"Good friends are like quilts-they age with you, yet never lose their warmth."
I am forwarding this to those on my Senior’s email list because it is so well written.
Please send back. (I did) It's neat. Don't delete this one, you'll laugh when you see the return message.I have seen too many dear friends leave this world, too soon; before they understood the great freedom that comes with aging.
Whose business is it, if I choose to read, or play on the computer, until 4 AM, or sleep until noon? I will dance with myself to those
wonderful tunes of the 50s, 60s & 70s, and if I, at the same time, wish to weep over a lost love, I will.
I will walk the beach, in a swim suit that is stretched over a bulging body, and will dive into the waves, with abandon, if I choose to, Despite the pitying glances from the jet set. They, too, will get old.
I know I am sometimes forgetful. But there again, some of life is just as well forgotten. And, eventually, I remember the important things.
Sure, over the years, my heart has been broken. How can your heart not break, when you lose a loved one, or when a child suffers, or even when somebody's beloved pet gets hit by a car? But broken hearts are what give us strength, and understanding, and compassion. A heart never broken, is pristine, and sterile, and will never know the joy of being imperfect.
I am so blessed to have lived long enough to have my hair turn gray, and to have my youthful laughs be forever etchedinto deep grooves on my face. So many have never laughed, and so many have died before their hair could turn silver.
As you get older, it is easier to be positive. You care less about what other people think.. I don't question myself anymore.I've even earned the right to be wrong.
So, to answer your question, I like being old. It has set me free. I like the person I have become. I am not going to live forever,but while I am still here, I will not waste time lamenting what could have been, or worrying about what will be. And I shall eat dessert every single day (if I feel like it).
MAY OUR FRIENDSHIP NEVER COME APART, ESPECIALLY WHEN IT'S STRAIGHT FROM THE HEART!
Forward this to at least 7 people, and see what happens on your screen. You will laugh and cry!
This page tells you about bone marrow tests, what they are and what happens when you have one. You can find the following information
A quick guide to what’s on this page
Why you might have a bone marrow test
This test looks for cancer cells in your bone marrow. You may have it if you have alymphoma, leukaemia or myeloma, or if your doctor wants to check if your cancer has spread to the bone marrow.
How you have the test
A doctor or specialist nurse removes a tiny sample of bone marrow cells to look at under a microscope. There are 2 types of bone marrow test. Bone marrow aspiration – the doctor or nurse sucks out some bone marrow cells from your hip bone or breast bone (sternum) using a needle and syringe. A pathologistexamines the bone marrow cells in the laboratory. Bone marrow trephine biopsy – the doctor or nurse removes a small core of bone marrow in one piece from the hip bone. This test shows the structure of the bone marrow inside the bone.
Each test only takes a few minutes and you can have them as an outpatient. First, your doctor gives you an injection of local anaesthetic into the skin over the area of the test. Then they put a needle with a syringe attached to it into the bone marrow. With an aspiration you may feel a pulling sensation as they draw the cells out. With a biopsy you may feel the needle turning. This can be painful but only for a short time. You may have a sedative to make you drowsy before the test.
After the test
The area may ache for a few days. Taking a mild painkiller such as paracetamol helps. It can take up to 2 weeks to get the full results of the bone marrow tests.
What a bone marrow test is for
This test is to see whether there are cancer cells in your bone marrow. For this test, a doctor or specialist nurse removes a tiny sample of bone marrow cells to look at under the microscope.
Types of cancer it is used for
Bone marrow tests are usually done for cancers that are most likely to affect the bone marrow, such as
But it can be done for any type of cancer if your doctor thinks your bone marrow could contain cancer cells, or needs to rule this out for any reason.
The types of biopsy
There are 2 main types of bone marrow test – a bone marrow aspiration and a bone marrow trephine biopsy. Aspiration means the doctor or nurse sucks some bone marrow cells up into a syringe. A bone marrow trephine means that they remove a 1 or 2cm core of bone marrow in one piece.
You usually have both of these tests done at the same time. They give some of the same information to the doctor, but there are differences. The bone marrow trephine biopsy shows the structure of the bone marrow inside the bone, whereas the aspiration takes just the bone marrow cells.
Having the test
Either test only takes a few minutes and you can have them done as an outpatient. The doctor or nurse usually takes the bone marrow sample from your hip bone. You can have a bone marrow aspiration from your breast bone (sternum) but not a bone marrow biopsy.
Below is an animation showing what to expect when you have a bone marrow test.
View a transcript of the video about bone marrow tests (opens in a new window).
You usually lie on your side with your knees tucked up into your chest. First the doctor or nurse cleans the area with some antiseptic fluid, which can feel cold. Then you have a local anaesthetic injection into the skin over the biopsy site to numb it. When this has worked, the doctor or nurse puts the needle in through the skin. It goes into the hip bone or sternum, and into the centre of the bone, where the marrow is. The needle is attached to a syringe. For a bone marrow aspiration, the needle is quite thin. For a bone marrow trephine, the needle is thicker.
If you are having a marrow aspiration, the doctor or nurse sucks a small amount of liquid bone marrow into the needle. You will feel a pulling sensation when they start drawing the bone marrow cells out. Some people have a sudden, sharp pain. If you are having a trephine biopsy as well, the doctor or nurse will take this needle out and put the second one in.
If you are having a trephine, the doctor or nurse will turn the needle back and forth while pushing it further into the marrow. The aim is to get a small amount of marrow out in one piece. Once it is in far enough, the doctor or nurse draws out the needle, containing its core of marrow. The needle going into the hip bone can be painful, but this only lasts a short time. The whole test takes 15 to 20 minutes.
Some people prefer to have some type of sedative before the test so that they are a bit drowsy. Sedation of some sort is certainly a good idea for children. If you have a sedative, you will need to stay at the hospital for a few hours until it has worn off. And you will need someone with you so that you don't have to go home on your own. Some hospitals may use gas and air (Entonox) to help relax you instead of sedation.
After the test, your hip may ache for a couple of days. You may need some mild painkillers such as paracetamol to take at home.
Possible risks from a bone marrow test
A bone marrow test is very safe and any risks are small.
Some people have a small amount of bleeding from the site where the needle went in. If you are on medication to thin your blood, such as warfarin, you may need to stop taking these before the test. Your doctor will advise you when and how long to stop taking them. You will have a dressing over the site which you should keep on for 24 hours. If you notice any bleeding apply pressure to the area. If it doesn't stop, contact the hospital.
There is a small risk of getting an infection in the wound. If you have a temperature or the area becomes red and sore let your doctor know.
During the procedure there is a very small risk of damage to nearby structures. The needles doctor use have a guard on them now which stops the needle going too deep so it is unlikely to be a problem.
The results
It can take time for results to come through. Exactly how long may depend on why you are having the test. Generally, it can take a couple of days to get the results of the bone marrow aspirate, but the trephine result may take up to a couple of weeks.
The bone marrow sample is sent to the medical laboratory as soon as it has been removed. A pathologist examines it under a microscope. To do this, they may need to stain the cells so that the different types show up more clearly. The staining techniques can take a couple of days, depending on what needs to be done. The pathologist's report on the bone marrow sample will be typed up and sent to your specialist.
Understandably, waiting for results can make you very anxious. Try to remember to ask when you can expect the results when your specialist first suggests you have the test. If your doctor needs the test results urgently, they will have written that on the request form. If it isn't an emergency and you haven't heard after a couple of weeks, you can ring your doctor's secretary or specialist nurse to check if your results are back.
A bone marrow biopsy is a procedure that takes a small sample of the marrow inside your bones for testing in a laboratory. This test is used to see if you have an infection, disease, or other problem in your bone marrow.
Bone marrow is the spongy tissue found inside your bones. In the larger bones— such as your spine, breastbone, hips, ribs, legs, or skull—bone marrow contains cells that produce white blood cells, red blood cells, and platelets. Your white blood cells help fight infection, your red blood cells carry oxygen and nutrients, and your platelets enable the blood to clot.
Marrow has both solid and liquid parts. If the solid portion of the bone is sampled, this is called a biopsy. Aspiration is the procedure used to collect the liquid part of the marrow.
Problems with bone marrow can create lasting, serious health concerns. A bone marrow biopsy is one of many tests that can be done to check the cells of your bone marrow for problems.
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Part 2 of 6
Why Is a Bone Marrow Biopsy Done?
Numerous conditions are associated with unhealthy bone marrow. If blood tests show low levels of platelets or white or red blood cells, your doctor may order a bone marrow biopsy.
This test also allows your doctor to check for a suspected disease, see how far a disease has progressed, or monitor the effects of a treatment method.
According to the Mayo Clinic, conditions and diseases that can affect your bone marrow include:
anemia, or a low red blood cell count
bone marrow diseases, such as myelofibrosis or myelodysplastic syndrome
blood cell conditions, such as leukopenia or polycythemia
cancers of the bone marrow or blood, such as leukemias or lymphomas
hemochromatosis, a genetic disorder in which iron builds in the blood
infection, such as sepsis
A bone marrow biopsy is also an important test if you are undergoing cancer treatment, since it can help determine if the cancer has spread to your bones. (Mayo Clinic, 2011)
Part 3 of 6
Risks of a Bone Marrow Biopsy
All medical procedures carry some type of risk. The Mayo Clinic states that bone marrow exams are safe. (Mayo Clinic, 2011)
However in some rare instances, the following complications are possible:
allergic reaction to anesthesia
excessive bleeding
infection
long-lasting discomfort at the spot where the biopsy was taken
These risks are rare and most often occur among people who have other conditions that weaken their immune systems or lower their platelet counts.
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Part 4 of 6
How to Prepare for a Bone Marrow Biopsy
Your doctor will perform several examinations prior to the biopsy. During these tests, be sure to tell your doctor about any medications you take—including over-the-counter medicines or nutritional supplements—and any known allergies you have.
Your doctor may ask you to stop taking certain medications prior to the procedure. Never stop taking a medication unless your doctor instructs you to do so.
Tell your doctor if you are nervous. He or she may give you a mild sedative to help you through your procedure.
Follow all of your doctor’s instructions before the procedure. Do not forget to show up on time for your biopsy. You may also want to arrange for a ride home.
Part 5 of 6
How a Bone Marrow Biopsy Is Performed
Before the test, you will be asked to change into a hospital gown. Then you will sit on your side or lie on your belly in a room where the procedure will take place.
A doctor or nurse will give you a local anesthesia to numb the area where the biopsy will be taken. Typically this will be at the top ridge of your rear hipbone. Occasionally it may be taken from your chest bone.
You might feel a brief sting as the anesthesia is injected.
Your doctor will make a small incision so a hollow needle can easily get past the skin. The needle then goes into the bone. It collects a cylinder-shaped sample known as a core sample.
According to the National Institutes of Health, some people feel a dull pain or discomfort as the biopsy is taken, since the inside of your bones cannot be numbed. However, not everyone will experience this. (NIH, 2010)
Immediately after the procedure, the incision will be bandaged, and you will be taken into another room to rest before going home.
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Part 6 of 6
After a Bone Marrow Biopsy
You may feel some slight pain for about a week after the procedure. This is easily managed with over-the-counter pain relievers. You will also need to care for the incision wound, which involves keeping it dry for 24 hours after the biopsy.
While you are caring for your wound, your bone marrow sample will be sent to a laboratory for testing. Once the results are back, your doctor may call you or have you come to his or her office for a follow-up appointment to discuss the findings.
Abnormal results may be due to cancer, anemia, or another condition. Your doctor may need to order more tests to confirm a diagnosis or to see how far the condition has gone. He or she will discuss your treatment options with you and help you plan your next steps during your follow-up appointment.
Gynaecologist • 21 People helped• 22 Years experience
4 myths on IVF you should stop believing right now
In-vitro fertilisation (IVF) is one of the popular Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ART) for treating infertility and helping couples to conceive. The process involves the fertilisation of the egg with the sperm in a laboratory and thereafter, inserting the embryo formed, into the uterus. But lack of understanding about the topic has given rise to a number of myths such as: Myth 1: IVF increases your fertility levels
Instead of making you more fertile, IVF stops your natural fertility cycle. This is usually done through hormones that are taken at the beginning of the process. The aim of such an action is to essentially put an end to your natural fertility process and create in its place an artificial cycle. Myth 2: IVF hormone injections make you prone to uncontrollable emotions
In actuality, IVF hormone injections don’t cause you to suffer from out of control emotions but make you happier. This is because they come packed with the female hormone oestrogen, which produce endorphins (brain chemicals) that give you a sense of wellbeing. The wave of emotions that you end up experiencing is a result of the stress and anxiety surrounding the success of a cycle. Myth 3: IVF never fails but is always successful
The success of the procedure depends on a number of factors such as quality and quantity of embryos and age. It is said that chances of conception decreases with age, with women above 40 reporting reduced fertility potential as well as success rate. On the other hand, women below the age of 35 have about 41% chance of getting pregnant. Myth 4: It causes you to have triplets or twins
No, it’s not necessary for multiple births to take place if you opt for IVF. You can reduce the prospect of having twins or triplets by cutting down on the number of embryos that get inserted into the uterus.
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Oats vs Cornflakes - What should you start your day with?
Dt. Tamanna Narang
M.Sc - Dietitics / Nutrition (Delhi University)
Dietitian/Nutritionist • 725 People helped• 4 Years experience
Oats vs Cornflakes - What should you start your day with?
Oats and cornflakes are both considered to be ideal breakfast options due to their ability to boost your energy levels and keep you full for long hours. But which one of them is the healthier choice? Let’s have a look at their nutritional values so that you can decide which of them to have for breakfast daily. 1. Calorie content
Oatmeal has low calorie content, which amounts to be about 68 calories per 100 gm serving. Comparatively, 100 gm cornflakes contain about 357 calories. So, if you plan to keep your calorie consumption to a minimum, opt for oatmeal. 2. Fibre content
Cornflakes have the upper hand here. 100 gm of cornflakes contain about 3.3 gm dietary fibre in comparison to 1.7 gm fibre present in the same amount of oats. Dietary fibre is beneficial for your body as it lowers the level of bad cholesterol, regulates blood-sugar and aids proper bowel movements. 3. Vitamin A content
Cornflakes are rich sources of vitamin A, containing about 1786 IU per 100 gm serving. This makes it a better choice as a daily dose of vitamin A in ample amount improves your vision, helps in bone growth and boosts your immunity. On the other hand, 433 IU of vitamin A is present in 100 gm oats. 4. Fat content
Both cornflakes and oats are low in fat content with 100 gm of cornflakes having 0.4 gm fat and the same quantity of oats having 1.4 gm fat.
The scales are tipped more or less equally in favour of both cornflakes and oatmeal, and you can have either or both of them for breakfast.
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