CAN tubal ligation be reversed?
Ligation of the fallopian tubes, performed for birth control, can be reversed to allow pregnancy to take place, depending on how long a segment of the tubes were cut in the original operation. If the segments removed are too long to precluded re-anastomosis (re-connection or bridging), then it can’t be done.
The factors that will affect the success rate of pregnancy, following “reversal,” are: how old and healthy the patient is, the pregnancy history of the patient, whether the tubes were initially cut by a knife or electrocoagulation (the latter burns and injures the cut ends of the tubes and lessens the success rate), and the experience and skill of the gynecologist in microsurgery, etc.
The highest success rate (65%), according to Ob-Gynecologist Anthony Gentile, M.D., Ph.D., of Flossmoor, Illinois, “is with reversal of tubes ligated with the thin Hukla clip, and the lowest (less than 40%) with electrocautery.” Practically the same medical facts and limitations apply to vasectomy reversal in men, which can be done by a urologist to enable vasectomized men to be fertile again. Of course, pregnancy can be achieved without the use of the fallopian tubes, but using IVF (In vitro – “test tube” – fertilization).
Can appendicitis recur?
No, once the appendix is removed properly, appendicitis (inflammation of the appendix) will not recur, because there is no more appendiceal tissue left to get inflamed. Sometimes, though, the patient may feel right lower quadrant abdominal discomfort similar to appendicitis pain days, or months, after appendectomy, but these pains could be due to post-operative adhesions or other causes brought on by other conditions. The prudent thing to do if pains recur is to visit the surgeon who performed the procedure.
Why is it dangerous to shake babies?
Shaking or jarring infants and babies could lead to injury to the neck bones and disruption of the spinal cord in that area, leading to sudden death (Shaken Baby Syndrome). The neck of infants and babies is quite limp, literally weak, and unstable, that jarring or shaking the baby often leads to fatal neck injury due to severe hyperextension of the neck and severing the cervical spinal cord at the base of the brain. When holding an infant or a child, the head and neck should always be supported as “one piece” with the hand holding the back of the head, the neck and the upper back, acting as a “brace” that prevents the heavy head from falling back.
Can I take my friend’s blood pressure pill?
No, absolutely not, unless your physician, after interviewing and examining you, recommends the same pill to control your high blood pressure. It is not only illegal for your friend to “prescribe and dispense” medications if he was not a licensed physician but also very dangerous for you. What is good for him may not be good or tolerated by you. Your friend’s good intention may backfire and do disservice to you by causing serious complications from taking the pills he gives you or advise you to take without consulting with your physician. This caveat goes true with any and all medications, even as simple as aspirin.
Do skin lotions cause cancer?
There is nothing in the medical literature that says skin moisturizing lotions or creams or gels can cause cancer. Some people may be sensitive or allergic to some form of moisturizing lotions, but we are not aware of any of these causing skin or other malignancies. We highly recommend these moisturizing skin aids for healthy skin. Each person should try to find one that suits their skin the best, and use it 2 to 3 times daily. Moisturizers for the face for women and men, and the whole body, used daily, are beneficial.
What can I do with “dryness pain” during sex?
This is a normal or physiologic condition that comes with menopause or with age, usually above 40, although even younger women could have decreased vaginal secretion to allow for a comfortable and pleasurable sex. Water-soluble lubricants, like KY Jelly, which is sterile (free of bacteria) helps tremendously in situations like this. Some women may be allergic or sensitive to some lubricants. Oil is not safe to use. And neither is saliva, since it is full of bacteria and can cause infection. It is also a good practice for the partners take a shower before and, preferably also after, an intimate encounter to prevent infection.
Is heartburn a form of heart attack?
No, heartburn is a misnomer, misleading and confusing. It has nothing to do with the heart, so it is not a form of heart attack. Heartburn has been loosely used, even in medical circles, to denote stomach hyperacidity, gastric upset, or indigestion, especially following intake of spicy foods or drinking alcoholic beverages, or GERD (gastro-esophageal reflux disease).
Does exercise increase appetite?
Contrary to popular belief or what we call “common sense,” exercise does not increase the appetite. As a matter of fact, regular exercise reduces appetite to a healthy level. This is a proven finding among those trying to lose weight, where exercise plays a vital role in the success of the regimen and the long-term maintenance of healthier weight. Exercise also reduces the risk for metabolic and cardiovascular disease and cancer.
Can one get an infection from manicure?
Yes, most definitely, and especially in the toes, from pedicure. The Tinea Pedis can affect the fingernails, when a nail cutter and other instrument to remove cuticle are contaminated by the fungus in the toes or toenails of people with the infection. It is the responsibility of the beauty shops to prevent infection and the spread of infection among their customers. Washing the “instruments” and soaking them in recommended medical antiseptic solutions, or even in diluted form of chlorine, or UV-C lamp can minimize, if not prevent contamination. Chlorine solution, for one, also kills the AIDS virus on contact. When beauty shops do not follow these safe and hygienic procedures, it behooves any of us customers to report them to the company to protect the public. We must always be on our toes!
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The opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed by the author do not necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints of Asian Journal, its management, editorial board and staff.
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Philip S. Chua, MD, FACS, FPCS, a Cardiac Surgeon Emeritus based in Northwest Indiana and Las Vegas, Nevada, is an international medical lecturer/author, health advocate, medical missionary, newspaper columnist, and chairman of the Filipino United Network-USA, a 501(c)3 humanitarian foundation in the United States. He is a recipient of the Indiana Sagamore of the Wabash Award in 1995, presented by then Indiana Governor, U.S. senator, and later a presidential candidate, Evan Bayh. Other Sagamore past awardees include President Harry S. Truman, President George HW Bush, Astronaut Gus Grissom, pugilist Muhammad Ali, distinguished educators, scientists, etc. (Wikipedia). Websites: FUN8888.com, Today.SPSAtoday.com, and philipSchua.com; Email: scalpelpen@gmail.com.
