the diagnosis, treatment, and management of kidney disorders. They handle a variety of kidney-related issues, such as:

Chronic kidney disease (CKD)

Acute kidney injury (AKI)

Kidney infections

Kidney stones

Electrolyte imbalances

End-stage renal disease (ESRD)

Dialysis and kidney transplant management

Kidney problems can be silent for years, showing few symptoms in the early stages. This makes regular check-ups essential, particularly for those at high risk, such as individuals with diabetes or hypertension.

Signs You Should Consult a Nephrologist

Recognizing the symptoms of kidney problems early can prevent irreversible damage. Here are some common signs that should prompt you to visit a nephrologist:

Persistent fatigue and weakness

Swollen feet, ankles, or hands due to fluid retention

Frequent or painful urination

Blood in the urine

High blood pressure that is difficult to control

Decreased appetite or nausea

Difficulty concentrating or memory issues

Muscle cramps, especially at night

These symptoms can indicate underlying kidney issues that, if left untreated, could lead to chronic kidney disease or even kidney failure.

Advanced Kidney Care at Preethi Hospitals, Madurai

When it comes to kidney care, selecting the right hospital and team of specialists is crucial for optimal outcomes. Preethi Hospitals in Madurai is known for its commitment to delivering high-quality medical care, especially in nephrology.

Cutting-Edge Diagnostic and Treatment Facilities

Preethi Hospitals offers advanced diagnostic tools to assess kidney function, including blood tests, urinalysis, and imaging techniques like ultrasound and CT scans. The hospital's nephrology department is equipped with modern dialysis units and provides expert care for patients who require long-term dialysis or kidney transplantation.

Comprehensive Kidney Disease Management

The nephrology team at Preethi Hospitals takes a holistic approach to managing kidney disease. This includes:

Early diagnosis of kidney conditions

Personalized treatment plans

Ongoing monitoring and management of chronic conditions

Nutritional guidance to improve kidney health

Dialysis support and transplantation options

Patients at Preethi Hospitals receive comprehensive care that addresses not only the disease but also the lifestyle factors that contribute to it.

Dialysis and Kidney Transplant: What You Need to Know

For patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD), dialysis or a kidney transplant may be the only options for survival. Nephrologists are experts in managing both of these life-saving treatments.

Dialysis

Dialysis is a procedure that filters waste and excess fluid from the blood when the kidneys are no longer able to do so. There are two types of dialysis:

Hemodialysis: Involves filtering the blood using a machine.

Peritoneal dialysis: Uses the lining of your abdomen to filter blood inside your body.

Preethi Hospitals provides state-of-the-art dialysis facilities, offering both types of dialysis depending on the patient’s condition and preference.

Kidney Transplant

For many patients, a kidney transplant is the best long-term solution for severe kidney disease. Nephrologists play a key role in both pre- and post-transplant care. At Preethi Hospitals, the transplant process is carefully managed, from donor matching to post-surgery recovery and ongoing care to prevent rejection of the new kidney.

Preventing Kidney Diseases: Tips for Maintaining Kidney Health

While seeking the best nephrologist in India is essential for managing kidney disease, prevention is always better than cure. Here are some tips to help you maintain optimal kidney health:

Stay Hydrated: Drinking plenty of water helps flush toxins out of the kidneys.

Monitor Blood Pressure: High blood pressure can damage your kidneys over time, so regular monitoring is key.

Maintain a Healthy Diet: Avoid excessive salt, processed foods, and sugary drinks. A kidney-friendly diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can support kidney function.

Control Blood Sugar Levels: Diabetics are at higher risk for kidney disease, so keeping blood sugar levels in check is essential.

Exercise Regularly: Physical activity helps maintain a healthy weight and reduces the risk of hypertension and diabetes.

Avoid Overuse of Painkillers: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can damage the kidneys if used excessively over time.

Conclusion: Choose the Best for Your Kidney Health

If you're searching for the "best nephrologist in India," it's essential to prioritize both the expertise of the doctor and the quality of the hospital. Preethi Hospitals in Madurai offers world-class nephrology care, combining advanced medical technology with a patient-centered approach. Whether you're dealing with a chronic kidney condition, need dialysis, or are considering a kidney transplant, Preethi Hospitals provides comprehensive and compassionate care to ensure the best possible outcomes for your kidney health.

Maintaining kidney health is a lifelong commitment, and partnering with a top nephrology team is the best way to safeguard your future well-being.