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Posts with tag surgery

Medical litter: Not just a Seinfeldian problem

Posted: Jun 22nd 2008 9:30AM by Kristen Seymour
Filed under: General Health

Anybody remember the episode of Seinfeld where Kramer is observing a surgery and drops a Junior Mint into the guy's body cavity? It was funny because it was so obviously outlandish -- of course doctors would notice if something was left in the body that shouldn't be there. Of course they would remove it before sewing the body shut, right?

Perhaps not.

Medical litter has become a major problem, with 72 deaths and 4675 injuries occurring due to "unretrieved device fragments" known as UDFs. Most often the problem has to do with wire guides for catheters used for heart operations -- they can break or fracture and the device (or fragments) are left behind. Bone screws are a problem as well, but there are other, less common issues, such as needles and scalpel blades being left behind. And often, even if the doctor is aware of the problem, the patient is not informed.

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FitSpirit: Exercise as prayer

Posted: Jun 14th 2008 6:00AM by Deanna Glick
Filed under: FitSpirit

FitSpirit explores the mind-body connection and the intangible benefits we gain from our efforts to stay physically fit.

My mother-in-law just had her third hip replacement surgery. She's 82. She's a breast cancer survivor. She was always in great shape when her hips cooperated. I remember her hiking with us in her 70s and keeping up better than some folks half her age.

But lately, being religious about the regular walk schedule she should be keeping to ensure ongoing mobility and recovery hasn't been a strength of hers. Adding a religious element just might change that. My sister-in-law recently wrote to us about such a strategy when it comes to Mom's roadblocks with walking:

"She doesn't like walking alone and needs to push herself to just do it or to call some friends ... She mentioned that walking seemed like a 'chore.' I suggested she offer the walk as a prayer of gratitude for the gift of mobility and use of her senses to enjoy the day."

My mother-in-law is also a devout Catholic. And so, when I read about my sister-in-law's suggestion of exercise as an offering of prayer, I found myself thinking of her as an ingenius saint. Nothing like Catholic guilt to get Mom to do something. And, I thought, that just might be the answer for the rest of us, too. Rather than taking our working bodies for granted and blowing off exercise for some sedentary activity, maybe we should all be a little more grateful for our working bodies and get moving more often.
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Probiotics are a pro for weight loss surgery patients

Posted: May 23rd 2008 11:00AM by Maggie Vink
Filed under: Alternative Therapies, Vitamins and Supplements, Diet and Weight Loss

container of yogurtA friend of my family underwent gastric bypass surgery. The surgery itself went without a hitch and -- other than the expected soreness -- she felt quite good immediately after the surgery. Within the month following, however, problems started to arise. She knew that eating certain foods -- such as sweets -- would be hard if not impossible after her surgery, but she didn't expect that eating anything would give her trouble. Every time she ate she felt nauseated, weak, and often had diarrhea. She also developed gallstones and had to have gallbladder surgery due to her rapid weight loss.

Now, a few years after her surgery, she is thin. But she is pallid and looks sick. Food has become her enemy because every time she eats, she feels ill. She's achieved her weight goals, but it came at a hefty price -- her better health, her energy, and her emotional health have all been damaged.

While the complications my friend has experienced are risk factors for anyone undergoing gastric bypass, not everyone experiences these problems. Or, at least, not to the severity that my friend has experienced them. But, knowing the digestive issues that can result post-surgery, researchers tested the efficacy of probiotics (the beneficial bacteria found in yogurt) on the digestion of post-gastric bypass surgery patients.

Continue reading Probiotics are a pro for weight loss surgery patients

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One prescription for fitness: Relax

Posted: May 22nd 2008 7:00AM by Jacki Donaldson
Filed under: Fitness


Yesterday, I asked my friend, neighbor, former trainer, and sister blogger Fitz what I should do about my legs while my tummy-tucked belly heals from surgery. It's been almost four weeks since I've run -- or done any real form of exercise really -- and my legs are getting a bit loose. Motivated by the urge to reclaim my tight quad muscles, I pleaded with Fitz for guidance.

If I'm trying not to strain my abdominals -- which is exactly what I'm trying not to do -- there's really not much I can do, reports Fitz, because everything I do, from grabbing a plate out of the cupboard to squatting to lunging, will tax my abs.

"Just relax," says Fitz, who is sure my legs will resume their shape once I hit the pavement again -- and incorporate these easy leg moves into my routine: Squats, lunges, anything Jane Fonda inspired, and a few ballet plies too.

Deep breath. Relax. Two weeks and counting.
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What men crave: Real bodies

Posted: May 11th 2008 9:00AM by Jacki Donaldson
Filed under: Emotional Health, General Health, Health in the Media, Natural Beauty, Women's Health

Gabriel Olds is a Hollywood actor. He's appeared on CSI, Law & Order: SVU and Six Feet Under, and his most recent film is Life of the Party. Usually the bad guy on TV, Olds is really a pretty good guy. Why? Because when it comes to women, it isn't fake boobs or fixed noses he prefers. Forget puffy lips and implanted buttocks. This guy like the real thing.

It took this guy a string of unsuccessful dates to figure out exactly what he wanted: Real bodies. He suspects other guys feel the same way.

"This is the part I think women don't understand," says Olds in a Glamour magazine interview. "When a guy falls in love, his lover's body parts become bewitching. I'm not going to tell you that our heads don't turn when we see a stacked blond walking down the street. But when we fall for you -- really, really fall for you -- you hijack our sense of beautiful. What's sexy to us? You -- in the "before" picture."

Continue reading What men crave: Real bodies

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Talking tummy tuck with kids

Posted: May 5th 2008 8:00AM by Jacki Donaldson
Filed under: General Health, Women's Health, Healthy Kids

I'm a fan of honesty when it comes to my kids and teaching them about life. Not brutal honesty -- they're only seven and nearly five -- but gentle and age-appropriate honesty. When I was diagnosed with breast cancer several years ago, saying I had cancer wouldn't mean much to a then-three-year-old and 18-month old. So I explained that I had a "boo-boo" in my "boobie," that a doctor would take it out, that I'd take medicine and my hair would fall out, that I'd be sick for a little while. They understood. And that's exactly how it all happened. We didn't talk about worst-case scenarios. If ever one comes up, we'll discuss it then.

I was also honest with my guys about the tummy tuck I had 12 days ago. I didn't use the word "tummy tuck" and I didn't introduce the term "plastic surgery." But I did tell them I would have an operation on my belly to fix some skin, a muscle, and a hernia. I told them the truth: Mommy's skin stretched a lot when she was pregnant, her muscle separated, and she has a hernia just like Danny had a hernia when he was three years old. Danny had an operation. And mommy will have an operation -- for the hernia and the other things too. My boys understood what would happen, that I'd be resting for a few days, that Daddy and Nana would be taking them to and from school, that I couldn't lift them or race around in the back yard for a short time. By the time I had my tummy tuck, the whole event was somewhat of an non issue. And now I'm better. And they've moved on.

Experts say not being up front with kids about major life events opens up the possibility that little minds will concoct their own versions of what's going on. Since these interpretations are often worse than reality, they say honestly is the best policy. I do too.

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Tuck It In: Mission complete

Posted: Apr 24th 2008 8:15AM by Jacki Donaldson
Filed under: Emotional Health, Fitness, Food and Nutrition, General Health

Join me as I search my soul for direction regarding my latest pursuit: A tummy tuck. Will I go through with it? Will I "Tuck It In?" Keep reading. Keep coming back. And you'll find out.

April 25, 2008

I'm alive, well, and doing fine following my long-awaited tummy tuck surgery. Besides one fainting episode in the recovery room yesterday, it was an uneventful experience. I like uneventful when it comes to surgery.

It took 90 minutes for my surgeon to remove loose skin, repair my baby-stretched abdominal muscle, and fix an umbilical hernia. It took two hours for me to come out of my general anesthesia fog and regain my ability to walk -- which right now, is a bit difficult.

Continue reading Tuck It In: Mission complete

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Jacki's tummy has been tucked!

Posted: Apr 23rd 2008 5:26PM by Fitz K.
Filed under: Emotional Health, Fitness, Food and Nutrition, General Health, Health and Technology, Women's Health, Men's Health, Diet and Weight Loss, Celebrities, Cellulite, Obesity

Today was the day for my great friend and fellow blogger, Jacki Donaldson, to have her tummy tuck. Jacki is a beautiful woman, wonderful mother, amazing friend and brilliant writer. Since she lives in my neighborhood, attends the gym I work out at, and used to be one of my personal training clients as she was recovering from chemotherapy....I've seen Jacki literally work her ass off. Not only is she aggressive at the gym, she's done a complete 360 with her eating habits. To say I've been impressed would be the understatement of the year.

Jacki had two big babies and has done everything she could possibly do to create a fit body. She's lost a ton of weight but has been left with a bit of extra skin around the mid-section which has really been point of frustration for her. An emotional burden. She's no better of a person now that her tummy tuck is complete; she couldn't be any more perfect. She is however, going to be a girl who no longer has the anxiety that goes along with as she puts it, "tucking in" her tummy.

I have a cold, so I won't be running the two blocks over to check out Jacki's new abs. Sick germs don't belong at a house with a post-op patient. But when I'm better....I promise to go check out her final product and give you the scoop. Most importantly being.....Jacki is recovering fine, hopefully in little pain.

Continue reading Jacki's tummy has been tucked!

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Hypnosis instead of anesthesia

Posted: Apr 18th 2008 1:00PM by Kristen Seymour
Filed under: Alternative Therapies, Emotional Health, Health in the Media


Alex Lenkei, a 61-year-old hypnotist, opted against using any traditional anesthetic for his recent surgery, choosing instead to send himself into a hypnotic trance for the duration of the surgery.

He was able to hear the cracking of his bones and the surgeon asking for a saw -- he could even hear the surgeon "hammering away at the bone" with a hammer and chisel. He could feel the doctor "pulling and manipulating" him, but felt no pain.

Much of the medical community is quite interested in this, as studies have shown that using less anesthetic can reduce the time patients spend in the hospital and speed healing. Additionally, many patients are nervous about using an anesthetic, and while they might not opt for using hypnosis only, it might help to calm them and allow a lower dose of anesthetic to be used.

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Tuck It In: Seven days

Posted: Apr 16th 2008 9:00AM by Jacki Donaldson
Filed under: Emotional Health, Fitness, Food and Nutrition, Diet and Weight Loss

Join me as I search my soul for direction regarding my latest pursuit: A tummy tuck. Will I go through with it? Will I "Tuck It In?" Keep reading. Keep coming back. And you'll find out.

April 16, 2008

One week from today. Seven days. Tummy tuck day. It's on my mind all the time -- when I wake up in the morning, when I run my few morning miles, when I play with my little boys, when I put my clothes on and take them off, when I look in the mirror, when I go to bed at night. My pending surgery is all-consuming. So is my tummy.

My stomach has bothered me for seven years, ever since my first big baby boy came screaming into the world, ever since that 50 pounds I gained to support his massive weight -- 10 pounds, nine ounces -- melted into saggy skin. It got worse with the second monster boy -- 10 pounds, two ounces -- and then worse again after I lost weight this past year. Don't get my wrong. I love that I was able to carry big babies. I love that I lost the weight that excess food and cancer treatment left on my body. But I don't love my tummy. I don't want to be consumed by it anymore.

Continue reading Tuck It In: Seven days

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Tuck It In: The final countdown

Posted: Apr 3rd 2008 9:00AM by Jacki Donaldson
Filed under: Emotional Health, Fitness, Food and Nutrition, Diet and Weight Loss

Join me as I search my soul for direction regarding my latest pursuit: A tummy tuck. Will I go through with it? Will I "Tuck It In?" Keep reading. Keep coming back. And you'll find out.

April 3, 2008

On Tuesday, I went for my tummy tuck pre-op appointment. It went well. I got to ask all of my questions, got see some patient before and after photos, got to pose for my own "before" photo, got a fistful of surgery instructions, and got a few prescriptions to fill prior to surgery. I also got to pay my money. Three times, I got to pay my money -- once for my surgeon, once for his surgery center, and once for anesthesia. I'm all paid up. I'm all set. I'm ready for the big day: April 23.

It's official. I've decided to take the plunge and remove the sagging skin from my belly. My finishing touch, I'm calling it -- read more about my tummy tuck motivation here. The rest of my body is primed. My year-long diet/fitness overhaul has fueled me in all the right ways and has helped me achieve an ideal weight. Once the loose stuff stuck to my mid-section is gone, everything should be in tip-top shape. My mission then will be to maintain my final product as I continue my quest for good health.

Let the final countdown commence.

 NOTE: Abdominoplasty is recommended for those whose skin and muscle cannot recover on their own as a result of significant weight loss, pregnancy, aging, heredity, or prior surgery. It is not a substitute for weight loss or an appropriate exercise program. For more information about this surgery, click here
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Rehab gone right

Posted: Apr 2nd 2008 8:00AM by Jacki Donaldson
Filed under: Fitness, General Health, Healthy Habits

On Monday, I graduated from my rehab stint. Physical therapy rehab, that is. There was no big ceremony or anything. Just me and my therapist reviewing my progress over the past five weeks. It was pretty enlightening, what we talked about, and I left the clinic feeling both successful and motivated.

When I first walked through my rehab clinic doors, I wasn't sure anything could be done to fix the tightness, the limited range of motion, the sometimes pain I felt in the area of my left arm. It had been three long years since I'd had surgery to remove a breast cancer tumor, after all, and almost that long since radiation zapped the whole cancerous area. Both are to blame for what I was experiencing and the way I considered it, if my problems weren't solved long ago, there was little that could be done now.

I was wrong.

My therapist took tons of measurements when we first started working together. I moved, bent, stretched, pushed, and pulled so she could record numbers of all sorts. Then we spent weeks on our tasks. She massaged and manipulated and broke down scar tissue, stiffness, knots. Armed with weekly exercises, I stretched and strengthened by body at home. Together, we achieved victory -- my improved numbers prove it. I'm responsible for 50 percent of the success, my therapist tells me. She takes credit for the other 50 percent.

Before I left my final appointment, my expert shared a few parting words. Here they are.

  • My posture is better. She could tell the moment I walked in the door. Must be the exercise in standing tall she'd given me during one visit and my new awareness of the poor posture I'd been carrying with me all these years.

  • I should be sleeping on my back, not on my side. Back sleepers enjoy better alignment and less rounding of the shoulders -- one of my posture problems. My assignment from this moment on is to sleep on my back with one relatively flat pillow under my head. I should make sure my pillow fills the gap between my neck and my bed. I should enjoy the benefits of this technique immensely, says my therapist.

  • Keep at it, says this same gal who streamlined all my at-home exercises and told me precisely what I need to do to hang on to the results the two of us have achieved.
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Cheerleader dies during breast surgery

Posted: Mar 26th 2008 5:00PM by Maggie Vink
Filed under: Health in the Media

Bubbly, well-liked, and college-bound -- 18-year-old Stephanie Kuleba had the world at her fingertips. But she elected to have cosmetic surgery to correct what she viewed as a flaw: asymmetrical breasts and an inverted areola. 24 hours after surgery, Kuleba died. She suffered a rare reaction -- called malignant hyperthermia -- to the anesthesia. The rare condition causes body temperature to skyrocket and is very difficult to detect pre-surgery. If the condition isn't recognized and treated immediately it is fatal, as it was in Kuleba's case.

Though Kuleba would likely have had this reaction regardless of the type of surgery performed, her death is bringing to light the numbers of young girls getting cosmetic surgery. In 2005, more than 3,500 young girls elected to have breast augmentation surgery.
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Woman has internal organs removed in unique surgery

Posted: Mar 26th 2008 12:15PM by Bethany Sanders
Filed under: General Health, Health and Technology

Brooke Zepp wasn't taking no for an answer. The 63-year-old Florida woman had a rare tumor deep in her abdomen. Her doctors told her that it was inoperable, and that she had only months left to live. Rather than accepting her fate, however, she asked someone else. Eventually, she ended up at the Miami/Jackson Memorial Medical Center Transplant Institute.

The team there did a surgery that was the first of its kind. They removed six of Zepp's internal organs -- the stomach, liver, pancreas, spleen, small intestine, and part of the large intestine -- to get at the tumor. The organs were left on ice while the tumor was removed, then put back in place, using artificial blood vessels to reconnect the blood supply.

Zepp claims to be feeling great and has a new lease on life. The surgery may lead to new procedures for operating on people with tumors that are tough to remove.
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Open up and say ahhhhhpendix: New surgery technique for appendectomy

Posted: Mar 24th 2008 4:00PM by Bethany Sanders
Filed under: General Health, Health and Technology

Imagine having an appendectomy and being able to do sit-ups two days later. Doesn't seem likely, does it? When stomach muscles are cut, they often take weeks to heal. A San Diego man recently went under an unusual appendectomy, however, one that left his abdomen intact. Doctors removed his appendix through his mouth, a first time for this type of procedure.

During the surgery, surgeons went down through the esophagus into the stomach. The made a small incision in the stomach to access the appendix. A small cut was also made in the belly button for additional access. The patient reported that he had a mild sore throat but little other pain the day after surgery.

The procedure is not without risks, however, and so surgeons are working carefully to develop the technique.
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