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: 18545
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Melanie4981
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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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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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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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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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I have mono. I was told that if your spleen is enlarged, you should be very careful while exercising and avoid contact sports. Since I'm not in a sport, that isn't a problem. I used to run daily and I haven't ran for over a week because I'm afraid to. I'm not sure if my spleen is enlarged. My back feels swollen and it feels like I'm laying on something when I lay down. Also, I get stomach pains randomly. Is there any other symptoms that your spleen is enlarged? If it is, how will I know when I can begin running again? I really don't want any complications. Would it be better to let the mono run its course, watch what I eat, and start running when the eight weeks is up? Thanks!! (link)
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One of the problems with mono is that there is a chance of splenomegaly- in very extreme cases of this- it has been known to rupture. The spleen is an organ that is in the left upper aspect of your abdomen- left of your stomach. It is best described as a "filter" for blood- but because of this- it does have a large storage of blood- so if it ruptures- at the most extreme cases- you can become hypotensive (your blood pressure drops very low) and continue to bleed into your abdomen (instead of it going through your arteries and veins etc.
We tell patients to avoid contact sports because any direct trauma to that area can cause it to rupture. However, light exercise and non-impact (running etc.) are fine, as long as you don't do anything that may bring trauma to your abdomen (situps are okay).
If there is a problem- this is how you will know- you may have darkening of the skin around that area- will look like a big bruise. Free blood in the abdomen would cause pain in the entire abdomen- because blood irritates the cavity where all your organs are and it hurts. You may get light headed and feel like you're going to pass out. You may start breathing quicker- b/c blood (specifically red blood cells) carry oxygen to your organs and other parts of your body- if there isn't enough blood to carry it- you'll breathe quicker along with your heart rate going much faster to meet the demand.
However, to rupture a spleen during "regular" exercise if very rare, and you should do as much as feels comfortable.
Best of luck,
AK
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I developed a rash from Amoxcillian because I was misdiagnosed & actually had mono, not strep, which caused the rash. I've been put on Prednisone for 7 days. Is there anything I can do to help with this rash? It's really bad & keeps spreading. Also, how common is weight gain with Prednisone? I have an eating disorder & I'm really afraid of gaining weight, but I only have to take it for 7 days. Thanks! (link)
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Developing a rash after being given Amoxicillin is a very common reaction. The rash will go away by itself as your body clears the medication from your blood. To relieve the symptoms of the itch- you may try Benadryl or any anti-histamine medication (be careful b/c this can make you drowsy). The rash and itch is b/c some of your "immunity" cells release histamine and other chemicals that cause the rash.
The prednisone is a steroid- which means that it decreases the inflammation that could be happening (ie the rash). Weight gain due to a short period of time of being on the medication is very unlikely. It can make you feel a little more hungry, but this is usually temporary and clears the system once the 7 days are over. The weight gain that is associated with the medication is for those people who have to take it for a longterm basis (I had a patient in 1 year gain over 90 lbs).
Good luck, and please talk to someone about your eating disorder. You may be doing more damage to your body than you realize.
Yours,
AK
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how can i get my body to be leaner?? i am very athletic and lift weights alot...what can i do to have muscle and be very strong but not bulky, instead lean??? (link)
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It has a lot to do with genetics- just like someone who has broad shoulders (like a football player) can never be as thin and lean as a runner. Genetics has a lot to do with it.
However, if you want more lean muscle and less "bulk" then change your workout to more cardiovascular- reduce amount of fat which gives a bulky look, and change your workout for more higher reps but lower weight- this way you won't get much bulk.
Also, make sure to eat a balanced diet- not too much protein. The amount that the body needs to maintain is about 1 gram of protein for each kilogram that you weigh.
Good luck,
AK
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16/f
Sorry about the length of this.
I can't figure out what's wrong with my wrist. I looked up Carpal Tunnel and read a little about it, and found that it's 3x more common in women. I think my job is causing problems with my hands, but i'm not sure. I'm a cashier but I have to bag sometimes too. I have to lift heavy packages of waters and cat litter, etc. Then, if it doesn't scan right away, I have to twist it, causing my hand to hurt.
I don't know if this is significant, but when I was younger I used to twist my wrists on purpose and hold it there because I thought it was a weird feeling and wanted to see if I could keep getting it. I feel that that could have been the initial cause of this.
When i'm at work, if I bag too long, my wrist hurts. It's just recently hurting my arm as well. I shake it off when it hurts my wrist, but that's all I do for it. I can't tell if it's carpal tunnel or not, but I want to find out what it is.
Please don't tell me to go to a doctors, because I really would rather not at the moment. Just.. any ideas of what this could be? (link)
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Carpal Tunnel Syndrome- is a condition where the nerve that supplies your hand (medial nerve) becomes compressed. Repeated wrist motion is the most common cause and it is also very common in women, esp when pregnant. The way to tell if it is carpal tunnel syndrome is if you have pain that goes down your hand when you extend your wrist (hold your arm out, palms facing down, and then bend your wrist upward- if this causes pain then you may have it- if not- then with your other hand tap on the inside of your wrist- if this causes pain then you may have it. If it wakes you up at night- this is when we would operate on it generally. You may have to wear a splint or a wrist brace to keep your wrist straight. Although if it is just pain in your wrist- you may have tendonitis- which can be "cured" with rest, a brace, and anti- inflammatory medications like ibuprofen.
best of luck,
AK
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So I was preparing for a pool party today and used a diplatory on my bikini area. But...I accidentally got it everywhere down there and even near my vaginal opening!! It burns like hell and when I pee its like double hell. I know its not meant to go in that area but is there anything terrible that can happen to me? HOW DO I STOP IT FROM BURNING?? (link)
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Those items are actually evil things. They work by causing a chemical burn to get rid of hair and other things. However, when they stay on too long- they do cause a chemical burn (much like a 1st degree burn). I once got that stuff on me, and I had a severe chemical burn- to the point that I couldn't go to work because it hurt so much.
What can you do to help it from not burning too much. Unfortuanately, what you will have to do is go to the doctor and possibly get an antibiotic cream- which will prevent infection and also help soothe the area. You may be given silver sulfadine- which is something that we give to our burn patients.
You can also use a petroleum based (vasoline) based jelly to keep that area well moisturized and hydrated- that skin is burned, which means no moisture- so have to keep it hydrated. Also, drink lots of water. To help urination- you may have to ask your doctor for a numbing cream with lidocaine or xyelocaine in it.
Hope you feel better,
AK
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hey, you answered my earlier question about heart rate but I have another question that is a bit more specific.
About 4 days ago, on saturday, I smoked marijuana(bad decision, i know) However, it brought my heart rate to about about 120-180 beats per minute; about 2 or 3 beats every second(i had someone sober count my heartbeat with a timer) and it lasted for about 2-3 hours. My average heart rate is in the low 60's. I used to be a chronic stoner so I know that marijuana bringing up my heart rate by that much is by all means not normal. I am 99.9% sure that the marijuana was not laced. I am also 100% sure that it was not the placebo effect that increased my heart rate. I was also dehydrated, exhausted, and had not eaten in 20 hours at the time of smoking. I am also 16, male, and of asian descent. In addition, that was the first time I smoked marijuana in several months. Is it normal for some kinds of marijuana to affect me like that and are there any other documented cases of this happening?
(link)
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Thank you for being honest with me, so that I can give you the best answer that I can. You don't have to be ashamed about smoking marijuana- I was a teenager back in the day too- and I don't think that it is as bad as many people think that it is.
There could be several answers why your heart rate was up- marijuana contrary to the "mellowing" effect that it has on the mind- can actually stimulate your heart, breathing and other systems. If it had been a while since you smoked, so your body was getting stimulated like it had never been exposed before- another example of this is when you take a lot of caffeine- if you take it chronically the heart rate won't be that affected versus the person who doesn't take it often- who gets jittery.
Another reason is that you may have been dehydrated. One of the reasons that doctors, as soon as you go to the hospital, is we start an IV to start IV fluids. When a person is dehydrated, a persons heartrate will be faster than someone who is well- hydrated.
Also, Asians often are more prone to having a faster heart rate with small amount of drugs in their system. It has to do with genetics.
This has happened before and several hours of an increased heart rate is not a terrible thing. However, as I mentioned before, if it sustains for longer than 10 hours or so, then I would get checked out for something else going on.
I am not too concerned, and neither should you be for now.
Yours,
AK
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i have cirles under my eyes that are really gross and dark..i'm only 14 so i don't think its from age and i get like 10 hours of sleep a night so it's not that either. I try to put conseler on them to cover it up but that doesn't work.
Is there any way i can get rid of them??? (prefferably under $30) (link)
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Another reason for people to have dark rings around their eyes is allergies- a lot of the common allergens that causes your eyes to water or even dry out can also have an adverse effect by releasing histamine and causing increased blood flow and dark rings around your eyes.
The other person had some great homeopathic solutions to this problem, which have shown to work, but I would also try an anti- histamine eyedrops too. They do have prescription ones that a doctor can give you but you may have success with the over the counter types.
I had the same problem when I was younger and the drops really did help me- unfortunately, now my rings around my eyes are from lack of sleep.
Best of luck,
AK
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What is considered an extremely fast heart rate that wouldn't kill you(but any faster would) if you had the heart rate for 2 or so hours? (link)
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In medicine the term we use is tachycardia- which means a heart rate of over 100 beats per minute. This is considered "abnormal" at rest- but it is expected to rise with exercise and times of "stress".
Short periods of time above 100 at rest is okay, however, if it stays around for 2 hours after you exercise, it would be something worth getting checked out. There are a lot of causes for this, but if it stays this high for a long period of time, you can get what is called "hypertrophic cardiomyopathy"- which just means the muscle in your heart becomes big (it exercises more- and becomes bigger)- and that can have serious implications later in life.
If you are considered there are simple tests that can be done- EKG, Echo, Stress test, to check your heart.
Any heart rate where you have symptoms- ie chest pains, shortness of breath, dizziness, is something that should be checked out by your family doctor.
Best of luck,
AK
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if i were to get5 a mole or something removed where would it be done?
at a hospital, or do i have to go to a sergion? (link)
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A dermatologist and even some primary doctors will check the mole to see if it just a mole/ skin tag or if it could be something else. Usually if it is just a mole- it can be cut off in the office, and usually the mole is sent to a lab to make sure that it isn't anything else.
The only time we (surgeons) see "moles" is when there is a question of something below the surface- cancer, lipoma, etc. that needs a larger incision and then suturing of the skin together. Even these are often a quick procedure (come in the morning- an hour to get it done- and then leave another hour later), but it all depends on what it looks like.
You have nothing to worry about.
AK
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so im having a doctors appt soon and my mjom asked me when id like to have it, and i did marijuana last week
they like pee test us, and can they see the drugs? i heard that marijuana stays in your body for like a week
and also if she asks me iive ever done drugs, what shoul i say, becuase i know that she cant tell anyone by federal law, bu then again, drugs are illegal (link)
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I'm not quite sure of your age, but the doctor should ask you if there is anything you want to tell him/her in privacy without your mother being present.
I know when I see a child in clinic, I always ask the parent to step out during the "questioning" period so that they can be completely honest with me. If your doctor doesn't do that, then you should either call directly or ask your mother to step out. If she doesn't then your doctor should get the clue there is something that you need to talk about and ask your mother to step out. It is very important that you are completelely honest with us- because we can treat you for a lot of things if we don't have all the information. We are forbidden by law to reveal any information that we gather- and if we do we can be punished greatly from a big fine (thousands of dollars) to suspension of our medical licenses (we worked 8+ years to get that and we're not going to risk that) to outright jail time. It doesn't matter if you did anything illegal or not- we can't say anything unless you have plans on hurting yourself (ie suicide) or someone else (assault/ homicide).
As for a standard physical- I've never heard of a urine test being routinely done. I understand that some schools have the test done- and generally the + test would be there for 10-14 days. However, if they do a hair test it can be several months (marijuana is stored in your fat- and therefore can be detected on hair for a long time).
Hope this helps.
AK
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