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| TIA FOR ONE |
| Sun, 19th May 2013 |
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For no apparent reason, there may be a funny twitch on the face, arm or somewhere, or a momentary strange sensation. The words don't come out when speaking. Slurred speech for a few seconds may occur, which is a nuisance issue, or so it seems. This may be the first indication that all is not well in the computer, that incredible thing that quietly sits in the cranium. It is filled with billions of micro files and networks, all interlinking. It is also threaded with millions of amazing blood networks which feed it all. Sometimes a tiny vessel may clog up, and a "mini-stroke" occurs. This is called a TIA, short for Transient Ischaemic Attack, or these days Transient Ischaemic Event (new names constantly appear in med-speak). As other vessels quickly take over, the event is but a passing incident. But will inevitably recur, for there is a deeper malaise. Most likely the blood cholesterol levels are elevated. This means vessel walls calcify, harden, and often block, either temporarily or permanently. CLOGGED VESSELS Unless quick action is taken, it will spread. More and more vessels, small then larger ones are involved. As a guide, doctors often order an ultrasound of the carotids. This large artery comes off the aorta as it leaves the heart. It travels up the neck divides below the ear. One branch supplies the scalp and face, the other supplies the brain. If clogged up (more than 70%) it means a stroke is imminent. Usually aspirin is ordered, along with a blood thinner called Iscover, hopefully to avert major calamity. Severe cases are surgically attacked. The artery is opened, and the fatty gunk removed. This may be life saving. Any strange event must be checked at once by your GP. |
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| SOCIAL BEER |
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I do not drink as my grandad was an alcoholic, and it was never part of our upbringing. However, at social events, I feel at a distinct disadvantage as everybody else is into it. |
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"Lemon Lime and Bitters", or "Claytons and Dry". Both look like beer - same amber colour. Who knows! and what the hell if they do. Nobody really cares after a few drinks and is unlikely to remember. You will soon feel very comfortable with it. Orange drink is a sure giveaway, and most non-drinkers hate it. |
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| EPISIOTOMY |
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A friend recently had a baby and said she underwent an episiotomy, and it is still healing. What does this mean? |
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Often with a large head and narrow birth canal (frequently baby number one), the tissue at the lower part of the birth canal entrance (called the "perineum") may tear, sometimes down to the anus causing considerable damage. If this seems imminent, the obstetrician will often cut sideways with scissors or scalpel allowing easy delivery with no tears. This is immediately stitched and soon heals. As scar tissue forms, it may be tender for quite a few months after (often making sex uncomfortable). |
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| BURP |
Q: |
If I have a large drink of water I cannot avoid having a huge burp soon after. If not I feel yukky. |
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Every time we swallow, air goes down too. It varies, but this recurs hundreds of time a day. The air must go somewhere. Simplest is relaxation of the little valve at the far end of the oesophagus the food tube. Up she comes, distended stomach deflated, and you feel fine once more. |
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| BLEEDING |
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I have noted heavy bleeding and the doctor says "Fibroids". Is this cancer? I am 32 years old. |
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Fibroid comes from a few fibrous cells that suddenly decide to multiply in the uterine wall. They grow rapidly under hormonal influence. There may be one or many (even up to a hundred). A single one can grow to the size of a marble or golf ball. If impinging on the uterine surface, they can bleed profusely. They are picked up by ultrasound. Removal was usually hysterectomy, but today may be removed individually, or the artery supplying them "embolised", when they shrivel up and vanish. In any case, they usually become smaller and disappear during the late forties. |
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