I have a degree in Biomedical Engineering and Psychology from Northwestern University. I finished medical school and completed my M.D. at the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine. I am currently in my residency for surgery- hopefully to be specializing in neurosurgery.
I want to answer questions on medical type questions. I'm a big fan of Dr. Drew Pinsky on Love Line and would like to help younger people from the mistakes I see a lot of young people do when they come into my ER.
Gender: Male
Location: I'm from all over.
Occupation: Physician- Surgeon
Age: 29
AIM: ArunKSherma
Member Since: January 23, 2005
Answers: 188
Last Update: January 2, 2009
Visitors: 18506
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I want to make my boyfriend happy, but I don't know how. I truly love him but I'm not happy myself actually (link)
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Contrary to popular belief, guys are fairly easy to keep happy. If he really loves you and you really love him- and you show it and tell him- then he is happy. There is nothing special that you need to do to keep him happy. Listen to him. Let him be honest with you. Be honest with him. He will appreciate knowing that he can be honest without the fear of losing you. Love takes a lot of work, but it is worth it at the end.
As for yourself not being happy- you have to work on that. Your boyfriend would be more than happy to help you. If anything, he hates the fact that you're not happy and that he may get frustrated knowing that he can't make you happy. You have to remind him though that this is something not to do with him, and when it comes to him, he does make you happy.
Watching someone go into depression, esp. someone you love, is a hard thing to do. However, with all types of depression, you can't force them to seek treatment or be better. Your boyfriend will be there, but you need to make an active effort to make yourself happy. Because, if you don't, he may start to think that he is the one making you unhappy.
I know there wasn't a lot of concrete answer to this and sorry for the delay in response. I have had some things that I had to work on for the last several days. Generally, my "expertise" lies in the realm of medicine/surgery. I'm far from adept at answering questions about relationships.
Thanks and Happy New Year.
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Hi, I'm a 30 year old female.
This may be a lengthy question, but I'm in need of a medical opinion.
I'll start off by saying that I keep thinking in the back of my head that I should go see my OB. However, my medical insurance was canceled before my postnatal check up, and right now I can't afford to go unless I absolutely have to.
A bit of history:
I have 2 children. My first, induced a week early due to elevated BP. It ended in c-section due to no progression.
Four months after that c-section, I discovered I was pregnant with my second child. He was born 13 months after my first, also by c-section 2 weeks before his due date.
There were no problems with that pregnancy other than more muscle/ligament pain than the first.
I had my OB do a tubal ligation at that time.
I had problems with heavy bleeding and clots afterwards. 3 weeks postnatal, I had to take pills for 3 days(I don't recall the name) to make my uterus contract. Heavy bleeding and clots still occurred, so she did an ultrasound. She was pleased with the results. The bleeding did finally ease up and stop about a week later.
Now, my problem is that my menstrual periods seem strange since my second birth. After the postnatal bleeding, I got my period 3 weeks later. I wasn't concerned then, but it seems since then, my cycle has been running frequently. The time between this MP and my LMP is 16 days.
Is this something that is normal, or should I scrape together some cash to visit my OB? I'm worried about it, yet at the same time, I have two kids to buy diapers for, and I don't want to go if it isn't necessary. Of course, I certainly will find a way to afford to go if it IS. (If that makes sense at all.)
Thanks so much for your help, I really appreciate it. :-) (link)
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Thank you for your question. First, I must warn that my area of specialty is in the neurosciences (specifically neurosurgery), but I will try to answer to the best of my ability. Nothing beats the opinion of an OBGYN- which depending on the city you're in- mostly University programs will be able to accommodate someone who doesn't have insurance.
There are some questions:
1. Are you breast feeding?
2. Have you noticed any other changes that seem strange? Decreased pubic hair, tenderness, changes in voice, changes in temperature (feeling very hot or cold), changes in appetite.
3. What is your weight?
The reason why these questions are important is because one needs to establish if this is a hormonal problem or a "physical" problem. Due to some hormonal irregularities that happen especially during pregnancy, a woman may have too much progesterone which may cause quickened bleeding. Are you getting short of breath or are you getting tired? This may be a sign of anemia (low hemoglobin).
Although, I think that the reason for this is just secondary to your pregnancy, it would be best for you to be checked out by an OBGYN (if you have a fibroid- it can continually bleed for a long time).
If you tell me what city you're in- I can possibly suggest a women's hospital or b/c you are post- natal Women's and children's hospital would be best to go to.
Please let me know if I can help anymore. I'm sorry I wish I could tell you something more definitive.
-AK
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i have had colitis once before. COuld someone tell me the difference between colitis symtoms and diaherra (sp?) symtoms and how to get rid of them!!!! plz! (link)
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Diarrhea is a symptom while colitis is a disease. Colitis literally means inflammation of the colon. Diarrhea is increased frequency and liquid consistency of bowel movements.
Most people when they have diarrhea do not have colitis. There are many reasons for diarrhea but in someone your age (13)- gastroenteritis/ viral infection/ or food poisoning are most common.
Most of the time these will just pass with time- but it is important to stay hydrated (gatorade or pedialyte) and to eat very bland dry food if tolerated (toast). Sometimes if the diarrhea is severe and causes severe dehydration- at the hospital they may decide to give you IV (through the vein) fluids to keep you hydrated while your body cures itself. Sometimes a medication- like Immodium is given to stop bowel movements.
In colitis- the usual treatment is antibiotics which a doctor will give you if he suspects you having a true colitis (which usually is diagnosed with a CT scan or the gold standard a colonoscopy).
I hope you feel be
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I am very stressed out at the moment, to the point where I am continuously having trouble falling asleep, focus when I really need to, keep myself motivated, etc., etc. I am preparing for one of the most important exams of my academic (and professional) life, the dreaded LSAT, and the stress is, of course, doing absolutely nothing to improve the situation; it's debilitating in a way. I understand that most people who have to take this exam are stressed- the whole law school application process, along with this exam, is enough to drive more than a couple people berserk. But the thought that everyone in this boat goes through this is doing nothing to help.
I thought I'd ask for some advice on how to manage stress...it could only help. For anyone (and I imagine it's lots of people) who has had test anxiety, stress of any sort, actually, what are some good (and healthy) ways to manage the stress and keep focused? It's getting in the way of everything...so any advice is appreciated. (link)
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I know what you feel about going through stress. When I had to take the MCAT and go through the process of getting into medical school- I was barely sleeping, not eating, self- medicating (then again I was a coasting senior), but regardless, I found that later exams that I had to take (United States Medical Licensing Exam)- I found a better way to deal with the stress.
The first thing is to make yourself a study schedule. Cramming is a horrible thing to do and will not help you retain information. Come up with a realistic time line on how much time you think you will need to prepare sufficiently for the exam.
Second, you cannot spend 8-12 hours a day studying for this exam. You need to spend some time doing things that you enjoy and just like your study schedule you need to stick to them.
Exercising, yoga, pilates are all great ways to relieve stress.
Eat foods that are high protein and low sugar/ carbs. Carbs and sugar will eventually make you feel really tired. protein, fruits and vegetables will not make you as tired.
Remember- stress in small doses is a good thing- it helps our brains and our bodies in situations. Learning to control stress is a wonderful skill to have. Also, remember, this is one exam- it is not your life, because I thought that way of the MCAT. If you prepare and have passion, it will come out- especially if you interview- and you will be a great lawyer.
Best of luck,
AK
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I went to the doctors the other day, and I got told that I have a huge nasal polymer(I think it was polymer..something poly anyway :\)
It's about 90% in capacity, so I'm getting it removed in August.
I'm 15/f btw.
I know it's about a 15 minute surgery, and I'll be under general anesthetic but I'm a bit scared.
How will I feel after surgery?
How do you go on anesthetic..so on.
So if you've had the surgery, I'd like your experience!
Thanks! (link)
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I've done the surgery in the past- so I can tell you what the procedure is like. What you most likely have is a benign nasal polyp. It is an overgrowth of epithelial tissue (the stuff your skin is made of) that grows- at times it can block one of your nasal passages. When it becomes this much of a issue, it is an easy procedure to have it removed.
You will arrive at the hospital early. If you haven't already- you will have some simple blood tests drawn and an IV will be started- generally in your hand or arm. You will meet the anesthesiologist ( the doctor responsible to keep you asleep) and the surgeons- the attending and possibly a resident or PA who will help with the surgery. You will also meet the nurse rotator. In all you will have at least 5 people in the OR for you (2 surgeons, nurse rotator, anesthesiologist, and scrub nurse- the nurse who hands us our instruments during the surgery). You will be given medication through you IV that will make you very sleepy and then eventually you will be put asleep. You will have the breathing tube inserted into your mouth into your trachea but you will not know it.
The procedure is very quick and you may wake up with your nose hurting and with some "packing" in your nose. Usually you can take this packing out later in the day. You go to the recovery room (the tube in your throat is already pulled out when you're half- asleep so you don't even remember having it). They'll keep you in the recovery room to make sure your pain is controlled and that you can eat without getting sick. You go home with a prescription for pain killers and that will be your day.
Any other questions- don't hesitate to ask.
-AK
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hey. i was wondering.
whats the right weight for a 16 year old female who's 5'4 and 1/4?
and how can i get to that weight?
i'm 142 right now. i'm looking for about 10lbs off.
is that too much? or too little?
i don't really care how long it takes me too lose it.
i gained a few lbs this weekend from pigging out on junkfood.
but i'm willing to stop and eat healthy.
help? (link)
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Your ideal weight is around 120lbs. However, this also depends on your body frame. If you're a larger frame then it is okay to have more weight. Your Body Mass Index (the number we use to classify obesity etc.) is 24.4 or around there, which is on the higher end of normal, so I wouldn't worry. Since, you are young, your metabolic needs are higher than someone who is much older.
Taking off 10lbs would be ideal, but the best way to go about it is to take it off slowly (approximately 1-2 lbs a week). 3500 kcal= 1 lbs. Your energy needs- assuming you are active is around 1800 kcal a day. If you decrease this amount by 250 calories or about 1500 a day then you will slowly take the weight off. Starving only causes your body to store fat (best source of energy) and therefore it is important to eat a lot of small meals (5-6 a day) to tell your body you have enough energy to supply it. If you exercise- 30 minutes a day- then you will easily take off about 1-2 lbs a week and get to your goal.
Any more questions- don't hesitate to ask.
Best of luck,
AK
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i live in NY. i left from las vegas on thursday. so from 4pm their time(7pm NY time) to 4am Vegas time on friday morning(7am NY time) i was on a plane for that long due to weather reasons and we couldn't land. i got off the plane for half an hour to switch planes but i was basically on a plane for 12 hours. ever since i've had a terrible headache. its been about 3 days now and tylenol hasn't worked. is this headache related to being on a plane for so long or is it just a really long headache? (link)
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How old are you? There could be a lot of reasons for the headache, a lot of which can be attributed to the change of climate. However, it is a bit concerning that the headache is not relieved with tylenol. Have you had these headaches before? Is there any light sensitivities that come along with these headaches? Any family history of migraines or the like? Do you have blurry vision? Are you nauseated? Do you drink a lot or any caffeine? Do you have allergies?
As you can see, there are a lot of questions that need to be answered to narrow down the possibilities. If the headaches are continuing, I would go to a physician who can further ask these questions and more and possibly get a scan. There are textbooks written on just headaches, and there is just not enough information in your story to be able to tell you what to do exactly. Caffeine actually is a good remedy for headaches- it causes the blood vessels in your brain to constrict, which ironically can relieve headaches- hence why Excederin and other "headache" medications have caffeine in the ingredients.
If you want any further help- I would need to know some more information before jumping into any conclusions.
AK
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any sujjestions?? (link)
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1. Grace Is Gone- Dave Matthews Band.
2. Alone- Blues Traveler
3. Alone- Ben Harper
4. A Long Time Ago- David Ford
5. Dreaming With A Broken Heart- John Mayer
6. Goodbye My Lover- James Blunt
7. When You're Gone- Avril Lavigne
8. I Do- Jude
9. Raining In Baltimore- Counting Crows
10. The Humpty Dumpty Love Song- Travis
There are so many that can fit your exact situation.
And of course the ultimate album of heartbreak/sadness- Chris Isaak "Forever Blue" album- great lyrics.
AK
"What came first- the music or the misery?"
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How should i manage my personal finance?
(link)
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It all depends where you are in your life. If you're out of school and working- I used this great book which is great for first time starters- and have suggested it to a lot of my buddies who are residents.
Susan Ormon's Money book for the Young, Fabulous and Broke. It is very easy to read and very basic- it doesn't go into stock investments and such, but it is iimportant to have a basic understanding before you get into more investment type things.
Best of luck,
AK
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all right, so I was looking into the university of massachusetts amherst the other day, and I couldn't find much about the financial payments, and things like that. I was specifically looking for whether or not a meal plan is included, housing, and all of that stuff, if its included with the tuiton. could someone please tell me? it'd be greatly appreciated. (link)
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If you're interested in the school I would recc that you contact their admissions department, and if you have the opportunity to go there, you can set up an appointment with them.
In general- college can be costly, but most people can get funding.
What costs are there:
1. Tuition: the price for the actual number of courses that you take (unit or credit hour).
2. Books and other class materials
3. Housing
4. Meal Plans- often housing and meal plans can be packaged together esp as a freshman, but they have different plans.
Those are the major costs.
If any other questions- don't hesitate to ask.
AK
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Does anyone know what highschool courses will help me to get into psychology??? (link)
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I have a degree in psychology. You don't need to take anything special in high school to major in it. Do well in your classes and get into a good college, when you get there- go to the psychology department and declare that you want to major in that- they will guide you the rest of the way.
If there is an AP Psychology class (wasn't offered when I was in high school), it will help to place out of intro Psych, but as a major I would still recc taking the course in college b/c it is a nice overview before getting into more complicated ideas.
Best of luck,
AK
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I'm 14 and I think I have Carpeltunnel.. Last night was the first time but I was on the computer and my pinky finger started going numb. Than my whole hand started going numb, and I was typing and using it then I started getting pains from my wrist to elbow... and when i do certain things it hurts wicked bad. Is that carpeltunnel?
(link)
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It may be the beginning of carpal tunnel however it doesn't sound like something that needs to be "treated" for the time being. Carpal Tunnel is a syndrome that occurs b/c the nerves that go down your arm into your hand have to go through this sheath (like a band) on the underside of your wrist to your hand. Sometimes this band with over use gets bigger and the nerve gets pinched and causes pain/numbness in the hand.
There are two "physical exams" that we do to test for it before more invasive procedures. The first is called a Tinel's sign test- in this we tap the inside of your wrist right in the middle- if you feel numbness, pain, tingling in your hand then it could be carpal tunnel. The other test is called a Phalen's sign- in this rest your elbows flat on a table- then let your hands hang down so your wrist is at 90 degrees- and if within a minute your hands go numb or tingling then it may be a positive for possible carpal tunnel. Another form of this test is elbows and arms flat and then hand up (like you're pushing something, bending at the wrist).
Very rare for carpal tunnel to go beyond the hand to the elbow. It may be more like tendonitis.
Some things you can do- rest your wrist- ibuprofen for the pain, warm compresses, and if it hurts to type you may want to get a wrist brace or what is called a "natural" keyboard (it is split keyboard which is more natural to how our wrists are instead of the standard straight keyboard.)
Best of luck,
AK
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so at cheer today i did something to my neck, i have no clue what.
all i was doing were log rolls, backing for them.
my parents are tight on money, and i don't want to go to the chiropractor.
is there any way to fix it.
it's on the back left side, and it hurts when i turn my head.
any way to help! (link)
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is it pain just in the neck or does the pain/numbness/tingling go down your arm/shoulder? I'm not sure what log rolls are, but I do know about neck pains. Most neck pains are just a strained muscle- which all you would need is an anti-inflammatory (Advil 400-600mg by mouth every 6-8 hours as needed), heating pads, and make sure you're not straining your neck when you sleep and to rest.
However, it can be more if you have a shooting pain or numbness or weakness in your arm starting from you neck. This could mean that you pulled a disc (very rare in young people), but it can be.
See how it feels over the next several days and y ou should be much better.
Oh- and I have to say this- NEVER go to a chiropractor- I have operated on way too many people's spines b/c they were "manipulated" by chiropractors- no one should be doing that to your spine.
Best of luck,
AK
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is a salvia high like a full blown trip or is it more of an intensified marijuana high?could someone describe what it feels like?oh,and if it's as intense as i've heard...why is it still legal? (link)
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During college in Chicago, I was part of a DEA lab that was and still is studying the effects of Salvia. The previous person does have most of the information correct, and I'm just going to add to it.
The reason that it is not illegal yet is because it has not been studied enough to make it illegal. The FDA and DEA are still researching the drug. Most drugs that are illegal, including marijuana was studied for a long time and more importantly had a very profound social impact. Saliva is still a fairly unknown drug and has not had too much of an effect yet on societal norms.
The "high" one experiences is one of a hallucinagen, however, it is not close to what you get with Peyote or LSD. It is very mild and often is used as a substance to enhance a "spiritual" ceremony in Native American cultures and other cultures around the world.
You would have to ingest/inhale a lot to get an effective high off of it. However, I would not be surprised in the next 5-10 years the studies will be done and it will be banned by the FDA/DEA.
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How do I get rid of it? I have a lot by my cheeks. I've been putting medication on it that contains Benzoyl Peroxide 5%. It's just like a random outburst. It doesn't bother me that much, but it does hurt. It's somewhat itchy in that area and ow?
How long will it take to go away? Any secrets to make it bring to a white head?
salicylic acid vs. benzoyl peroxide ?
I have both medication tubes. What works better? My skin is sensitive but I haven't used any medication or face washes in about a year, so my skin doesn't get irritated as badly as before. like angry red skin, you know?
any tips, please!
I don't have a lot of money. So something cheap or any home remedy. No toothpaste cuz that's gross & it dries my skin out. seriously doesnt do anything. don't suggest proactive either, i know how good it works. i'm not rich.. (link)
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If it is truly cystic acne- it means that there is an infection on your skin. Usually (and I know you don't want to hear this), but we give an oral and sometimes a topical antibiotic, which most insurance will cover with a physician's prescription.
Benzoyl Peroxide can be very drying to the skin .Salicyclic acid is very good to use to help clear some of that infection and I usually recommend that over the Peroxide. Also, another thing is to use a very gentle and mild soap with no fragrances. Dermatologists usually recc Ivory or the like- glycerin type soap is also very good. Do not use heavy moisturizers.
However, if you do want to get rid of the acne without scarring (which unfortunately I have b/c, well longer story), it is best to get an antibiotic cream and oral antibiotics. Also, VItamin A + E help with general skin health.
Best of luck.
AK
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At what age is it okay to get plastic surgery? (link)
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I will go against the grain from most since I've done some plastics before. It all depends on what you mean by plastic surgery. There are different types from cosmetic (breast augmentation) v. those done for birth defects etc. Plastics is also used to reconstruct skin, muscle etc. after major operations.
There is no "okay" age to get plastic surgery- because it depends on what kind of plastic surgery you're talking about. If you're talking about liposuction or cosmetic surgery- it is best to do this after you're done growing (ie done with puberty).
If you want to email me with what type of plastic surgery you're talking about, I can go into more detail.
Sorry if this didn't help too much.
AK
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has anyone used this for the car?
http://store.apple.com/1-800-MY-APPLE/WebObjects/AppleStore.woa/wa/RSLID?mco=B413F1A&nplm=TH399LL/A
does it work well? or is real staticy? i just need some reviews on it! thx =] (link)
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The Kensington is a very good product. Of course, the best is to have a modulator that goes directly into your car stereo but that can be quite expensive (150 dollars or more).
I use the Monster Ipod transmitter which works brilliantly for me. Then again, it all does depend on where you are when using it- more static if you're in a big major city than if you're in a smaller city.
Good luck,
AK
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ok so like i know how theres anesthesiologists, neurologists, orthopedists, etc.. which im thinking is what i want to go to school for. BUT im alot more squeemish with people than i am with animals. so id rather be a vet, but could i still just be an anesthesiologist, etc, for them? do they get paid as much as people doctors? do i still have to go to school for the same amount of time? do i need to study medicine or be a vet tech or anything like that before i go on to study anesthesia or bones or whatever i decide? any help is appreciated =] (link)
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I commend you for wanting to be a vet. You do not have to go to med school to go to school to become a vet. You do take a lot of the same classes that you would to become a people doctor. It is a seperate school than medical school after college. Actually, because there are not that many vet schools- it is more difficult to get into a vet school than it is to medical school.
When you're going through vet school you'll learn about the different things that you can do for animals including operating on them etc.
Vets do not get paid as much as "people" doctors because to take care of people is a lot more time consuming and dangerous. Insurance companies pay more for humans than animals.
Unlike medicine- you don't need to do a long post- grad school training. If you went to medical school- you'd have to do a residency in the field that you want which can range from 3 to 10 years.
What you need to do is go to school- college and take the required courses- apply for vet school. It is always good during your summers or in college time to volunteer at a vet's office. It can help in the application process.
If any other questions, don't hesitate to ask.
yours,
AK
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are you suppose to feel a heartbeat in your upper abdomen, slightly above your bellybutton? is it normal? or could it mean that you're pregnant, or what? (link)
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How old are you? I'm assuming that you're fairly young. In older people we are concerned about the palpable heartbeat in the abdomen which means that a person may have what we call an abdominal aortic aneurysm. The aorta is the major blood vessel coming from your heart- that first goes up and then makes a loop and then goes down pretty much the center of your body. The blood vessel is near the spine- so another question is are you skinny?
This is usually a normal thing in most people because all arteries have a pulse- and there are arteries that are near your belly button. (the pulse you get from your wrist is your "heartbeat" in your wrist). It is generally not a sign that you can be pregnant. If you were pregnant, you wouldn't be able to feel a heartbeat from there- it would be below your belly button (since it is quite some time before the baby gets large enough to be above the belly button).
Are you having your period? Are you feeling nauseated? If you're concerned about pregnancy you may acquire a home preganancy test or get checked by "planned parenthood" but of course your doctor would be best to evaluate you.
If you feel your feet more cold than usual- lack of pulses in your feet or numbness or tingling in your legs- then it would be worth seeing your doctor to make sure that there is not an underlying problem.
Best of luck,
AK
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Hi! You answered a question of mine before dealing with mono and I was wondering if you could help me out a bit. My first symptoms were the horrible sore throat. That started the week of June 25th. After that, I was diagnosed with mono and had symptoms of fatigue and an enlarged spleen. That was basically it after the sore throat, fever, rash, white on tonsils, etc. which was completely over in about a week. I was a bit embarrased to ask my family doctor about this, but when can I actually kiss again?? I have not had any symptoms other than the basic fatigue, enlarged spleen, easy bruising, and back pain since the sore throat. So its been almost a month since then. What would be the best option?? Thanks!! (link)
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Mono is actually caused by the Epstein Barr Virus, and with all viruses there is not really any medications or anything that you can take to make someone not "catch it".
When can you start kissing again? I think is your question- so I will tell you that you can do this when you feel that your throat really isn't sore anymore. The virus is transmitted through saliva, so until some time after your sore throat and your fatigue etc subside, can I say that you're "free" from making someone catch it. Like all other viruses, your body will build an immunity to it, but that may take some time (hence why you never hear about anyone having mono twice).
I would talk to your partner about it and he/she may or may not want to take a chance until you're symptom free. If your throat feels better and you're feeling generally better- then it will be okay even though there is a slight chance to transmit it to your partner.
Any other question- don't hesitate to ask.
Yours,
AK
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