Demanding wall walk challenge triggered by family condition

5:54pm Tuesday 13th March 2012 in News By Adam Binnie

a Croxley Green woman is taking steps to beat a hereditary pancreatic condition by walking the length of Hadrian’s Wall.

Helen Hedge, from Links way, is taking on the 84-mile challenge in aid of the University of Liverpool Pancreatic Cancer Research Fund.

Her family is affected by a hereditary condition which causes inflammation of the pancreas, putting them at risk of pancreatic cancer, one of the hardest to treat.

Miss Hedge, who works at Northwood HQ, said: “We found out in 1964 when my cousin had abdominal pain which couldn’t be identified.

“It’s very, very rare but affects 26 people in my family and increases the chance of getting cancer to one in three.

“It’s in my file, it’s a real thing. With pancreatic cancer, when you start showing symptoms, it’s often too late.

“My aunt had her pancreas taken out and now suffers from diabetes.”

To raise money for research into the condition, Ms Hedge will take on the 84-mile National Trail along Hadrian’s Wall on May 7.

She has been training on the treadmills in Pump Gyms, Caxton way every other day, culminating in a ten to 15-mile walk on weekends.

on April 11, she will undertake a 24-hour walk on a treadmill.

Miss Hedge said: “It’s nothing compared to what I’ll have to do in May.

“It’s going to be mentally as well as physically draining and the only thing that will get me through is the thought of my family. It’s very difficult to train when you work shifts because you have to spend a lot of time on your feet.

“My employer, Carillion, organised the walk for great Ormond Street Hospital but I asked if we could raise some money for Pancreatic Cancer UK, to fund research into hereditary pancreatitis.

“I’m taking a holiday straight afterwards because there’s no way I’ll be able to drive.”

She will be walking with colleagues Paul Brown, Jon Whetlor, Craig Mitchell, Lee Carpenter, Gary Brown, Gareth Parker, Simon Curtis.

To make a contribution, go to justgiving.com/helen-hedge-pancreatitis.

More News stories

?Liver sustains life and we must understand that taking its care is as important as taking precautions to check diabetes, heart disease and obesity,? said Dr Subba Rao V Kanchustambam, Additional Director and Head, Centre for Liver Transplantation and Hepatobiliary Sciences while speaking at an interactive session on `know your friendly liver? at Fortis Hospital Mohali.

More than 100 senior citizens attended this lecture where Dr Subba Rao explained at length about liver, functions of liver, symptoms of liver diseases and how one can take care of one?s liver.

Deliberating on how prevention is better than cure, Dr Subba said, ?Prevent fatty liver by regular exercise, keep your sugars and cholesterol under control. keep alcohol consumption within limits.

Prevent liver cancer by vaccinating yourself for hepatitis B. keep yourself under doctor follow up if you have any chronic liver disease. Drink boiled water and eat well-cooked food to avoid hepatitis a and E. There is always a possibility of cure if one takes right help at right time.?

Reader’s Comments | Post a comment

if you are experiencing symptoms of low blood pressure, consult your doctor. Picture: Supplied. Source: Supplied

THE risks of high blood pressure are well known. But low blood pressure can be problematic, too. Here?s what to do.

We all know having high blood pressure puts you at risk of a heart attack and stroke, but what if your blood pressure is too low? a growing number of people are seeking treatment for hypotension (low blood pressure), says cardiologist Dr Gautam Vaddadi from the Baker IDI Heart and Diabetes Research Institute in Melbourne. “People assume low blood pressure is good because they won’t have a heart attack,” he says. “But if your blood pressure is too low you can be prone to recurrent fainting, which is disabling.” low blood pressure doesn’t always cause problems, but symptoms can include: + Dizziness+ Blurred vision + Feeling shaky+ Nausea+ Fatigue+ Fainting

>> why it happensSome people have a natural tendency to low blood pressure, but even if you know you have it, symptoms such as dizziness or fainting should be investigated. It can also be a sign of something more serious. “call an ambulance if someone passes out and it’s the first time it’s happened,” Dr Vaddadi says. Some people look as though they are having a seizure and can lose control of their bladder or bowels when they faint. there could be underlying factors including heart disease, brain disease (stroke, epilepsy) or other metabolic or blood disorders.Some drugs, particularly those for high blood pressure, can cause blood pressure to become too low. Diuretics, which increase the amount of urine your kidneys excrete, can cause blood pressure to drop, as can some antibiotics. a Canadian study found people on blood-pressure medication and certain antibiotics were up to six times more likely to be hospitalised for low blood pressure.

>> Diet’s roleIf you drink a lot of caffeine and not enough water, you risk dehydration, which can cause your blood pressure to drop. And if you drink a lot of alcohol and don’t eat enough, your blood pressure can drop so low you pass out, Dr Vaddadi says. “It’s not what you expect to hear from a cardiologist, but sometimes a bit of salt can make dizzy spells go away,” he says. Smaller meals can also help. “when you eat a big meal, blood is diverted to the gut to help digestion, so some people with low blood pressure can pass out.”

>> How to avoid fainting“when someone faints, people often feel they should prop them up or support them,” Dr Vaddadi says. “however, lying down gets blood to the brain more quickly. sometimes you can prevent a fainting spell by crossing your legs in a standing position and clenching your buttocks and thighs for 10 to 15 seconds.” this squeezes the blood vessels in the legs and allows more blood to reach the brain.

“I was worried I’d faint at the altar”Laura Greaves, 30, has had low blood pressure for most of her life. “the first time I fainted I was about 12, but it didn’t occur to me it might be blood pressure-related. For about 10 years, from the age of 15 or so, I’d faint a handful of times a year. I passed out in some pretty strange places! I was eventually diagnosed with low blood pressure.“I rarely feel the actual fall and I don’t seem to lose consciousness - as soon as I’m on the ground I come good. “the fainting always starts the same way: the edges of my vision go dark and everything goes black pretty quickly. if I’m talking to someone, their voice will recede into the distance. “I’ve fainted in several queues. Standing still for an extended period is a trigger, especially if it’s hot or stuffy. “I was so worried I’d faint at the altar during my wedding that my now-husband and I worked out a signalling system in case I suddenly felt I was going to pass out. Luckily, the ceremony was uneventful. “I avoid long queues or other circumstances where I have to stand up for a long time. I don’t skip meals and I try to stay hydrated. Earlier this year I nearly fainted while driving, which was a bit scary, but I managed to pull over and it quickly passed.”

JAMES Griffiths has never seen his wife or toddler son, but he thinks that's a small price to pay for their love.

Without the illness that stole his sight and independence, and even critical organs, mr Griffiths would never have met "the most beautiful person" in his life.

Mr Griffiths’s decade-long battle with diabetes took a dramatic turn three years ago when he had a double-kidney and pancreatic transplant.

The rare surgery, performed at Monash Medical Centre, was his only chance of survival.

But within days, the toughest time of mr Griffith’s life became the best.

He fell in love with Taryn Lea, the ward assistant helping him recover from the operation.

"At the start I just liked Taryn’s voice, but then we got talking and we got to know each other. and from there I fell in love with her," mr Griffiths said.

The now Ms Griffiths said she was instantly attracted to his positive attitude.

"A lot of patients feel sad and sorry for themselves, but James was always very nice," she said.

"He made me laugh. It didn’t take long to see he was a very special person."

The couple wed a year later and, despite medical warnings they may never be able to conceive because of James’ illness, had a son. Steven is now 14 months old.

But the highs did not come before some significant lows.

Mr Griffiths, now 30, was just 19 when he was diagnosed with type 1 (insulin-dependent) diabetes.

"they said I’d probably had it for three to six years previously," he said. "I had all the symptoms – I was thirsty a lot, I drank a lot, I sweat a lot – but I was a labourer working outside, so I thought that was normal."

Mr Griffiths has since gone blind, lost feeling in the tips of his feet, and suffered renal failure and bowel problems.

Had he known more about the consequences of diabetes, he believes he could have been able to avoid his run of ill health.

Now he is on a mission to warn people about the dangers of ignoring the warning signs of diabetes, and is teaming up with Southern Health to talk to patients and families about managing the condition.

I realized that I just suffered from some form of heat exhaustion, because my symptoms included:

-shortness of breath
-vision started blacking out
-dizzy
-wanted to vomit
-fatigued, extremely tired

I was wondering if this one episode of heat exhaustion would have a detrimental effect on my mental capabilities….I know it seems like a weird question, but I *really* can't afford any drop in intelligence right now. (that was a strangely worded sentence, but don't try to infer anything from it)

Thanks!

Diabetes makes you feel Tired, Dizzy and causes Kidney problems.
get checked for diabetes. Avoid sugar and high amounts of carbohydrates.

How to uncover Symptoms of Pancreas Problems. an e&#110&#111&#114mous number of problems can occur in the pancreas.&#32&#84&#104ese include type 2 diabetes mellitus, acute pancre&#97&#116&#105tis, chronic pancreatitis, and tumors in the pancr&#101&#97&#115. problems of the pancreas are treatable and the…\”
Difficulty: Moderately E&#97&#115&#121 Instructions

things You\’ll need:

General D&#111&#99&#116or

how to uncover Symptoms of Pancreas Prob&#108&#101&#109s

Report any serious pain to all&#32&#121&#111ur doctor. with pancreatitis, the pain normally ca&#108&#108&#115 for position in the upper abdomen. a family docto&#114&#32&#119ill probably ask you to rate the pain you are expe&#114&#105&#101ncing.

see you doctor is you exp&#101&#114&#105ence any vomiting or fever. they are both symptoms&#32&#111&#102 a condition of the pancreas and must always be di&#115&#99&#117ssed along with your health care professional.

tell a family doctor is your stomach f&#101&#101&#108s tender. numerous times a quite simple touch on t&#104&#101&#32stomach will cause soreness for the sufferer. a fa&#109&#105&#108y doctor will know what areas of the stomach must &#98&#101&#32checked.

Discuss along with a fa&#109&#105&#108y doctor any common sensations of sickness. Feelin&#103&#32&#105ll may feature an absolute multitude of causes and&#32&#119&#105ll easily be dismissed. Be persistent if you have &#116&#111&#46

Ask for becoming attempted if y&#111&#117&#32feeling it necessary. no an individual understands&#32&#111&#110e’s body like you do. Do not permit your symptoms be dismissed. &#65&#110&#32ultrasound or abdominal CT can identify any troubl&#101&#115&#32while using pancreas.

Entry Filed under: pain in lower right abdomen

Study: Artificial Pancreas makes Pregnancy Safer for Women with Type 1 Diabetes

By Nicky BroydWebMD Health News

Reviewed by Rob Hicks, MD

Jan. 31, 2011 — for the first time, research has successfully demonstrated the potential benefits of an artificial pancreas in pregnant women with type 1 diabetes. It’s hoped the development, funded by Diabetes UK, could drastically reduce cases of stillbirth and mortality rates among pregnant women with the condition.

Pregnancy and Diabetes

Pregnancy poses additional risks for women with diabetes as hormonal changes make it very difficult to keep blood glucose levels within a safe range, especially at night. As a result of high blood glucose levels, babies of women with diabetes are five times as likely to be stillborn, three times as likely to die in their first months of life, and twice as likely to have a major deformity.

Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) in pregnancy is a major cause of maternal mortality.

Strict glycemic control is more readily achievable by pregnant women with type 2 diabetes. however, researchers say there has been a disappointing lack of progress in managing type 1 diabetes in pregnancy.

Around 18.8 million people in the U.S. have been diagnosed with diabetes. The CDC says type 1 diabetes accounts for about 5% of adult cases of diabetes.

Artificial Pancreas

The pancreas produces insulin, the hormone that helps to control blood sugar levels. for this latest study, led by Helen Murphy, MD, of Cambridge University, the performance of an artificial pancreas or “closed-loop insulin delivery system” was evaluated in 10 pregnant women with type 1 diabetes. The researchers found the device was able to automatically provide the right amount of insulin at the right time, maintain near-normal blood glucose levels, and, in turn, prevent nocturnal hypoglycemia in both early and late pregnancy.

The artificial pancreas was created by combining a continuous glucose monitor (CGM) with an insulin pump, both of which are already used separately by many people with type 1 diabetes.

An insulin pump removes the need for a series of daily insulin injections. however, people with diabetes still have to test their blood glucose levels frequently and calculate the amount of insulin to take. in comparison, the “artificial pancreas” takes minute-by-minute glucose readings from interstitial fluid using a continuous glucose monitor. The signal will then be transmitted wirelessly to a handheld computer, which calculates the amount of insulin needed. That information is then sent to an insulin pump, which delivers the insulin.

Previous studies have shown improved blood glucose control and reduced hypoglycemia with overnight use of an artificial pancreas in children with type 1 diabetes, but this is the first time it has been successfully used in pregnant women with the condition.

“For women with type 1 diabetes, self-management is particularly challenging during pregnancy due to physiological and hormonal changes. Previous studies indicate that pregnant women with the condition spend an average of ten hours a day with glucose levels outside the recommended target,” Murphy says in a statement.

“These high blood glucose levels increase the risk of congenital malformation, stillbirth, neonatal death, preterm delivery, macrosomia [oversized babies], and neonatal admission. So to discover an artificial pancreas can help maintain near-normal glucose levels in these women is very promising,” she says.

Early Days

Diabetes UK Director of Research Iain Frame, MD, says in a news release, “Although early days, this exciting area of research, funded by our donors, has huge potential to make pregnancy much safer for women with type 1 diabetes, and their babies.

“It’s a fantastic example of how existing technologies, in this case, insulin pumps and CGMs, can be adapted and developed to benefit as many people with diabetes as possible. We now need to see an extension of this study, one which tests larger numbers of women, and then take it out of the hospital and in to the home setting.”

If all goes well and funding is in place, Diabetes UK says the artificial pancreas for pregnant women could be available within five to 10 years.

SOURCES: Diabetes UK.Diabetes Care, manuscript received ahead of print.NHS Choices: “Diabetes Type 1.”CDC.©2011 WebMD, LLC. all Rights Reserved.

THE SYMPTOMS OF PANCREATIC CANCER: Yearly 37,000 named with pancreatic cancer and 34,000 citizenry die in U.S.a. In America pancreatic cancer conceived as 4th leading root of cancers death and the plus point of this cancer citizenry die imputable the lack of patent pancreatic symptoms till the diseases concerns final stage.

Betimes symptoms of  pancreatic cancer are repeatedly ill-defined and may be without any problem identified as less severe levels. Citizenry commonly diagnosed pancreatic disease in boosted levels. Jaundice is among the symptoms often diagnosed in the betimes pancreatic cancer levels. Citizenry in Jaundice face white color of the eyes and yellowing in skin.

Soreness and bloating or pain in belly symptoms interpret the pancreatic disease and accompanies fatty bowel and diarrhea. The consider loss, nausea, appetite loss or diabetes is as well pancreatic cancers marks.

People may the effect pancreatic cancer on early levels of growth if their pancreas will gets overmuch weakness, insulin, muscle symptoms, chills. Mental imprint and fatigue are as well additional symptoms.

Yet there are no medical actions useable to forbid pancreatic cancer. Prevent and defense in former level is the finest path to avoid risk factors of pancreatic cancer. Numerous risk factors that assist to reasons pancreatic cancers are eating meat, extra smoking, yearses and butterball foods. The pancreatic disease assail often in men then women, chiefly citizenry in Jewish religion. few sure syndromes and genetic is one-tenth response of reasons pancreatic cancer.

Family chronicle is as well additional leading reason of pancreatic cancer, you are able to cognize better family chronicle symptoms by check up your body by physician, and physician will say you cirrhosis family medical record, chronic pancreatitis in lever, former surgery, diagetes and digestive. Betimes sensing is the significant key to cure any cancer and acknowledging the cancer symptoms of pancreatic disease is all-important. if you’ll knew above any symptoms without pause meet your doctor or healthcare skilful in order to get essential steps.

Pre-eclampsia – Eclampsia

Pre-eclampsia or eclampsia is also a condition as blood poisoning, which can do by any pregnant woman, but not in women who are pregnant do not occur. the disease is caused by increased blood pressure, which was characterized by a higher level of protein in the urine followed. Pregnant women with preeclampsia also experience swelling in the feet and hands. Pre-eclampsia is usually in the middle of pregnancy occur, although in some cases were found in early pregnancy.

Eclampsia is a condition for the continuation of pre-eclampsia are not properly resolved. affected side symptoms of preeclampsia, eclampsia in women are often also suffer from seizures seizures. Eclampsia can be coma or death, either before, during or after the cause of the birth.

In fact, the concept of pre-eclampsia, in medicine is no longer used. Instead, call the doctors gestosis. That is, a disease that only during pregnancy.

Pregnant women everywhere can experience pre-eclampsia. But in general, there are some pregnant women at increased risk, namely pregnant women for the first time, mothers with twins pregnancy, have mothers who have diabetes, have hypertension before pregnancy, mothers who have problems with the kidneys, and the first pregnancy among the age of 20 years or over 35 years. Mothers who had preeclampsia in previous pregnancies have the option of returning in subsequent pregnancies. sometimes not.

Unfortunately, the cause of preeclampsia is still a mystery. “nothing can be known with certainty, although one study has progressed over this disease so far,” says the graduate of the Faculty of Medicine, UI. what is clear is, pre-eclampsia causes of death among pregnant women, in addition to infections and bleeding.

Symptoms and effects pre-eclampsia on the mother and fetus

The condition of preeclampsia is complex and very large influence on the mother or the fetus. the symptoms can be identified by routine prenatal care. Although it is not rare that the mother herself felt healthy.

“the existence of pre-eclampsia can be identified with certainty after the investigation found high blood pressure, swelling and protein in urine,” said Rudy. Preeclampsia usually occurs in the third trimester of pregnancy. But it could also appear in the second trimester. Nonkompulsif form of the disease occurs in about 7 percent of pregnancies. These disorders can occur very mild or severe.

Clinical symptoms of preeclampsia are:

* the discovery of high blood pressure or elevated blood pressure than normal. It is important to pregnant women experience preeclampsia, or can not be found. in general, in the restriction of the blood pressure 130/90 mmHg more than used.

* Swelling can be easily identified in the feet and legs. in more severe conditions found throughout the body swell. the swelling is due to leaky capillaries, so that the water leak, which is part of the cell and in the tissues of the body and buried in this section.

* there is a high level of protein in the urine due to malfunction of the kidney. the symptoms of mild preeclampsia showed urine protein levels higher than 500 mg per 24 hours. Gravity to reach the number 5 grams in 24 hours. Urine output was less than 400 ml per 24 hours.

* Weight gain of more than 1.36 kg per week during the second trimester, and more from 0.45 per week in the third trimester.

In addition to the feet and hands, protein in urine and high blood pressure, preeclampsia symptoms are swelling of concern warrant:

*Weight loss increases dramatically due to the accumulation of fluid in the body.*Abdominal pain.*Severe headache.*Changes in the reflex.*Decrease in urine output or no urine at all.*There was blood in the urine.*Dizziness.*Excessive nausea and vomiting.

Damage caused by the following al-eclampsia:

* BrainSwelling in the brain causes seizures with impairment of consciousness, acting as eclampsia. It may also rupture of blood vessels in the brain for high blood pressure.

* LungSwelling that occurs in the lungs in severe respiratory distress and can be fatal.

* HeartIt’s a bad heart.

* KidneyDiscovered the existence of kidney failure.

* EyeBlindness can be caused due to swollen optic nerves and the release of the lining of the retina of the eye stress. most are temporary. however, recovery takes a long time.

* Blood SystemRupture of red blood cells occur with decreased blood clotting substances.

Due to the fetus

Fetuses of pregnant women, people with pre-eclampsia in utero oxygen and nutrients designed to live under normal. This situation can occur because blood vessels that distribute blood, the placenta narrowed.

In cases of severe preeclampsia, the fetus is born, if it appears to be distress. This is usually done to save the life of the mother, regardless of whether the fetus is viable outside the womb or not. But sometimes they can not be helped.

Doctors would not allow to develop the disease more difficult. If necessary, regardless of gestational age, delivery may be recommended or pregnancy can be terminated. Depending on circumstances, delivery will be carried out by induction or Caesarean section.

Therefore, pregnant women, routine inspection and consultation should contact your doctor. At least every month on the early pregnancy and once in the week before the birth. That is, to be known immediately if symptoms of pre-eclampsia. do not wait until serious!

If you enjoyed this post, please consider to leave a comment or subscribe to the feed and get future articles delivered to your feed reader.

Friday April 8, 2011

The Tuesday before last Thanksgiving, Eagle news reporter Derek Gentile came down with flu-like symptoms. then, he learned, it wasn’t the flu.

“I had an infection, initially in my right foot,” said Gentile. “It spread to the rest of my body. Š I was, essentially, dying — not to sound too dramatic.”

At 1 p.m., he saw his doctor. by 9:30, he was undergoing surgery to remove part of his foot. ten days later, he underwent a second surgery because the foot was not responding well to treatment.

“I don’t recommend two surgeries in 10 days — an extremely difficult physical and psychological challenge,” he said.

“This whole thing was exacerbated by my diabetes,” Gentile explained. “I had chosen to ignore my doctor’s warnings for several years because I had no symptoms: no thirst, excessive urination, dry mouth, etc. I discovered this was not uncommon.”

Out of the hospital since Dec. 30, he’s been recuperating at his sister’s home in Adams. He’s been back to the hospital once after he fell in the bathroom, reopening the wound.

“Since then I’ve been rehabbing, with the help of the Berkshire Visiting Nurses, a group of very dedicated and patient nurses and therapists,” Gentile said. “I’d be remiss also, if I didn’t thank the staff and doctors at Berkshire Medical Center, and my family and friends for their support. I’ll be back at work, I hope, by late April or early may.”

Gentile hopes to be able to retrofit his car to be able to drive without a right foot and to pay medical bills not covered by insurance.

To that end, Friends of Derek, UNICO and The Berkshire Eagle are sponsoring a Italian pasta dinner event to benefit Gentile.

The event will be held at 5:30 p.m. on Thursday, April 21, at the ITAM Lodge on Waubeek Road.

Gentile will be there: “What I’m hoping is that I’ll be able to thank all the people, some of whom I don’t know, who have sent letters and emails of support.”

In addition to the dinner, the evening includes photos with the Boston Red Sox 2004 and 2007 World Series trophies, raffle prizes including Red Sox and New England Revolution tickets as well as local items, music by Mountain Breeze, and a cash bar.

The cost is $15 for adults and $8 for kids and seniors.

To RSVP, call (413) 496-6215 before April 14.

n

Congratulations for quitting: They’ve added their names to fame and years to their lives: Five Berkshire County residents have been inducted into the Massachusetts Ex-Smokers’ Hall of Fame, as part of a partnership with Berkshire County Head start.

The honorees are Dawn Blondin of North Adams, Gail Botto of Pittsfield, Bonnie Deraway of Clarksburg, David Deraway of Clarksburg and Edna Johnston of Pittsfield. These five are four Head start staff members and one spouse.

Celebrating the stories of local people who kick the habit, the Massachusetts Ex-Smokers’ Hall of Fame has now inducted 23 Berkshire County residents since its 2010 launch.

The Ex-Smokers’ Hall of Fame is a joint effort of the Berkshire Area Health Education Center (AHEC) and the Massachusetts Department of Public Health.

To bring the local Ex-Smokers’ Hall of Fame to your community or organization, contact Joan Rubel at or (413) 447-2417.