Recovering from Hip Surgery

Written By: Rachael Kaine

Just Had Hip Surgery?

Many people are in the same position as you, and have had hip replacement surgery. This is an extensive surgery that requires a lot of recuperation, meaning that you’ll have to change some things around in your routine to ensure that you heal properly and that your body has adequate time to accept the new hip. The prospect of waiting and waiting for your life to go back to “normal” may seem daunting, but there are a few things that you can do to make sure that things progress as they should and that you are able to get back to your life on schedule. Hip surgery is a common procedure, so there is plenty of information available about how to make the most of your down time.

Hip Surgery Recovery Tips

First, you’ll need to listen to your doctor and surgeon. They will be able to advise you about how quickly you’ll be able to start walking around and putting weight on the hip, as well as what you can expect during the first few days after the hip replacement surgery. Hip replacement surgery DC procedures have the same rules and regulations as those done elsewhere; the only thing different will be the type of facility that you’re in and who is taking care of your procedure.

Next, listen to your body. Sure, you want to get up and do things like run errands, take care of your home, be out in public and even get back to exercising, but you’ll need to make sure that you’re not overdoing it. Your body will let you know if you’re putting too much strain on it, and give you some warning so that you can settle down and take it easy. You’ll be starting things slowly, not getting right back into your daily routine the day after you come home from the hospital, but as long as you don’t overdo it, you should be well on your way to recovery in a few short days.

Find things to keep you busy. This may be something as simple as getting a few good books to read or finding low-activity things to do around the home that won’t require you to stand or walk for long periods of time. Hip replacement surgery Washington DC doctors will often have ideas to keep your mind off of your limited mobility, making it possible to get through the recovery process without driving yourself insane.

Recovering from Vascular Surgery

Written By: Hann Wang

The arteries transport blood containing nutrients and oxygen to the rest of the body. Any blockage in the arteries or veins can lead to a number of symptoms, from painful cramping to numbness in the legs. Vascular disease can greatly affect quality of life for those who suffer from it. Treatment options depend on a number of factors, depending on the severity of the condition. However, surgery typically involves minimally-invasive catheter procedures or reconstruction of the affected arteries.

After undergoing vascular surgery to correct problems in the arteries, it is important to follow all instructions as laid out by your doctor. You will also be advised on what medications to take as you recover from the operation. Here we look at how to ensure a positive recovery.

Get Active as Soon as Possible

Physical activity is important to recover from any type of surgery. The first several weeks following an operation is a critical period as this is when most recovery occurs. Be sure to work closely with your physical therapist on a fitness plan that is tailored for you. While you should resume daily activities as soon as possible, it is also important not to push yourself too hard.

Ask About Medications

As with any type of surgery, you may need to take medications. You will likely need to take the same medications as you did prior to the operation, but the dosing may change once the procedure is finished. Be sure to speak with your physician and nursing team about the specifics of any medications you need to take.

Blood Thinning Medications

For patients who undergo vein surgery, such as having a blocked artery repaired, it is important to continue taking blood-thinning medications. Be sure that you know the correct dosage before taking the medication. Your doctor may want to monitor the dosage you take to ensure there are no problems with bleeding.

Make Lifestyle Changes

Recovering from vascular surgery means having to make some lifestyle changes. If you smoke, this is a good time to drop the habit as those who smoke are at higher risk of being diagnosed with vascular disease.

What Atrial Fibrillation Treatment Options Are Available?

Written By: Hann Wang

The heart is perhaps one of the most important organs in the body, delivering oxygen and nutrients to the rest of the body by pumping blood through the vessels. However, as with any organ in the body, the heart is also susceptible to a number of health conditions. One of these is atrial fibrillation, which is characterized by an irregular heartbeat. The condition affects approximately 2.7 million Americans and can be potentially fatal as it can result in blood clots or stroke.

Fortunately, there are treatment options available, but the actual course of action will depend on a number of factors. The main objective of treatment is to reset the heart’s rhythm and prevent blood clots. Here we take a closer look at atrial fibrillation treatment options and what you can expect.

Returning the Heartbeat to Normal

Doctors rely on a procedure called cardioversion to reset the heart’s rhythm to normal. This is done in one of two ways:

• Electric shocks: Patches are placed on the chest which then deliver an electric shock to momentarily stop the heart. Once the heart starts beating again, it will (hopefully) return to normal.
• Drugs: Cardioversion can also be done through medications called anti-arrhythmics to reset the heart’s rhythm. This is generally administered in the hospital so as to monitor your condition.

Other medications may also be prescribed to control heart rate. Additional medications for atrial fibrillation may be needed, depending on the individual.

Surgical Procedures

In some cases, medications or cardioversion may not work at returning the heart’s rhythm back to normal. Your doctor may recommend surgery as an alternative, which involves destroying part of the heart tissue that is responsible for sending erratic electrical signals.

One operation is known as the surgical maze procedure, which is conducted through open-heart surgery and creating a pattern of scar tissue in the upper chambers of the heart. The tissue interferes with electrical impulses so the procedure has a high success rate. Because the operation requires surgery, this option is generally reserved for those who do not respond well to cardioversion or medications.

These are some of the many treatment options that are available for atrial fibrillation.

Crohns Disease Overview

Written By: Hann Wang 

Crohns disease is a serious condition that considerably reduces quality of life for those diagnosed. The disease is a chronic illness in which areas of the digestive tract (from the mouth to the rectal area) swell and thicken due to inflammation. The small intestines are most commonly affected but it can also be found anywhere in the gastrointestinal tract. 

While anyone can be diagnosed with Crohns disease, it is more prevalent among younger people between the ages of 15 and 35.

The following provides an overview of Crohns disease, including its symptoms and how it is treated.

Symptoms

Symptoms typically vary for each patient, depending on the severity of the disease and the areas that are affected. Inflammation occurs when the immune system is fighting off foreign cells, thus leading to swelling of the digestive tract for those diagnosed with Crohns disease. The condition greatly affects this part of the body from functioning properly. Common symptoms include:

• Diarrhea
• Constipation
• Abdominal pain
• Rectal bleeding
• Weight loss
• Fatigue

Many individuals also suffer from nutritional deficiencies as parts of the body (e.g. small intestine) that are responsible for absorbing nutrients become damaged. Crohns disease is a lifelong condition but symptoms may not be continuous. This means that those diagnosed with the condition experience sudden flares that eventually go away until the next episode.

Treatment

Crohns disease treatment depends on the severity of the condition as well as where it is located along the digestive tract. Treatment typically consists of controlling inflammation and relieving common symptoms (e.g. diarrhea, abdominal pain, etc.) by prescribing medication. These include anti-inflammatories, corticosteroids, and immune suppressing medications.

While it won’t cure the disease, surgery is another treatment option for Crohns disease and may be necessary for patients who do not respond well to medications. Surgery involves removing the damaged areas of the digestive tract and joining the healthy parts together. Even with surgery, the likelihood of the condition recurring later on is very high.

If you are suffering from Crohns disease, your treatment options will depend on a number of factors. Be sure to consult with your doctor for additional details.

The Facts About Bariatric Surgery Washington DC

Written By: Ellisha Rader Mannering

Some people are able to lose weight with diet and exercise and live healthy lives. For many other people, it is almost impossible to lose weight on their own, and they find themselves facing obesity and numerous health problems. Bariatric surgery Washington DC was designed to help these people lose weight and get healthy. If you are considering this type of surgery, make sure you know the facts about it.

How Does the Procedure Work?

When a person undergoes gastric bypass surgery, a surgeon takes the stomach and uses a portion of it to create a pouch that will become the new stomach. The new stomach is much smaller than the old stomach and can only hold a small amount of food. This prevents the person from overeating again after surgery. The surgeon also bypasses a portion of the intestine. This allows the foods to be digested and pass through the body quicker. Less of the food is absorbed, meaning fewer calories.

How Long Is the Recovery Process of Weight Loss Surgery?

The recovery process of weight loss surgery can vary depending on the patient. People who are in better shape or who are healthier before surgery are more likely to recover faster than those who are not as healthy. The average recovery time is 10 to 12 weeks. The first couple of weeks you can expect to stay in bed and rest. After that, you will begin physical therapy and can start to move around. Towards the end of your 10-week recovery, you should be moving around free of pain and will start exercising according to your doctor’s orders.

Gastric bypass surgery can be very beneficial to those who need it. It is not an overnight miracle, and you will need to put in some work and effort if you want the surgery to be successful, and you want to keep the weight off permanently. You will need to change your lifestyle and become more active. You will also need to change your diet and not only eat less but make smart and healthy food choices. If you have questions about weight loss surgery, talk to your doctor.

Tips for Preparing for Vascular Surgery Washington DC

Written By: Ellisha Rader Mannering

If you have vascular disease that has been diagnosed by a doctor, you may require surgery. Vascular surgery Washington DC is common and can save your life and prevent other health problems caused by vascular problems. If you know you will need surgery or have surgery already scheduled, it is a good idea to start preparing for it.

Understanding The Procedure

There are many different types of vascular surgery procedures, and the one you undergo will depend on the symptoms or type of vascular problems you have. Varicose veins can be removed with vein surgery, and  interventional cardiologists can work on vascular problems that may affect the heart. Minimally invasive surgery is often required for most types of vascular disease, so it is important to know what to expect before you undergo the surgery.

Preparing Your Home

When you recover from vascular surgery, you may have a hard time walking around your home as you normally would. You should move your furniture to make it easier to walk through each room and try to keep all your necessities nearby, so you do not have to move around too much during recovery. Make sure you have plenty of food and drinks in your home. You may even want to prepare some meals and freeze them ahead of time.

Finding Support

Any time you have surgery of any type, it is a good idea to have someone nearby to help you. Ask a friend or family member to stay with you for the first couple of days after you come home from the hospital to recover from your surgery. Your support can help prepare meals, help you dress and make sure you are recovering properly. He or she can also keep you company, which can help with your recovery as well.

If you are suffering from any of the symptoms of vascular disease and know that you will need surgery, start planning for it now. Not only will you be better prepared for recovery, but you will also find that your mind is at ease, and you are not so worried about your vein surgery.

What You Should Know About Atrial Fibrillation Treatment Washington DC

Written By: Ellisha Rader Mannering 

Atrial fibrillation is a common heart problem that occurs when the heart beats too fast, too slow, or irregularly. It can be a sign of other heart problems, and it can lead to heart disease, heart attacks and strokes. Many people do not even realize they have AFIB but could still be suffering from the arrhythmia. If you think you may be suffering from A-Fib, consider seeking atrial fibrillation treatment Washington DC.

What Is Afib?

Afib occurs when the atria of the heart receives the wrong electrical signals from the brain and begins to fibrillate or contract irregularly. This causes the blood to stay in the atria instead of being pumped to the two lower chambers, called the ventricles. This results in an irregular heartbeat and if not treated can lead to other health problems.

What Health Problems Are Associated With A-Fib?

Afib can lead to many health problems. Some of the most common include heart attacks, strokes, and heart disease. It can also make many diseases and disorders more severe. A-Fib can also cause blood pressure and circulation problems. If left untreated, Afib can put a strain on other organs in the body as well.

How Is AF Treated?

A doctor can treat AF in a variety of different ways. He or she must first conduct tests to determine if you are suffering from any type of arrhythmia. The doctor will then consider your overall health and the severity of the Afib before recommending a treatment. AF is often treated with electric shock therpy that helps reset the electrical impulses that cause AF. It may also be treated with certain medications. Sometimes AF can be caused by other underlying health problems. In this case, those health problems are dealt with first to determine if they have any effect on the AF.

A-Fib is a serious problem, and because many people do not experience any symptoms, it may be left untreated and become worse over time. If you have had any chest pain or have noticed a change or irregularity to your heartbeat, talk to your doctor today about testing for Afib and your treatment options.