about

I am 48 years old (yes that's old compared to some of you).


I have worked in nursing and/or healthcare management positions for 24 years. Primarily OB, Neonatal, Mental Health, Occupational Health and Geriatrics. In Jan 2008 I started my own business to board horses and do equine/human education. I am also a certified dog trainer.


I've been around the block so to speak and seem to be always helping others. I've been told that the reason people seek me out for advice is that I am approachable and caring. But on the same token even though I consider the person's feelings. I tell it like I see it. I've dealt with people in trouble with the law, dysfunctional families such as those with abuse & marriage problems. Not to mention problems with employees and employers.


I don't ever claim to know it all, and always keep an open mind.


advice

okay so if anyone knows if i should do this or not..

well i have been thinking about it but i got this scar when i was about 4 & im not 13. its going away so what but its so noticeable & i dont like it. my mom tells me i can go into surgery for it & they will make it gone. does anyone know if that will be painfull. should i just let it stay there. cause its not like really really noticeable only a little.. plesae help me thanks.

Usually if the wound was deep, nothing, not even surgery will make the scar go away completely. Surgery might make it less noticable. You'd have to ask the surgeon about that. The pain will depend on several things, how deep the incision will be, where the scar is located and what amount of manipulation of the surrounding skin the surgeon will need to do. You say it's so noticable, but then only a little...Is it that you notice it more than others? There's a great cover up made by dermablend that can help make it less noticable. Last I knew it was sold at JC Penney's cosmetic counter.

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the other day, i was walking around in the woods and must have touched some type of plant that had a bunch of sharp balck things on it.the sharp black things got stuck in my fingers.i got all but about 2 out.these 2 are really deep in my finger.there kind of like bee stings.what can i do to get them out?is there some sort of cream i can put on it to make them come out?

thanks!

Use a credit card or drivers license to scrape along the surface of the skin.

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i have a dog that gets out of the house alot how do i keep it in?

You didn't mention when and how the dog gets out of the house. I will guess it's when you open the door to go out.
First of all when you have the dog on the leash, never let him/her go first. Humans always go out the door first!
Teach your dog to sit and stay. When you are ready to leave, put the dog in the sit position. Practice by having him/her sit a ways back from the door while you go out. Consistancy and repetition are the keys to solving this issue.

In addition dogs were born to run or walk, if the dog isn't getting enough exercise he/she will be more tempted to run out the door. The walls of your house are like a prison..and all he/she wants to do is get free!

http://www.paw-rescue.org/PAW/PETTIPS/DogTip_EscapeArtist.php

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Hi, I asked a question before about finding a black lump. I was wondering, if it is a mole, can they move? I know, stupid question but the lump used to be towards the middle of the skin and now its off to the left side. It used to be less visible and now I can see it perfectly. I remember a long time ago finding a large pimple that eventually went away, that's what it could be but why would it move? And now that I can see it, it is black and it has part of it sticking out a bit from the skin while the rest is slightly hidden. My mom is coming home soon and I'm going to ask her about it and ask to see a gynecologist, but in the mean time I am beating myself up about this and need to be reassured.

Moles typically do not move, but they can change, and as it grows or the surrounding skin grows it may appear to be in a different position on the skin. Since you are indicating changes in the appearance of the skin lesion (whatever it may be) it should be examined by a physician. Most likely it is nothing to worry about and can probably be removed by the Dr without complications. Don't beat yourself up, just think of it as going to the Doc for peace of mind.

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For the past 4 days I have been SOOOO tired. I've been so tired to the point where I couldn't function and I almost forgot where I was. I got 10 hours of sleep 3 days ago, 8 and a half hours of sleep 2 days ago, and like 15 hours of sleep yesterday so it's not because I'm sleepy. I'm just so tired and I can barely move. And my body doesn't hurt. I DONT have a stomach or head ache or anything, I'm just soooo tired. I took my temperature and It's 98.7 so it's normal. It hasn't stopped for 4 days!!! I went to bed at 4 in the afternoon yesterday and slept until 10 a.m so I wouldn't feel tired today, but I still feel just as tired! Even when I pulled an all nighter about 6 months ago, I still didn't feel as tired then as I do now! I have no energy whatsoever and I drank a lot of water so I'm hydraded. I don't know what's wrong with me. What could be causing me being sooo tired and feeling so weak?

There are many things that can cause the symptoms you have described. Such as a viral infection, bacteral infection, a blood or an endocrine disorder. It's not fair to guess, because without a medical evaluation the truth may never be known.
You owe it to yourself to feel better, and since it's so short term don't wait on that Dr's visit, you may only get worse.

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13/f. I don't know what's been happening to me recently. For the past 3 months, my appetite has disappeared. In one day, I can't seem to eat more than this: a baked potato, a cup of coffee, a piece of banana bread, two bowls of fruit and half-and-half, and a small plate of macaroni. I usually can eat more than that. I used to be around 88 lbs. I'm now usually around 84-87 lbs. I've been having a bit of trouble going to sleep, too. It takes around 30 minutes before I'm completely ready to fall asleep. My period keeps coming late, and I know this is disgusting, but my urine has started to smell really, really bad.

Oh, and don't tell me "you're stressed." I'm out of school, and I have not been doing anything stressful at all. I'm just sitting at home.

I know that most of you aren't doctors, but I was just curious as to whether anybody else has had these symptoms and what it COULD be?





Do you drink enough water? If not, you could have the symptoms you describe, including the "smelly" urine.

Since this has started three months ago..and it sounds like generally you are not feeling well, you should see a Dr. Even a urinary tract infection can cause the symptoms that you describe, so the Dr will need to check you for that. Sometimes people don't contribute insomnia or lack of appetite to a urinary tract infection..but any infection can cause those symptoms. It's also good that you mentioned the smell of the urine, make sure you tell the Dr that too.

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okay well i just got invisalign yesturday and it totally kills. i keep getting canker sores, and every time i take them out to eat my teeth are so sore its hard to eat. does anyone have them and this happened to them after first getting them? is it just because im not used to it? oh..and if anyone knows about any medicines that will help with mouth pain..that could help too. thanks soo much! =]

I didn't have invisalign braces, but I did have braces and I remember the soreness well. Especially after the braces were tightened. This is caused from the pulling and pressure on your teeth, and actually mean that the braces are working. After 2-3 days, and a little movement of my teeth it would no longer hurt until the next adjustment. You can always ask the dentist about the sores in your mouth, I imagine he will advise some type of rinse to help them heal. In addition he might need to make adjustments so they are not rubbing or creating friction on the tissue. As far as medications, if you are not allergic and/or have stomach problems it is most likely safe to take ibuprofen, once again it would be best to ask your dentist. Best of luck..oh and by the way..Kiss AWAY! It would be perfectly safe!

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well people i have been volenteering at the local pool with swimming lessons...and i recently had 4 classes and i got a sunburn and i need it to stop the pain...so what should i do....i hvent taken a shower yet but will it be bad if I do!please give me all the advice you can....

thanks,
meghan

A cool shower--with water running over your skin, and no scrubbing with a washcloth will be fine. If you can take ibuprofen (ask your pharmacist) it will help with the pain. The sunburn medications that contain "cain" such as solarcain that you can apply to the skin work by reducing the pain (similar to topical anesthesia. Drink a lot of water, wear soft cotton clothes, and sleep on old sheets that have been washed many times because they are softer.

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Recently, while playing at gym, i sprained and dislocated my knee. I sprained it in 3 places. The doctor said I need surgery, so does anyone know how much it is going to hurt?

Im so scared=/

This will depend on the type of repair, and the type of surgery you are going to have. Arthroscopic surgery is less painful, than a full length incisicion. If you are in pain now from the injury, it's not likely that it will be much worse after surgery. Just do everything the Dr tells you to do, and after 3-4 days the pain will be much less.

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I recently just went through some second-degree burn trauma on Sunday. I was supposed to get my period on Monday. It is now Wednesday evening and I still have not gotten my period. I am guessing that all the stress from my injury has delayed it but I am showing no signs of getting it. I've never had sex so I'm not worried about a pregnancy but it just seems odd that its been delayed this long already. Any ideas?

Injury/Trauma and/or Infection can cause your period to be delayed. If you are not at risk for pregnancy, then you can miss up to three cycles before most Dr's would be concerned. The absence of menstruation is called amenorrhea if you would like to do an internet search on the topic.

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Hey! im 16/f and im looking into getting a tattoo on my lower back, but i herd that if you do when it comes time to have kids you cant get an epedural...
My question is...Is this true? Could getting a tattoo on my lower back realy effect on wether or not i can get an epedural when i have kids???

Studies have been completed on this particular subject and it has been determined it is safe to have a needle inserted through tatooed skin, such as the case of epidural anesthesia. The needles do not carry tissue or even ink through to the epidural space. Once the tatoo has healed and dried, the ink is fixed within the skin, and cannot be moblized through a needle. There is no evidence to suggest that harm will come from placing a needle through a heeled tatoo!

It would be best to call the anesthesia department at one or more local hospitals and ask what their policy is. Or perhaps get a tatoo that does not completely cover the area where the epidural will be performed if you have a concern.

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ok my boyfriend has high blood pressure and is at a high risk for heart attacks and strokes. Twice this week he has like held his heart and started breathing slow and stuff and he was in pain during those, and everytime i ask him whats wrong he says nothing and for me not to worry about it. Does anyone know what this could be. im just really worried.
thanks.

I must say that I am a little upset that another advice giver has already diagnosed your bf with a heart murmur & the only thing to do is take antibiotics with dental care! In his case the wrong advice can be dangerous and even deadly. We don't know if he is under physician's care or not!!! He needs to see a Dr right away, even if he is already under care..the Dr can't know about the pain if he is not told! The pain could clearly be a warning signal of a bigger problem, which I am sure you are aware of or you wouldn't be asking. Sometimes we only get one or two warnings when it comes to cardiac disease.

One of the first symptoms in many cases of a heart attack is denial. Don't listen when he says not to worry--call the ambulance anyway!

But, even if the pain doesn't come back, he still needs to be seen ASAP. If the Dr says it's nothing to worry about, fine, but in my opinion right now there is every reason to be worried.

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what is the amount of calories per day that is healthy? like how many calories a day should you have?
please&thankyou

This will depend on your age, your activity level, any health conditions and your body frame.
Do a search for "Food Pyramid" and you will find some sound answers to your question, tailored to your profile.

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Hi, my daschund puppy (8 month) just got in heat about a week ago. I have a male daschund who is not neutered and i plan to breed them but im not sure if i need to wait until the second heat, or if its ok to let them now? Also, she is wearing a diaper right now to prevent pregnancy and so that the blood will not get everywhere. If it is not safe for them to have puppies this early, how long do i keep the diaper on her? And one more question, how many puppies will she likely have? Thank you, Lindsey

No, you should not breed an 8 month old puppy. It would be better to wait until she is over 18 months. Females will not usally allow a male to breed with them while they are in proestrus (this is during the bleeding). After the bleeding has stopped this is called Estrus. Estrus is the time the dog can get pregnant--this stage can last from 4-21 days. She will be willing to breed during this time, and the male will still be eager to get to her. You most likely will have to keep them apart (which is difficult) but very important. She would typically have 2-4 puppies. Please ask your vet or an experienced breeder for more information. Many people lack the knowledge or education to be a responsible breeder, but most everyone can learn!

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My period is really haevy this month, and I have to be changing my pad really frequently. What should I do at night?

Tampons are safe if used as directed, you can always wear a tampon and a pad together. If you don't want to use a tampon get the night time pads--and you can get them in a longer length. If you are changing a pad about every hour, you might want to see your Dr for a check up.

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does anybody know like how to get rid of a yeast infection or what could be causing it because i get them on and off A LOT and i don't know why!!!! If it's not a yeast infection what could it be because i've tried all these diff. treatments and it goes away but then comes back shortly. and i'm not sexually active or any of that so it's not an STD.

It's quite possible that you have another type of infection that may be caused by something else--a different type of organism.

If you are certain it is a yeast infection, try eating yogurt containing active Lactobacillus daily.

Only wear cotton underwear, and iron your underwear with a very hot iron, after washing/drying them of course. This kills the yeast that might survive on the fabric.

Use only mild soap when you wash and bathe..something with a neutral PH.

I have known many women that do not respond to over the counter vaginal creams. In that case you'd have to ask your Dad what prescription would work best. In addition he will know if he should check you for other disorders. Yeast infections are so common he's not going to be uncomfortable...so don't feel bad about asking.

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ok for the past week my body has been gettin knome(sp?)( i cant feel it) and even when i am walking it happens. it does this with my hands and my feet.

is it possible that i am a diabetic? or that i can possible have high blood pressure?


Numbness and tingling in your extremities is a complication of diabetes, but more than likely you would have other symptoms prior to this. Other common causes that are obviously treatable are a vitamin b-12 deficiency, or a low thyroid level. Since what you are telling us is a symptom of another problem, the only good advice is to see a Dr right away.

See this link for more info:
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/003206.htm

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13f... my feet crack. they dont get all dry and just look cracked like u see on gold bond commercials, they actually split. i hate cuz it looks terrible and it hurts. what can be causing it? is there anything i can use to get rid of it? ive asked my doctor and she gave me all kinds of lotions and stuff and none of it worked. help!

I would say this is not a very common problem for a 13 year old. I suggest that you see a podiatrist (a Dr that specializes in foot care) It is quite possible you have a fungal infection or an allergy to something, but the Dr would be able to diagnose you.

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This may sound silly but, I just got a new hamster.. He is black and has a white line on his tummy. I was just wondering if anyone has any cute names for a black boy hamster that are unique.
Thankz! :)

Since he is a hamster I would name him something with an "H". That way he will have a first and last name that go together well.

Remember the Hamster on the web page Hamster dance?

Here are some ideas: Harrison,Hasbro,Hopkins, Heckle, Hector...anyway you get the idea.







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Hi,

Me and my wife are tryin for a baby for more than a year , but have failed so far. My question here is that when ever we have sex my wife wipes off the sperm straight away. will that affect, I mean does that reduces the chances of getting pregnant? does it affect in any way?thanks

No, wiping the semen/sperm away will not affect chances of getting pregnant.

You are not asking advice on how to help get your wife pregnant, but a good thing to try before going to the Dr would be to have your wife take her temperature every morning for three cycles to determine when her fertile time is. Of course you would need to engage in intercourse during that time. She will need to commit to taking her temp before getting out of bed, and placing the results on a chart. If the temperature peaks, that indicates ovulation. Oh, and use a basal thermometer because it's more accurate at lower body temps, and the temp is usually lower after sleep.

http://www.early-pregnancy-tests.com/bbt-basal-body-temperature.html

Here's the chart
http://www.storknet.com/cubbies/preconception/bbt-blank.pdf

storknet.com also has advice on how to do this.

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