New research in mice finds that taking the antibiotic vancomycin before undergoing radiation therapy alters gram-positive bacteria in the gut, thus boosting the immune system and enhancing the antitumor effect... read more →
Dumping syndrome is a group of symptoms which can occur after surgery to the gullet (oesophagus) or stomach. Dumping syndrome can occur following a total gastrectomy or gastric by-pass (roux-en-y),... read more →
Taste: One of the five senses, partners with the less direct sense of smell. There are four types of taste -sweet, bitter, sour and salt; and the recent addition of... read more →
The amount of sleep we need varies for a number of reasons, including age, physical and emotional health, and lifestyle, the demands of work or social life and individual characteristics.... read more →
Shoulder Do not keep the shoulder still following surgery It is normal to experience shoulder stiffness and limitation of movement Start gentle movements immediately within your pain limits Lift arm... read more →
Why is relaxation important? It prevents build-up of muscle tension which can cause headaches, pain in the body, tightness in the chest and tiredness It helps combat breathlessness It helps... read more →
Notes from a talk given by Orla Hynes, Specialist Dietician Nutrition is often a problem because: The anatomical location of the disease can lead to dysphagia [swallowing problems]/delayed gastricemptying/vomiting Decreased... read more →
THE FIRST FEW WEEKS You will start moving about soon after the operation, usually with the help of a physiotherapist. This is a very important part in your recovery. Initially,... read more →
Confused by medical terminology? - No more, here's our jargon-buster! Ablation The removal or destruction of a body part or tissue or its function. Ablation may be performed by surgery,... read more →
Thoracic expansion exercises and incentive spirometry are designed to expand the lung after anaesthetic/surgery, and will improve post-op breathlessness. The effects of these breathing exercises are enhanced by being as mobile... read more →
Some patients suffer from ‘dumping syndrome’ after their surgery. It is one of the effects of having a shorter digestive tract. The food rushes through the system more quickly than... read more →
Date: ________ Meals Food/Beverage/Time Type of symptoms and Code/Time (see below) Breakfast Mid Morning Lunch Mid Afternoon Dinner Supper Symptom Codes Nausea Vomiting Flushing Heart palpitations, rapid heart rate Sweating... read more →
