Medical Emergency

Monsieur Bear has had a medical emergency.

I will be back later.

BLEGH!!

We interrupt this blog to introduce--- Influenza
When I can remove my head out of the toilet bowl, I will be back.
Until then, BLEGH!!!

Breast Cancer Awareness

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month

There have been many bloggers who have written about Breast Cancer such as:



Of Thistles and Maple Leaves

slicksumbich.com

Pseudonymous High School Teacher

and even a Wordless Wednesday post from:

Daryl from: out & about in new york city

But everyone please go and read:

Words of Wisdom from a Smart Mouth Broad

which has to be the best post on the web about Breast Cancer Awareness.


25 Breast Cancer Myths and Misunderstandings



Bear((( )))

Serious topic--it all Depends?

Urinary Incontinence---If this subject embarrasses you or doesn’t apply or you don’t really care, stop reading now and come back tomorrow and I will try my best to have an amusing post then. But I really want to tell my story to any woman who has urinary incontinence and is not doing anything about it.

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I originally posted this on April 29, 2008 but I wanted to bring this forward in case there are any women who have not read it.

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For almost seven years I suffered with Urinary Incontinence. I began wearing Poise pads starting with the Panti-liner gradually going to the Ultra Thin then the Regular, Extra, Extra Plus and finally graduating to the Ultra Plus pad. The next step up would be the Depends diaper.

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I hated it, was embarrassed and ashamed but never once mentioned this to anyone including my doctor. Of course, my husband knew about all this but we never once talked about my "problem” together. I guess we both thought it was just part of the natural aging process and we would just have to deal with it.

*

I kept postponing a Pap smear and pelvic exam until three years ago when my doctor insisted that I was way overdue and insisted that I have these procedures.

During the pelvic exam the doctor discovered I had a cystocele.

*

After the examination was finished, he sat down with me and explained and discussed what my options were. In his opinion, we should set up an appointment with a local Urologist who was highly recommended.

*

After the initial examination by the Urologist he set up an appointment in one of the local hospitals for a cystoscopy. On that day, the prep staff at the urology department had my husband and I watch a film about a new procedure for women with urinary incontinence.

This was called a trans-vaginal taping; TVT.

The cystoscopy was not too uncomfortable and the staff in the operating room were very kind and gentle and very professional. A follow-up appointment was set up to see the Urologist in his office to discuss his recommendation of the TVT.

*

After many days of on-line research at home, I decided that I would have this procedure and an appointment was made for the operation.

*

I arrived at the out-patient area of the hospital a little apprehensive but also excited that maybe I would be “normal” again.

The operation didn’t take too long and I was soon back in the urology recovery area where they monitored my catheter.

*

They then did a test to check my urine output by filling my bladder with a sterile solution that I would void. If I could not void a certain amount, I would be sent home with the catheter still inserted. Let me tell you I was determined that I was going home catheter free. I passed the test with flying colours and went home that afternoon.

*

I spent the next four weeks at home doing nothing and did not lift anything heavier than a paper back book. I was still leaking a bit of urine but not anything like the volume that I was used to.

*

After the month was finished I saw my Urologist who rescheduled another follow up appointment twelve weeks later. The three months flew by and I was semi-happy because I only had to wear Ultra-Thin pads instead of the bulky Ultra-Plus.

*

The Urologist rescheduled another cystoscopy and found that the taping was too loose so rescheduled another Trans Vaginal Taping for me.

I had this operation done ten months after the original one and spent another four weeks doing nothing and lifting nothing again.

No leakage, but I was in a lot of pain and after some urine tests my Urologist diagnosed a bladder and kidney infection.

*

The next week I had another cystoscopy where it was discovered that the taping was too tight.

So back I went for my third time to have the taping loosened a little.

*

By this time the staff in the Urology department and operating room at the hospital were on a first name basis with me and thought that I should be eligible for frequent flier miles or something like that.

After the loosening of the tape I can now say that I am 100 percent dry at all times for the past year.

*

You are all probably wondering if I had to do it all over again, would I?

YES YES YES!

*

I no longer have the embarrassment of wearing incontinence pads and the worry that other people would detect an odour from me.

I had my life given back to me.

*

I guess I feel like Goldilocks and the three bears; the first time was too loose, the second time was too tight but the third time was just right.

*

*

Bear((( )))

10 Surprising Super Foods

From Forbes.com
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"According to experts, superfoods are edibles densely packed with antioxidant vitamins and other nutrients. Despite having been around for years, it's still sometimes surprising which foods qualify as super. Here are 10 delicious foods that happen to be ultra-healthy."
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RAW CHOCOLATE
Raw chocolate--or the cacao nut--is the real super food. (Any chocolate that's below 70% cacao has very little nutritional value.) Along with omega-3 fatty acids, which help reduce the risk of heart disease, the bitter nut contains magnesium, plant-source iron and phenylethylamine, said to enhance one's mood
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BUCKWHEAT HONEY
Honey is categorized as a high-glycemic food, which means it causes a spike in the body's sugar levels. But dark honey, like buckwheat, neutralizes sugar levels.The sweetener is also an anti-inflammatory packed with anti-oxidants, which help improve brain and heart functions. It also has anti-bacterial properties and is used to help heal wounds in certain cultures.
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AVOCADOS
This buttery fruit is high in fat, but it's primarily monounsaturated fat, which means it doesn't clog arteries. Avocados are also high in potassium (which can reduce the risk of high blood pressure) B vitamins (which promote healthy skin and muscle tone) vitamin E (which protects against cardiovascular disease) and vitamin K (which improves bone health) as well as insoluble and soluble fiber, which help aid in digestion.
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PUMPKIN
Used most in a super-sweet pie filling, pumpkin, on its own, is highly-nutritious. The fruit contains antioxidants like carotenoids, a defense against cell damage, as well as lutein and zeaxanthin, which can help prevent cataracts and macular degeneration, an eye disease that can result in blindness. When baked with spices--sweet or savory--pumpkin is a delicious, healthy side dish or snack.
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BLACK TEA
Although green tea is often lauded for its health benefits, black tea--more popular in the West--comprises theaflavins and thearubigens, which have been found to be effective in preventing dementia and lowering cholesterol.
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EGGS
This popular, cheap food was once associated with high cholesterol and heart disease. However, more recent studies have found that notion to be false. An egg, on average, only contains 1.5 grams of saturated fat. They also contain vitamin D (which keeps bones strong), choline--a nutrient that aids in heart and brain health--and sulfur and other minerals, great for keeping hair and nails strong.
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CINNAMON
This slightly sweet spice helps to slow down the rush of sugar to the blood, known to affect insulin levels and sometimes cause weight gain. It's also an anti-inflammatory, which means it can help delay the onset of aging.
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TOMATO PASTE
No-salt or low-salt tomato paste has the highest concentration of lycopene of all tomatoes or tomato products. The phytochemical is a natural blood thinner and a strong defense against certain diseases like prostate cancer.
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BLUEBERRIES
The fruit is filled with immune-boosting Vitamin C and antioxidants said to improve brain function. Research at the Boston-based USDA Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging showed that blueberries can help to increase the number of cells in the area of the brain responsible for memory.
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WASABI
Japanese horseradish--a potent condiment often eaten with sushi--has several potential health benefits. It's said to help prevent everything from ulcers and tooth decay to blood clots and asthma. It also has antibacterial properties.
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Bear((( )))

Scientific Proof

Laughter is the best medicine!

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I am sure that I am not alone in saying that participating yesterday in the Olympik

"Synchronized Sittin" event hosted by Bob T Bear (esq.) gave all of us many chuckles.

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B T Bear's comments to everyone were so funny and I have to admit one of his comments to me made me laugh out loud.

I get a huge grin on my face every time I think about it even now.

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I think everyone who entered feels the same and I enjoyed visiting your blogs and seeing your teams.

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How can anyone feel blue when for a short time we have allowed ourselves to act like children at play.

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There is scientific proof that laughter is good for your health and a good stress management strategy. It reduces the level of stress hormones in our bodies and gives us an internal workout. A good belly laugh exercises the diaphragm, contracts the abs and even works out the shoulders, leaving muscles more relaxed afterward. It even provides a good workout for the heart.

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There are many social benefits of laughter because it connects us with others. Also, laughter is contagious, so if you bring more laughter into your life, you can most likely help others around you to laugh more, and realize these benefits as well.

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So to all who participated either as fellow entrants in the "Synchronized Sittin" or to my many blog friends who left comments on both B T Bear's and my blog; let's give Bob T Bear (esq.) a resounding three cheers.

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Hip Hip Hurray

Hip Hip Hurray

Hip Hip Hurray

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Bear((( )))

Post-Surgery

Originally, I was to have Arthroscopic Rotator Cuff repair early on Monday morning.

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That day my orthopaedic surgeon also found that I had an Impingement of the Shoulder.

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So I had a subacromial decompression also.

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That procedure can be seen here.

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They were both out-patient operations, so I was able to go home early Monday evening.

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I am wearing a sling on the arm and using Polar Care cold therapy.

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The doctor said to continue taking the Percocet every four hours for pain relief.

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I am to have the dressings removed next week and in two weeks time will be told when I can start physiotherapy again.

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Sleeping is difficult because the only way I am partially comfortable is to be sitting up.

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But the most difficult thing is no showers until the dressings are removed next week!

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Thank you to everyone for your kind get well wishes.

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Bear((( )))

Surgery

Today I am having surgery on my shoulder.
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This is to repair the damage to the Rotator Cuff from when I had my accident.
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When I fell, I dislocated the shoulder, broke the Humerus (the upper section near the shoulder) and had a complete Rotator Cuff Tear.
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I have been going to physiotherapy for months and using a TENS unit daily.
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I also have been taking a narcotic to help deal with the pain but I still have limited range of motion in the arm and do not want to rely on drugs as a pain reliever forever.
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My orthopaedic surgeon has told me that he can not guarantee 100% full range of motion for the arm but that he will give me back quality of life; that is, no more or limited pain.
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Sounds good enough for me.
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So my blogging friends I will be out of commission for a few days, but with the magic of Blogger I have pre-posted my ABC Wednesday post.
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How could I miss the start of round three at Mrs. Nesbitt's place.
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Bear((( )))

Got Milk

Eating a well balanced diet with an emphasis on calcium provides you with a solid base for healthy bones.

Vitamin D, known as the sunshine vitamin (as your body produces it when exposed to the sun) helps your body absorb calcium.

Milk is the best dietary source for helping bones as it is not only rich in calcium, but is fortified with Vitamin D.

Most North Americans do not meet their Vitamin D requirements through milk, margarine and exposure to sunlight.

In Canada, for at least half of the year exposure to sunlight is inadequate to supply the daily Vitamin D requirement.

Overuse of sunscreen and spending more time indoors compounds the problem.

Our ability to metabolize nutrients, or absorb the good things from food, declines with age, and as a result, increases our risk of osteoporosis.

This is why it is essential for elderly people to make every effort to maintain adequate amounts of Vitamin D and calcium in their diets.

So, be sure to consult your doctor or dietitian if you believe you are not getting enough sun exposure or are unsure of your Vitamin D and/or calcium intakes.

The recommended daily allowance of Vitamin D for adults is 400 international units (IU) and 800 IU for people over 50.

Studies in nursing homes have shown that the overall hip fracture rate dropped by 50 per cent when all residents were given supplements of 1000 mg of calcium and 1000 IU of Vitamin D.

Dairy products are the most calcium-rich foods available, and also contain many other nutrients essential to your health.

While calcium is found in other foods, it is difficult to meet your daily calcium requirements through these sources alone.

Plant foods are a less concentrated source of calcium than dairy products, and our bodies generally absorb only 30-50 per cent of the calcium contained in our diet.

Cooked broccoli, Brussels sprouts, kale and rutabaga are your best vegetable choices.

Compare your calcium sources and remember that all sources are not created equal.

So choose wisely, and remember, you need to eat an awful lot of broccoli (12 spears) to get the same amount of calcium as in just 1 cup of milk or yogurt.

If you have any doubts about the amount of calcium in your diet, consult your doctor or dietitian.

A Short History of Medicine

I have an earache.

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2008 B.C. - Here, eat this root.

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1008 A.D. - That root is heathen. Here, say this prayer.

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1858 A.D.-

That prayer is merely superstition. Here, drink this potion.

*******

1948 A.D. -

That potion is nothing more than snake oil. Here, swallow this pill.

*******

1988 A.D. -

That pill is ineffective. Here, take this antibiotic.

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2008 A.D. -

That antibiotic is artificial. Here, eat this root.

*******

Serious topic--it all Depends?

Urinary Incontinence---

If this subject embarrasses you or doesn’t apply or you don’t really care, stop reading now and come back tomorrow and I will try my best to have an amusing post then. But I really want to tell my story to any woman who has urinary incontinence and is not doing anything about it.

For almost seven years I suffered with Urinary Incontinence. I began wearing Poise pads starting with the Panti-liner gradually going to the Ultra Thin then the Regular, Extra, Extra Plus and finally graduating to the Ultra Plus pad. The next step up would be the Depends diaper.

I hated it, was embarrassed and ashamed but never once mentioned this to anyone including my doctor. Of course, my husband knew about all this but we never once talked about my “problem” together. I guess we both thought it was just part of the natural aging process and we would just have to deal with it.

I kept postponing a Pap smear and pelvic exam until three years ago when my doctor insisted that I was way overdue and insisted that I have these procedures.
During the pelvic exam the doctor discovered I had a cystocele.

After the examination was finished, he sat down with me and explained and discussed what my options were. In his opinion, we should set up an appointment with a local Urologist who was highly recommended.

After the initial examination by the Urologist he set up an appointment in one of the local hospitals for a cystoscopy. On that day, the prep staff at the urology department had my husband and I watch a film about a new procedure for women with urinary incontinence. This was called a trans-vaginal taping TVT

The cystoscopy was not too uncomfortable and the staff in the operating room was very kind and gentle and very professional. A follow-up appointment was set up to see the Urologist in his office to discuss his recommendation of the TVT. After many days of on-line research at home, I decided that I would have this procedure and an appointment was made for the operation.

I arrived at the out-patient area of the hospital a little apprehensive but also excited that maybe I would be “normal” again. The operation didn’t take too long and I was soon back in the urology recovery area where they monitored my catheter. They then did a test to check my urine output by filling my bladder with a sterile solution that I would void. If I could not void a certain amount, I would be sent home with the catheter still inserted. Let me tell you I was determined that I was going home catheter free. I passed the test with flying colours and went home that afternoon.

I spent the next four weeks at home doing nothing and did not lift anything heavier than a paper back book. I was still leaking a bit of urine but not anything like the volume that I was used to. After the month was finished I saw my Urologist who rescheduled another follow up appointment twelve weeks later. The three months flew by and I was semi-happy because I only had to wear Ultra-Thin pads instead of the bulky Ultra-Plus. The Urologist rescheduled another cystoscopy and found that the taping was too loose so rescheduled another Trans Vaginal Taping for me.

I had this operation done ten months after the original one and spent another four weeks doing nothing and lifting nothing again. No leakage, but I was in a lot of pain and after some urine tests my Urologist diagnosed a bladder and kidney infection. The next week I had another cystoscopy where it was discovered that the taping was too tight.

So back I went for my third time to have the taping loosened a little.
By this time the staff in the Urology department and operating room at the hospital was on a first name basis with me and thought that I was eligible for frequent flier miles or something like that. After the loosening of the tape I can now say that I am 100 percent dry at all times for the past year.

You are all probably wondering if I had to do it all over again, would I?
YES YES YES
I no longer have the embarrassment of wearing incontinence pads and the worry that other people would detect an odour from me.
I had my life given back to me.

I guess I feel like Goldilocks and the three bears, the first time was too loose, the second time was too tight but the third time was just right.