Last night I was about to iron my nursing type C uniform for my first day Training. I was very excited by then. But just before I plugged the iron, I suddenly had a very severe left flank pain. I sat for a while and observe the pain. The pain is getting more painful and I started to have scanty painful urination. I drank a lot of water plus buko juice (good for UTIs). I diagnosed myself with UTI (urinary tract infection) but I am alarmed because the pain is confined in my left flank and I was positive CVA (costovertebral angle) and it is very painful even I was not touching the area. I was thinking of having pyelonephritis (inflammation of the kidneys) or renal stones on the left kidney. Because of the pain I decided to have a check-up in the hospital.
Renal stones?
February 16th, 2009The orientation day
February 16th, 2009I woke up early this morning for our general hospital orientation for the hospital where we will be having our training. I was so excited that even though I set the alarm, I woke up few times and checked of the time just in case my alarm did not went off.
I arrive in there just on time. While waiting for the speakers, I met two nurses and we become friends. It felt so good to see the facilities of the hospital. It is the hospital were we had our affiliation when we were still nursing students. It did have great progress for ten years. Of course for the span of time it is expected to improve. We will start our duty in 3 days. I am excited already though it will be hard and tiring. I will not mind it as long as I can serve people and learn a lot at the same time.
Constipation sensation
February 11th, 2009 Have you ever experienced constipation? You probably have because constipation spares nobody- and when it happens, you need to deal with it immediately! If you’ve been experiencing pain and straining while moving hard and dry stools, or if you’ve been feeling gassy or bloated or if your bowel movement has been less that 3 times a week, then you know you’re suffering from constipation.
You should check your lifestyle to see if you are at risk of having constipation. Similarly, if you’re always stressed-out and you constantly repress your urge to move your bowel, you might end up constipated as well.
Most people think traditional cures like drinking more liquids or eating papaya and kangkong are the way to go, but they only take effect after several days especially if constipation has already set in. With 1-2 tablets of dulcolax, you can expect relief in 6-8 hours. It is a doctor-trusted contact laxative that promotes natural bowel movement, producing soft and well-formed stools. Set yourself free from the burden of constipation and get your movement back on track.
Odd cravings point to iron-deficiency
February 5th, 2009In my field of work most common problem of pregnant women is anemia. I did about 15 prenatal check-up and 70 % of them are anemic. There is what we call physiologic anemia which means it is normal for pregnant women that their iron or hemoglobin level is lowered during pregnancy. It is called in medical terms “Physiologic anemia”. People with iron-deficiency anemia may develop strong cravings to eat dirt, rice, ice, paint, starch, raw potatoes or tomatoes. Such cravings are called pica (PIE-Kuh). If you experience an unusual craving, tell your doctor about it. A simple blood test can show whether you have an iron deficiency. Other symptoms of iron-deficiency anemia include fatigue, pallor, cracks in the sides of your mouth and brittle nails. They also complain of difficulty of breathing by just walking a short distance. We are doing our best to help them to have their hemoglobin level with in normal limits.
WW: just before sun rises
February 4th, 2009
Four legs can be better than two
February 3rd, 2009As we know that two heads are better than one. Same thing with four legs are better than two. And I truly believe it. It is not all the time though. We can just use it in certain situation like hiking. Having a cane or walking sticks are not only good for the patients but it is good for everyone of us. Once considered frivolous accessories, walking and trekking sticks are becoming popular on hiking trails. They’re used to improve balance, posture, and the cardiovascular benefits of walking. Available options range from humble wooden sticks to high-tech telescoping poles.
Both walking sticks and poles can improve your balance and reduce the risk of falls and injuries.
Poles can also increase the aerobic benefits of walking. The effect is similar to carrying hand weights, though the poles are usually lighter, so there’s less chance of injuries. Poles may be beneficial for anyone with ankle, knee, or hip problems, because they support some body weight, placing less stress on the spine and lower extremities.
Facts about malaria
February 3rd, 2009In many Asian countries there are a lot of cases of malaria. I knew some people who have malaria. Malaria is caused by tiny parasites that grow in the red blood cells. They can multiply 10 times every two days and invade new cells. Eventually they may cause fever or more severe illness such as anaemia or coma.
• Malaria parasites are spread by the bite of the female Anopheles mosquito.
• There are four types of malaria parasites. P. Falciparum is the most dangerous type which causes cerebral malaria. P. Vivax cause a milder type of malarial. The other two malaria parasites (P. Ovale and P. Malariae) are less common.
• Children under five and pregnant women are most at risk of death from malaria.
The Department of Health in the countries where malaria is prevalent are doing their best to prevent people from having malaria. Clean surrounding is still the best way to prevent it for mosquitoes do not dwell in clean areas. People like missionaries should take some antimalarial drugs. The use of some mosquito lotion and the use of mosquito net are also good protection.
Moody day
February 3rd, 2009Today I do not feel good. I was moody. I do not know why but may be due to hormonal changes. Lol. Anyways, someone got me to insert an IV (intravenous) to the patient. I prayed that God would still help me to insert it successfully even I am not in the mood. God really did not disappointment. I got it in one try. To God be the glory.
PRICE is the right treatment
February 3rd, 2009 I am reminded about my sister’s motorcycle accident last year. She almost broke her leg. Thanks God she only had sprain on her knee. It made her knee very swollen. The PRICE treatment did help. Now she is able to walk without any support.
“Sprain” is used to describe a wide range of injuries. But a true sprain involves damage to ligaments, the bands of elastic like tissue that support joints by connecting the bones. Sprains can often be treated with simple home-care measures. However, there are times you should see medical attention.
To treat a minor soft-tissue injury, remember the letters PRICE, which stand for Protection, Rest, Ice, Compression and Elevation.
• Protection – protect your joint from further injury. An elastic wrap, brace, sling, air-cast, cane or crutches may help support the joint that cause pain or swelling.
• Ice – cold reduces swelling and inflammation, decreases muscle spasms and helps relieve pain.
Apply ice or an ice pack with a dry towel or a blanket for insulation. Apply ice for no more than 20 minutes at a time, several times a day. Don’t apply heat, which can cause more swelling. If you have vascular disease, rheumatism or decreased sensation, talk to your doctor before applying ice.
• Compression – this decreases bruising and swelling. Keep the joint wrapped until swelling subsides. Keep the wrap snug but not tight. Loosen if pain increases or you have numbness.
• Elevation – raising a swollen joint above the level of your heart reduces swelling. This is especially important at night.
Continue the PRICE treatment as long as it helps. You may want to take acetaminophen (Tylenol) for pain or nonaspirin anti-inflammatory drug, such as ibuprofen (advil, motrin), for pain and inflammation (aspirin may slightly increase risk of bleeding).
Hydrogen Peroxide
February 2nd, 2009I mistakenly used hydrogen peroxide as a facial cleanser today. It took me a while to realize that it was it. I wondered why the smell is very different than my usual cleanser. I remembered that I put a little amount of hydrogen peroxide in an empty facial cleanser bottle. It really smelled very stink. I prepared and brought it with me when we had our youth camp. It was just for first aid emergency use only. The thing was I did not put a label in it. I was so glad that it was not used but I suffered the dose of my own medicine. It is always necessary to put a label when you are putting some thing in a container. This one of the lessons to be learned.