Thoughts From an Experienced Lasik Patient

I have noticed that more people I work with are talking about, or undergoing, the Lasik vision correction procedure. I don’t know really know why Lasik has suddenly become more popular in my company, but I do know that there are a number of rumors about Lasik that I am not sure are true. Let me just talk about my long term experience with Lasik.

It has been more than eight years since I had the Lasik procedure, so I was one of the early and brave pioneers! Perhaps I wasn’t that brave when considering Lasik, for my vision in each eye was worse than -9. Even now, Lasik physicians consider that a very strong case and do caution prospective clients that the Lasik process will likely improve their vision, but may not eliminate the total need for glasses.

The Lasik operation itself had mild pressure and some unusual feelings, but no real discomfort or pain. This is still true in modern Lasik procedures, and hopefully they are even better at keeping the client comfortable. I do notice that now Lasik physicians also give a mild sedative mainly for psychological reasons, which I think I would have appreciated back then.

Two or three days after the Lasik operation I was astounded to find I had VERY clear vision in each eye, at least 20/20. Considering my previous prescription, you can imagine how fervently I thanked my Lasik physician. However, I did also have temporary symptoms of considerable dryness in each eye (which was helped by eye drops), and also halos around lights at night.

A few months after the Lasik procedure I noticed my vision changing a bit, though very slightly. The best way I can describe it is that the crisp edges no longer looked exceedingly crisp, but each object still seemed to be in focus. At my one year Lasik correction anniversary my physician said that one eye was still at 20/20, but the other had changed slightly to 20/40. However, I was still a great statistic for the Lasik correction procedure, and we were both still happy with the results.

In the years between the original Lasik procedure and now, my vision is still 20/20 in one eye and 20/40 in the other. I do have a pair of glasses and one contact lens for that eye, but rarely bother with them unless I am doing something like watching a movie. My long track record after the Lasik procedure has given hope to a number of other people in my office. I do want to say though that I was over 35 when I had the operation, and my Lasik physician said that the stability of my eyes and my age were good indicators that the Lasik results would be long term.

I hope this encourages people with bad vision to talk to a local Lasik physician about scheduling a Lasik procedure. Find a physician that has a good track record, and one that you trust, and I hope that your long term Lasik results will be as good as mine!

Treatment Talk: What You Must Do To Treat Male Menopause

Treatment Talk: What You Must Do To Treat Male Menopause

Andropause is the counterpart of menopause which is at times referred to as male menopause. It is a type of hormonal change wherein the testosterone levels of a man depletes. It is commonly experienced by men who reaches their second adulthood, which may start as early as thirty-five or as late as sixty-five. Once a mans production of testosterone level goes down, it will bring significant change to a mans life. Depending on how a male individual will react to the situation, it may be an advantage or a disadvantage for him.

There is one fact though that will be inevitable bothersome symptoms. For you to be able to successfully go through the andropause stage, you need to know how to treat the said condition.

Change in lifestyle.

The food you eat, how you administer your health regime, the social activities you have and how you basically run your life is a vital factor which can contribute to the way you will respond towards male menopause.

Therefore, studies show that in order for you to combat the symptoms of andropause, you need to establish a healthy lifestyle. By doing so, you can relieve some of male menopause symptoms. By choosing the food you eat, you are most likely be avoiding emotional exhaustion. Foods which contain too much caffeine can heighten nervousness and being nervous is one symptom which you should prevent.

Regular exercise should also be taken into account since during andropause stage sudden weight gain will be experienced. Additionally, studies show that exercise helps an individual achieve a more stable emotion.

You have to select the social activities you will be attending since it may be a factor to heighten the symptoms of male menopause. For instance, since at this stage insomnia may occur, you should do away with activities which will most likely fall on

Going Herbal

Along with establishing a healthy lifestyle, you may try herbs as a form of treatment on male menopause. There were clinical studies conducted in Europe which confirms success on andropause treatments with the use of herbs.

Helpful herbs are saw palmetto, avena sativa, eurycoma longifolia and tribulus terrestris.

Medical Treatment

Minor medical treatment includes intake of capsules and inhalation of lozenges which are common oral treatments to stabilize the testosterone level. Other male individuals have the option to go with testosterone injections since users find it effective. Another preference to even out the levels of testosterone is through the use of transdermal patches which are placed on the skin. Furthermore, a natural testosterone gel may be also be used. Some individuals who have used the gel testified to its effectiveness.

There are medical treatments appropriate for achieving the average amount of testosterone level. Testosterone replacement therapy is an alternative treatment to combat andropause wherein blood tests are being carried out to determine the amount of testosterone needed for it to normalize.

The type of treatment that you will follow depends on your personal preference and how responsible you are in undertaking the treatment option you have decided. However, it is best to discuss your desired treatment options with your physician since having too much of testosterone level is unhealthy.

If you want to overcome male menopause, you need to start with yourself. Acknowledge that you have and do what must be done to continue living the normal and happy life you once have.

Relief for Arthritis

Relief for Arthritis
Nestler

Inflammation or degeneration of the joints is a common problem
especially as one ages, and sufferers are constantly on the
lookout for arthritis
relief.

Popping a pill may be the first thought that comes to mind,
perhaps a pain killer or one of the anti-inflammatory
medications. The latter come in the form of pills, ointments,
gels or salves and may provide the desired relief. However, if
the problem persists, use of medication should be discussed with
a physician so the sufferer is aware of possible side-effects
and precautions with their use.

In spite of the pain, moderate daily exercise, such as swimming,
walking, or perhaps physical therapy is critical if the
arthritis sufferer is to maintain mobility in the joints. A
therapist will help design an exercise program which, when
interspersed with rest periods, will help reduce joint
inflammation. Moist heat is helpful in reducing pain and
increasing ease of movement. Heat is soothing and infra-red is a
penetrating heat. Placed about 60cm or 24inches from the
affected joint, for about 20 minutes, up to 3 times daily, it
may be helpful, especially just before beginning an exercise
routine. However, there is probably no long term benefit.

A physiotherapist may give advice on maintaining correct
posture, during sitting and standing. Some individuals seek
relief from various forms of alternative medicine. . Needless to
say, excess body weight aggravates the problem.

In severe cases, surgical procedures may be necessary;
artificial joints may be implanted to replace those damaged
beyond repair.

Some detective work on the part of the sufferer may be called
for. By determining when the symptoms pop up, it may be possible
to manage some of the suffering. Pain in a joint may be felt
during or after use, or after a period of inactivity. Discomfort
may signal a change in the weather or be felt during it.

Although there’s no cure for arthritis, available treatments can
relieve pain and help you remain active. At the first signs of
the illness, treatment should begin. Rest and easy exercise such
as swimming may be effective starting points along with some
over the counter medications to ease the pain and improve joint
functioning.

Among the treatments your doctor may suggest are medication,
self-care, physical therapy and occupational therapy.
Occasionally surgery is recommended.

In addition, how well you live with arthritis often depends on
your behaviors and attitude. If you actively manage your
arthritis, you may be able to gain control over your pain.

SEO Solutions and one way
link publicity services provided by LinkAcquire.

David C Skul – CEO
LinkAcquire.com and Relativity, Inc. can provide
global market exposure
and solutions

About the author:
None

Talking to Your Lasik Surgeon

For anyone considering a Lasik procedure to correct vision, it is crucial to find a physician that is reputable and caring. It is also very important that they are experienced and knowledgeable in the Lasik procedure, and that they have a track record of patients that are happy with the treatment they received and the results that they got.

This guide gives a number of basic questions that you should ask when deciding on which Lasik center and which doctor to select for your Lasik procedure. The comfort you have during the process, and even the results that you receive, may depend on getting good answers to these questions. It is important to realize that the answers to these questions will vary from physician to physician.

The first question to ask is “How many years have you been performing this type of Lasik surgery?” There are several variations of the Lasik procedure, and the doctor should have a track record of at least three years in doing Lasik procedures. This amount of time also allows the doctor to watch his patients and the long term success of their Lasik procedures.

Next, ask the physician for the number of Lasik procedures they have performed in the last two years. The physician should do the operation frequently enough that he is well versed in current procedures. Also, he should be successful enough that prospective Lasik patients feel comfortable in coming to the Lasik center. The physician should perform at least 500 Lasik surgeries in the last two years.

At this point, ask what percent of his clients that underwent Lasik surgery ended up with 20/40 vision or better. Notice that not all patients will achieve 20/20 vision, and that is acceptable. However, it is important that 90 percent of the patients get at least a 20/40 correction after the first Lasik procedure. Claims of much more than 90 percent might make him seem much better, but in this case ask for evidence that that number is true. There are some exceptional physicians out there, but also a few Lasik doctors that make unfounded claims. Asking the doctor what percentage of Lasik patients achieve 20/20 should run about 50 percent. Again, if the number is greatly higher, ask for evidence.

Finally, ask about post-Lasik complications. The percentage of patients that experience complications after 6 months is complete should be 3 percent or less. If the physician claims that complications are so rare that he doesn’t keep records, you should be very suspicious and ask for evidence, if any. No doctor is perfect. Similarly, when asked the percentage of patients that require an additional operation to achieve clear vision, the number should be less than 10 percent.

To wrap up the interview, ask the physician what types of Lasik procedures he recommends and practices, and under what circumstances he denied a Lasik procedure to a patient. Not all vision challenged people are good candidates for a Lasik operation, and the doctor should at least have a few examples of people he dissuaded from the operation.

Finally, ask about the cost of the operation and if financing plans are available through the Lasik center. A physician that is willing to sit down and discuss these questions is often a physician that will address any other medical issues that come up, and is a good prospect to perform your Lasik procedure.