Surgeries & Exams

I was diagnosed having an inguinal hernia at the age of 75. In this article, I describe the hernia and how it was found and diagnosed. My laparoscopic inguinal hernia surgery experience and recovery are also detailed.

There is a lot of talk in the transgender and non-binary community about which bottom surgery is the best choice: meta or phallo. This article goes over three common misconceptions about phalloplasty.

How long it takes to heal from gum graft surgery depends on the severity of the graft and your own ability to heal

An inguinal hernia is one of the most common types of hernias. There are a few different ways to fix it. In my case, I underwent robot-assisted, minimally invasive surgery. Here are my tips on how to recover properly.

Are you anxious about getting a flu shot? The idea of getting a jab isn't fun but it's sure a lot more fun than getting the flu. Here's some tips and tricks for staying calm before and during you vaccine!

Do you have chronic ear, nose, and throat issues? You may be considering getting your tonsils out as an adult. I had my tonsils out as an adult and although the recovery was intense, it was well worth it.

For my 50th birthday, I gave myself the gift of improved mobility and less pain. I've lived with intense neck pain, since my 1997 horse throw, and my deepest regret is having waited so long to have this surgery. My life has been improved immeasurably. My best advice is to not put it off and suffer.

Since the age of 55, I have had increasingly more blood tests. These tests have occurred in conjunction with hypertension, my prostate gland condition, and recent kidney operation. In this article, I explain what to expect from blood test results and how this will help you to live longer.

The idea of going through in vitro fertilization (IFV) can be daunting--it certainly was for me! Then I did it give times. Not so bad!

An abdominal ultrasound scan suggested by a doctor probably saved my life. In this article, after defining the meaning of ultrasound scan, I explain its purpose in medical diagnostics and some of the results the scan images can indicate.

By the time I underwent bilateral total hip replacement surgery (THR), I couldn't remember what it was like to walk normally. The successful results included a positive impact on my overall sense of well-being.

Within a seven-month period, I had cataract surgery in both my right and left eyes. In this article, learn what a cataract is, how it is removed in surgery, and post-op care needed for your eyes.

After living with carpal tunnel for decades, I finally decided to correct it with surgery. This article is about my experience with carpal tunnel and the surgery to fix it.

In March 2018, I underwent a PET/CT whole body scan. In this article, learn what a PET/CT scan is, why it is used, how it is given, and what information its results can give doctors and patients.

After you decide to have a mastectomy, you will have many other decisions to make. Do you want reconstruction? If not, do you want to wear a prosthesis or will you "live flat"?

A capsule endoscopy procedure may be a good, less invasive procedure if the small intestines need to be examined. Learn about the how the procedure works and it's advantages and limitations.

I recently had an implantable loop recorder (ILR) placed. It has given me a great deal of much-needed peace of mind. It is well worth the bother to be monitored at all times for paroxysmal AFib.

Government-funded health insurance gave me the best possible cardiac care I could hope for.

Since 1999, I have had prostate problems leading to biopsies in 2000 and 2003. Based on personal experiences, this article details what to expect after having undergone a prostate biopsy.

If you must have your appendix removed because of appendicitis, here is my story about my laparoscopic appendectomy. I hope it helps you prepare for your surgery.

Recovering after surgery and a revision surgery to repair a multi fracture humerous head.

The thought of having cataract surgery may be daunting for some. This article helps you understand what to expect when considering having cataracts removed.

At the age of 65, I had internal and external hemorrhoids removed by surgery. This article first examines the nature of hemorrhoids and then details what to expect after hemorrhoid removal surgery.

An overview of paracentesis with first-hand experience!

What it's like to have an eye lift. Can you get it done on the NHS? This is my personal experience, and I have included before-and-after pictures.

Here are some thoughtful gift ideas for a friend or family member who has just had back surgery, knee surgery, or hip surgery.

I was totally unprepared for my orbital decompression surgery, and it ended up being a nightmare! By sharing my experience, I hope that others will be more prepared than I was.

Advice for people who fear having ingrown toenail surgery and want to be able to deal with it effectively and with less pain.

After my diagnosis with hypertension, I finally learned how to take my own blood pressure at home.

Are you facing cataract surgery in the near future? If so, please consider these five topics, presented in order of importance, based on my own experience.

Thinking of getting a dental implant? Make sure you know all of the facts before deciding. They may not be what you think they are.

Learn about what to expect from a CT scan, including reasons your doctor may recommend the procedure, risks vs. benefits, preparing for the procedure and the scan, and follow-up care with your doctor.

Considering a tonsillectomy as an adult? Based on my personal experience, here is a guide about what to expect during the procedure as well as during recovery.

I very recently had sinus surgery to remove nasal polyps, a mucocele, and to widen my sinus openings. Here is my story.

Follow these tips for recovering from gallbladder surgery to avoid complications and get yourself back to normal. This article is based on my own personal experience with this procedure.

Are you a candidate for a total knee replacement? If so, I hope this article, which includes my husband's joint replacement, will benefit you. Hip and shoulder replacement candidates can also benefit.

As someone who regularly suffers from migraines with weird symptoms, I have undergone a number of MRIs. Being claustrophobic makes it worse. So how do I get through these procedures?

Between chugging GoLytley and spending the day on the toilet, colonoscopy prep can be unpleasant. Here's a funny story about why you need to fully empty the system before your colonoscopy procedure.

Whether you are planning to have knee replacement surgery, or whether you're currently recovering from the procedure, there's a lot to know. This is what I learned from my experience.

Explanation of what a YAG laser does for cataract surgery patients, along with a description of my own experience and results.

A doctor will often order a HIDA scan if gallbladder problems are suspected but an ultrasound shows no stones.

The sweat chloride test for cystic fibrosis measures chloride ions in an individual's sweat. A positive result indicates the presence of cystic fibrosis.

While tonsillectomies are relatively common, the recovery is grueling and longer than many parents expect it to be. What to expect after a tonsillectomy in children.

My 5-year-old son had his adenoids removed recently after he had repeated ear infections. This is a story of our experience from the infections to post-surgery recovery.

After getting gum grafting surgery, I wanted to recover FAST for an upcoming New Year's event. This is what I did to move things along more quickly.

So you've be told you need additional testing after your mammogram. Handling the anxiety can be rough.

This is my story of how I recovered after a total abdominal hysterectomy surgery.

A long-term kidney transplant recipient lists her top 10 ways to keep an organ transplant going strong. This helpful and encouraging advice can apply to the recipient of any type of organ transplant.

This is the real-life experience of a family member who had core decompression and then total double hip replacement to treat his avascular necrosis. What to expect at the hospital and at home.