Ask MetaFilter questions in the health category

How much does the living tissue weigh in a fully developed wisdom tooth?

Null Pointer and the Exceptions — Thu, 07 Aug 2008 12:12:49 -0800

How much does the living tissue weigh in a fully developed wisdom tooth?

Why do my eyes burn when drinking soda?

drezdn — Thu, 07 Aug 2008 10:21:32 -0800

Why do my eyes sometimes feel like they're burning when I drink sodas high in caffeine?

Can a small child have cataplexy without narcolepsy?

Anonymous — Thu, 07 Aug 2008 09:27:49 -0800

Is it possible for a small child to have cataplexy without narcolepsy? I'm not usually one of those worrying-about-whether-my-child-has-the-disease-of-the-week type of parents. I think I'm about as laid back and easy-going as they get. But today's BBC story about cataplexy has me wondering about this.

Here are my data points in reverse chronological order:

My four-year-old son collapses to the floor when he's tickled in a certain spot. He giggles like a maniac before and after falling and does not appear to be in distress. He just completely loses the ability to keep himself upright (sorta like one of those toys where you push the bottom of the base and all the character's joints go loose).

Last autumn, he had a bad fall off a bed, resulting in unconsciousness and a concussion. He was sitting on the edge of the bed and then suddenly flopped to the ground, head first without putting his hands out, continuing over to flop down on his back. This happened shortly after waking up early, and the doctors at the time said he probably just fell asleep again.

When he was a crawling baby, he frequently did spectacular faceplants when all his limbs would suddenly go out from under him. He was not otherwise wobbly -- he was a very adept, sturdy, and fast crawler. I am in a position to observe many crawling babies and I haven't seen any others fall the way he would. At the time, I wondered if he was having some sort of mini-seizure, but once he started walking I forgot about it.

He had a blood transfusion in-utero at about 26 weeks gestation to fight severe (near-fatal) anemia due to parvovirus infection (fifth disease). The pregnancy went fine after that and, though there was concern about possible brain damage, he had extensive follow-up over the first four years of his life and no problems were ever detected.

And that's about it. He's a bright, funny, creative kid. Nobody who knows him would think he's got any neurological issues (including those neonatal follow-up doctors who were looking for neurological issues).

Anonymous because I expect he's not going to want the tickling thing known if it still happens when he's older. Email that.guy.who.asked.that.question@gmail.com

Is there a dentist in the house? or Anyone tongue-tied?

asparagrass — Wed, 06 Aug 2008 22:46:13 -0800

I'm thinking of having a lingual frenectomy (clipping the frenum that attaches the tongue to the mouth). My frenum is very short and restricts my tongue movement quite a bit. I can move it side to side but can't move it up and down very well and can't stick my tongue out straight (just down about 1/4 inch past my lower lip. This makes me very self conscious when it comes to kissing and other romantic activities (I date women). Have any of you mefites had this procedure done as an adult? Was your speech affected in any way? What's the healing time like? Was it worth it?

My boobs, should they be meddled with?

als129 — Wed, 06 Aug 2008 20:09:25 -0800

Have you or anyone you know had a surgical breast lift done? Well, here I am, 100 pounds lighter. I have stretch marks, but they're fading nicely. There isn't much sagging skin to speak of and the more I run and weight train, the more things tighten up ... except my poor boobs. They are literally shells of their former selves. Kind of saggy, slightly wrinkled shells. Sounds pretty hot, right?

I'm considering going into a local plastic surgeon's office to get a consultation on a breast lift, but I'm nervous they'll just give me the positive side or try to talk me into implants, which I don't necessarily want. My concerns are: 1) I'm only 26. I'd like to have kids someday. What kind of effect will pregnancy have on the ladies if I decide to get work done? 2) How bad is scarring? 3) How much is this going to set me back? 4) Is it worth it?

I'd love to hear your thoughts on the above issues and any other things you know about the procedure and it's pluses and minuses.

PS: I was gonna go anon, but what the hell.

I feel too young

mpls2 — Wed, 06 Aug 2008 16:19:10 -0800

How to make the transition from slacker to leader? I'm 30, but am rather immature do to being socially isolated for many years in my late teens and early 20s. My therapist thinks that I'm emotionally adolescent in some ways, particularly with my tendency to "try on" different identities in the hopes that one will fit. However, I'm actually a rather deep guy--intelligent, thoughtful, and sensitive.

This is all by way of saying that I've developed a reputation at work as a really smart guy who can't be counted on to get stuff done. Definitely not a go-to guy. Definitely not the guy you're going to give important responsibilities to. It's the same with my friends; I'm *never* the person they go to when they have big issues to deal with (I realize this may be a blessing in disguise).

I actually think that I'm a pretty awesome guy, and many (mature) people agree. But there are times when my immaturity makes me feel very alone amongst my peers. Particularly in romance. For example, I have a very blunt, borderline obscene, online dating profile that many girls (and some very mature ones) completely love (insofar as they see it as humorous, which it is intended to be), but there are times when I'll see some other dude's very "normal" profile, and looking back at mine makes me feel about 13 years old. That's a feeling I have fairly often in different areas of my life. Like with a girl I just can't get over. I feel like she could be my mother, emotionally speaking.

Is it possible to rehabilitate one's reputation in an environment where one has spent years establishing it? Or does it require finding new work and new friends? And how do I make the philosophical journey? Do I just need to go through this phase that I should have gone through in high school? Is that a necessary part of becoming mature?

Has anyone actually gone through this as an adult?

Thanks!

P90X program ab work

angiewriter — Wed, 06 Aug 2008 16:05:43 -0800

For those of you who are doing/have done the P90X program, I have a question about the ab workout section. I am not doing this program, but a friend of mine is, and he went through it for the first time yesterday. I asked him if at any time, before any of the excercises, the instructor mentioned contracting your abs prior to doing any of the exercises (another way this has been put in other ab workouts is to "squeeze your abs toward your spine/backbone"--same thing as contract). He said this was not mentioned during any part of the session.

I have been doing ab workouts (live classes, videos, independent work based on books by trainers/athletes/coaches, etc.) off and on since I was 22 (I'm 45 now). Every workout I have ever done has been prefaced with "Before doing this exercise, contract your abs (or squeeze your abs toward your spine).

I have been told by trainers and have read that the reason for doing this is that contracting your abs prior to an ab exercise is to maximize the exercise--if you don't consciously contract your abs, you are likely to relax your abs, therefore defeating the purpose of the exercise.

My questions:

*Is this true? Is it really necessary to contract your abs prior to performing any ab exercise? Or is this just an "above and beyond" thing? (After being told/reading/doing this for 20+ years, I'd sure like to know.)

*If it is true, why would the P90X program leave out such a fundamental principle of ab work?

*If you don't contract your abs prior to an ab exercise, will you still get results?

Even if you haven't done the P90X program, feel free to chime in w/ your opinion/experience. Thanks hivemind!

How can I become comfortable in a shrinking body?

Anonymous — Wed, 06 Aug 2008 09:58:19 -0800

I am midway through losing a heap of excess weight. Are there any tips/tricks/techniques for making me more comfortable with my new body during this transitional phase? I used to be fairly confident, but now (as a side effect of the diet) I just think of myself as "fat". Before I started the diet, I was very much in the "I'm large but quite beautiful, really" camp: not exactly one of those people who used the term BBW, but I was OK with my size for years. Now I actually feel less attractive some 25 kilos down (about 10kg to go). This seems to me to be a bit of a catch 22 situation, so I'd appreciate any suggestions to get me out of the trap. In order to stick to the diet/weight loss/exercise regime, I have to admit I'm fat. But I'm not as fat as I was so should be thinking of myself as more attractive, not less... My formerly massive gut is now flabby, which is different but still not good. My treetrunk thighs are still there, just slightly smaller trees. I still have an ass which wobbles and fills the mirror. I can exercise for longer and run up stairs now, but the appetite for horizontal exercise is diminished, because I just don't see myself as attractive any more. And I find myself wondering when I'll stop -- when I get to the healthy weight for my height, what happens if I'm still not happy with my form?

Hysterectomy info

Anonymous — Wed, 06 Aug 2008 09:23:07 -0800

What are personal results and effects of a laparoscopic hysterectomy? I have read everything from placid endorsement to rabid opposition, each with footnotes and links to prove their point. Most of all, I'd like to hear from people with real experiences. The other choice is a simple tubal ligation, but the fibroids could make a full hysterectomy appealing at this point.

Where do I go for this annoying hearing problem?

gracious floor — Wed, 06 Aug 2008 08:54:21 -0800

Not-My-Doctors on MeFi: Where do I go with this hearing issue? I've experienced slight hearing loss for about the past five years. It has bothered me in the past, but only recently have I noticed how much my hearing has been affected. Having just aquired a decent health insurance plan, I'd like to use my benefits to get this checked out. But where do I go? I've never had a "family doctor" and have only occasionally seen doctors at in-and-out clinics.
If it helps- within the past two months I've had several shooting pains around the aforementioned ear. These have only been recent- in the entire time that the hearing has been an issue, there hasn't been pain. Also: my mother has the same hearing problem (i.e., loss of hearing for seemingly no reason) and a doctor told her there was nothing to be done. I am a female, 23 years old.

So: do I go to a regular doctor to get a referral to a specialist, or can I bypass that and get help quicker?

Any advice appreciated, I don't do this often. Thank you!

Why would a woman have a bald spot?

Anonymous — Wed, 06 Aug 2008 07:42:41 -0800

SigourneyFilter: Why would a woman have a bald spot? I am a young woman with a bald spot which I've had for as long as I can remember. What gives?

It's about 2 inches in diameter and begins at my hairline between my left ear and temple. Within the bald spot is an indentation in the skin of about 0.5in and next to that a tiny tuft of hairs which seem stunted at about 0.2in in length.

It's evident in childhood photographs from about age 3 onwards. No one in my family seems to know why I have this.

What would cause something like this? Head injury? Is it a type of birthmark? I'm curious, not worried - it has not ever increased in size and the rest of my scalp has very healthy hair attached.

A doctor has just suggested that I take anti-anxiety medication.

Talez — Tue, 05 Aug 2008 23:44:30 -0800

A doctor has just suggested that I take anti-anxiety medication. WTF? So anyway, I was in a car accident a few weeks back and banged myself up a bit. As of late I've been having a general sense of lightheadedness and dizzy spells and just been a bit off balance. Sometimes I lose my appetite completely and just general things seem to be going wrong. I've visited the doctor the other week who said I was fine and they would go away but things started getting worse and I've visited a different doctor who said I should think about going on an anti-anxiety medication of "a mild mood elevator and a mild anti-anxiety drug with no dependence side effects".

It was all a little wink wink, nudge nudge for my tastes. It's costing me a little bit of money to seek another opinion for another person to say it's all in my head.

To drill down to the bedrock of my question, I'm scared about what these pills could do to me but I'm also scared that something's seriously wrong and that I am overreacting and can't stop. What would you do?

Expiration Dates and Medication Instructions

Mael Oui — Tue, 05 Aug 2008 23:02:23 -0800

I have two questions related to medications that I take (or should be taking). Question about Acidophilus expiration dates and how to take Synthroid inside. First off, these questions are going to seem really silly, but an honest answer hopefully will contribute to the regularity with which I take my medications.

1) I have a bottle of Acidophilus (Lactobacillus Acidophilus, 10 mg) in the refrigerator. The expiration date says 07/08. Can I still take it, or should it be thrown away? If it were Tylenol, Benedryl, etc., I would continue to take it, but considering the nature of Acidophilus, I'm not sure if it's still effective (or even harmful) at this stage.

2) I have been taking Synthroid for over ten years (current dose .2 mg). When I began taking it, my endocrinologist's only directions were to take it first thing in the morning and wait an hour before eating anything. He said that, should I miss taking it first thing in the morning and end up eating something first, I must wait two hours until I can take the medication and wait another hour before consuming anything more. My Synthroid question is (and this is something I've tried to ask him a few times, but he just gives me a look, and I never end up getting an answer): So, I understand that having a buffer of time when I've not eaten solid food is important for the efficacy of this medication. But, does this include non-water beverages? Does drinking an iced tea or a soda count as 'food'? Can I drink a non-water beverage right before or after taking Synthroid? Or can I even take Synthroid with another liquid besides water? I don't drink milk at all, so I wouldn't be taking it with anything dairy. At this point, if I drink a soda first, for instance, I have been waiting two hours to take my medication. I'm wondering if that's unnecessary. Also (and yes, these are serious questions), would chewing gum or using toothpaste/mouthwash effect when I can take the Synthroid? Once again, do I have to wait until an hour passes to do either? Reading that sentence back, I know it doesn't sound logical, but I just mean that I swallow some amount of all of those substances (with the gum, I really just mean the minty saliva).

I realize these are probably silly questions, but, in the past, I've opted not to take the medication at all over these concerns.. which is obviously not the best thing. Anyway, thank you for your patience and your advice!

Vaseline + buttsex = ?

Anonymous — Tue, 05 Aug 2008 19:36:04 -0800

Is vaseline okay for gay sex? (NSFW and probably gross for most people) I'm talking gay unprotected anal sex.

Assume these are two consenting adults that are engaged in a monogamous relationship. Don't derail my question with cautions of the inherent risk of bareback sex. It's extremely risky, don't do it!!!! Okay, lets move on.

I know that popular opinion is against using this material for lube. FACT: It breaks down latex in toys and condoms and can linger a bit so it could break down condoms used in the next few days or so. RUMOR? I've heard that it can harbor bacteria which is a risk for infection -- however, I just learned that silicone lube does this also and I've used it for years without any problems. I've also heard that it's used for actual medical purposes 'down there' without issue. I've done lots of googling, but I can only find info about how you're not supposed to use it for vaginal sex and the occasional cautionary tales of condom breakage.

So, that leads me to the question - can I use vaseline as lube and not mess up my ass or the ass of my loved one? Assume frequent usage 5-9 times per week, and a good shower post-coitus. It'd be great to hear from someone that actually uses it regularly or perhaps has a friend or whatever. Thanks!

throwaway email: buttsexask@yahoo.com

Is it a disease or not?

ryanissuper — Tue, 05 Aug 2008 18:26:19 -0800

Is antiphospholipid syndrome considered a cardiovascular disease? My doctor recently prescribed me Nortriptyline for the prevention of headaches. While researching the medicine before I started taking it, I noticed that many sited advise using caution while taking this drug if you have a history of cardiovascular disease.

I have had two pulmonary embolisms (emboli?) I am currently taking coumadin (INR ~3.5).

Would this be considered a cardiovascular disease. I have been told that antiphosphlipid syndrome was a problem with the immune system and not really a disease, and I can't seem to find any clarification on the web.

How to make life on crutches easier?

nevers — Tue, 05 Aug 2008 17:26:48 -0800

Tips or hacks for getting by on crutches for a few weeks (non-weight bearing, post-knee surgery)? It's been three weeks and I only have a couple weeks left, but it's getting really old and surely there are some ideas out there that I haven't thought of.

Mostly I hate not being able to carry things around home or the office. Shorts with cargo pockets help, but not for plates of food. Wearing a backpack backwards is too uncomfortable to be helpful (also no good for plates of food). I have a rolling office chair, but there are raised thresholds in my apartment's doorways so it's not a great way to go from room to room. I am told that hopping is VERY VERY BAD because of the chance I'll injure my good leg.

In addition to carrying things, I'd love to be able to do dishes, clean the bathtub, mop the floor, and the like. I am resigned to asking for help and/or waiting till I'm more mobile, but if there's a way to be more independent NOW that would be great.

I don't suppose there are any magical speedy ways to go up and down subway stairs or to open a heavy door?

I'm looking for tips from people who've been there, like these duct-tape crutch saddle bags.

Also, tell me if there are crutch tricks I don't already know. I know about sitting on a chair with the crutch's armpit end under my butt, so I can prop my leg on the horizontal crutch in front of me, and I know about making an X with the crutches in front of my chair and propping my foot up on the handles at the center of the X.

I don't need crutch-comfort tips, like adusting the padding or whatever. They feel fine.

Side question, how can I keep my eyeglasses from sliding down my nose when I'm looking down all the time? (Can't walk to the optician to get the glasses adjusted, or to the optomestrist to get contacts, or to the sporting goods store to get some kind of eyewear retainer/strap.)

Tips on keeping medical notes and records organized

xo — Tue, 05 Aug 2008 15:12:57 -0800

I'm looking for tips on organizing personal medical records and information, assuming a chronic or complicated health problem. Things like X-rays and MRI discs, blood test results, prescriptions, notes taken during appointments with the doctor, notes made on non-appointment days about symptoms, medical history, insurance policies and bills, therapies tried and discontinued... what are great ways to keep it all organized, for ease of use (and consistent record-keeping) both for the patient and his care partners?

Why do pickles and apples make me perspire?

jwfree — Tue, 05 Aug 2008 09:32:46 -0800

Why do things that are citrusy make me sweat? And is this a potential problem? I know this is strange but I have always been curious. I am in great shape and health and I couldn't be feeling better. For some reason, when I bite into something like a pickle or an apple (green apples especially) I will slowly start to perspire. I have tried to research it but I really don't have a clue where to start.

Why does swallowing a pill feel so clumsy?

cowbellemoo — Tue, 05 Aug 2008 07:24:19 -0800

When I swallow pills with water, why do I frequently feel like the pills have gone out of my mouth and into the water's container? I don't have pill-taking anxiety or any fear that I'll choke, or even any worry that I'll have wasted or ruined the medicine. It's just a feeling that the pill has vanished one way off my tongue instead of another, but of course nothing so clumsy ever happens. A friend of mine actually brought this up and I understood exactly what he was talking about.

I know the mechanism of swallowing is complex, but what part of the process might lead to that feeling? Is there a biological explanation for this sensation? Or is it a trick of perception?

What happened to my heel? It's tingling

0xFCAF — Tue, 05 Aug 2008 00:57:33 -0800

I overtrained. A week later, my heel is still tingly and uncomfortable. What's going on? My left heel has felt tingly and kind of weird for about a week now. It's not really painful, just uncomfortable and annoying. If I'm focusing on something else it's generally ignorable, but when walking I'm leading with my toes to avoid putting pressure on it as it's uncomfortable to land on the heel regardless of the shoes I'm wearing.

Me: Mid-20s, moderately high blood pressure, low body weight, been running for about a year, slight pronator.

Timeline: Two weeks ago on Wednesday I went for a 15-mile run. I'd previously run a few half-marathons and I generally run at least 10 miles / week. I felt pretty much fine afterwards.

I was thinking I was pretty hot shit at that point, so the following Monday I went for a 10-mile run. I don't exactly remember when it started, but sometime after that is when the tingling began. Nothing remarkable happened on this run, but I did feel a bit dehydrated at the end (it was much warmer than the previous run).

Friday night I felt like I had had enough of this and went for my usual ~6 K run at a personal-best pace. Nothing changed for better or worse after it.

Speculative diagnoses I've looked at:
* Plantar fasciitis: It's not really painful, just uncomfortable. No change in symptoms in the morning. Walking or running makes it feel slightly worse.
* Sciatica: The sensation is very localized and there's no numbness.

Hypochondria?

Dumsnill — Mon, 04 Aug 2008 23:39:25 -0800

Okay. So I have a large almond-shaped hard thingy on the left side of my left breast/nipple. (I'm a guy, so it's not breast-cancer). It's about 3 cm long and 1 cm thick. It's not painful, but it's growing. I've had it for about six months. I'm guessing it's a lymph node, but I'm not a doctor, so I might be wrong. Lately, two similar things have occured under my left armpit. Again, hard, not painful, but slowly growing. Should I be worried? Am I just being silly? (I smoke about 20 a day, drink moderately, I'm 35.) (And to people from MetaTalk: Yeah, I'm slightly embarrassad about this post. But posting anonomously would be silly now.)

help me live my life

bobber — Mon, 04 Aug 2008 20:04:22 -0800

Can you give me your tips, tricks and valuable information for living with type one diabetes? I have had type one diabetes for 15 years. I am looking for information from Mefites on how they deal with this disease. I'm looking for websites, blogs or books that you find to help you live with the disease. Personal stories and success stories would be greatly encouraging. Also, information on successful weight-loss for type one diabetics would be appreciated.

Note: I am currently seeing an amazing endocrinologist. He is my first and primary source of information when it comes to treating my disease. YANMD, but please any information is greatly valued.

But I don't want trout lips..

tomble — Mon, 04 Aug 2008 17:51:00 -0800

I know you aren't my doctor, but why are my lips swelling up? Last week I experienced some unusual swelling in my upper and lower lips. It started as brief, itchy stabs of minor pain (as best I can describe it), then swelling of the inner lower lip, followed by the same on the top. It went away after a few hours, didn't hurt at all, just kind of itched a bit in a way that made me want to chew my lips.

No other symptoms, no tongue swelling, no redness, just puffy lips.

It's happening again now, oddly enough. I have no known allergies, I have eaten nothing unusual (same as last time), and I haven't been doing anything different or changed any products in my day to day life.

I have had the weird itchy feeling now and again since the first time but it hasn't caused swelling. This sensation is on the outer lip, close to where my lips meet.

It sounds a bit like herpes zoster from what I read, but I've never had a coldsore, and it doesn't have any sores, just this swelling.

I will be going to the doctor, but not in the next couple of days. Does this sound familiar to anyone?

In the meantime I will tell people who ask that I've had collagen injections, just to see if they fall for it.

Abs Diet vs. Hacker's Diet: what's the truth?

Zeker — Mon, 04 Aug 2008 17:36:22 -0800

Abs Diet vs. Hacker's Diet: what's the truth? I'm having a hard time figuring out how to lose weight because both claim to be "common sense" approaches (and they make sense upon reading), but they contradict greatly on large aspects. Also, a question about protein powders... Some contradictions through comparison:

HACKER'S DIET: (which Weight Watchers copied/is based from) claims that:

*The only real way to lose weight is to count calories, because what your body consumes = what your body expels. If it can't use all the food you eat, it's stored as fat, and to lose weight you have to eat less calories. (Explicitly states that starvation is NOT a bad thing, even necessary.)

*The weight is lost by having your body use the fat reserves as energy, and its triggered by starving yourself.

*What you eat doesn't really matter (although quality food is recommended) so long as you stick to using less calories than your body uses.

*Exercise is optional but recommended. LOTS OF SUCCESS STORIES.

ABS DIET: (by Men's Health)

*Starvation is BAD BAD BAD and should never be done. Claim is that if you starve, your body goes into some weird energy saving mode and will store fat like crazy in response to lack of food.

*Always feel full. Eat 6 meals a day to ensure you never starve.

*Calories don't mean anything. Quality over quantity.

*Exercise is a must, because without muscle there is no weight loss. LOTS OF SUCCESS STORIES.

So what's the truth? Why is losing weight so complicated?!

Also, I've been told everywhere that protein powders are a must. I forgot what kind I've bought before, but I've bought 2 different kinds and both left me looking like a bear after a few weeks. I didn't lose weight, I got much bulkier and not in a good way. Yes I exercised with weights, no I didn't take too much, just a table spoon with a milkshake a day. Was I doing anything wrong? Is it always necessary to take shakes?

endothermic or exothermic?

phritosan — Mon, 04 Aug 2008 14:19:35 -0800

Apartment filter: I need my apartment to be cool inside! We moved into a very nice 3rd (top) floor, west facing apartment... in March... came home in June and no exaggeration, it was 94 degrees in my living room. The AC has a 20 degree difference and runs nonstop from 4pm to 11pm and its 84 degrees in the bed room till 11pm. We’ve had the maintenance people out three times. There’s a 20 degree difference between intake and output. The filters are new. Everything on the roof looks fine. But more than 2 feet from the vent and you can’t feel it anymore.

All the ceiling fans are going 24/7. The floor fan is on whenever we're home and not asleep. The sliding glass door is covered by UV/light blocking tinting designed for RVs, venetian blinds, and a blanket. The office window has venetian blinds and a blanket. The bedroom window has venetian blinds and very thick light blocking curtains. The AC is always set on 78. We cannot make any modifications that are visible from the outside.

Do you think it’s worth another $100 to tint the other two windows? The heat has to be coming through the walls, right?

I live in the Phoenix area, opening the windows after dark will not help. Moving is not an option till March and we still like everything else about the apartment.

What else can we do?! I’m not looking for stop-gap solutions like a bucket of ice water in front of a fan. I want my apartment enjoyable. There is no reason I should have a $230 electric bill for a 980 sq ft apartment when my parents have a $380 bill for a 5 bedroom house! Our electric bill in April was $76!

Help us mefi, you're our only hope!