How To Prepare for Your First ENT Doctor Visit

Before going to your ENT doctor visit, it is good to know what to expect. You have likely been referred by your primary care physician and may not know much. ENT stands for ear, nose, and throat. An ENT doctor first receives full medical training for an medical doctor degree and is then trained in a specialty that diagnosis disease, performs surgery, and treats patients with problems occurring in the head and neck. In their practice, they see patients for tumors, trauma, diseases, and deformities. Some also manage nerve issues that impair the senses and facial movement. 

 

An ENT doctor treats a wide variety of miladies. From the common issues of allergies, asthma, tinnitus, and sore throats, to the more complicated issues of nerve damage, issues with smelling, or breathing problems. Many have not only specialized in ENT, but go on to further train in their field for pediatrics, rhinology, laryngology, allergies, reconstructive surgeries, treatment of tumors, or neurology.

Before your visit, it is necessary to do a little homework. Make a list of the issues you have been experiencing. Include any important information that might be helpful for diagnosis. If pain manifests, explain how the pain felt, whether raw, stinging, dull, throbbing, scratchy, or sharp. If there seems to be an obstruction, unusual growth, or strange symptom, the doctor needs to know. Give good information about where in the head or neck the pain or issues started. If possible, put the incidents in chronological order, along with dates. Let the ENT doctor know if there was a sudden start, or if the problem manifested and has gradually gotten worse over time. Even the smallest detail can help an ENT doctor with diagnosis and treatment.

During the visit, you can expect a number of tests. Depending on the issues you experience, there could be x-rays, vision tests, hearing tests, MRIs, physical inspections, and other tests. Through a solid understanding of what you have already experienced and what they can find in your tests, they will likely be able to diagnose and treat the issues quickly.

Remember to check with your doctor before taking any treatment or medical remedy.

If you would like to learn more about an ENT doctor in Seguin, Texas, click here.

5 FQAs and Answers About Bladder Suspension Surgery

If you are about to undergo bladder suspension surgery, there are a few common questions that you likely have.

1. Who needs surgery?

Bladder suspension surgery puts the bladder back in its normal position. This particular type of surgery helps those that have stress incontinence. If another issue is causing incontinence, then the surgery will not likely solve the problem. Some groups are more at risk, such as those that developed stress incontinence due to surgery, childbirth, or menopause.

2. When is surgery the best option?

Due to aging, injury, or natural occurrences, some women lose muscle tone along their pelvic floor. This condition can lead to urine leakage when they cough, laugh, or sneeze. When self help and non-invasive methods don't help, then surgery is suggested. Medication, electrical stimulation, and pelvic exercises should all be tried first. If no improvement is made in stress incontinence, then surgery might be a good option.

3. What types of surgery are there?

There are several types of bladder suspension surgery. Retropubic suspension surgery lifts the bladder by the neck and connects it to surrounding tissue with sutures. It can be done with both open surgery and through a smaller incision with a laproscopic device. Another approach is to support the bladder with a sling. Depending on your doctor and your medical situation, one method might be better than another.

4. What are the complications?

While the success rate for bladder suspension surgery is high and the number of complications are low, it is important to know what to look out for. With any surgery, infection is always a risk. Doctors take precautions to keep the surgery sterile and it is important to follow their advice for post-surgery treatment. Other complications could be problems urinating, or a sudden urge to urinate immediately. If a synthetic material is used for a sling, the body may negatively react to the product. Many of these complications fade as you heal, but it is important to let your doctor know immediately if any appear.

5. How long is recovery?

The recovery time depends on the method of bladder suspension surgery performed. Some require a hospital stay and general anesthesia, while others are a day surgery. All types require post-surgery caution and can take up to six weeks to fully heal. Always follow your doctor's instructions and avoid stressful activities after surgery.

Remember to check with your doctor before taking any treatment or medical remedy.

If you would like to learn more about bladder suspension surgery in the Seguin area, visit GRMC.