Eczema Free Forever™ Eczema Free Forever™

No News Isn’t Always Good News

question mark inside a speech bubble expressing bad communication between doctor and patient when searching for a diagnosis © livingpositivelywithdisability.com

Struggling to find a diagnosis in a health system that doesn’t care as much as it should…

It’s been exactly six months and three days since I first visited my Rheumatologist with hands that were sore and unable to do many of the things I was used to doing everyday, like holding full washing baskets and chopping vegetables. He told me I had early stage osteoarthritis and sent me away for blood tests and x-rays. It was right before Christmas, which was probably not great timing (but that’s when these things happen, right?) and he said, “You won’t hear from me unless something crops up in the tests.”

It wasn’t until I was half way home (driving in shock: not recommended. I mean who gets arthritis in their mid forties???) that I realised I didn’t know what to do next. Surely some sort of rehabilitation plan was in order?

Well, I never heard from that doctor again. Things started going down hill very quickly during the next few weeks. Over New Years, I started having trouble walking. At the end of January I was admitted to hospital with suspected MS. Results negative. Discharged with crutches. Still no rehabilitation plan.

A few weeks later my left leg went numb. Neurology pin prick testing showed lowered sensation. I was put on a 6 week waiting list for a private neurologist.

I would fall over without any warning every month or so. I went to three physiotherapists during this time who all gave conflicting advice. I finally saw the neurologist, who said I presented normally. She referred me for further neurological testing (1hr 40 minutes of being electrocuted and stabbed with needles for nerve and muscle response testing). Result: mostly normal. I paid for a private MRI because the public system didn’t want to know and I didn’t want to fall over again. The results came back in a convoluted and barely understandable letter that used words like orthrosis and spinal degeneration. I read it with a medical dictionary at my elbow and made extensive notes in the column. OK, I have arthritis in my spine. I felt relief because I finally had an ANSWER.

My GP popped the bubble later that night when he rang me (nice of him) to say that the degeneration in my spine was normal for my age and didn’t mean anything. Probably just stress (aka probably just in your head).

Back to the land of limbo and self doubt I went.

I saw the Rheumatologist again, under my own steam, because surely those medical terms above meant something? He wasn’t able to “add more to the story”, he said, but he did give me stronger pain killers (Lord, bless him, ’cause pills fix everything).

I saw the Neurologist again (can you hear their cash registers churning over?) who said I had sustained acute damage to my lower back which was irritating my nerve. She put me on Amitryptiline and beta blockers to normalise my nerve responses. Funny, I don’t remember the event which caused this damage. But, OK, I have an answer again. And a cure, to boot. Yipee! However, her follow-up letter to my GP didn’t quite correspond with her words at the appointment and, reading it, it  once again made it sound like all my symptoms were the result of anxiety.

Never mind. Only forwards.

Today I got a routine follow up letter copied to me from my (now ex) Rheumatologist to my GP. Down the bottom of it, listed almost inconsequentially, is the fact that I tested positive for the genetic marker HLA-B27 for ankylosing spondylitis six months ago, the evidence of which also showed up in my spine MRI.

At this point the *slight* frustration I’m feeling is probably showing in the tone of my writing. I understand (see how I’m still trying to be reasonable here? Very generous of me, I think) that a full diagnosis takes time and probably nothing can be confirmed at this stage, but knowing my results is incredibly important for so many reasons, most of which I’m sure you are aware of.

I am a person who gives advice to others about how to handle the medical system. When I talk to those working in the system, they say, “Yes, it’s common for it to take months, even years, to get a correct diagnosis. Frustrating, isn’t it?”

But some really useful information about my situation came to light six months ago. Since then, I have wasted a whole lot of time and money (you have no idea and I am not going to do the math at this point) because I wasn’t told that information. Let alone the huge amount of stress of having an array of bizarre symptoms (sore heels is a symptom – who would have thought?) which at times leads you to think you’re going slightly mad.

What If I had never read that letter?

Not only should I have been told about the results, there should have been a conversation about what those results meant and what symptoms to look out for (for example, it never occurred to me to tell the doctor about my sore heels, as it seemed irrelevant, so there’s a piece of the puzzle that was left out due to bad communication).

I honestly don’t know what advice to offer people when this sort of thing is not only is known to happen, but is expected.

The only thing I can say is: be aware that it happens. Negligent or lack lustre doctors, administration muck ups, the mail system – blame it on of a hand full of suspects. It happens.

Be diligent.

Keep asking questions and seeking answers when you know something doesn’t feel right.

No news is not always good news.

 

More articles you may be interested in:

Managing Extreme Stress: what a decade of therapy has taught me

Anxiety Management: 21 tried and tested tips from sufferers

Best Techniques for Improving sleep: advice from the experienced

Living Positively Starts HERE (even on bad days)

@ livingpositivelywithdisability.com

The post No News Isn’t Always Good News appeared first on talkhealth Blog.

talkhealth Blog

This week in health – 20/07/2018

As another week comes to a close, talkhealth have brought together some of the biggest news stories in the world of health. This week, we will be looking at a new fund to help combat the disability employment gap, how the latest generation is steering clear of unhealthy lifestyles and how to tell if your dehydrated in this summer heat. So, let’s get started.

New fund to tackle the disability employment gap

The government have put together a new £4.2 million challenge fund to help combat the disability employment gap.

The new fund has been designed to test new approaches to help people experiencing mental ill health or musculoskeletal issues remain in employment.

Minister for Mental Health and Inequalities Jackie Doyle-Price, said:

“For too long if you had a disability or serious mental health issue the world of work was off limits, potentially affecting the lives of millions of people across the country. This fund will help people overcome the barriers that so many still face when trying to get into and progress in the workplace.”

The fund itself is part of the government’s 10-year strategy which aims to see an additional 1 million disabled people in work by 2027.

The new generation shunning unhealthy lifestyles

The latest stats from the Office for National Statistics, the Home Office and the Ministry of Justice have found that the newest generation of young adults are much less likely to partake in drinking, smoking and drugs than their previous counterparts. The reports also found that the number of teenage pregnancies was also drastically reduced compared to previous generations.

The statistics show a new breed of teenager in this generation that are much more concerned with their health and lifestyle. You can view the full statistics and figures here.

If you are looking to improve your health and lifestyle, take a look at our talkmenshealth and talkwomenshealth sections of the website.

Are you dehydrated?

With the summer weather still here, it’s easy to get caught up in the beautiful sunshine and scorching heat. However, it brings with it the risk of dehydration. It is of extreme importance to keep on top of your hydration levels to avoid serious problems of issues, especially during prolonged heatwaves.

One way you can keep an eye on your hydration levels is by paying extra attention to the colour of your urine. This helpful chart can allow you to quickly see if you are at risk of dehydration. Some people are more at risk of dehydration, including those with diabetes, people who have been vomiting or suffering diarrhoea, and people who have been in the sun for a long time.

The NHS says people in the UK should drink at least 1.2 litres of water a day – 2.4 pints – and more when the weather is hot.

And that’s it for this week. Make sure to keep an eye on the talkhealth blog for all the latest news in the world of health. If you want to continue the conversation, head over to the talkhealth forums.

The post This week in health – 20/07/2018 appeared first on talkhealth Blog.

talkhealth Blog

This week in health – 13/07/2018

Welcome to another rendition of talkhealth’s weekly round-up of the biggest news stories of the week. This week, we’ll be looking at topics including vitamin pills, diabetes and sexual health. So, let’s get started!

Diabetes Type 1

Experts believe they may have found the key to eliminating the chances of developing Type 1 Diabetes in high-risk babies.

The researchers, based at Oxford University, think that by training infants immune systems from a young age, they are able to prevent the risk of Type 1 Diabetes in later life. The training consists of providing these high-risk children with powered insulin from a young age in order to provide life-long protection from the condition. This in turn should help the baby’s own immune system tolerate their body’s own insulin and prevent the onset of the condition.

Pregnant women from a number of counties are being asked if they would like to participate in the proposed trial to see if this methodology is successful. It is thought that around 1 in every 100 babies has genes which could potentially signal developing the condition in later life and researchers are aiming to screen 30,000 new-borns with the method to judge its success rate.

If you have any concerns about Diabetes, take a look at our talkmenshealth and talkwomenshealth sections of the website which can provide further information.

Vitamin pills and heart attacks

New research has found that vitamin pills that promote healthy cardiovascular health do not prevent heart attacks and strokes.

The scientists behind the latest research, which combined the results of studies involving more than two million people, said that vitamin pills, including those that claimed to combat poor heart health, were at best a distraction for people looking to prevent cardiovascular disease. People should instead concentrate on interventions that are known to work, such as exercise, a healthy diet and giving up smoking, the researchers said.

The Health and Food Supplements Information Service, which is part-funded by supplement manufacturers, said the latest research missed the point of the products. Emma Derbyshire, a public health nutritionist with the service, said: “Vitamins and minerals are not intended for the prevention of chronic conditions like heart disease.”

New sex disease likened to next “superbug”

A relatively unknown sexually transmitted disease could become the next “superbug” according to researchers.

The disease, called Mycoplasma genitalium (MG), in many cases exhibits no symptoms but can cause pelvic inflammatory disease, which could leave some women infected by the condition infertile. Mycoplasma genitalium is a bacterium that can cause inflammation of the urethra in men, causing discharge from the penis and making it painful to urinate.

In women, it can cause inflammation of the reproductive organs (womb and fallopian tubes) too, causing pain and possibly a fever and some bleeding.

As with most sexually transmitted diseases, the use of a condom can greatly help prevent the spread of the disease. If you are concerned that you may have contracted the condition, Public Health England says testing is available to diagnose MG and any signs of drug resistance, if necessary.

Alongside this, there is also a useful guide to help prevent urinary tract infections to help promote a healthy pelvic lifestyle. talkhealth will have our own report of pelvic health published on our website in the upcoming weeks, so make sure you keep your eyes out for that.

And that’s it for the week. If you would like to continue to conversation, head over to our forums.

The post This week in health – 13/07/2018 appeared first on talkhealth Blog.

talkhealth Blog

talkhealth at the Allergy and Free From Show

This weekend, from Friday 5th – Sunday 8th July, talkhealth will be at the Allergy and Free From Show at the Olympia, London. We’ll be exhibiting at stand A611 and would love anyone attending to drop by and say hello!

We’ve got a lot going on at the show, including news about our latest Patient Support Programme, myIBS. Written by medical experts and part sponsored by Enterosgel, myIBS has been created to help provide those living with IBS self-management advice, information around the condition and expert guidance. The programme runs for 12 weeks and includes coverage of topics such as:

  • What can I do to help myself
  • Specialist treatments for IBS-D and IBS-C
  • Questions to ask your doctor
  • Psychological impacts
  • What causes IBS
  • And much more

In addition to this, talkhealth’s Director, Deborah Wyatt, will be taking part in the event with a talk on “IBS – symptoms overview, latest treatments, research and self-help programmes” alongside Bowel Specialist Nurse, Michelle Henderson, from 2:00 – 2:45 PM on the Friday. Make sure you don’t miss out!

Finally, if you pop over to our stand at A611 you could be in with the chance of winning one of 5 hampers we’re giving away at the event. Simply head to our stand and have a chat with on of our advisors and we can enter you into the competition! The hamper is full of goodies, and includes:

A massive thank you to all our clients who contributed to our hamper of goodies! Make sure you pop by the stall to be in with the chance of winning. We look forward to seeing you there!

The post talkhealth at the Allergy and Free From Show appeared first on talkhealth Blog.

talkhealth Blog

Interview with Andrew Smyth – author of Grave Island

With his new book, Grave Island, now available to buy, talkhealth caught up with author Andrew Smyth to discuss the research that went in to the book around the operations and activity of pharmaceutical companies, fake drugs and medical legislation. Take a look at the full interview below:

1. What background did you have if any to the pharmaceutical industry?

To tell the truth, like most people, I hadn’t really thought about the source of my medicines and just took them for granted. I have no direct background in the pharmaceutical industry (although my son Chris is Health Editor of The Times and an old friend spent many years with the WHO vaccination programme). But I wanted a “Big Baddie” for my story and “Big Pharma” is so huge that it seemed a good starting point. At the start of my research, I discovered that some of the very largest pharmaceutical companies, such as GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) and Pfizer have been landed with billions of dollars of fines following whistleblowers’ revelations about cover-ups of sub-standard manufacture.

But I realised that a story featuring these companies wouldn’t make sense because none of them would deliberately set out to produce sub-standard medicines. It then occurred to me that counterfeiting drugs is a perfect criminal activity so instead of looking into the pharmaceutical companies, I started research into fakes.

2. What research did you do within the following:

a. Pharma industry?

I tried hard to make the information in Grave Island accurate, and to make it so I had to research a wide range of aspects of the Pharmaceutical Industry. In particular (a) the manufacture and (b) the distribution.

(a) Pharmaceutical manufacturing has changed a great deal over the past couple of decades as it has been moved away from Europe and the United States to places such as India and China. That has reduced costs, but in some cases has reduced quality because it is much more difficult for the main western agencies to monitor. It’s the US Food and Drug Administration Agency that is the main international organisation that looks into fake and substandard medicines and they have opened up a number of overseas offices to help their investigations. But India and China are huge countries with hundreds – probably thousands – of drug manufacturers and controlling them all is impossible

(b) Pharmaceutical distribution is labyrinthine in its complexity because each country has different health systems and different systems of purchasing. Even more importantly, the costs a drug can fetch differs widely from market to market and companies are always trying to get the best price. Hence the term “parallel marketing” (see below) whereby the same drugs are sold to different countries but in different packaging. A large part of the distribution process is packaging – or rather repackaging as consignments meant for one country are repackaged for distribution in another. Once again there are different legislative requirements in each country concerning the information that has to be supplied within each package.

b. NHS

Given that the NHS operates nationwide, its purchases are different from most other countries. They don’t have a complete monopoly, because there are numerous private hospitals throughout the country (indeed health provision is a major export earner) and purchasing is not yet centralised. What can and can’t be prescribed is closely monitored by NICE (The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence) which brings a degree of order into the UK market which is missing in many others. This makes it very difficult for counterfeits to be introduced into the supply chain and fakes in the UK are usually “lifestyle” type of drugs ordered over the internet, such as Viagra. The MHRA (Medicines and Health Regulatory Agency) estimates that of the pharmaceuticals that are bought online, a staggering fifty percent of them are fakes, but since most of them come from abroad, there is little they can do except warn people about it.

c. Parallel markets and distributors

The EU open market regulations have encouraged parallel trading, although it’s something the drug companies themselves strongly disapprove of. Basically it involves intermediary companies – effectively wholesalers – buying product in one country where it’s cheap and repackaging it and selling it in another where it’s expensive. Typically this could involve buying in Greece and selling in Germany and this can result in shortages because the local Greek wholesalers are cleaned out – such is the demand. But it’s not illegal, although it can be considered that it increases the wholesalers’ profits at the expense of the consumer. The EU maintain that whether that happens or not is not their concern, they take the view that, overall, it reduces prices. We experienced this ourselves when stocking up our boat’s medicine cabinet for our trip to the Indian Ocean. We found the drugs in Greece so much cheaper than in the UK, although we did have some problem reading the labels when we needed them!

3. Did you talk with the MHRA and WHO?

I tried to speak to both the MHRA and GSK. The MHRA who directed me to their website where their main concern is online purchases, where fakes are rife. The drugs companies, as noted above, don’t appear to like talking about fake pharmaceuticals.

4. How truthful or near to the truth are the main story lines in terms of:

a. Production of fakes within real laboratories – or certified recognised laboratories

The actual underlying plot of Grave Island (ie how the counterfeits are actually made) is based on several actual cases. I can’t reveal what this is (you will have to read the book) but it is absolutely accurate. As are the analytic processes using Truscan for batch testing. With the AIDS epidemic in Africa, antiretroviral treatment has become increasingly important. In Tanzania, location for the scenes in Zanzibar, the government estimates it has 1.4 million people living with AIDS or HIV, out of a population of 45 million and its free drug programme has had great success in extending lives, but fakes are a huge problem when they are expertly packaged to look exactly like the real thing. But increasingly they have instituted programmes using portable analysis machines and the government estimates that it has reduced fakes by three quarters.

b. Interference with global health roll out programmes

One of the main programmes in sub-Saharan Africa is against AIDs/HIV. Major successes have been achieved with antiretrovirals where the fight against counterfeiting has probably been the most successful. This is perhaps because they have been developed relatively recently and the possibility of counterfeiting is addressed at the outset. To put these successes in context, life expectancy in most of Africa has shown remarkable improvements. In Malawi, for example, it has increased by 42% between 2000, when it was 44.1 years, and 2014 when it was 62.7 years. Zambia and Zimbabwe both show increases of 38%. Artisemisinins – antimalarials – continue to be among the most faked drugs and because of the widespread prevalence of malaria, this remains one of the biggest impediments to vaccination programmes. Once again, providing them cheaply is proving the best way to deter counterfeiters.

Under this heading it should be remembered that fake or substandard drugs don’t just do little or nothing to help the patient but, especially with antibiotics, they can actually be harmful because they build up resistance to the drug, which is an increasing and well-publicised problem throughout the world. This build up in resistance is a danger to all of us.

5. What were the main factors/points that were learned from the pharmaceutical industry?

The most important thing to remember about the industry is its size. It’s vast, but has to cover the entire world. Therefore, at one end of the spectrum there are state of the art research facilities with multi-billion dollar budgets looking into new drugs, while at the other end can be a small African village which has no fridge to store the vaccines which therefore degrade.

As noted above, one of the major factors that drives fake drugs is price – people will buy a cheaper alternative which might contain little or no active ingredients. If the drug companies can reduce their prices for vaccines then that can have a major effect. Charities such as the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation are working with them to help making genuine vaccines more readily available and drive out the fakes. Similarly, the increasing use of portable analysis machines such as the Truscan is helping the fight against counterfeits.

Grave Island by Andrew Smyth is out now (Bloodhound Books, £8.99)

The post Interview with Andrew Smyth – author of Grave Island appeared first on talkhealth Blog.

talkhealth Blog

Professional tips that will save your face from acne


Everyone who has pimples on their face knows how overwhelming this state can be. Acne is not only a health issue, but it can also affect your confidence, because you are always worried about the way you look. There are days when you admire the glow on your face, but there are also days when acne is running across your face, and you simply do not know what treatment to use in order to get rid of it. If you watch TV then you may have noticed that different brands promote different products, but the fact is that not all of them are effective. There are some things you can do without seeing a doctor, and they will help you get the results that you want, and prevent experiencing acne in the future.

You should wash your face daily

It is not enough to wash your face only during morning, it is advisable to wash it twice a day if you suffer from acne. You should never go to sleep without taking off your makeup, because clogged pores lead to pimples. Identify the type of face you have and use a cleanser designed for your condition.

Sunscreen products are life

It does not matter if there is summer or winter, you should always wear sunscreen. During the hot season make sure you use a product with higher SPF. Your face can experience great damage because of sun rays, so make sure to protect it, especially if you are using acne products. Sunscreen products will block the harmful effects of the sun on your skin.

Have a healthy diet and drink water

If you want to get rid of pimples then your diet is one of the essential factors. Young people have the tendency to eat a lot of sugar, and sugar is one of the aliments that facilitates acne. You should try to lower the sugar amount from your diet if you want to have a clean face. Also, there are studies that show that dairy products can cause pimples, and you should switch to almond milk if you think this is the case for you.

Use Concentrated Hemp Oil

Acne is the result of multiple factors, and there are very few the cases when a dermatologist is able to tell you exactly what the cause in your case was. There can be bacteria, genetics, or oil secretion. Recent studies show that if you use Concentrated Hemp Oil you can reduce pimples. This oil has anti-inflammatory properties and it can reduce the sebum production. Ask your doctor how to use the oil, because it will definitely help you have a clean face.

Change your sheets often

Pillowcases and sheets can be one of the causes why you experience periodic pimples. They collect oil, and considering that you sleep many hours lying on them, your skin can become congested. If you want to prevent this issue you should change them often and try to lie on your back when you sleep. One strategy is to put a pillow under your knees, because it will prevent you during nighttime to turn on your side.

The post Professional tips that will save your face from acne appeared first on talkhealth Blog.

talkhealth Blog

This week in health – 29/06/2018

With so much going on in the world of health it can be difficult to keep up to date with all the latest news and breakthroughs. Luckily, talkhealth’s weekly round-up should help you keep on top of all the latest developments in health. This week, we’re looking at exercise and obesity, mental health in the youth and the benefits of seeing the same doctor. So, without further ado, let’s begin.

Exercise and Obesity

A new study has found that one in four British people will avoid exercise at all costs. The study, which was run by the British Lung Foundation, has revealed that of the 2,000 people questioned 23% admitted that they do their best to avoid physical exercise. It also found that only 16% of people work out more than once a week. Physical exercise is integral to a healthy body and mind, so these new findings are cause for concern. If you are struggling to get active, why not take a look at talkmenshealth and talkwomenshealth where you can find some ideas to help get you active.

Alongside this, a new report has found that deprived areas in the UK could have up to five times more fast food outlets than more affluent areas. The abundance of these cheap and unhealthy meals in lower socio-economic areas is likely to be contributing to the nation’s growing struggle with obesity. The government aims to tackle this problem with it’s recently updated Childhood Obesity Plan, which aims to cut childhood obesity in half by 2030. Part of the strategy put forward in this plan includes a restriction on how and where supermarkets can display offers, such as “two for the price of one”, on foods that are high in salt, sugar or fat. With the UK being the most overweight nation in Western Europe, it is hoped that these plans and initiatives can help combat the problem of obesity.

If you are worried about your weight, or the weight of someone close to you, take a look at talkweight for support and information on the subject.

Mental health in youth and students

Looking after your mental health is just as important as your physical health. With this in mind, universities are being challenged to dramatically improve their mental health support for students by the government. Recently, the Office for National Statistics published data which suggested that over the last year 95 university students took their own lives in England and Wales. Universities are being told to work tighter and closer with the NHS to identify potential mental health problems in students earlier to avoid these kinds of situations.

Mental health problems aren’t just present in university students though. The boss of the NHS, Simon Stevens, has called for a “major ramp-up” in mental health services for children and all young people. Stevens has claimed that factors such as social media may be having a negative impact on the youth in the UK and could be contributing to mental health problems. Plans are being put in place to help combat this problem and, if you are struggling with your mental health, take a look at our talkmenshealth and talkwomenshealth sections of the website for further support.

The benefits of seeing the same doctor

Finally, a new study from the University of Exeter has found that seeing the same doctor again and again resulted in lower death rates among patients.

The benefits applied to visits to GPs and specialists and were seen across different cultures and health systems. The study highlighted that continuity of care is known to be particularly beneficial for patients with chronic conditions, long-term mental health issues and complex needs. By seeing the same doctor, patients were able to build better relationships, communication and understanding between themselves and their doctor, allowing for better treatment for the patient.

That rounds up the top news stories in the world of health this week. If you want to continue the conversation, head over to the talkhealth forums!

The post This week in health – 29/06/2018 appeared first on talkhealth Blog.

talkhealth Blog

NHS England celebrates turning 70

This year NHS England will be turning 70. Since it’s inception in 1948, after the Second World War, the NHS has provided healthcare to millions, if not billions, of those living in the UK. On Thursday 5th July 2018, the National Health Service will reach this huge milestone.

In celebration of this, talkhealth have pulled together some of the utterly staggering facts behind the NHS. Make sure you check out Twitter and Facebook, where we’ll be joining in the celebration of one of the cornerstones of the UK’s identity. So, without further ado, here’s some key facts behind the NHS:

    1. The NHS is one of the largest employers in the world, alongside the likes of the Chinese Liberation Army, the Indian Railways and Wal-Mart.
    2. The total annual attendances at England’s accident and emergency services departments was 23 million in 2016/17, almost 25% more than a decade earlier.
    3. NHS England treats over 1.4 million patients every 24 hours.
    4. There were 16 million hospital admissions in 2015/16, almost 30% more than a decade earlier.
    5. NHS England plans to spend £126 billion in 2018/19.
    6. There are more than 7,400 active GP practices across the country.
    7. As of March 2017, the NHS employed 106,430 doctors, 285,893 nurses and health visitors, 21,597 midwives and 132,673 scientific, therapeutic and technical staff.

If you want to learn more, take a look at the video below which explores how the NHS has changed and evolved over the last 70 years:

The post NHS England celebrates turning 70 appeared first on talkhealth Blog.

talkhealth Blog

Sacral Neuromodulation Ask the Expert Session


In the UK, urinary incontinence affects an estimated 14.9% of adults over 40 years of age with faecal incontinence affecting an estimated 1.4% of adults over 40 years of age.

talkhealth recently hosted an Ask the Expert session on Sacral Neuromodulation supported by Medtronic, a global leading in medical technology, services and solutions. Sacral Neuromodulation is a treatment for urinary and faecal incontinence which involves implanting a small medical device designed to send mild electrical pulses to a nerve located just above the tailbone. In cases where this treatment is suitable it can eliminate or greatly reduce the symptoms for many people suffering from incontinence.

Our Ask the Expert session, ran from 11-15 June during the build up to World Continence Week, giving patients the opportunity to post their questions to Mr Mohammed Belal, Consultant Urological Surgeon from the Queen Elizabeth Hospital.

Questions & Answers from the session

There was a great reaction from the talkhealth community, with plenty of questions being posted for Mr Belal to answer. Below you can see some of the conversations that took place:

    Jody: My GP told me about this treatment but said there was nowhere in my area that carries out the procedure. Can I ask to be referred to a different specialist in a hospital outside the area where I live?
    Mr Belal: If the treatment is not provided by your local hospital then a referral can be made directly by your GP to a centre that provides such treatment even outside the area you live.
    Tina: I found out about Sacral Neuromodulation on this website and went to my GP to discuss. He hadn’t heard of it. On that basis he said I’d need to persist with other treatments first and only if nothing else worked could he see about a referral for this treatment. I’ve tried pretty much everything. Can I insist on a referral?
    Mr Belal: If you have tried conservative measures and failed medication such as anticholinergics and beta 3 agonists, then you can ask for a referral to secondary care. The options include intradetrusor botox or sacral neuromodulation. Ideally you want to be referred to a centre that can offer both.

If you want to take a look at all the questions and answers from the Ask the Expert session click here.

If you are living with urinary or faecal incontinence, you may like to use our Nurse Helpline, available to all members. Just click here and complete a short form and one of our nurses will contact you to provide you with guidance.

You can also find more information and support from other people living with continence on talkbladder and talkbowel.

The post Sacral Neuromodulation Ask the Expert Session appeared first on talkhealth Blog.

talkhealth Blog

Online Clinic for Bladder Issues

In support of World Continence Week, talkhealth hosted an Online Clinic for bladder issues, which ran from 4-15 June, giving our community the opportunity to get their bladder related questions answered by expert medical professionals.

Questions & Answers

Most people will suffer from a bladder related problem at some time in their life such as urinary incontinence, overactive bladder and infections. These topics were all covered in the Online Clinic with patients asking a wide range of questions – you can view some of the questions and responses below:

    Wpoohema asked: I am 47 and seem to have occasional issues holding my bladder. I am menopausal & have wet the bed thinking I was dreaming it but actually wasn’t. I find it very hard to sleep anyway as constantly hot flushes & very restless.
    Our expert, Mr Sachin Malde answered: Urinary incontinence can worsen around the time of the menopause and this may be why you are suffering from these symptoms right now. Do you also have difficulties holding your bladder during the day? Reducing caffeine can often help, and practising bladder training will help you gain better control of your bladder in the long-term. If your GP has checked your urine for signs of infection and this is all normal, then you could also try a medication to see if it helps and applying an oestrogen cream to the vagina may also help. Good luck!
    Mayarose asked: I recently read an article that our bladder can hold up to 500ml urine so women should not go frequently to the bathroom and try to train their bladder to hold for longer time so they won’t be uncomfortable while going out. I would like to know that if this is the case then why sometimes I feel strong urge to go to loo even though I release very little amount when urinating. Have I got weak bladder?
    Our expert, Mr Benjamin Challacombe answered: Although the actual bladder capacity is usually around 500mls, the functional capacity may be much less if the bladder is overly sensitive or overactive.
    Needing to void small amounts is a symptom of an irritable bladder. Sometimes just being dehydrated and having concentrated urine can trigger this.
    Make sure you drink plenty of water, avoid caffeine and alcohol mainly and try some bladder training drills.
    Lindac01 asked: I’m continually plagued by UTI’s. If I’m lucky I will get a couple of weeks without then another one comes along and so it goes on and on. I’m at my wits end with these and was wondering what you thought.
    Our expert, Mr Sachin Malde answered: Recurrent UTIs are very common, and if this has been going on for a long time then I would recommend seeing a Urologist to do some basic tests to make sure there is no underlying reason for you to keep developing infections. After this, there are a number of ways to improve things for you, including options that don’t involve you having to use so many antibiotics. I hope this helps.

With leading bladder charities taking part, such as Action Bladder Cancer UK, Bladder & Bowel UK, ERIC, Fight Bladder Cancer and The Urology Foundation, the Online Clinic was able to provide expert support and advice to those living with bladder issues. Joined by medical experts, including Advanced Nurse Practitioner, Julie Jenks, Consultant Urological Surgeon, Mr Rajesh Nair and GP, Dr Jon Rees, we saw a wide range of bladder related queries posted and answered during the Online Clinic.

You can read more questions and answers from the Online Clinic here.

You may also like to join in with the conversations on our talkbladder forum, plus there’s more support and guidance on talkbladder.

The post Online Clinic for Bladder Issues appeared first on talkhealth Blog.

talkhealth Blog