Ask the Visiting Nurse Archive

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.

I have a friend whose 15 year old daughter was recently prescribed Ridlin for ADD. Can you tell me what exactly this drug does for an ADD child, what are the side effects and whether there any alternative medications to look into?

I have been off predisone for 10 days, with my doctor's knowledge, after on being on this drug for 20 yrs. I have severe swelling, insomnia and lots of pain in my joints. Will these symtoms go away soon or do I need additional drugs..I have been diagnosed with lupus by some doctors. Other doctors simply state i have a defective immune system.

I live in Orange County NY and my 83 year old mother is in a nursing home in Ulster County. I am considering at home care for Mom (in my home) and was wondering if VNS services Orange County.

I'm 29 and I have high level serum calcium (about 12 mg/dl) and parathormon (about 200) in my blood. There is not any adenom or anormaly in my parathyroid gland (as a result of the synthigraphy and ultrasonography examination). Can any surgery be recommended in this case? Which gland will be removed?

I was physically assaulted over 2 months ago by an intruder who tried to do physical harm to me but was unsuccessful. I am having trouble with flashbacks, and trouble driving at night time. My doctor put me out for 2 weeks, but sees fit for me to go back to work. Could it be too soon to go back to my regular routine of life, after such a trauma in my life?

This drug used in ADD children, causes a decrease in motor restlessness
with an increased attention span. Side effects in children are anorexia,
abdominal pain, weight loss (with chronic use), fast heart beat and
insomnia. Alternative medications should be discussed with the physician
or psychiatrist.

Ask VNSW Online | Top of Page

Complications from prednisone rarely ensue if your physician has properly reduced (gradually) your daily steriod dose. If undue stress is experienced, the patient must understand that they should also be cautious of an injury, infection or surgery. A consult with the physician would be necessary if any of the above occurs.

I strongly recommend that you consult with your physician now regarding the symptoms you are experiencing since patients react differently when they go through withdrawal of steriods. Your physician can then advise you as to what treatment, if any, is necessary.

Ask VNSW Online | Top of Page

I live in Orange County NY and my 83 year old mother is in a nursing home in Ulster County. I am considering at home care for Mom (in my home) and was wondering if VNS services Orange County.

There are several Visiting Nurse Services in Orange County. You can contact the Orange County Health Department at (914) 291-2332 for further information. Our Agency serves Westchester County only.

Ask VNSW Online | Top of Page

At your level of serum calcium, symptoms are common. The critical decision is whether the disease should be treated surgically or conservatively. Surgery is indicated if the level of calcium in the blood is severe or higher than your level.

Some experts recommend surgery as an acceptable approach. Age, whether under or over age 50, is a factor. These are issues you should discuss with your physician as to the best course for you. Regarding surgery, the findings at the time of surgery, when a biopsy is performed, a decision is then made whether one or all four glands are removed. I suggest that you discuss this with your physician.

Ask VNSW Online | Top of Page

In answer to your question, it depends on what your physician found at his medical evaluation. An examination by a neurologist would be helpful to determine if your symptoms are related to or an after-effect of the assualt you were subjected to. I suggest that you discuss this with your physician to see whether further evaluation is necessary.

Ask VNSW Online | Top of Page