Scleroderma Treatments Are Advancing. Portland, Maine
What are the most promising treatments for Scleroderma? Scleroderma is an autoimmune disorder that affects the tone of the skin and other tissues. It can present as a tight, immobilizing glove like feeling in the hands. When this disease manifests in a musician, it can be a disabling, career ending disorder. Brian Setzer was recently diagnosed with an undisclosed autoimmune disease that is preventing him from playing guitar, that he reports as feeling as though he is wearing gloves on his hands. It seems reasonable to speculate that the disease is more specifically, “Scleroderma”. At first, even second glance, this wouldn’t leave too many feeling optimistic about his future of playing. As one of the rockabilly guitar heroes of the past many decades, this news has been very disappointing for many. I did a bit of research on the more recent developments in treatment for scleroderma and this is what I found. While #2 seems like it could be a bit more invasive, but given that scleroderma can be fatal, #2 addresses this and seems to be pretty effective! So, based on recent clinical trials and research, the most promising treatments for scleroderma that show significant success rates are:...
read moreHiatal hernia causes, treatments, and a lesser known possible corrective option! Portland, Maine.
Before you climb the gurney to get under the knife, try this Hail Mary! (#3) Hiatal hernias occur when part of the stomach pushes through the diaphragm into the chest cavity. While the exact cause is not always clear, several factors contribute to their development. Hiatal hernias are fairly common affecting roughly 9.9% of the population according to a 2015 American Journal of Gastroenterology published study. What are some of the most common causes of a Hiatal Hernia? – Age-related changes to the diaphragm – Injury to the area – Being born with a larger hiatal opening – Increased abdominal pressure from: – Lifting heavy objects – Pregnancy – Obesity – Chronic straining during bowel movements – Coughing or vomiting What are the top risk factors? – Age over 50 – Female gender – Obesity – Smoking – Pregnancy – Family history/genetics – Certain autoimmune diseases Treatments Non-surgical Treatments 1. Medications: – Antacids to weaken stomach acid – Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) or H-2 receptor blockers to reduce acid production – Prokinetics to strengthen the esophageal sphincter What are the risks of medicines for reflux caused by a hiatal hernia? Increased risk of cardiovascular disease. Higher likelihood of chronic...
read moreBack pain, mental health, quality of life and relationships in Southern Maine.
Back Pain & Relationships Back pain can have severe implications on daily quality of life, affecting various aspects of a person’s physical, emotional, and social well-being. Physically, chronic back pain can significantly hinder everyday activities that were once simple tasks. Bending to tie shoelaces, reaching for items on high shelves, or even standing for extended periods can become challenging and uncomfortable[1]. This constant discomfort can lead to a decrease in physical activity, potentially causing deconditioning and further exacerbating the pain, creating a vicious cycle of reduced mobility and increased discomfort[4]. Emotionally, the persistent nature of back pain can take a substantial toll on mental health. The constant struggle with pain and the uncertainty of improvement can lead to feelings of frustration, anxiety, and sadness[1]. Over time, this emotional distress may develop into more serious mental health issues such as depression, further impacting overall quality of life[2]. The emotional burden of chronic back pain can also contribute to lowered self-esteem, as individuals may feel defined by their pain and limited in their abilities to engage in activities they once enjoyed[2]. Socially, back pain can lead to significant isolation and strain on relationships. Many individuals with chronic back pain find themselves...
read moreCoaching with Dr. Lou – Your Personal Professional Consultant.
Does your favorite sports team have a coach? We’ve all seen coaches helping sports teams become the best they can be. We’ve seen Tony Robbins change lives and help people walk barefoot on coals without pain or burns. We’ve all, at some point or another, set a goal and tried to fulfill it. There is abundant evidence that professional coaching will help you get from point A to point B with the greatest likelihood for success and learning. For the past 22+ years, I (Dr. Lou) have worked with professional coaches for my own personal and professional growth. I have been a successful small business owner for the same period of time. I have set and accomplished thousands of goals with the help of my coach, and I have coached people extensively in the areas of weight loss, musicians health, and parenting over the past 14 years. I have added 2 additional coaching slots for Fridays. My clients coach weekly for 20 minutes after a more extensive onboarding and collaborative assessment. Our contact info is below! ~Dr. Lou Why do people choose to work with a coach? Coaching plays a crucial role in helping individuals set and achieve their...
read moreWhat Disease Does Brian Setzer have? Does Brian Setzer have Scleroderma?
Scleroderma What disease does Brian Setzer have? Brian Setzer, the famed guitarist of The Stray Cats has been diagnosed with an autoimmune disorder that affects the hands. Although the condition has not been made public, based on his description it is most likely “Scleroderma” The name scleroderma comes from two words. Sclerosis and Dermis. Sclerosis is thickening or hardening (atherosclerosis) and dermis is related to skin (epidermis). Scleroderma most often affects the tension in the skin of the hands through thickening and tightening, leading to a feeling of having gloves on the hands, reduced mobility and loss of tactile precision. Scleroderma also affects the organs of the body and the network of blood vessels. It’s serious. While it can be managed through medications, these medications have side effects, but the side effects for a brilliant guitarist like Brian Setzer, these side effects are probably less destructive than not being able to play guitar. There are no solutions to this problem if indeed it is Scleroderma. No definitive diagnosis has been made public, but this one could be it, and if it is, Brian Setzer may be in for a bit of a haul. As a doctor who specializes in...
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