How Healthy Are Gluten Free Products Compared To Their Traditional Ones?

So, I have a gluten allergy and therefore cannot consume most of the typical grains. Traditional bread is typically made of wheat, and is also processed, so it's not very nutritious in my eyes. Gluten free bread is also processed but made from different flours such as rice, corn, and almond, etc. My question is, which do you think is "healthier" if you had to pick a side. With gluten free alternatives, there is still the presence of high calorie and high glycemic index foods within these GF products. So which one wins? Obviously I can't eat traditional bread but should I give up these GF alternatives and just opt for a more raw lifestyle? This is something I've wondered about for some time now. I'm newly out of college for nutrition and unfortunately it is something I never got to ask any of my professors.

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Turner Syndrome - Any Method To Overcome Infertility?

I have a sibling who suffers from Turner's Syndrome. I've studied a little about it in school's Biology class and I understand that they have multiple issues such as infertility. Is there a way or method to overcome infertility?

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Hemorrhoids :: Wet Tissue Method To Push Them Inside

This is not cure, but it really worked for me for 8 mths to reclaim my life. I have hemorrhoids since 2012, and bleeded furiously at times. I have tried several methods to cure, tried pushing in the piles using KY gel during work or soap when bathing. But no success. Then one day I tried using wet tissues to push in. Worked like a charm! Even when I have diarrhea and had to go toilet 3 times, it still worked!!

This is how I would advise...

Right after your bowel business, take 3 wet wipes (pref the flushable type - otherwise do not throw into toilet bowl).

I use the first for cleaning. I would wipe twice with it (mine is 19x20 cm)

Then I would fold the second into half, wipe once, then fold again.

Position 2 fingers onto the center of the wet wipe (now quarter-sized) and push gently into anus.

First push at the center of piles (I have 2 big and 1 small, the smaller one most painful).

Push gently in, while relaxing your anal muscles.

Withdraw fully till the tips of your fingers are just touching the anus, then push in again.

Repeat one or twice more, then begin targeting the piles, pushing them in.

Total of 6-8 times shd do the trick.

Third wet wipe? Just a spare. I usually used it to confirm that it is clean.

But why wet tissues? Because they provide enough traction to draw the piles in, but wet enough to make it painless, and tough enough not to break.

Tips:

1. Experiment with different hands when pushing. I used to do it with the hand I normally wipe with, but my first finger started to ache after 3 months. Then I tried the other hand, and behold, angle is such that it is much easier to push in. And because it takes less effort, my finger of that hand has not ache even now.

2. Squeeze your anal muscles gently after the piles have been push in. If you feel a slight sensation of piles being drawn in fully, then you'll know it is done. Even if not, as long as your piles is no longer painful nor interfere your life, it shd be considered ok.

The whole thing only takes one more min in the toilet. And by using flushable wet tissues, it is so convenient, you can just throw into the toilet bowl, at home or outside.

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Cream/method That Removes Back Hair Permanently?

Can you get a cream/method that removes back hair permanently?

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Is Excision And Ligation An Adequate Vasectomy Occlusion Method?

I am considering a vasectomy, and according to the medical literature (see links to citations below), the recommended methods for vas occlusion are cautery and/or fascial interposition (preferably both methods).

However, I have consulted with two local urologists, and neither of them use either of these techniques. Instead, both simply do an excision and ligation, and one of them takes an additional step of folding back and suturing the ends of the vas deferens. Both physicians have very good credentials and are highly experienced.

Is it unusual for urologists (in the U.S.) to perform only excision and ligation without any cautery or fascial interposition, or is excision and ligation still commonplace and considered good practice? Is it important to perform cautery and/or fascial interposition, and should I therefore continue to look for a urologist who performs one or both of those techniques?

Note, I am particularly concerned about long-term recanalization (i.e., a year or more after the procedure). I know the rates of late recanalization are generally assumed to be low, but as I understand it, the true rate is difficult to ascertain due to a lack of systematic long-term follow-up.

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Hip Replacement Recovery? Gym Bunny Or Lazy Slob Method

I am 53 and have had two uncemented THRs in 6 months, both because of OA, and have been encouraged to have the Lazy Slob method of recovery.

That is, in the first 6 weeks...

Walking with aids only

No physio

Exercise is moving leg back and forth and slightly out to side a few times a day and rotating and pumping foot.

I take 1 blood thinning tablet for 35 days

No stockings

​My recovery for both ops looks as if it's going to be the same and now at 3 weeks after the second I am again walking around the house without aids but using my crutches to support walking when I am out.

The first two weeks were tough but I had had no strains or injuries. my first hip is very strong and doing an admirable job of holding up the new lefty.

After my 7 week check with the first I was advised to slowly build up strength (I drove to the appointment) but was also given some lifetime restrictions of no impact sports, twisting or pivoting to preserve the hip for as long as possible. (My surgeon said I can do the splits, run marathons and take up rugby if I wanted to but he would see me back in his office in 5 years for a revision!!!). Because I was waiting for the second hip to be done my exercise was restricted by pain so I kept fit by swimming.

I know there is no right or wrong and every method depends on the consultant but I have been surprised at the number of stresses and strains that some people have suffered after being made to do exercises by PT's.

I have read about torn tendons, inflamed muscles, swollen knees and ankles and wonder if there is any correlation to the amount of exercise we are given.

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Hallux Rigidus - Minimally Invasive Cheilectomy (keyhole Method) Pros And Cons?

I have moderate hallux rigidus and am interested in investigating having cheilectomy surgery done by the minimally invasive, keyhole method. I don't normally have pain whilst walking but the lump rubs up against shoes, aches and limits the sort of footgear I can wear.  I should love to be able to wear heels again but do not want to end up in a worse situation post op.

2 questions:

Does anyone have experience they can share of the pros and cons of this newish method of operating  ?

Are there centres in Somerset / South West who offer this treatment?

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Eye :: Laser To Get Rid Of Floaters - Effective?

QUOTE FROM ARTICLE:

Although the idea of a clinic-based YAG laser operation is alluring for its perceived simplicity, we have the following concerns.

1. The energy delivered into the eye is not acceptable. The energy delivered to the eye in YAG vitreolysis compared with standard YAG capsulotomy is much greater. Van der Windt and colleagues state the typical required power is 2.5 mJ to 4.5 mJ, and they do not recommend exceeding 500 pulses per treatment session. They recognize multiple treatment sessions may be necessary. It is our opinion this level of energy being delivered into the eye is too great, putting the patient at unnecessarily high risk for postoperative inflammation, glaucoma and retinal tear/detachment.

2. The efficacy of YAG vitreolysis is also in question. Delaney and colleagues found that 38% of patients treated with YAG vitreolysis had a moderate reduction in symptoms while 62% had no improvement.

The alternative treatment for YAG vitreolysis, and what we recommend at Mercy in carefully selected cases, is small-gauge pars plana vitrectomy. This procedure yields much higher efficacy. In the same Delaney study, they reported 93.3% of eyes undergoing vitrectomy for floaters resulted in full resolution. By utilizing modern surgical equipment, now readily available in as small as 27 gauge and cut rates as high as 7,500 cuts/minute, very little energy is directed into the vitreous, and very little traction on the vitreous is exerted. Vitrectomy has the advantage that if a retinal tear develops intraoperatively, it should be easily identified and treated at the end of the case.

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ENT :: Laser Tonsillectomy - My Experience

I would like to share my experience with the laser tonsil reduction procedure.

I am 32 years old with small tonsils with crypts. I have been suffering from constant sore throat, BB, tonsil stones, fever since the past three years.

I discarded the traditional tonsillectomy option as I have heard that its very painful in adults with increased risk of postoperative bleeding and the recovery takes 2 weeks to sometimes a month. Instead I opted for laser aided tonsil reduction.

My ENT gave me a prompt appointment and I had the procedure done yesterday. After the anaesthetic spray to the back of my throat that somewhat stinged, the ENT fired around 3 rounds of laser to each of my tonsils.Even though the anaesthetic had numbed my throat, there was a burning pain when the laser went deeper.

The whole procedure was completed in 15 minutes and the ENT informed me that he has reduced both my tonsils as much as possible. The tonsillar area looked black and charred. I had slight difficulty swallowing but it was not that bad as expected.

I returned home in the evening and gargled with difflam mouthwash and took one painkiller around 7 pm when the pain built up. Still a 2 out of a scale of 10.

Day 1 (today): Woke up this morning, feeling much better. My throat has started sloughing and I can see white coating where it was lasered. Pain 2 out of 10. Gargled again but didn't need to take a painkiller.
I have a funny taste in the back of the mouth and the gargle is not helping.

Off to have some lentil soup and veggies for lunch. I have 6 days of sick leave from work to recover, so drinking lots of liquids and mashed food & soup to get well soon.

Note: I have read that partial tonsil reduction may not solve the problems completely. But I am keeping my fingers crossed and hoping that I am not one of the rare cases who has to go for a complete tonsillectomy after all this. I have a follow up appointment with the ENT a month later. wish me good luck.

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Laser For Trigeminal Neuralgia?

Has anyone tried the laser treatment for trigeminal neuralgia. I have read that people have great success with it. As I understand it the laser is low level and non invasive.

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Eye Care :: Seeing Starbursts After YAG Laser

I am 39 and recently underwent cataract surgery and had Restor Lenses placed. I also had the LRI done at surgery time to correct astigmatism (in both eyes). Well the LRI corrected the astigmatism in my left eye but not my right. My vision isn't as sharp in my right eye also. I was having a lot of glare in my right eye so I had the YAG laser procedure due to a secondary cataract in that eye. I have noticed I have a lot of Starbursts in that eye now. It's really frustrating and I am nervous because in 2 weeks I am having LASIK done in my right eye to correct the "off vision" and fix the astigmatism. I am scared that these starbursts will never go away/ or get worse.? It makes Concerts or night driving bothersome. It's almost like a different version of my cataract. I paid $4,800 for both eyes... and have been thrilled with results of left eye...just not with my right?

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Infertility? Too Much Laser Exposure?

I had IPL laser hair removal at a local salon. The technician gave me 5 sessions (each which included a free retouch session meaning a total of 10) with an interval of two weeks. Obviously i hadn't done my research well and it didn't work. I am going to the leading laser hair removal in my country now..my concern is ...is that too much laser exposure to my area and my ovaries? Would this cause infertility or anything of that matter? It's not about the laser itself but to the amount of exposure that i am being exposed to.

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Tonsil :: Co2 Laser Tonsillectomy - Anyone? Results?

Has anyone had a co2 laser tonsillectomy? Results?

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Lichen Planus :: 2nd OLP Laser Treatment

My 1st laser treatment was unsuccessful so i went to see an oral surgeon who specializes in laser ablation on soft oral tissues This time the procedure was much more invasive and treated like an actual surgery.  The doctor removed the top 3 layers of epithelial tissue off the side of my tongue where the OLP was I he went much deeper than my 1st doc).  I had the procedure friday and am still in considerable pain and discomfort. I am unable to speak and chew so i have been pretty much drinking my meals through a straw.  Thankfully i have a supportive girlfriend who has been cooking and pureeing all the food for me  I went to the doc today for a post-op exam and he said it was healing properly.  I have been taking vitamin C, D, zinc, glutamine and lysine for immune support and to help heal the tissue.  Right now my tongue looks like a mess but i am hoping it heals up and the OLP is a thing of the past.  Unfortunately i had to cancel my weekend travel plans and missed my good friends wedding in the process, so i've been a bit stressed and sad.

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Lichen Sclerosus :: CO2 Fractional Laser And PRP

have any ladies had the CO2 fractional laser for LS? The reason I ask is that my dermatologist has finally given me the name of the laser they have suggested for my treatment as I'm struggling with the steroids/HPV warts cycle. They have suggested having the CO2 fractional laser followed a couple of hours later by PRP treatment. The dermatologist said they see the best results with ladies who have this combination on the same day.

over this last week my left labia minor has disappeared 😟 Completely and I have struggled to keep the itch at bay. Although the white patches have diminished. in the last week I had to use the Betnovate but after a day the itch/pain was so bad and not subsiding, that I used the dermovate, this I think was the only thing that helped with the itch eventually. But as I struggle to use these creams I have to be very careful as they induce warts. 

Hence the doctor has suggested I undertake the CO2 laser and PRP combination next week.

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Lichen Planus :: Laser Treatment For OLP? Anyone?

the first oral surgeon i went to recommended it and i am now thinking this may be a good idea. I believe its similar to a scraping where it stimulates new cell generation and heals the damaged tissue. 

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Hidradenitis Suppurativa :: Laser Surgery

I've been suffering from HS for the last few years, I think it started in 2010/11, I am male in mid thirties. I have had various flare ups over the years both small and large in only the groin area. There have been times where it has disappeared for months but then reappeared at existing or new places. 

I have three areas which have scared and still feel like a bump is under the skin, sometimes they weep, they have been there for some time. In one area the discharge absolutely stinks (to me), which is strange as all the other areas seem to be odourless.

Over the last couple of days I have had a couple of big new flare ups which have got me searching on google about HS again and in turn typing on this forum now for the first time. Before that I have been pretty comfortable for at least 4 or 5 months with nothing major going on.

I have been to the doctor and dermatologist various times. Have also visited a surgeon when the doctor gave me the option of surgery, however the surgeon advised me not to go under the knife if they weren’t effecting me that badly as it would put me out of work for six months (not good for self-employed) as well as having the risk of them coming back 10 times worse.

I have been reading up about laser surgery, particularly an article titled “Treatment of hidradenitis suppurativa with intense pulsed light: a prospective study” where they test it on 18 people and seem to have positive results. My question, is there anywhere available in the UK for this?

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Cholesteatoma :: Experience With KTP Laser Surgery?

I just got diagnosed this year with a Cholesteatoma, after a heavy mid ear inflammation in June, following a severe cold. Before that I had no problems with my ear.

My hearing was virtually lost during the inflammation but recovered pretty well, I guess only a 30 % has gone in my right ear. I live in Spain, in the mountains, and have no problems while I am here.

But I just visited the Peruvian Jungle, and it happened two times that after 3-4 days in the Jungle, my ear starts draining liquids and my eardrum perforates. After being treated two times with antibiotics in Peru, and moving to an area where the air is much dryer, the inflammation goes away within a week.

Now, last Friday I talked with my ENT specialist, and he has put me on a waiting list to have it surgically removed. According to him, it is a 'removal' operation, with a high chance of losing my right side hearing completely, as he 'thinks' the ossicles are infected.

When I asked him if a KTP laser is being used, the answer I got was that they don't use KTP laser in these kind of interventions in Spain.  

Since I do not want to lose my hearing capacity in the right ear completely, I understood from reading about Cholesteatomas and treatments that a KTP laser assisted intervention has a high chance of preserving the ossicles, and thus hearing capacity.

There is an ENT specialist who has published about this, Dr. Fairley.

Does anybody has experience with him ?

Has anybody had this type of surgery with a KTP Laser ? How were the results ? I am very interesting in your story, As I am considering paying for the intervention myself in another country.

Prices are fluctuating a lot for this procedure, so if anyone knows a good ENT specialist (Cholesteatoma & KTP Laser) I would appreciate your opinion and experiences.

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Hemorrhoids :: Botox And Laser THD Didn't Work

Basically in april 2015 i went to consultant for pile treatment, he advised me to have them treated by injection, i went ahead with this procedure, for a week i was fine then i noticed the itching and pile/pain had returned went back to my consultant he told me he thinks it was a fissure and to take creams and come back to him in 3 weeks time for further consultation.

alas 2 weeks later i was in severe pain and discomfort and phoned the consultants office that i was in bad pain and was told the consultant was on holidays and would not be back for a further week!

at this stage i was told by my doctor to attend hospital a+e for emergency

treatment ,this i did and was told to present myself at the hospital fasting from night before to see a new consultant---Phew it gets worse!

arrived at the hospital new consultant in fairness said he would put me under a full GA and see what is going on there

the following morning he told me yes indeed the piles were back there was one internal and one external and that i was better off going for the laser treatment called THD, which i booked in for the following week this was at this stage mid may had the procedure and for 2 weeks felt great
however on the third week i was in severe pain in the anal area and knew something was wrong (bearing in mind i was told the THD procedure has a 90%success rate..presented myself back to the consultant in hospital had to go under a full ga again he told me afterwards that the procedure had not worked for me for fu..s sake i was one of the 10% that it did not work for so i was booked in for the following week to have the piles which i was now told one of them was thrombosed removed by surgery so have had this done in mid june and have been in terrible pain since, especially after bm to the point where all i could do is sit/lie in the house all day taking pain killers stool softeners and baths every day. every time i phoned the consultant i was told it takes time to heal so after 7 weeks of severe pain id had enough, i went to my doctor got a letter of him to see the consultant urgently as i was in severe pain meet with the consultant am now booked in again for early next week this is what he said the wound is healing however it is a time thing, he will have a further look at me to see if there is something else causing this awful pain he said there is no fissure but wants to give me a botox injection in the anal area to help with the healing, can anyone please advise with this as i do not want to get any worse pain than i am in presently sorry for the long rant but this is actually what happened to me it has changed my life whereby in the last 6 months being in terrible pain and discomfort and am now wary about this botox injection

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