Steps to Take to Treat Your Fibroids

Most uterine fibroids are harmless and do not cause symptoms; however, some may be painful, press on internal organs, cause heavy bleeding and possible anemia, or cause infertility problems.

If you have a fibroid problem, there are several treatments to consider, including uterine fibroid embolization (UFE). Doing your research and talking with specialists will help inform and educate you so that you can make the right decision for your treatment.

Below are five steps to get you on the path to treatment:

1. Get Informed

Do your homework. Conduct research on which uterine fibroid treatment options are appropriate for you. Visit websites for such organizations as the National Uterine Fibroid Foundation (www.nuff.org), the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (www.acog.org), and the Society of Interventional Radiology (www.sirweb.org). Also, check out your hospital’s website for information on treatment options.

Seek a second (or third or fourth) opinion. Obtain a copy of your medical records from your OB-GYN, and don’t hesitate to discuss treatment options with other doctors. Make sure you are comfortable and satisfied with the information you hear and the treatment plan you and your doctor decide on. Talking with an Interventional Radiologist (IR), who is familiar with UFE, will help determine if you are a candidate for that treatment option. If you are not, your OB-GYN can provide you with alternative options.

Talk to other women with uterine fibroids. Many hospitals have women’s health seminars that feature fibroids discussions. Hearing about others’ individual experiences, especially those who have undergone UFE, can help you determine if it is a possibility for you.

2. Talk to Your OB-GYN

Make an appointment with your OB-GYN to discuss whether you might be a candidate for UFE.

3. Get Referred to a Specialist

Your OB-GYN is accustomed to referring patients to different types of medical specialists, so he or she will be a great resource for where to go to seek further treatment options. Ask your OB-GYN about UFE and if a specialist, such as those at Indiana Fibroid Center, would be appropriate for treating your symptomatic uterine fibroids and managing your post-procedure care.

4. Find a Specialist

The physicians at Indiana Fibroid Center are some of the most experienced in the Midwest at performing UFE. We are happy to speak with you about your specific symptoms and options for treatment.

5. Talk to a Specialist

Prepare for consultation. If your OB-GYN has diagnosed you with uterine fibroids, you should take a copy of your medical records and any imaging that has confirmed your fibroid tumors, to the consultation with the specialist you have been referred to. A copy of your most recent gynecologic evaluation is also helpful, as an OB-GYN exam is recommended to rule out non-fibroid causes of symptoms.

You don’t have to continue suffering from the discomfort of uterine fibroids. The physicians at Indiana Fibroid Center are dedicated to creating treatment plans that will improve our patients’ comfort and lifestyle. We offer state-of-the-art, minimally invasive, nonsurgical procedures to treat your fibroids, and our experienced staff is committed to providing you with the best care available.

Six Reasons to See a Doctor About Your Varicose Veins

It is estimated that approximately half of the U.S. population suffers from some type of venous disease, with women making up about 55 percent of those affected. Of those afflicted with vein problems, 20 to 25 percent of women and 10 to 15 percent of men will have visible varicose veins. Varicose veins affect approximately one out of every two people age 50 and older, with many studies suggesting that those percentages increase significantly after age 70.

Varicose veins are common and, although often unsightly, they are generally not a serious health problem. In fact, many people can manage their varicose veins with home treatments, such as exercising, wearing compression stockings, and elevating the legs.

However, a few warning signs can indicate a more serious problem that warrant a doctor’s intervention. Below are six reasons you should see your doctor about your veins:

  1. Your vein becomes swollen, red, tender, or warm to the touch.
  2. One of the varicose veins begins to bleed.
  3. There are sores or a dark rash on the leg or near the ankles.
  4. The skin on your legs changes color and texture.
  5. Pain in the legs keeps you from your daily activities.
  6. The appearance of the veins is causing you distress.

Some of these warning signs may indicate serious problems, such as a blood clot in a deep vein, which can be serious and needs prompt attention. Others could be a sign of a clot or inflammation in a vein just under the skin, which is usually not dangerous but may still require treatment.

If you’re having pain, even if it’s just a dull ache, or are just generally worried about your varicose veins, don’t hesitate to get help.

Golf and Back Pain

Golf is a great sport for all ages to enjoy. It’s an excellent form of exercise, especially if the golfer skips the cart and walks the course. As with any sport, though, there is risk of injury.

How Golf Causes Low Back Pain

For golfers, the most common ailment is lower back pain. Amateur golfers who do not play frequently often demonstrate multiple inconsistencies in their swing, leading to injury resulting from poor mechanics.

Repeated twisting, combined with the force inherent in a golf swing, leaves the lower back susceptible to injury. Spinal muscles and facet joints work to help provide force during the golf swing. Overuse can cause stiffness and irritation in these joints and the surrounding muscles.

Abnormal motions coming from other areas of the body, including the hips and shoulders, can force the golfer’s lower back to do unnecessary, excessive work and may also cause harm.

While walking the course provides much more exercise than riding in a cart, carrying the golf bag in an improper manner can cause undue strain on back muscles. Likewise, bending over to pick up the bag, or even the golfball or club, may also stress the back.

Preventing Back Injuries from Golf

As with many health conditions, a little effort to prevent back injury and pain can go a long way.

  • Warm up prior to playing.

Heading directly to the course first thing in the morning and hitting the ball as hard as you can is probably the easiest way to strain your back muscles and end up in pain. Instead, start with stretches that emphasize the shoulders, torso, and hips. Light, gentle warm-up swings will do wonders to loosen up your back before playing and will help prevent injury during your round. Overall, muscles that have been stretched and gradually loaded are less prone to being injured while playing golf and can take more stress before being strained or sprained.

  • Learn and use proper form.

The objective of a golf swing is to develop significant club head speed, and to do this, a great deal of torque and torsion are applied to the lower back. With a proper swing, the shoulders, hips, chest, and lower spine all rotate to share the load of the swing. A fluid, rhythmic swing produces less stress and less low back pain. It is also important to remember to bend at the knees while picking up your ball, as repeated bending at the waist can cause unnecessary stress on the back.

To avoid back injury, beginners would be well advised to work with a golf pro when starting out, especially since most aspects of a golf swing are not natural or intuitive. Additionally, senior golfers with decreased flexibility and strength and anyone with lower back problems would benefit from lessons with a professional who is experienced at teaching golfers with bad backs.

  • Carry your bag safely.

Choose a golf bag with a built-in stand. Repeated bending over to pick up a golf bag from the ground can stress the low back and lead to muscle strain. Bags that place all the pressure on one shoulder can also be hard on the back. Choosing a bag that has dual straps evenly divides the weight across the back and reduces the chances of developing low back pain from an uneven load.

A little knowledge and preparation can help keep you in the game.

Don’t let back pain keep you from enjoying the sport you love.

Interventional Physicians of Indiana is a leading provider of kyphoplasty and back pain relief services. We have served Central Indiana since 2003.

Our Indianapolis radiologists offer state-of-the-art, minimally invasive, nonsurgical procedures, and have accumulated one of the largest single center practices in the country.

Indiana Back Pain Center has convenient locations in the Indianapolis metro area and we offer convenient scheduling options. Get your life back and quit suffering from acute back pain.