Gastrointestinal Bleeding

Do you have a health condition that affects your digestive tract?  If so, you may have before…or you may currently experience gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding.  GI bleeding is a symptom of a disorder that is affecting your digestive tract.  Keep in mind, your digestive tract includes your esophagus, stomach, small/large intestine, rectum and anus.  Bleeding can occur from any of those areas and it could be such a small amount that only a laboratory test may be the only way to determine it.  The blood that is lost often appears in your stool or maybe even in your vomit…or the blood that is lost may not be visible at all.  Overall, GI bleeding can be mild…or it can be severe enough to be life-threatening. 

If you or your loved have been diagnosed with any of the following digestive disorders, be advised that GI bleeding may result at one point or another.  The disorders include:

·      Peptic ulcers

·      Inflammatory bowel disease

·      Diverticulosis

·      Hemorrhoids

·      Colon polyps

·      Cancerous tumors

·      Tears in the esophagus

·      Ulcerative colitis

·      Crohn’s disease

In addition to noticing black or tarry stools and seeing blood come up if you vomit, you could also notice bright red blood in your stools.  As mentioned above, the blood loss may not even be noticeable either…which could ultimately end up causing a shortage of blood in your body over time, meaning that most likely a blood transfusion would be in your future to replace the blood you have lost.  Identifying the exact source of what is causing your GI bleed may be rather difficult, especially if it starts in the small intestine.  The signs of bleeding in the digestive tract depend upon where it is and how much bleeding there is, following are some signs to become familiar with.

·      Signs of bleeding in the upper digestive tract

·      Bright red blood in vomit

·      Vomit that looks like coffee grounds

·      Black or tarry stool

·      Dark blood mixed with your stool

·      Signs of bleeding in the lower digestive tract

·      Black or tarry stool

·      Dark blood mixed with stool

·      Stool mixed or coated with bright red blood

Certain situations or health conditions may prove to place you at a greater risk of developing some sort of GI bleeding during your lifespan.  For example your risk increases with age, and with chronic use of certain medications including Coumadin, heparin, aspirin, Advil, Aleve, etc.  If at any time you notice any of the signs mentioned above, do not hesitate to bring it to the attention of your healthcare provider.  Early intervention could prove to decrease any continued blood loss and result in better health for you.

In order to best diagnose and look for the cause of any suspected GI bleeding, generally a procedure referred to as an endoscopy will be performed.  An endoscopy procedure is performed by using a flexible instrument that is inserted through the mouth or the rectum in order to take a look at the inside of the GI tract.  On the other hand, a colonoscopy procedure involves a slightly different procedure with the goal of observing the inside of the large intestine (colon) with entrance through the rectum. 

Treatment of GI bleeding will depend upon how serious it is.  Of course if you are experiencing a great, consistent loss of blood from a GI bleed your blood pressure may significantly drop which will result in more invasive and emergent treatment measures.  Having a GI bleed may require anything from taking oral or IV medications to receiving a blood transfusion to replace the volume you have lost.  In addition, with a drop in blood pressure you will receive IV fluids to help further replace your lost volume.

Total Home Health has a program that is right for you or your loved one and our healthcare professionals are compassionate individuals that are always attentive to every aspect of your health and needs.  Your optimal health and safety is our number one priority, and with our frequent visits to the comforts of your own home we will report any changes in your condition to your medical provider as we see fit to keep your treatment regimen the best it can be.  Enroll today with Total Home Health to be on your way to a brighter health care future tomorrow!

Bacterial Meningitis

Our central nervous system is a very important part of our body that we greatly rely on in order to function without impairment on a daily basis.  The central nervous system consists of the brain and spinal cord, which are two vital parts of our body and if they are even slightly compromised, it may greatly affect us.  Surrounding the brain and spinal cord are parts referred to as meninges, and when these parts become infected…meningitis is the diagnosis.  The type of meningitis then will of course depend upon the causative agent whether it was a virus, bacteria, or a fungus.  You should be aware that meningitis infections may occur quickly and they could possibly stick around a month or longer.

Bacterial meningitis is the most common form of meningitis and it can be life-threatening.  The bacterial infection you acquire will have the potential to cause the tissues around your brain to swell.  Thus, if swelling occurs it can greatly affect blood flow to your brain which could result in life-threatening situations, including paralysis and stroke.  Generally, the onset of symptoms of this condition is fast…usually within 24 hours of acquiring the bacterial infection.  Be on alert for the following signs and symptoms of bacterial meningitis, including:

·      High fever

·      Headaches

·      Stiff neck characterized by an inability to lower your chin to your chest

·      Confusion

·      Irritability

·      Increasing drowsiness

·      Seizures and/or stroke

A scary fact is that the bacteria that are most often responsible for this condition are actually very common in your environment…these bacteria can also be found in your nose and respiratory system and may not even cause you any harm.  There are cases of bacterial meningitis that occur for unknown reasons too, and then some cases will occur after sustaining a head injury or having an infection that has weakened your immune system.  There are certain circumstances that may also place you at an increased risk of acquiring bacterial meningitis during your lifetime, including:

·      Alcohol abuse

·      Chronic nose and ear infections

·      Head injury or trauma

·      Pneumococcal pneumonia

·      Weakened immune system

·      Have had the spleen removed

·      Take corticosteroids due to kidney failure of sickle cell disease

·      Any history of brain or spinal surgery

·      Widespread blood infection

Due to being so common of a condition, you most likely have heard of meningitis occurring in certain living situations where you are in close contact with other individuals, such as in college dormitories.  Not to get off topic, but it is always a great idea to have your children vaccinated for meningitis prior to leaving for college for extra protection.  If you feel that you experience any of the signs and/or symptoms of meningitis or fall into one or more of the high risk categories, Total Home Health asks that you never hesitate to seek out medical attention.  Bacterial meningitis is a condition that should be treated as quickly as possible to prevent life-threatening situations. 

To diagnose you, your medical provider will perform a physical examination.  He or she will assess for a purple/red rash on your skin, check your neck for any stiffness, and also examine your hips/knees to see how well they flex.  Due to bacterial meningitis affecting your brain…there may be areas during your physical assessment that may be compromised and could prove that you indeed have meningitis.  A spinal tap procedure may also have to be completed in order to determine which type of meningitis you have acquired.  Your medical provider will thoroughly discuss any tests and procedures in detail with you if you are a candidate.  Keep in mind also that your blood, urine, and mucus from your nose/throat may also have to be evaluated to determine the cause of your infection to effectively treat it. 

After diagnosis your specific, patient-centered treatment plan will be formulated based upon the type of meningitis you have acquired.  Bacterial meningitis will be initially treated with an intravenous (IV) corticosteroid to reduce the inflammation, along with a general antibiotic.  Once the specific type of bacteria is ruled out that is the cause of your meningitis, the IV antibiotic will be changed in order to best treat and fight off your infection.  In addition to antibiotics, you will also receive fluids to maintain your hydration and/or replace fluid that was lost from any sweating, vomiting, diarrhea or any loss of appetite from your infection. 

Total Home Health has a program that is right for you and our professionals will be ready to extend our helping hands to you 24/7/365 at any time you are affected by meningitis.  Your health and safety will always be our number one priority, and we will do all we can in order to provide you with the best care in the comforts of your own home.  Bacterial meningitis can be a very serious condition and our professionals understand that the quickest and most effective treatment in this situation is ideal in order for your best outcome both in your home and outside of your home.  Enroll with Total Home Health today and become a part of a wonderful team that will never, ever let you down and will always put your healthcare needs first.

Coronary Artery Disease

Coronary artery disease…sounds confusing doesn’t it?  Well, no worries because with Total Home Health we always try to come up with the best and most understandable ways to educate our patients.  Teaching and making patients like you aware of how different health conditions can impact your life, may prevent future complications and chronic conditions if the information we provide you with is put to good use. 

So what is coronary artery disease?  The major blood vessels that supply your heart with blood, oxygen and other nutrients it needs are referred to as your coronary arteries.  When these coronary arteries become damaged or diseased, your will end up with coronary artery disease.  As time passes, there is plaque that floats throughout your arteries and bloodstream that is usually to blame for development of coronary artery disease.  There are times when this plaque will begin getting stuck to the walls of your arteries and continue to accumulate over time.  With this build up of plaque, it will begin to compromise how well blood flows throughout your arteries and begin to cause problems.  With decreased blood flow you may experience chest pain, shortness of breath, or other symptoms. 

Don’t get too disgruntled if you have been diagnosed with coronary artery disease just yet because there are plenty of ways you can prevent and treat this condition…starting by modifying some aspects of your lifestyle.  Signs and symptoms of coronary artery disease to be aware of include:

·      Chest pain.  You may begin to feel tightness in your chest, which is pain referred to as angina.  This pain is usually triggered by physical or emotional stress in your life and it generally will go away within minutes after your stop any stressful activities. 

·      Shortness of breath.  If your heart isn’t able to pump enough blood to meet the demands of your body, you may develop shortness of breath to attempt to compensate.

·      Heart attack.  If a coronary artery were to become completely blocked with plaque this would mean no blood would be able to flow to the areas in which it was needed and that area would no longer function correctly, which would lead to a heart attack.  The classic symptoms of a heart attack including crushing pressure in your chest and pain that radiates into your shoulder and down into your arm.  The pain could also be accompanied by shortness of breath and sweating. 

Never hesitate to seek out medical attention if you experience any of the above signs and symptoms.  Early treatment could prove to save your life, it’s always better to be safe than sorry when it comes to your health.  What causes and puts you at risk for coronary artery disease may vary, and damage could even begin as early as childhood.  Damage may be caused by various factors, including:

·      Smoking

·      Nicotine will constrict your blood vessels and carbon monoxide will damage their inner lining, which makes them more susceptible to accumulation of plaque.

·      High blood pressure

·      If uncontrolled, this can lead to hardening and thickening of your arteries which narrows the channels that blood flows through. 

·      High cholesterol

·      This can increase the risk of forming plaques, which will build up and cause impairments with blood flow.

·      Physical inactivity

·      Regular exercising, even if it is just walking for 30 minutes 5 days a week, will decrease your risk.

·      Age

·      Getting older increases your risk for coronary artery disease.

·      Gender

·      Males are generally at a higher risk of coronary artery disease; however, the risk for females increases after menopause.

·      Family history

·      If a close relative (parent or sibling) developed heart disease at any early age, your risk will be higher.

·      High stress levels

·      Having unrelieved stress can be damaging to many aspects of your body, including increasing your risk for development of coronary artery disease.

·      Diabetes

·      Radiation therapy in the chest related to certain cancers

·      Obesity

Often individuals will have more than one risk factor and usually they will occur in a cluster and build upon one another, which will significantly increase your risk for coronary artery disease.  For example, obesity that leads to high blood pressure and diabetes.  Complications of this condition can be life threatening if left untreated and may include: chest pain, heart attack, heart failure and an abnormal heart rhythm.  Total Home Health greatly encourages you to contact your medical providers at the first inclination of a change or worsening of your condition.  The more prompt treatment you receive, the more positive your outcome will be. 

There are several diagnostic exams your provider can perform in order to confirm your diagnosis.  The various exams will be discussed with you in detail by your provider according to your own unique situation.  Once diagnosed, your treatment regimen will be decided and could include everything from simple lifestyle changes, to oral medications, to more invasive interventions such as surgery, and more.

Total Home Health has a program that will fit into your lifestyle and work to control your coronary artery disease.  Our professionals will work closely with you day in and day out in order to stay on top of the best ways to treat your specific symptoms.  Encouraging you to make commitments to following healthier lifestyle changes and providing you with ongoing education related to your condition are two priorities of Total Home Health. 

As professionals with experience we will recommend to you that in order to promote healthier arteries you could work with us to do things such as smoking cessation, eat more healthy, exercise, lose any excess weight and work to reduce any stress you may have.  At Total Home Health we understand that making changes is easier said than done, and we want to be the ones that help you make these changes.  Enroll today, you will never be disappointed!

Type 2 Diabetes

Finding out you’ve been diagnosed with diabetes may cause you to feel slightly overwhelmed or lost if you aren’t exactly sure how to manage the condition.  No worries though because the professional healthcare providers at Total Home Health are ready to join in your journey with you.  Our highly-skilled nurses and other professionals will be by your side to educate you and provide you with the best regimen that will help manage your type 2 diabetes to prevent possible complications and promote your health as best as we possibly can.

Type 2 diabetes is sometimes referred to as adult-onset or noninsulin-dependent diabetes; however it is still a chronic condition that affects the way the body metabolizes sugar…which is an important source of fuel for your body.  Type 2 diabetes is much more common than type 1 diabetes.  With type 2 diabetes, the body either resists the effects of insulin or doesn’t produce enough of it in order to maintain a normal blood glucose level.  Remember, insulin is the hormone that regulates the movement of sugar into your cells.  There is no cure for type 2 diabetes; however it can be managed well if you are motivated and eager to follow your treatment plans. 

The symptoms of type 2 diabetes generally develop rather slowly…this means you could have type 2 diabetes for years and not even have the slightest clue!  Some possible symptoms to become familiar with and look for may include:

·      Increased thirst and frequent urination.

·      If there is excess sugar in your bloodstream, it will cause fluids to be pulled away from other tissues…which may leave you thirsty.  Therefore, you’ll probably drink and urinate more than normal.

·      Increased hunger.

·      Due to there not being enough insulin to move sugar into your cells, your muscles and organs will be depleted of energy…which will trigger intense hunger in order to replace energy.

·      Weight loss.

·      Although you may feel like you eat more than usual, you may also be losing weight.  Due to not being able to metabolize glucose, your body may have to turn to alternate areas and use up glucose that has been stored.  Therefore, calories will be lost as the excess glucose is released in the urine.

·      Being tired.

·      If your cells are continually deprived of sugar, you may become tired and irritable more often.

·      Blurred vision.

·      If your blood sugar gets too high, fluid could be pulled from the lenses of your eyes which may result in your ability to focus clearly.

·      Delayed healing.

·      Type 2 diabetes will affect your ability to heal and even resist infections.  Diabetes affects circulation, which if becomes impaired could delay adequate nutrients from getting to compromised skin areas would cause delayed healing.

If you were to notice any of the above symptoms, do not hesitate to contact your medical provider…it’s better to be safe than sorry.  The quicker you start treatment, the less risk you’ll have of developing more complications in the future.  Type 2 diabetes will develop when the body becomes resistant to insulin or when the pancreas stops producing enough insulin.  The cause of exactly why this happens is actually unknown.  However genetics, environmental factors, excessive weight and inactivity all seem to contribute to development of this condition. 

In type 2 diabetes the processes of both glucose and insulin in the body do not correctly work together.  Instead of sugar being captured by insulin and moving into your cells, it just continues to build up in the bloodstream.  The pancreas will notice this and begin to make more insulin to compensate, however eventually with consistently high amounts of blood sugar; the pancreas is unable to keep up and cannot make enough insulin to meet the demands of the body.

There are certain factors that may increase your risk of developing type 2 diabetes, including the following:

·      Being overweight is a primary risk because the more fatty tissue you have, the more resistant your cells become to insulin.

·      If your body stores fat primarily in your abdominal area, your risk is greater than if your body stores fat elsewhere in places such as your hips and thighs.

·      The less active you are the greater your risk.  This is because physical activity will help to control your weight and use up glucose as energy to make your cells more sensitive to insulin.

·      If your parent or sibling also has a history of type 2 diabetes…your risk increases.

·      The risk of type 2 diabetes increases with age, especially after age 45.

·      For women, having polycystic ovary syndrome will increase the risk; this condition is characterized by irregular menses, excess hair growth on the body and obesity.

Having diabetes can lead to development of many chronic conditions and prove to compromise your health, especially if it is uncontrolled.  Diagnosis will most likely be made from a blood test called hemoglobin A1C, which is a test that indicates your average blood sugar level for the past two to three months…keep in mind normal levels for this blood test are below 5.7%.  Your provider will go into greater detail as to how you may be affected and what treatment plans will be the best for your situation once you are diagnosed. 

Total Home Health and our skilled professionals will go out of our way in order to provide you with the most optimal care related to your type 2 diabetes.  Management of type 2 diabetes will include healthy eating, regular exercise, regular monitoring of your blood sugar and possibly use of diabetes medication or insulin.  Helping you to modify some aspects of your lifestyle will be the first priority of Total Home Health.  This is because making lifestyle improvements may significantly help to manage your blood sugar levels before more risky and invasive treatment, such as medication or insulin, have to be used. 

Enroll today with Total Home Health and you’ll be on your way to a much better journey with your diagnosis of type 2 diabetes.  We will always be attentive to any changes in your condition and continuously educate you.  Diabetes can be a nuisance and our goal is to keep you on the right track to live a happy and healthy life!