Ask The Visiting Nurse ONLINE Archive
Disclaimer: All information published by "Ask The Visiting Nurse ONLINE" is for educational purposes only and should not be construed as a substitute for advice by your physician. You are advised to consult your physician regarding the applicability of any opinions or recommendations appearing here.
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Where can I find information about Wegener's Granulomatosis? What are the side effects of Zoloft? |
Where can I find information about Wegener's Granulomatosis?
Wegener's granulomatosis is a rare disorder in which granulomas (nodular aggregations of abnormal cells) associated with areas of chronic tissue inflammation due to vasculitis (inflammation of blood vessels) develop in the lower and upper respiratory tract, and well as in areas of the kidney. The cause of the condition is unknown, but it is thought to be an auto-immune disorder (a disease in which the body's natural defenses attack its own tissues).
A diagnosis is usually made by microscopic examination of sample abnormal tissue. Treatment is with a combination of immunosuppresant drugs, cyclophosphamide and corticosteroid drugs. The mean age of onset is 40 years, but can also be seen in patients less than 19 years. With prompt treatment, the outlook for a complete recovery is good. Additional information can be obtained from your physician and from medicine textbooks at the library.
I have had lumps around my scrotum now for almost three years. I was told it was nothing and took some pills to make it go away. They really never do go away . Now I have these lumps about two inches from my penis in my pubic area. What if anything can you tell me about this problem. I am a w/m/43 years old.
What you describe may be lymph glands which can be due to a variety of causes, including infection. A full examination, careful history with diagnostic tests would help in determining the cause of these lumps. A specialist in genito-urinary diseases (GU) should be consulted.
I have very bad PMS. For about three weeks out of the month I am very jumpy, moody, I feel like I am going crazy. I am very negative about everything at this time. What type of drug can help this? I thought about Zoloft or Ridlin.
Because of the diverse symptoms of patients with PMS, a wide range of treatment protocols is often advocated--patient education, diet, exercise and medication to reduce anovulation (prevent ovarian egg production) progesterone, diuretics, non-steriodial inflammatory agents (i.e. Motrin), antidepressant medications, vitamins, etc. One must rule out psychological disturbance or somatic disease. I recommend that you discuss with your gynecologist what would be the appropriate treatment for you.
What are the side effects of Zoloft?
Zoloft (Generic name: Sertraline) is a drug indicated for depression, obsessive-compulsive and panic disorders. Usually the dose is 50 mg. once daily, either in the morning or evening.Follow instructions on your prescription label carefully and ask your pharmacist or doctor to explain any part that you do not understand. It may take up to 8 weeks before you feel the full effects of this medication. Do not stop taking Zoloft suddenly without consulting your doctor. Lower doses are used if the patient has liver problems. The patient should be followed closely by their physician for evaluation of their response to Zoloft and for signs of misuse over a long period of time.
Although side effects are not common, they can occur--dizziness or drowsiness. Use caution when performing activities requiring alertness (i.e. driving) until you know how this drug affects you. Avoid drinking alcoholic beverages because alcohol aggravates these effects.
Other effects that may occur during the first several days while your body adjusts to Zoloft are diarrhea, constipation, gas, loss of appetite, nausea, insomnia, nervousness, visual disturbances, fatigue, headache, dry mouth, sweating, change in food tastes, tremor, thirst, runny nose. Contact your doctor immediately if you experience chest pain, rapid heart rate, difficulty breathing, worsening or recurring depression, skin rash, fever, and mental confusion.
Consult with your physician before taking Zoloft is you are pregnant, intend to become pregnant, breast feeding, if you have kidney disease, liver disease, seizures, a history of drug dependence or allergies. Also, tell your physician and pharmacist what other prescription and non prescription medications you are taking (Tegretol, Valium, Lithobid, Orinase and blood thinners).
Is it true that mineral water with gas can cause celulitis?
Cellulitis is an acute inflammatory condition of the skin (infection), that is characterized by localized pain, redness, swelling and heat. The cause is a bacteria, usually through cracks in the skin, abrasions, cuts, burns, insect bites, surgical incisions and intravenous catheters. It is very unusual that the cause is mineral water. I strongly recommend that you see your physician because it needs to be treated with antibiotics, after determination is made as to what bacteria is the cause.
My mother has been through two rounds of chemo in the last 7 weeks. Each round is 3 days followed by 3 week recuperation period. After her last round (last week), she suddenly ceased being able to touch one of her heels to the floor and experiences terrible pain on the sole of same foot. She said the sole feels like an old piece of leather, and feels the foot is bigger than it actually is. The sole is also very red except for the arch area, and is sometimes purplish. Could this be neuropathy? Her oncologist thinks it's too soon to be a side effect from the chemo but I disagree. She is not diabetic.
The various chemotherapy regimes vary in side effects, whether they are used alone or in combination. It is difficult to determine the cause of the symptoms your mother has described. As to the cause, her oncologist or physician can determine this after a careful history or examination and possibly make a referral to a neurologist if there is neuropathy.
I am a 47 year old female and, recently, after yard work and other chores, my pulse rate will shoot up to about 150bpm. My face becomes red and, if I lay down, I can feel my heart beating. My blood pressure is normally around 110/65. Suggestions?
Spiking of high blood pressure after any activity is a cause for concern. Unless you have a full medical evaluation, it would be difficult to ascertain the cause. I recommend that you do so.
How can I wake up early without feeling tired? I know, "go to bed earlier," but is there anything I can do to wake up early and not be so tired?
1. Follow a regular schedule - go to sleep and get up at the same time each day.
2. Try to exercise at regular times each day. Moderate physical activity 2-4 hours before bedtime may improve your sleep.
3. To adjust your internal sleep clock, try to get some exposure to natural light in the afternoon each day.
4. Be aware of what you eat - no beverages or caffeine late in the day. Warm milk before bed may help.
5. Create a safe and comfortable sleeping environment - dark, well ventilated, minimal noise.
6. Develop a bedtime routine. Do the same thing each night - read, soak in a warm bath, watch the evening news.
7. Use your bedroom for sleeping only - no TV. If after 15 minutes you cannot sleep, go to another room until you feel sleepy again.
8. Do not worry about your sleep. Clear your mind, and try to completely relax.
Disclaimer: All information published by "Ask The Visiting Nurse ONLINE" is for educational purposes only and should not be construed as a substitute for advice by your physician. You are advised to consult your physician regarding the applicability of any opinions or recommendations appearing here.
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