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Identifying Signs and Symptoms of Stomach Ulcers
Stomach ulcers are potentially dangerous. Learn how to identify the signs and symptoms of stomach ulcer (also called gastric ulcers). In addition, this article reviews the main causes and briefly discusses treatments for gastric ulcers.
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Irritable Bowel Syndrome vs. Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Irritable bowel syndrome and inflammatory bowel disease both affect the digestive system. While both can be quite distressing and even debilitating, they are quite different entities.
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How to Calm Yourself Down Before a Day Surgery Procedure
As an anesthesiologist, I see many people facing surgery, some for the first time. Find out the best ways to calm yourself down before day surgery.
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Fear of Needles and the Vasovagal Reaction
Do you get clammy, sweaty, light-headed, hot, and nauseous when approached by a needle? This is not weakness. In this article, an anesthesiologist explains the vasovagal reaction.
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Neuromuscular Blockers: Vecuronium and Rocuronium
Vecuronium and rocuronium are commonly used neuromuscular blockers. The medical professionals who use them may call them "paralytics" or "muscle relaxants."
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Diabetes and Anesthesia: What Are the Risks?
Diabetes is a systemic disease affecting the whole body. Both type I and type II diabetes present risks that must be considered by the anesthesiologist before, during, and after surgery.
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Coronary Artery Bypass Graft Surgery (CABG) Definition
CABG, or coronary artery bypass surgery, is performed to restore blood flow to areas of the heart around blockages in the coronary arteries. The definition of CABG and an introduction to the procedure are describe in this physician-authored article.
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How Does the Neuromuscular Blocker Succinylcholine Work?
It's scary to hear a drug referred to as a "paralytic," but sometimes their administration is medically necessary. Neuromuscular blocking agents are used to make anesthesia and surgery safer.
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Drugs Used During Anesthesia: Neuromuscular Blocking Agents
An anesthesiologist explains why your muscles sometimes need to be reversibly paralyzed during anesthesia. Neuromuscular blocking agents are used to achieve this goal. Learn how these drugs work to keep muscles from moving.
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What Is Propofol? The "Michael Jackson Drug" in Anesthesia
As an anesthesiologist, I sometimes hear patients ask me, "Are you going to use the 'Michael Jackson Drug' on me?" Propofol is is safe and effective when administered by qualified professionals.
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Axillary Nerve Block for Regional Anesthesia
Axillary blocks are a type of regional anesthetic. It is one of the peripheral nerve blocks that anesthesiologists may be able to use instead of, or in addition to, general anesthesia.
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How Does Anesthesia Gas Work?
Would it scare you to know that no one really knows how anesthesia gases work? As amazing as it is, it's true, as explained here by a physician anesthesiologist.
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Regional Anesthesia: Definition and Examples
Regional anesthesia refers to numbing a region of the body, rather than the whole body. An anesthesiologist discusses different techniques to induce regional anesthesia.
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Fentanyl for Pain Management — Use and Abuse
Fentanyl, a synthetic opioid pain medication, is a powerful drug. Its use in the operating room is routine and valuable, as explained in this article. Abuse and addiction with fentanyl are dangerous and often deadly, even with just one use.
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Anesthesia and the Elderly: Effects of Surgery and Anesthesia on the Elderly Patient
The normal changes that accompany aging have implications for anesthesia. An anesthesiologist explains the basics of these changes and how anesthesia care is impacted.
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Patient Monitoring during Anesthesia
The anesthesiologist monitors, and responds to, changes in your vital signs during your entire surgery. Heart rate, rhythm, blood pressure, oxygen level, breathing and other parameters give the anesthesiologist the information needed to keep you safe and comfortable during an anesthetic.
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The Doctor Patient Relationship: Is Informal OK?
Do you want your doctor to remain strictly formal in your interactions, or do you prefer a more personal discussion? Here, a doctor discusses the potential usefulness-and pitfalls- of having more informal, personal relationships with patients. Let us know what you think.
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Lidocaine Side Effects and Toxicity
Lidocaine is commonly used for local anesthesia. While its use is safe when dosing guidelines are followed, there are some risks, complications, and potential toxicity issues to understand.
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Balanced Anesthesia Achieved by Combining Anesthesia Agents
Ever wonder exactly what medications an anesthesiologist uses to make sure you don't remember or feel your surgery? It is actually a combination of many drugs. By using multiple medications to administer 'balanced anesthesia', the anesthesiologist can maximize the beneficial effects of each drug...
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Interscalene Block: Nerve Block for Shoulder Surgery
An interscalene block of the brachial plexus is used to provide pain relief during and after shoulder surgery. Find out from an anesthesiologist what you should know before having this type of block.
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Epidural during Labor: Epidural Complications and Controversies
Epidural pain relief is used by millions of women world-wide every year during labor and delivery. This anesthesiologist-authored article attempts to sort out fact from fiction regarding the complications and controversies surrounding labor epidurals. Much information is found on internet sources...
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Femoral Nerve Block: Pain Control for Knee Surgery
Femoral nerve blocks are useful for knee and thigh surgery. An anesthesiologist explains the technique, uses, and risks of the commonly used femoral nerve block.
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What's the Difference Between Epidural and Spinal Anesthesia?
Ever wonder "What is the difference between a spinal and an epidural?" Read an anesthesiologist's response to this question.
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Spinal Block for C-Section Surgery
Spinal anesthetics are commonly used for cesarean sections. This physician-authored page explains the technique of administration of spinal anesthetics for surgical delivery.
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Laughing Gas -- Nitrous Oxide -- for General Anesthesia
Nitrous oxide, also known as laughing gas, is used by anesthesiologists as well as its better known use in dentistry. Here, a physician anesthesiologist explains the use of nitrous oxide during general anesthesia. The risks of nitrous oxide, especially with abuse, is also discussed.
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What if You Need Anesthesia and Surgery While Pregnant?
Of all the things that pregnant women worry about, needing surgery is one that most don't face. But, there is a lot of misinformation out there about the risks of anesthesia and surgery on pregnant women. Get the facts here from a board-certified doctor. Of course, there are risks, but it probably...
- 16
The Endotracheal Tube (ETT) and the Laryngeal Mask Airway (LMA) for General Anesthesia
One of the most important—and dangerous—tasks assigned to an anesthesiologist is securing the airway of the unconscious patient. Find out how and why this is done from a certified anesthesiologist.
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Having a Spinal Block for C-Section and I'm Terrified!
An anesthesiologist answers questions about fears before c-section with spinal anesthesia. Fear of the unknown, needles, complications and so on are very common. Serious problems with spinal anesthesia for cesarean section are rare, though.
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What Are Conscious Sedation, MAC Sedation, and Twilight Sleep?
An anesthesiologist explains the various terms used to describe sedation, anesthesia, and analgesia.
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Local Anesthesia: Types, Uses, and Risks
What is local anesthesia? How do local anesthetics work? And, most importantly, what do you need to know about their uses and risks as a health consumer or patient?
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Labor Epidural: Epidural Anesthesia for Labor Pain
Whether or not you decide to have an epidural for pain relief during labor is a personal decision. Before making the decision, you should be able to access reliable information, which isn't always easy to find. Here, a board-certified anesthesiologist discusses the anatomy of the epidural space and...
- 15
Anesthesia and Asthma
Asthma and general anesthesia both affect the airways, lungs, and breathing. A certified anesthesiologist explains what asthmatics need to know in order to safely proceed with surgery.
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Gas Pain After Surgery: Why It Happens and How to Relieve It
Gas pain after surgery is a common complaint. This articles offers tips and advice from a board-certified anesthesiologist for how to prevent and treat post-operative gas pain.
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Is General Anesthesia Safe for People With High Blood Pressure?
High blood pressure can be a problem during general anesthesia and surgery. If you are facing surgery, controlling your hypertension will make your anesthetic as safe as possible.
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Treatments for Acid Reflux During Anesthesia: Preventing Aspiration Pneumonia
Acid reflux under anesthesia can lead to aspiration pneumonia and lung damage. Learn from an anesthesiologist how to protect yourself from these complications.
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How Does Anesthesia Affect the Body?
The entire body is affected by an anesthetic. Here, a board-certified anesthesiologist gives an overview of the effects of anesthesia from head to toe.
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Effects of Anesthesia on the Heart
A board-certified anesthesiologist discusses the common cardiac effects of general anesthesia and also explains why there is some variability.
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Why Do I Have Urinary Bladder Retention After General Anesthesia?
Bladder retention after general anesthesia is fairly common. Find out why this happens. Understand your own risk factors and related complications from a board-certified anesthesiologist.
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Post-Spinal Anesthesia Side Effects
Post-spinal anesthesia side effects can result from the needles, the technique, or the medications used. Most side effects are minor and short-lived.
- 11
Sjogren's Syndrome and General Anesthesia
If you have Sjogren's syndrome, you may worry about how you will tolerate anesthesia and surgery. There are unique considerations with Sjogren's syndrome and general anesthesia, but with a little information and collaboration with your health care providers, your anesthetic will be as safe and...
- 25
Seizures After Anesthesia
Seizures after anesthesia are a rare, but they are a recognized complication in the post-operative period. Learn about the risk factors for this complication.
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Postoperative Cognitive Dysfunction (POCD): Confusion After Surgery
Postoperative cognitive dysfunction is a state in which a decline in learning, memory, and/or personality changes persist long after the surgery.
- 69
Kids' Bible Stories: Bible Stories about Kids That I Would Never Let My Children Hear
The bible is often cited as THE guide for morality and select stories are made cutesy and read to children. But, have you ever really considered what is behind those stories, what else is implied by them and why they may not be a good moral guide after all? This article provides another point of...
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PONV: Postoperative Nausea and Vomiting, A Common Side Effect of Anesthesia
Postoperative nausea and vomiting are the most common side effects after anesthesia and surgery. Find out from a board-certified anesthesiologist how to prevent and treat this unpleasant side effect.
- 7
How to Prepare for Your Kids First Ski Lesson.
Preparing your children properly for their first ski lesson or season of skiing can make all the difference in their enjoyment of the sport. Find out how to foster a love for skiing that will help your child develop enthusiasm and a life-long love for this rewarding pasttime.
- 7
The Best Tim Minchin Quotes: Wisdom from an Irreverent Genius.
Tim Minchin uses humor in a uniquely brilliant way to defend reason, humanitarianism and peace. He is an amazing talent- both musically and comically.
- 13
A Day in the Life of an Anesthesiologist
Anesthesiologists are medical doctors who specialize in the care of patients before, during and after surgery. Whether the anesthetic is routine and easy or emergent and life-threatening, the anesthesiologist is with the patient the whole time they are in the operating room.
- 5
Hiking and Climbing Mount Whitney on the Mountaineer's Route in the Winter.
Climbing the Mountaineer's Route on Mt. Whitney provides a challenging alternate route to the summit, separate from the main trail that most hikers take. The Mountaineer's route, especially in winter, requires a different set of skills from hiking the main trail.
- 4
A Tahoe Valentine: Valentine's Day in South Lake Tahoe, California.
Spend Valentine's Day in South Lake Tahoe. A crystal blue, sparkling mountain lake, beautiful snow-covered mountains and a little planning can make this the most romantic getaway ever.
- 86
Prednisone: Effects, Side Effects and How It Changed My Life Forever
The corticosteroid prednisone definitely saves lives but has some serious and life-long consequences. Here, a physician and patient formerly on long-term prednisone discusses the pros and cons of this potent medication.
- 374
Common Anesthesia Side Effects: What to Expect
Know what to expect and how to prevent and/or treat the most common after-effects of anesthesia, including nausea, sore throat, confusion, muscle aches, itching, and emotional outbursts.
- 6
Surgical Nursing: Jobs for Nurses in the Operating Room, Surgery and Recovery Room
There are many opportunities for nurses in the operating room. These jobs are diverse but all provide a challenging career with many rewards.
- 11
Guide to Epidural Anesthesia for Labor and in Surgery
What is an epidural? Learn about the risks, benefits, and potential complications from a board-certified anesthesiologist.
- 55
Winter Driving Tips for Lake Tahoe: Tire Chains, Snow, and Mountain Driving
A Tahoe local tells you what you need to know to drive through the mountains safely in wintertime. Planning, common sense, and the tips presented here prepare you for your winter trip to Lake Tahoe.
- 12
Anesthesia Awareness—What If I Am Awake During Surgery?
Being awake under anesthesia is a serious and traumatic event. A board-certified anesthesiologist discusses this frightening complication, risk factors, and why it most likely won't happen to you.
- 5
Catalytic vs. Non-Catalytic Wood Burning Stoves
Here's what you need to consider when deciding whether your new wood-burning stove should be a catalytic or non-catalytic model.
- 18
South Lake Tahoe in Winter: Buy tire chains for your car and drive on up to South Lake!
South Lake Tahoe in the winter provides beautiful views, skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing and abundant sunshine. But the seemingly daunting task of getting here intimidates many would-be visitors. Find out how to safely prepare for your trip over and into the mountain.
- 25
What You Should Know About a Spinal Anesthesia Block
Learn the most important facts about spinal anesthesia, what to expect, side effects, and potential complications to prepare for your surgery.
- 232
Guide to General Anesthesia: What You Need to Know Before Going Under
A board-certified anesthesiologist explains what to expect when you have general anesthesia, possible side effects, and potential complications. Frequently asked questions are answered, as well.
- 0
Understanding Wood and Pellet Stoves: Burning Wood for Heat
Wood burning stoves and pellet stoves are again rising in popularity. They provide ample heat even when the power goes out and save money on heating bills in the long run.
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Apprenticeship Alum
I am an anesthesiologist in Lake Tahoe, CA and work part-time (sometimes more part-time than others) at our hospital here and others in the area. I gave up full-time work after having my children and having several other life and health altering events.
I started writing to help explain confusing medical concepts to patients. As I spoke to more and more people, I realized that most doctors thought they did a good job explaining medical topics and most patients disagreed.
My initial ventures into writing for patients led to freelance opportunities including writing for other physicians' websites. I hope to add some of this type of information in the form of hubs, to provide good, expert-level medical information that can be trusted and understood.
Most importantly to me, I am a mother to two young boys. I love to do the "mommy thing" with school and extra-curricular events. My life is a never-ending battle of "finding balance" and feeling guilty about what I'm not doing at the moment. In fact, I had an article published in Physicians Practice Journal after winning first place in a contest writing about "Finding Balance".
And like many here in the mountains, my family and I enjoy playing at the Lake in the summer and wait for the snow to fall during our sunny Lake Tahoe winters so we can hit the slopes. Skiing and snowboarding definitely dominate life here in the winter.
I also realized that I really enjoy writing. So, I've started writing about whatever topics grab my attention at the moment.
I predominantly write on anesthesia and related subjects. I have a few hubs here about other topics. Rarely, a product seems worth writing about. For what it's worth, though, I never endorse anything here that I have not tried or bought myself.
I also consider myself a bit of an expert on ulcerative coliits. As a patient, and not a doctor, I have spent countless hours dealing with this illness. I was diagnosed with UC in 2003. Over the next years, I took every possible medication from the mild ones to prednisone to remicade infusions to suppress my immune system.
Finally, I made the decision to have surgery and had the J-pouch surgery done in 2 stage. My colon was removed (yep, the whole large intestine) and the small intestine reconstructed.
I feel very lucky to have been 'cured'. I also know what it's like to be a patient facing very scary and life-threatening illness and surgery. Despite some ongoing issues that limit me a bit, I feel very lucky overall.
I write from the perspective of both a doctor and a patient.
Feel free to follow along and if you have a medical topic you'd like to see covered, let me know and if I know enough about it, I'll see if I can write it!
Find me on Facebook too.
For professional services, you can contact me through my Linkedin account.
________________________________________________
AS A BEGINNING WRITER ...
I had an article published in Physicians Practice Journal after winning first place in a contest writing about "Finding Balance".
My article "Common Anesthesia Side Effects" won a HubNuggets Award!
The same article was nominated for a "Top of the Class" Award and won. Great!
Top-of-the-Class-Contest-Week-11 (update...1st place)
Two weeks prior, my hub "The Best Low Tech Toys for Five Year Old Boys" won a second place HubNuggets Award.
...to your health...