Diagnosing Digestive Problems with Endoscopy

Endoscopy is procedure that allows doctors to see inside your digestive tract without the use of surgery. The tool used for the procedure is called an endoscope and consists of a small camera and light attached to a flexible tube.

Utilizing this method allows doctors a non-invasive method of looking for a number of ailments associated with the upper gastrointestinal (GI) tract. They can detect ulcers, obstructions, inflammation, growths, and hernias.

If you experience abdominal pain, reflux or vomiting, nausea, sudden weight loss, difficulty swallowing, or bleeding in any area of the upper GI, your doctor might choose to perform an endoscopy as an option to find the cause. It can also be used to dislodge an item that is stuck, or to biopsy tissue, in which case a small sample is removed for later testing.

If a medical professional suggests an endoscopy for you, be sure to inform he or she of any medical conditions you have, including medications and vitamins you take regularly. It is especially important to inform them if you have diabetes or are on blood thinners, which could affect the medications you take during the endoscopy. As always, remember to check with your primary physician before undergoing any medical treatment or taking any particular remedy.

For the procedure, the back of the throat is treated with a topical anesthesia. Sometimes an IV containing sedatives is administered, to help you stay relaxed. The doctor then feeds the endoscope down the throat and air is pumped through the tube to inflate the organs so they can be seen.

Patients that have had an endoscopy can experience a sore throat or nausea in reaction to the sedatives, but after the anesthesia wears off, they are typically able to resume normal activities.

To learn more about possible treatments for digestive problems or the benefits of endoscopy, visit Guadalupe Regional Medical Center.

Five Questions to Ask Your CDE

Whether you are newly diagnosed with diabetes or are interested in a refresher, your Certified Diabetes Educator, or CDE, is your guide to diabetes education. He or she is there to help you navigate your way through truths and myths about diabetes care, and to help you do everything possible to keep your diabetes under control. 

Here are a few questions you might want to ask during your next visit, especially if it’s one of your first visits post-diagnosis.

1. How often should I check my blood sugar levels?

Knowing when to check and how often to check your blood is key to maintaining your diabetes. Find out how many times each day you should test yourself, and how the timing of these tests should relate to meal times. If you’re a “veteran”, you might also show your CDE your testing supplies and make sure you’re availing yourself of the latest-greatest technology. 

2. What is considered a “high” or “low” and what should I do for each?

One of the most important things to learn during your diabetes education is the range of “normal” blood sugar levels and the immediate steps to take if your reading is not in that range. In some instances of blood sugar changes, your doctor may recommend physical activity or eating certain kinds of foods, or adjusting your insulin, in order to bring your blood back to a normal level. In other instances of blood sugar spikes or plummets, your doctor or CDE may suggest that you seek immediate medical attention. Knowing what to look for and what to do in each case will give you more confidence, and benefit your overall diabetes education.

3. How important is the food I eat?

Common sense dictates that a well-balanced diet is best for everyone, and this will be especially true for people with diabetes. Vegetables, protein and low-carb fruits and grains will likely be elements of the meal plan recommended by your CDE. This doesn’t mean you can’t have a treat once in a while, or enjoy some of your favorite foods in moderation. Also remember that exercise may play a role in how much food you can eat without causing blood glucose issues, and benefit your overall blood glucose control.

4. What types of medication will I need?

There are a number of medications associated with diabetes and your CDE will explain those that your doctor has prescribed and why. In some instances, you will need to be on the medication for life, but in others, you may only need them based on your blood sugar rates or other health benchmarks.

5. What types of doctors do I need to see?

A variety of specialists are often consulted, to ensure full-body health. During your diabetes education, you'll learn more about side effects and which doctors can help you stay healthy and minimize complications that lead to heart disease, kidney failure, or vision problems.

When it comes to diabetes and other health matters, remember to always check with your doctor before undergoing any medical treatment or taking any particular remedy. Learn more about diabetes education options at Guadalupe Regional Medical Center.

Single and Healthy: Do You Need a Family Medicine Doctor?

Let’s say you’re in your twenties or thirties, blessed with good health, and don’t have kids. Especially if you’re a busy professional, you may think that the last thing on your to-do list should be a visit to a family medicine clinic. After all, it seems a waste of time and money to visit a doctor when you’re not sick and have no chronic health conditions—right?

There are actually a wealth of good reasons why even young, non-parenting and healthy people may benefit from establishing a relationship with a family medicine doctor or healthcare clinic. Here’s a few as food for thought:

Prevention. You may enjoy good health today, but the fact that your mother’s family has a history of high blood pressure and your dad’s side has a tendency towards arthritis may mean that you’re at high risk of health issues down the road. In some cases, you can take steps to minimize your risks for cancer, heart disease and other health problems, by getting evaluated regular before problems develop. 

Reality checks. You may enjoy telling your friends that you “haven’t had as much as a cold in two years” or that you “never have to go to the doctor”. But all the while you’re also not noticing that you’ve gained 15 pounds in three years, or that your cholesterol is a little bit higher than it used to be. Both are excellent examples of issues that may creep up on you and become significant problems if you’re not going through annual well-checks.

Relationship building: When you have an accident at the gym, get a surprise when you take a pregnancy test, or become concerned about a suspicious mole, you’re going to want to be able to turn to a doctor you’ve met before, and who knows your medical history.

Remember, time spent at the doctor’s office isn’t a waste, it’s an investment in your best asset—your health. To learn more about your options for family medicine doctors and clinics, visit www.GRMedCenter.com today!

What Is A Nursing Care Plan?

When it comes to healthcare, especially in situations where families and healthcare professionals are dealing with rapid onset or rapid progression of illness, it can be helpful to have a plan in place (or to take the time to develop one) that serves as a roadmap for the treatment options and decisions that will be made later down the road. 

A nursing care plan is one example of these types of roadmaps concerning long or short-term care. This comprehensive plan outlines strategies and expectations for the entire care team, including both nursing and non-nursing health care contributors. To offer maximum effectiveness, the plan should be updated and revised on a regular basis, or as determined by the head of the patient’s care team, and developed with input from the patient and family members.

Characteristics of a successful nursing care plan might include:

·       A holistic approach that accounts for both the well-being of mind and body

·       A set of realistic targets or outcomes , in terms of patient goals

·       A focus on both present and immediate outcomes and issues, as well as target outcomes for the patient that relate to the future

When it comes to the actual mechanics of developing the document, the nursing care plan might include the following elements:

·       An initial assessment or diagnosis

·       Statement of desired patient outcomes

·       Plan of action

·       Interventions

·       Benchmarks for ongoing assessment

·       Methods for evaluation

Common issues addressed in a nursing plan might include pain management, patient self-care, or patient benchmarks that need to be met in order for the patient to be dismissed or moved to the next stage of care, such as hospice or a rehabilitation facility.

As you might imagine, no two nursing care plans are exactly alike. Nursing teams each have their own methods of approaching the development and execution of care plans, and of course each of these plans will be fine-tuned based on the individual needs of different patients.

If you’d like to know more or provide input with respect to the  elements of your/your family member’s nursing care plan, it’s recommended that you ask the doctor or nurse in charge of your care team for information and insight. 

To learn more about care plans or home health care options, click here!