Heartburn Hurting You?

Many people suffer from gastric esophageal reflux disease or GERD. GERD results from a combination of excess gastric juices and impaired esophageal clearance of acid leading to a burning discomfort referred to as heartburn.

There are different degrees of GERD ranging from mild symptoms which can be managed by over the counter products and lifestyle changes, to severe or recurrent problems requiring medical treatment.

There are several ways to help with GERD symptoms other than taking medications. Lifestyle modifications such as elevating the head of the bed 4-6 inches can help prevent symptoms of GERD.

Avoiding tight fitting clothes, eating 2-3 hours before bed, and sitting up right after meals can decrease the risk of having heartburn. In addition to lifestyle changes dietary modifications can also decrease the occurrence of heartburn. Avoid acidic beverages such as orange juice, red wine, and sodas as well as fatty foods and foods which exacerbate symptoms. Eating smaller more frequent meals and maintaining a healthy weight can decrease the risk of GERD.

There are several different products available over-the-counter that decrease heartburn. Antacids such as Tums, Rolaids, Maalox, and Mylanta neutralize acid. These can be taken for mild, infrequent heart burn and for relief of current symptoms. Other over the counter medications lower the amount of acid secreted. H2 blockers such as Pepcid®, Zantac®, and Tagamet® are effective and relatively inexpensive. Prevacid® and Prilosec® are the only proton pump inhibitors available OTC, others require a prescription. Over the counter medications are relatively safe but they can interact with other medications. Ask your pharmacist or physician which medication is most appropriate for you.Even though heartburn is common it could be a sign of more serious problems. Patients should see a doctor if they have symptoms two or more times a week, don’t get relief from medications, have difficulty swallowing, acid causes choking, wheezing, or hoarseness, or unexplained weight loss.

Lacey Mullins, Pharm.D.

“Med/Surg Gives”

In the spirit of the season, the Medical-Surgical Division at THFW recently spent 3 hours at the Tarrant Area Food Bank moving food. It’s astonishing what can be done with a bit of time and effort…In the grocery area for boxing food, we packaged 13,960 lbs. of canned and boxed food items. In the back sorting area, we moved another 11,700 lbs. of food. In total, we boxed and sorted 25,660 lbs. of food which will be used to feed the hungry in our community this holiday season.

The teamwork during this project was amazing. We showed up with a job to do and we exceeded expectations. Those that participated came with full knowledge of the work that needed to be done and demonstrated the spirit of the season—GIVING! Our goal was to gather supplies and food for about 8 pallets and we finished 11! We rolled up our sleeves and hustled. Nine units participated and we all worked together to get the most done in the time allotted. Texas Health Resource’s Mission is, “To improve the health of the people in the communities we serve”. We would like to believe that this project allowed us to serve our community on a grand scale outside of our traditional roles in the hospital.

I hope that during this time of year, we all look for ways to give back to our families, friends, and community. The reward in giving to others is seeing their great joy return. It is easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of the season. This year let’s take a moment to reflect on our blessings and the blessings we have given others.

Advent: "A Song for all Seasons"

“The Word became human and made his home among us."

~ John 1:14

There once lived a king with dominion over all nations. His courts were of richest splendor. Music and laughter floated from his castle. Clouds wrapped it in ethereal majesty. The peasants, in their valley of violence and hunger, looked longingly at the castle, wishing they might know the king. But none could reach it.

One day in the cold of winter, the king’s tailor entered the king’s chambers with new additions to the royal wardrobe. He had chosen the finest materials and woven them into the most beautiful garments ever seen.

But the king was not pleased. He ordered the tailor out and said, “I will make my own clothes.” The door to the throne room was shut and locked. Weeks passed. All waited in keen anticipation to see what the king would make for himself. Surely they would be blinded by his glory! Finally, the day arrived, the door opened, and the king appeared.

Everyone, especially the tailor, gasped in shock. For the king was dressed in the simplest, cheapest, most “unkingly” garments imaginable! He had the choice of the world’s finest materials, but he had chosen to wear the clothes of a beggar. He spoke softly to everyone and said simplyh: “I am going down into the valley.”

“Behold, I bring you good news of a great joy…
for today…there has been born for you a
Savior, who is Christ the Lord.”

The stage was set. The day had finally come. Prophets had anticipated it for generations. God had hinted at it for millenia. Now was the beginning of that “into which angels longed to look.” The “fullness of time” had finally come.

The world had long been imprisoned, groaning and trapped in a web of sin and death, heartbreak and sorrow.

“Long lay the world in sin and error pining,
till HE appeared and the soul felt its worth.”

Now, God Almighty – King of the universe, Lord of history, rightful ruler of the Earth – is about to invade this rebel-ruled world.

You would think His invasion would come with mighty signs and wonders! You would think the skies would be lit as far as one could see! You would think the shouts of the heavenly host would be ear-splitting! You would think that the whole earth would shake mightily from the impact of His landing – that in some sense all of mankind would know that God had landed!

But, here comes GOD!!! – Almighty Creator, Sustainer of the universe -- by whom, and through whom, and for whom are all things! And the only sound heard is the gentle breathing of a tiny baby sleeping in his mother’s arms.

History’s turning point, the greatest event in all of history – and the only sign we have of it is a baby lying in a manger, a group of shepherds scared silly … and a single, bright star.

“What child is this, who laid to rest, on Mary’s lap is sleeping –
Whom angels greet with anthems sweet, while shepherds watch are keeping?
THIS, THIS is CHRIST the KING!”

Emmanuel! God with US! It is the most outlandish, mind-boggling story in all the Bible, in a million galaxies, in all of eternity. The heavens were stunned into silence and unbridled praise all at the same time.

Even the angels could not have anticipated this one! Gabriel had to be scratching his head! God coming to the valley! God coming to earth … in the body of a human being! “The Word became human and made his home among US!”

And for 33 years, Jesus would feel everything that you and I have ever felt. He blew his nose, he hit his thumb, he cut his hands, and his back hurt. He felt weak. He grew weary. He was afraid of failure. His feelings got hurt. His feet were tired. His head ached. And he felt lost and alone … without his Father.

The Christmas season has always been special to me – trees, lights, decorations, wrapping, giving. My heart is filled to overflowing. Despite all the “What do I get her?” – and, “How much can we afford this year?” – I try with all my being to focus on Jesus.

I grew up in Dallas, where Christmas meant repeated trips to the corner toy extravaganza display at the Sears store on W. Jefferson … wearing out the Sears and J.C. Penney Christmas catalogs…and avoiding sitting in Santa’s lap! But since my childhood, it has been the songs that awaken so much inside me.

As much as I enjoy “Jingle Bells”, and “White Christmas” (ever wonder how those play out for folks in Hawaii?), and the kids’ favorite song -- “Grandma Got Run Over By a Reindeer!” -- it’s the other songs that stir something deep within me:
O Holy Night …
What Child is This? …
Silent Night, Holy Night …
Joy to the World …
Hark, the Herald Angels Sing!

Nothing stirs our heart like song. Nothing expresses the heart like song. And Jesus is the focus of more songs than anyone to ever walk the face of the earth. How fitting that His coming was announced by a heavenly chorus? But “Christmas” is truly only the beginning of the story...

Jesus sent word to John: “The blind can see, the lame can walk, the lepers are made clean, the deaf can hear, the dead are raised to life, and the Good News is preached to the poor.” Good News! Great Joy! For ALL people!

And ever since -- even in the midst of heartbreak, struggle and pain -- the story of Jesus has given hope and new life to the human heart. “A thrill of hope, a weary world rejoices!”

Together with the songs, the most conspicuous, consistent symbol of the season has to be all the lights. Lights are everywhere! Lights cover houses, office buildings, department stores, town squares, hospitals … even a few semis rumbling down the highways!

There has always been a connection between “light” and “glory.” Can you imagine what it was like that night, out on the hillside?! The “glory of the Lord” was a light of such incredible magnitude that the angel had to quickly calm the shepherds, telling them not to be afraid. The Good News not only begins with Jesus the infant, it begins with Jesus the Light: “In Him was life, and the life was the light of men” (John 1:4).

I’ve seen that Light. In fact, it amazes me the number of times every day that I see Jesus in our hospital:
• In the faces of little children…
• In the eyes of patients whose bodies are ravaged by deadly disease and broken by trauma…
• In the tears of those whose loved one has died, or is dying…
• In waiting rooms where families spend sleepless, restless nights in prayer on hard floors, as a loved one clings to this life…
• As doctors lovingly and compassionately share the news that so many don’t want to hear…
• As everyone -- from Nurses, to PCT’s, to Secretaries, to Transportation, to Dieticians, to PA’s, to PT’s, to RT’s, to Social Workers and Case Managers (and all those whose job titles I just left out!), and yes, Chaplains – rushes to the side of those in pain … lifting them up, sharing their pain, holding them up…arms wrapped securely around them, drying their tears, and often in tears with them…
• And as hospital administrators discuss how to more effectively, compassionately, and lovingly meet the needs of the growing numbers of God’s children in need of our care.

Yes, Jesus is in YOU. When those we serve in life go looking for Jesus, needing Jesus … guess where they find Him?! In you. Through you, the light shines even in the darkness. For those of us whose lives have been transformed by the power and presence that was wrapped up in those swaddling clothes 2,000 years ago… “Christmas” means new birth and a living hope – a hope that we share with one another – hope for a time when all of our pains and sorrows will be swept away by endless joy… and in endless SONG.

So why let Jesus be the reason for only one season? Why sing certain songs only one month out of the year? Corrie Ten Boom wrote: “If Jesus were born 10,000 times in Bethlehem, and not in me, I would be lost.”

Let’s keep the message of Jesus alive in our hearts throughout the year. Let’s make the story of Jesus “A Song for ALL Seasons.”

One starry night, our world was changed forever.......

Jim Tenery
Staff Chaplain
Board Certified Chaplain, APC

My name is David Swearingen and this is my story. I am the youngest of three boys in my family and my dad is retired from the United States Air Force. My life was pretty much like many other high school students all across America until the spring of 1979. That spring, I decided to try out for the Stephenville High School baseball team. A pre-requisite to trying out was a routine physical. This routine physical determined there was too much protein in my urine – not routine at all.

I was 16 years old at this time. I was sent to Carswell Air Force Base in Ft. Worth, Texas for testing and it was later determined that a kidney biopsy would be necessary. The biopsy showed that I had a kidney disease known as glomerulonephritis. Eventually I would need a kidney transplant.

All of my family members were tested and it was concluded that my brother, Weldon, would be the best match for a kidney transplant when the time came. Having this reassurance, I was able to live a normal life until January 1981.

I was in my second semester at Tarleton State University in Stephenville, Texas. Just a few weeks into the semester, my kidney function took a drastic turn for the worse. I was in kidney failure and it was necessary for me to go on dialysis for six weeks.

In March of that year, Weldon and I were both admitted into Wilford Hall Medical Center in Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas. I was 18 years old and my brother was 21 years old. I was apprehensive about what the future would hold; my brother, on the other hand, didn’t display any fear. At the young age of only 21, he voluntarily would donate a kidney – a heroic and loving gesture.

I will remember the day of my transplant forever. It was like an additional birthday to me – it was the day my brother gave me a second chance at a happy, normal and productive life. At the hospital, Weldon and I were in two different rooms. After the surgery, I asked my parents to roll me into Weldon’s room. When I saw him for the first time after surgery, he was in a lot of pain. His surgery scar is about twice the size of mine. I could not help but cry when I was able to see what he had gone through for me.

He healed well and has never had any problems related to having only one kidney. I, too, healed well and have never gone through any rejection episodes at all. Despite the fact that my brother is three years my elder, the surgeon told me that we were matched almost as well as twins might be. I think this is why I have done so well with this transplant.

Since the transplant, I have lived a normal life. I still have to take anti-rejection medication for as long as I have this kidney. That will be for the rest of my life. I have experienced a “few bumps in the road” along my journey. Now, more than 29 years later, my brother Weldon is still doing well and so am I. I have a wonderful 18-year-old son and I am able to work full time.

I am thankful to God for blessing me with a loving and supportive family and such a giving and unselfish brother. I also feel grateful to God for giving the surgeons and medical staff the skill and knowledge to perform this successful transplant. I now try to “give a little back” for the blessings that God has given me. I work full-time at FMC Technologies in Stephenville. I am an active member and past-president of the Stephenville Kiwanis Club. I participate in National Kidney Foundation walks, I volunteer for LifeGift, I participate on a Relay for Life team and I am the photographer for the Stephenville High School Band. I am also an elder at the First Christian Church of Stephenville and occasionally help with the high school youth group. Additionally, I remain active with the Team North Texas U.S. Transplant Games team, a team of athletes who have all been touched by organ donation.

Please consider being an organ donor. It takes less than five minutes, is free and could save a life.

May God bless you as he has blessed me.

David Swearingen (kidney transplant, March 10, 1981)

I Didn't Know... Did You?

Did you know that for three decades November has served as National Hospice and Palliative Care Month? I didn’t know, and I work in Palliative Care. So now I am here to spread the word…NOVEMBER IS NATIONAL HOSPICE AND PALLIATIVE CARE MONTH.

Why is this significant?

In 1978, President Jimmy Carter signed the first proclamation designating November as hospice month. At that time, hospices served several thousand patients and their families. Current data from the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization (NHPCO) shows that a record 1.56 million people with life-limiting illness and disease (41.5 percent of those who died in the US in 2009) were served by hospice and palliative care organizations.

What is palliative care?

According to http://www.getpalliativecare.org/, “Palliative care is the medical specialty focused on improving overall quality of life for patients and families facing serious illness. Emphasis is placed on intensive communication, pain and symptom management, and coordination of care.”

In July 2009, Texas Health Harris Methodist Hospital Fort Worth opened North Texas’ first Palliative Care Unit. We are a 16-bed unit that focuses on providing quality care to patients and their families. We see patients at many points during their disease process and should, ideally, become involved as part of the care team when a patient first receives a chronic disease diagnosis.

Why palliative care?

Palliative care at Texas Health Fort Worth provides a holistic approach to treatment. Our interdisciplinary team works together to coordinate a plan of care that best meets the patients’ and families’ wants and needs. Our goal is to relieve the symptoms that may come along with a disease and to improve quality of life.

Many of you may have a personal experience with palliative care or hospice. I know that my family benefitted greatly when we had a loved one in need. I hope that you will take a moment this month to remember those you have lost and thank those that may have cared for them along the way.

References:
http://www.getpalliativecare.org/
http://www.nhpco.org/

Ashley Hodo, RN

Palliative Care Unit Manager

Thanksgiving…Indulge without guilt!

Does your Thanksgiving meal leave you stuffed and on the couch watching football all afternoon? If so, you might just need to “fine-tune” your indulging. There are a variety of Thanksgiving dishes that are scrumptious, but lower in calories. Take a look at how you can treat yourself without killing your waistline!

Before the Meal

Many people make the mistake of “saving up their calories” for the big meal. The problem is that when you skip meals you end up feeling starving and thus overeat. So to prevent overeating:

- Eat breakfast!
- Do NOT skip meals all day. Eat small meals and snacks all day so you are not starving upon arriving at Thanksgiving dinner!
- Drink water throughout the day as dehydration can make you believe you are hungrier than you actually are!

The Table Setting

The best way to prevent over eating is make it “difficult” to get food…if the food is within arm’s distance, typically people eat more because it is convenient! So what can you do?

- Leave the food in the kitchen instead of placing it family style on the dinner table
- Use the “small” plate at the meal and if you are hungry, you can go back for more
- Only put one serving of each item on your plate; don’t create a mountain of food

Drink This, Not That!

Wine, martinis and champagne…oh how the calories can add up! Alcohol is full of empty calories, which means it has a good amount of calories with no nutrients. The real problem, however, is that alcohol does not make you full like food does so you keep drinking those extra calories. Make your first goal to drink water then have a drink or two throughout the day and alternate water in between.

- Drink red wine INSTEAD of a red fruity cocktail
- Drink light beer INSTEAD of regular beer
- Drink hot chocolate or coffee INSTEAD of eggnog

Eat This, Not That!

Thanksgiving dishes are known for their calories, but there are many healthy choices you can make at the meal and even with dessert. Check out the TOP 10 healthiest decisions you can make at dinner:

- Choose a green salad or raw veggie appetizer INSTEAD of chips and dip
- Choose skinless, white meat turkey INSTEAD of fried or dark meat turkey
- Choose fresh green beans INSTEAD of green bean casserole loaded with creamy sauces
- Choose brown gravy INSTEAD of creamy gravy on your mashed potatoes
- Choose a sweet potato INSTEAD of a sweet potato casserole loaded with marshmallow & sugar
- Choose bright colorful veggies INSTEAD of a plate loaded with white starches
- Choose a whole wheat roll INSTEAD of a croissant or flaky biscuit
- Choose water as your beverage INSTEAD of an alcoholic beverage, sweet tea or soda
- Choose desserts that are fruit based INSTEAD of chocolate or cheesecake based
- Choose pumpkin pie INSTEAD of pecan pie

Amy Goodson, MS, RD, CSSD, LD
Registered Dietitian

Words of Holiday Wisdom

Well, it’s almost Thanksgiving already. With the changing color of the leaves comes heightened expectations of holidays, parties, gifts and more. A couple of thoughts on fall and winter holidays:

1. Be patient. Don’t let crowds get you blood pressure up. Plan to give yourself more time, whether at the airport or in the mall.

2. Be active. Even though its dark early, and temperatures have dropped, don’t stop exercising. Walking, jogging, biking…whatever you want. Push yourself to burn a few more calories to keep up with the eating extravaganzas…oh, and have you ever wondered why so few people take the stairs – even for a single flight? Fifteen steps up to the next floor isn’t too many. Get going!

3. Get plenty of rest. All the hype and excitement will upset your sleep patterns. There is plenty of evidence that a good night sleep reduces cardiac risks, as well as other conditions. Don’t forget to take care of yourself even as you enjoy the many social occasions.

4. Eat right. Enough said.

5. Don’t go to gatherings if you are feeling sick. Why offer your bug to everyone else? That’s not the kind of present most people want…

6. Get your flu vaccination. It’s not too late, and it protects you…should you be on the receiving end of someone else’s sneeze…

7. Be thankful. There will always be those who have more than we do, and that will never change. But we have much. And giving thanks is good for the spirit, the heart, the soul.

Joseph Prosser, MD

VP, Chief Quality Officer

Ode to breastfeeding mothers!

My hat goes off to all the women who are reading this blog. As a childbirth educator and lactation consultant for the hospital, we are confronted with moms at many stages of the breastfeeding process. Some have a very positive experience and seem to transition into breastfeeding smoothly while for others, well... I'll let you read for yourself.

"I truly believe breastfeeding is the best for your baby and that is why I continue to stick with it. But let me tell you, it has not been an easy road.

Breastfeeding was a choice and the best choice I feel I have made as a mother yet. Studies show, and I have to agree, that breastfeeding gives your child the healthiest start of life possible. I always knew I wanted to breastfeed my children for as long as I could, but never knew of the dedication and mental toughness this part of motherhood would require. Here is a snippet of my journey...

Breastfeeding is one of the most special bonds a mother and baby can share. You carry this baby for 10 months and bond with it during that time and when he or she is born, breastfeeding is an extension of that bond that you have in utero.

What I was not prepared for is how painful breastfeeding can be and how time consuming it is. The lactation experts at the hospital do a great job of educating you and showing you technique, which is important. The wild card in breastfeeding is how your child will respond and how they will latch.

My baby latched just fine, but has always had poor technique while nursing.
Poor technique=sore nipples!

I was very consistent with my visits with the lactation nurses. You never know the importance or value of the lactation nurses until you have a screaming baby and sore nipples.
After many consultations and working on his technique, I got on the right track. Or so I thought...

This is the part where mental toughness comes into play. After 2.5 months of nursing, I still struggle at times with sore nipples. That is no fault of any ones. I have anatomy that has not complied and a baby who continues to battle poor technique.

I decided long before my baby entered the world that I was going to be successful with breastfeeding. That determination, coupled with a breast shield and lots of nipple cream, has lead to a mental toughness to get through the sore nipples and the occasional discomfort associated with breastfeeding.

On to the issue of time. I am an active person who hates to sit still. Breastfeeding forces you to sit still, enjoy your baby and let them eat - ON THEIR TIME TABLE. This has been a challenge for the "do it" mentality I have. Good news - we live in a world of technology and AWESOME breast pumps. When you need to give your breasts a break and you need to feed your child more efficiently - just pump.

Lactation nurses will tell you that only pumping can lead to a decrease in your milk supply. So, I don't recommend solely pumping. However, I have used pumping as a tool to alternate between breastfeeding and pumping to give my breasts a break and feed more efficiently at times. Just an option!

Bottom line - the benefits of breastfeeding far outweigh the negatives. I have always heard that you lose a lot of weight while breastfeeding. That fact is very true. I also heard that it was more cost-effective to breastfeed. That is also true.

When you go to the grocery store next, price formula. $23 a can for formula that might last a week gets expensive very quickly.

The satisfaction that I know I am giving my baby the very best is mostly what continues to remind me that I CAN do this breastfeeding thing - it is simply a choice.

Must run - baby is screaming and ready to eat."

- Breastfeeding mom

Becky Law, RN, IBCLC, LCCE

Childbirth educator/Lactation consultant

If you have any tips or stories to share, please comment.

Holiday Eating:Cook With This and Not With That

When thinking about the holidays, most people imagine their grandma’s homemade pie, their mom’s scrumptious casserole and their aunt’s candied sweet potatoes. Umm mm! However, all of these foods have one common denominator: lots of calories! And lots of calories can lead to unwanted weight gain. The average person gains 7 pounds over the holidays because typically people eat higher calorie foods and exercise less.

It is not that you have to cut these foods totally out of your holidays, but making some key substitutions can lower the fat and calories in recipes while keeping the same great taste! Remember, it is not just baked goods that are full of calories, some of your favorite dishes are also loaded with them!

When cooking, substitute:

Cook with this - 1 cup oats or crushed whole wheat crackers
Not with that - 1 cup bread crumbs

Cook with this – 1 cup 2% mozzarella cheese
Not with that –1 cup cheddar cheese

Cook with this – ¼ egg substitute or half banana mashed with half teaspoon baking powder
Not with that - 1 egg

Cook with this – 1 cup low-fat sour cream or plain yogurt
Not with that – 1 cup mayonnaise

Cook with this – 1 cup cooked barley, bulgar or brown rice
Not with that – 1 cup cooked white rice


When baking, substitute:

Bake with this – 1 cup yogurt
Not with that - 1 cup buttermilk

Bake with this – 1 cup natural honey
Not with that – 1 cup corn syrup

Bake with this – 1 cup frozen light whipped topping (thawed)
Not with that – 1 cup cream (whipped)

Bake with this – 1 cup low-fat cottage cheese (pureed)
Not with that – 1 cup cream cheese

Bake with this – 1 cup apple sauce or fruit puree
Not with that – 1 cup oil

Note: Don’t substitute every single ingredient because you might alter the taste and integrity of the end result. However, making a few substitutions will help lower the fat and calorie intake of your product!

Amy Goodson, MS, RD, CSSD, LD

Registered Dietitian

If you have a question for the dietitian, visit www.texashealth.org/askamy

Breast cancer awareness all year long

Breast Cancer Awareness Month is officially over, but as the manager of the Kupferle Comprehensive Breast Center at Texas Health Harris Methodist Hospital Fort Worth, it’s ongoing. For those of us who work in the breast center, spreading awareness is an everyday priority.

Regular screening mammograms are an important weapon in the fight against breast cancer. At the Kupferle Comprehensive Breast Center we follow the American Cancer Society’s (ACS) Guidelines for the Early Detection of Breast Cancer which are:

· Yearly mammograms for women starting at age 40 and continuing as long as a woman is in good health.
· Clinical breast exam every 3 years for women in their 20s and 30s and every year for women 40 and over.
· Women should know how their breasts normally look and feel and report any breast change promptly to their health care provider. Breast self-exam (BSE) is an option for women starting in their 20s.
· ACS recommends that some women -- because of their family history, a genetic tendency and other factors -- be screened with MRI in addition to mammograms. Talk with your doctor about your history and whether you should have additional tests at an earlier age.

It is also important to have your screening mammogram at a healthcare facility you trust with your life, because mammograms save lives. When choosing a mammogram facility, take a moment to ask yourself “what if?”

“What if they find something during my mammogram?”

“What if I have breast cancer?”

At the Kupferle Comprehensive Breast Center, if something is found during your screening mammogram, you are not alone. If it turns out to be breast cancer, you are not alone. If you have questions or need guidance from people who have been through breast cancer, you are not alone. We are here with the support through your journey from beginning to end.

Lesley Kibel, RN

Manager Kupferle Comprehensive Breast Center

Bariatric Diary # 8: Things are looking up

Good day, kind readers!!

Last time I wrote I was about to have an endoscopy due to some internal issues. I had the procedure and thankfully, we found the problem. I had at some point developed a stricture at the bottom of my stomach where the new pouch connects to the intestine. My body essentially overcompensated during the healing process and almost closed off the stomach pouch at the bottom opening. Unfortunately it could not all be repaired in the one procedure. On Tuesday of this week, I had a second procedure and I am glad to report that things are back to where they should be with one small exception. During the 2nd endocscopy they found a small stomach ulcer so I will be taking medicine for awhile until that can be taken care of. No fun, but hey its better than the alternatives.

I did find it very funny my experience with the endoscopy. It really is painless and no big deal. However, both times I had weird experiences in the recovery room. Apparently both times, everybody wanted to tell me very important information while I was more or less in a comatose state of mind. Thankfully, I had my dad with me the first time and my sister the second time. If not I very well might have given away everything I own. The nurses were great, the doctor was great, and I am much better off now.

So other than the medical side of things, life has been good. The job is good, the family is good, the Rangers made it to the World Series (Antlers Up!!), hunting season start next weekend, and life seems to be going in the right direction. As of today, I am proud to say that I have lost approximately 141 lbs and glad that my weight is staying fairly consistent now.

I encourage everyone to come out to the Bariatric Support Group tomorrow, Thursday, November 4. It should be a good time and much knowledge to be shared by all.

The journey continues…..

Casey Armstrong

Be Safe for Halloween!

Halloween is just a few days away. Which reminds me that I need to buy more candy. Why is it that I can remember where I hide the candy, (yum) but I can’t remember where I put the car keys? And speaking of car keys, did you know twice as many children are struck by cars on Halloween than on any other day in the year? So as you venture out on this spooky night, remind your children when crossing the street to look left, and then right, and then left again. Streets should only be crossed at the corner. Try to stay on sidewalks, but if there are none in your neighborhood, walk on the left side of the street, facing oncoming traffic. It is much easier for a driver to see your goblin with reflective gear such as glow in the dark bracelets, necklaces and reflective tape.

Turn on your full headlights between 5:30 and 9:30, which is the most popular hours for trick-or-treaters. Of course you should obey all traffic signs. In residential areas, drive slower than usual where children will be out. Pay special attention when going in and out of driveways. Be mindful of any distractions such as talking on cell phones, or eating to better concentrate on driving. If driving trick-or-treaters through the neighborhood, remember to use seat belts and exit the vehicle on the passenger side.

Halloween is an exciting time for children. They look forward to dressing up and getting heaps of candy! As parents we are responsible for checking out the candy (especially the chocolate ones), and keeping our little ghouls safe and sound. This includes reminding your teens (the scariest ones of all) about attentive driving, no matter how many times they roll their eyes.

MaryAnn Contreras, RN
Injury Prevention Coordinator

Who needs a flu vaccine?

Influenza, commonly referred to as the flu, is a highly contagious viral infection. Symptoms often include a quick onset of fever, muscle ache, sore throat, cough and headache. Influenza symptoms are usually mild to moderate in severity and last for 2 to 3 days. In more serious cases however, the flu can lead to further complications such as pneumonia or even death. Each year more than 200,000 hospitalizations are flu-related. Flu season usually peaks in December and continues through March. The flu vaccine provides protection against contracting the flu. There are two types of influenza vaccines available for the 2010 season, the traditional “flu shot” and a nasal vaccine.

The flu shot is a yearly vaccine that can be given to adults and children as young as six months of age. This vaccine contains three different inactivated strains of the flu virus. One of the strains in the 2010 influenza vaccine will be the 2009 H1N1 virus. Because the peak flu season begins in December, the optimal time to receive the influenza shot should be during October or November. The flu shot is usually recommended for all persons that are high risk for complications such as those 50 years of age and older, healthy children 6 months through 18 years of age, residents of long term care facilities, pregnant women, and those 6 months of age and older with chronic illnesses (such as pulmonary or cardiovascular illnesses). Common side effects are redness and soreness at the injection site that usually lasts for 1 to 2 days. Less than one percent of people experience fever, muscle ache or tiredness. Some individuals have not been able to receive the influenza vaccine in the past because of an allergy to eggs. However, in 2011 a non-egg based vaccine will become available.

Another option for protection against the flu is the nasal vaccine also known as FluMist. FluMist is approved for healthy persons age 2 through 49 and it is given as a nasal spray. Unlike the influenza shot, the nasal vaccine may be given as soon as it is available in the late summer or fall. FluMist contains a live attenuated virus, which is a weakened form of the flu virus. The most common side effects of the nasal vaccine are runny nose, cough, nasal congestion, chills, sore throat and headache.

Visit http://www.flu.gov/ for further information on the vaccines.

~Nicole Day, PharmD

Grateful for Small Miracles

After learning that we were pregnant with twin girls our excitement was beyond measure. We were so excited to share our lives with not one, but two precious babies. Unfortunately, God had other plans for our family. Pre-term labor reared its ugly head in the 19th week of my pregnancy, and I was rushed to Texas Health Harris Methodist Hospital Fort Worth where I would remain for three days.

After my third night at the hospital, my water broke, and our first sweet baby, Lily Grace, was delivered…too soon for any chance of survival. Miraculously, my labor stopped after Lily was born, and Dr. Bradford and her nurses did everything they possibly could to keep our second twin safe for another 25 days. Isabelle “Izzy” Eden was born at 23 weeks and 6 days gestation, weighing 1 pound 9 ounces and measuring 11.75 inches long.

She was immediately rushed to the Neonatal ICU after her birth, and she ended up spending the first four months of her life there. She was released to come home the day after her original due date. Izzy was under the care of Dr. Miao and Dr. Brann, and they both took excellent care of her. And we just can’t say enough about the NICU nurses. They were wonderful! They went out of their way to make us feel at ease while we were visiting Izzy, and they were so patient with all of our questions. It was hard to walk away from our baby every night, but we knew we were leaving her in very capable hands, and most importantly, that she was loved. We are forever grateful to our doctors and nurses at Texas Health Fort Worth for taking such excellent care of our little girl. She wouldn’t be the picture of health she is today without them.

~The Babb Family

Brandon’s Story

My name is Brandon and I would like to share my story with you on how being a tissue recipient has impacted my life. In 2003, I started working at Community Tissue Services – Fort Worth as a customer service representative. My job was to help surgeons and patients get the tissue they needed for surgeries such as ACL repairs, hip surgeries, burn grafting, and many other types of surgeries that helped people walk, work, and live a full life. Seeing the impact that donation made every day for recipients and donor families, I became an avid supporter of donation.
Like most boys in Texas, football is a way of life. I played football my entire life and was given the opportunity to play college football for the University of Pennsylvania. During four years of playing Division I football, I never sustained any injuries.

While playing soccer in 2005, I came down on an opponent’s cleat and completely tore my Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL), one of the most important of four strong ligaments connecting the bones of the knee joint, damaged my lateral meniscus, a cartilage-like band that covers the lateral side of the interior of the knee, and tore a ton of cartilage. Needless to say, my knee was in disrepair. When I met with my surgeon, Dr. William Coleman, I told him without any hesitation that I wanted to use a donated ligament. As an employee of CTS, I knew of all the advantages using a donated ligament would bring me. When Dr. Coleman performed my surgery, I was given a “new” ligament.

One of the most important decisions I have ever made was to use a donated graft to repair my knee. Because of the tissue transplant, my knee is as “good as new”. Today, I am a football coach at North Side High School, and my coaching style revolves around being able to show my athletes how to play the game, getting on the sled and bags and being a “hands on” coach. I also have a three –year old son that loves to play, run, and do all the things a wild three-year old does. Without question, receiving my tissue transplant has allowed me to live my life the way I want!

I owe this all to the person that decided to donate the tissue of someone they loved. Soldiers, firemen, police officers, and so many others that come into harms way benefit from the tissue, skin, and bone donated by the families of those that have passed. The decision to “give” can be life saving to some, and can allow others to continue their way of life. This also keeps the memory and spirit of the donor alive.

I am a supporter of donation and plan to become a donor. My family is aware of my decision to “give”. We can’t all be heroes, but we can all help each other by giving the gift of life, the gift of giving someone’s life a second chance, and the gift of helping a family that has lost a loved one carry on their memory.