questions for Edthedoc

[Denise]

Hey! I thought it would be nice if Ed answered some questions from us! My first question it...

What made you want to get involved in medicine?

[Denise]

This thread is for anyone to ask questions of Edthedoc. Don't be shy!

What is the most efficient way to give self-testicular exams?

[shemp]

Ed, what is the capital of Kazakhstan?

[garys_2k]

Please describe the picture I just drew, the number I'm thinking of and tell me how my sister will get past her crisis.

[edthedoc]

Wow. Have a fan base. Now all I need is a stalker.

Became a doc for a number of reasons:
1. Am useless at everything else.
2. Only job I could think of where I could stick large needles in people and get paid for it (apart from tattoo artist).
3. Ability to watch ER and shout at the actors when they make mistakes ("Noooo, wrong orrifice!").
3. Read Samuel Shem's "House of God" and thought it was a career advice book.
4. Never minded blood, so long as it wasn't mine.
4. Good career choice: stimulating work, lots of challenges, ethical profession, above average income, career structure, endless opportunity to improve and develop skills and knowledge. Will be able to retire knowing I have done some good in this troubled world.

Choice which one is right.

Oh, and can fight all those woo-woos and quacks from a position of knowledge.

[edthedoc]

Originally posted by Whodini
What is the most efficient way to give self-testicular exams?

1. Male? go to step 2. Female? go to next thread.

2. Check every month or so but don't be obsessive about it.

3. Do it when you are relaxed i.e. in bed or in bath.

4. Gently feel round each testicle in turn. Make sure you can feel all around it. It will have a fairly smooth surface but the occasional irregularity is normal. Testicles are rarely the same size but should be fairly similar. One is usually higher/lower than the other. There is often a small irregular lump above each testicle called the epididymis (described as feeling like a "bag of worms"!): quite normal, but often mistaken for a lump.

5. If you can feel an unusual lump, or can't find both testes go see you doctor who can check you over and (if everything is OK) teach you how to self-examine.

6. Don't be shy: we've seen it all before, but if you don't self-examine you might miss something.

7. Look at www.tcrc.acor.org/tcexam.html or do a Google search to see pictures.

Hope this helps,


I'm happy to give the occasional piece of general advice but please note everyone, let's not make this an advice column: plenty of other sites for that.

[OdderMensch]

Would you, under any circumstances, prescribe marrijuana to a patent?

If yes, what dosage/circumstance?
If no, why not?

[edthedoc]

Blimey.

Short answer is no, because in the UK it is illegal, and there is no licensed preparation (apart from a cannabinoid extract used for chemotherapy-related nausea). There is also lack of decent clinical evidence.

There's a big difference between patients using it themselves to treat various disorders and a doctor prescribing it. I'm happy for patients to make their own decisions and use it themselves but once a doctor gets involved there is a very important shift of responsibility.

If I'm going to prescribe it there has to be some very clear rules, guidelines in place based on good clinical evidence. This applies to any drug though.

I am liberal-minded when it comes to drug laws and can't believe the situation in the US where the FBI tries to overide local laws on marijuana. There is (IMHO) clear evidence that there is far greater harm in marijuana being illegal. I am quite convinced that it should at least be decriminalised.

I also think "Up in Smoke" is a classic film.

'nough said!

[BillyJoe]

May I preempt the doc....

Originally posted by OdderMensch
Would you, under any circumstances, prescribe marrijuana to a patent?No, it's illegal!

Originally posted by OdderMensch
If yes, what dosage/circumstance?MJ is great for nausea caused by cancer or chemotherapy (but probably not for the nausea associated with pregnancy)
Not sure of the dose - hey, don't you just smoke the stuff?

[BillyJoe]

Nope, the bastard got in first :D

[BillyJoe]

As punishment, I'm going to stuff up his testicular examination....

Originally posted by edthedoc


1. Male? go to step 2. Female? go to next thread.

You are a bloody spoilsport, Ed

2. Check every month or so but don't be obsessive about it.

Well, she examines her breasts with every monthly, so couldn't we just swap jobs?

3. Do it when you are relaxed i.e. in bed or in bath.

So I should stop doing it in the bus?

4. Gently feel round each testicle in turn. Make sure you can feel all around it. It will have a fairly smooth surface but the occasional irregularity is normal. Testicles are rarely the same size but should be fairly similar. One is usually higher/lower than the other. There is often a small irregular lump above each testicle called the epididymis (described as feeling like a "bag of worms"!): quite normal, but often mistaken for a lump.

My varicocoele was referred to as a "bag of worms" - you sure you're a doc?

5. If you can feel an unusual lump, or can't find both testes go see you doctor who can check you over and (if everything is OK) teach you how to self-examine.

How could you not feel two testicles unless you don't have two and then it's definitely not OK!

6. Don't be shy: we've seen it all before, but if you don't self-examine you might miss something.

But you haven't seen mine before!

7. Look at www.tcrc.acor.org/tcexam.html or do a Google search to see pictures.

I could show you some pictures that would make your pubic hair curl!

Hope this helps,

Not really but.....does your nurse help out when you're too busy?

I'm happy to give the occasional piece of general advice but please note everyone, let's not make this an advice column: plenty of other sites for that.

Thank heavens for that, doc.

[OdderMensch]

this is a set of inquires with the wierd question at the end, in bold.

What are the major inhibiting factors in oxogen uptake by the blood stream?

Heart rate? How fast the blood flows thru the lung, or how long the blood remains in the lung to be saturated?

Amount of air in the lungs, pressure?

Amount of O2 in the air/lungs, co2 build up?

Or some other active part of the process?


If you lose your breath, is it best to take several deep breaths, or more rapid smaller ones?

would running on a higher than atmosphere O2 concentration be helpful, or dangerous?

[Denise]

Ed, how do you keep up to date with the latest medical treatments. Like, for instance, is it mostly word of mouth, seminars or journals?

[BillyJoe]

Originally posted by Denise
Ed, how do you keep up to date with the latest medical treatments. Like, for instance, is it mostly word of mouth, seminars or journals? I'll bet it's Drug Reps! :D

[edthedoc]

Will be away for next week so won't be able to continue this thread for a few days. See ya soon.

P.S.
Can we keep questions woo-woo/quack treatments related?

[arcticpenguin]

Originally posted by edthedoc

P.S.
Can we keep questions woo-woo/quack treatments related?
Sorry, Ed, you have no control over the direction of questioning. We'll be wanting to know all about your sex life next.

[BillyJoe]

Originally posted by arcticpenguin
We'll be wanting to know all about your sex life next. All about the doc's sex life:

















.

[OdderMensch]

Will be away for next week so won't be able to continue this thread for a few days. See ya soon.

Well its been a few, so i thought i'd bump this one, Ed, my question relates to qigong, that many people suspect of quackery, so please answer as best you can.

[BillyJoe]

Originally posted by OdderMensch
..... my question relates to qigong, that many people suspect of quackery..... It is quackery, old man.
Anything that proposes the existence of an undetectable force is quackery pure and simple.

[Always Free]

Originally posted by BillyJoe
It is quackery, old man.
Anything that proposes the existence of an undetectable force is quackery pure and simple.

BJ, maybe you should post that statement on the religious board.

[OdderMensch]

It is quackery, old man.
Anything that proposes the existence of an undetectable force is quackery pure and simple

For a little mouse holding a pencil you dodge questions pretty well. ;)

Originally posted by BillyJoe
It is quackery, old man.
Anything that proposes the existence of an undetectable force is quackery pure and simple.


A lot of people doing qigong could care less about the reality of qi.

They just like the exercise.

If you knew anything about qigong, besides being a good skeptical parrot and repeating what you read on skeptical webpages, you'd know that, and wouldn't label all of it quackery, but rather qualify your statement some.

[Denise]

I have to agree with Whodini on that.

[BillyJoe]

Well, Whodini and Denise,

I don't care what some people might get out of it - and good luck to them if they do - but it's still pure quackery. That doesn't change.

-----------------------------------------

Whodini,

Regarding "good skeptical parrot".....er.....oh, forget it...... I'm sure someone on some web page somewhere sometime has already said it...... :cool:

-----------------------------------------

OdderMensch,

I don't have that avatar for nothing. ;)
I used to spend all my free time on this forum.
I realized I had a problem when my replies on a particular topic ran to eighty pages.
Life is short....

-----------------------------------------

AF,

It was the philosophy and Religion forum that got into trouble(see above).
I love it but I can't afford to go there at all these days. :(
BTW, do you have a name?

[Always Free]

"BTW, do you have a name?"


__________________

LOL--yes. Why?

Do you?

[BillyJoe]

You can call me BillyJoe or Billy, but AF???
I thought of Alfie but there is a movie of that name and Alfie was played by Michael Caine.

[Always Free]

Originally posted by BillyJoe
You can call me BillyJoe or Billy, but AF???
I thought of Alfie but there is a movie of that name and Alfie was played by Michael Caine.

oh so you are going to give me a boys name?

Is Billy your real name??

[BillyJoe]

Yes.


[BTW, have you been watching the cricket...

Australia 359 for 2, highest score ever by Australia in a limited overs match.
Ricky Ponting and Damian Martin highest partnership ever in a World Cup: 234.
Ricky Ponting: highest number of sixes: 8

Tendulka needs a miracle.]

[Always Free]

Yes, the aussie batsmen have really done the job today.

I'm going to sit up and watch the Indians bat until I am sure we will win;)

I posted a cricket thread on Banter about the game.

[BillyJoe]

Thanks, Alfie ( :D ), I 'll take a look.

[edthedoc]

OK, am back:

Have done some limited research into qigong and can't find anything that raises it above any other "alternative" therapy. There certainly seems to be a large psychological and physical exercise element which I'm sure does do some good in terms of making someone feel better but many of the qigong websites quote the usual quackery that really makes me switch off:

What I can't find is ANY evidence that it WORKS (and yes, I mean well-designed repeatable clinical trials).

I can't prove it doesn't work (can't prove a negative), but I see nothing new, no evidence, impressive claims, lots of pseudo-science and quasi-religious eastern mystical claptrap.

If there's a qigong "expert" reading then please prove me wrong (and I don't want anecdotal evidence and just because it's "popular" or has been around for years doesn't mean it works).


Here are some quotes taken from various qigong websites:


"No disease is incurable because it is our natural birth-right to overcome all types of diseases"

"practising chi kung can cure as well as prevent all kinds of illness, including diseases like asthma, diabetes, hypertension and cancer which are generally considered "incurable" by conventional medicine"

"use universal energy to remove blockages and toxins in your body during Energy Healing"

"Master Qinyin’s remote healing is just like rain in Spring, and sunshine in Winter. Whether your meridians are sensitive or not, you will experience the power of universal spiritual energy"

"A Light Warrior's Guide to High Level Energy Healing"

"In particular he influenced the aspect of medicine related to enhancing health and longevity, called "to nourish and refine the righteous". He is most renowned, however, for his work as an alchemist, constantly exploring immortality and elixirs from both internal and external sources"

Enough said.

[Always Free]

Originally posted by BillyJoe
Thanks, Alfie ( :D ), I 'll take a look.

*sigh* That will do:rolleyes: ;)

[BillyJoe]

I take it that wink is a nod of approval?

[BillyJoe]

Originally posted by edthedoc
.....can't prove a negative.... Quick, Eddy, change that to "can't prove something doesn't exist" before Ian sees it.

[Always Free]

Originally posted by BillyJoe
I take it that wink is a nod of approval?

Seeing as how I won't give you my real name, yes:)

Hey, we have hijacked this thread for long enough don't you think? We should chat elsewhere so we won't be told off. After all this is the Science board.

[BillyJoe]

Yeah well, Denise just started up as thread called "Questions for BillHoyt" IN THE SCIENCE FORUM!

Seems it's open slather these days (unless you dare use an innocent little cuss words).

[OdderMensch]

But you've also dodged the question. While I am asking about Qigong, i'm not asking you if it works or can cure cancer, just about breathing.

I've had band and gym teacher give me advice that, from my more recent experiance, seems wrong.

Of course, you are free to dodge the question, so I won't ask again.

[OdderMensch]

But you must answer this one, no dodgeing the question now.

Whos cat is that in your avatar?

[edthedoc]

Originally posted by OdderMensch
But you've also dodged the question. While I am asking about Qigong, i'm not asking you if it works or can cure cancer, just about breathing.

I've had band and gym teacher give me advice that, from my more recent experiance, seems wrong.

Of course, you are free to dodge the question, so I won't ask again.

Have lost track of the threads within this thread! What was the original question?

The cat is mine, all mine, or rather I'm hers, all hers. Name is "Mothay" (can be spelt "Mothe": try to find out what that means, and what language it is!). Very lazy, rather dim but leads a very content life. Love her to bits.

[OdderMensch]

Originally posted by OdderMensch
this is a set of inquires with the wierd question at the end, in bold.

What are the major inhibiting factors in oxogen uptake by the blood stream?

Heart rate? How fast the blood flows thru the lung, or how long the blood remains in the lung to be saturated?

Amount of air in the lungs, pressure?

Amount of O2 in the air/lungs, co2 build up?

Or some other active part of the process?

If you lose your breath, is it best to take several deep breaths, or more rapid smaller ones?
Would running on a higher than atmosphere O2 concentration be helpful, or dangerous?




edited to remove shouting, I hate shouting

[BillyJoe]

Originally posted by edthedoc
The cat is mine, all mine, or rather I'm hers, all hers.....Very lazy, rather dim but leads a very content life. Love her to bits. Eddy, I hate to disillusion you but....

The facts about cats:
1. Cats do not belong to anyone.
2. No one belongs to cats.
3. Cats don't give a damn.
4. Cats are incapable of love.
5. Cats are only interested in their next meal.
6. Cats are as thick as a brick.
7. Cats are content, yes, but only because of 6.

Do you really love your cat, Eddy?
BTW, I have a cat also - called Milos (pronounced "meal loss" :cool: )
I defintiely do not love that cat but I sure would love its lifestyle.

[Always Free]

BJ, you know animals as pets are good for ones health. It's a proven fact. Well, that's what I heard on 'Today Tonight':D

[BillyJoe]

Originally posted by Always Free
BJ, you know animals as pets are good for ones health. But, Alfie, it's a double-edged sword.....

DISEASES CATS CAN PASS ONTO HUMANS

Campylobacter Infection (campylobacteriosis): A bacterial disease associated with cats, dogs, and farm animals.

Cat Scratch Disease (Bartonella henselae): A bacterial disease associated with cat scratches and bites.

Coxiella burnetti Infection (Q fever): A bacterial disease occasionally associated with cats.

Cryptosporidium Infection (cryptosporidiosis): A parasitic disease associated with cats, dogs, and farm animals.

Dipylidium Infection (tapeworm): A parasitic disease associated with cats, dogs and fleas.

Hookworm Infection: A parasitic disease associated with cats, dogs and their environment.

Leptospira Infection (leptospirosis): A bacterial disease associated wild and domestic animals including cats.

Plague (Yersinia pestis) Infection: A rare bacterial disease associated with rodents and cats and fleas.

Q Fever (Coxiella burnetii): A bacterial disease occasionally associated with cats.

Rabies: A viral disease associated with various animals, including cats.

Ringworm: A fungal disease associated various animals, including with cats.

Roundworm: See Toxocara Infection.

Salmonella Infection (salmonellosis): A bacterial disease associated with various animals, including cats.

Tapeworm (flea tapeworm): See Dipylidium Infection.

Toxocara Infection (toxocariasis, roundworm): A parasitic disease associated with cats, dogs and their environment.

Toxoplasma Infection (toxoplasmosis): A parasitic disease associated with cats and their environment.

[OdderMensch]

oh you're biased, cause you're prey ;) My cat protects me from deadly mayflys, crickets and moths. And your cat is not thick as a brick, its plotting your demise (http://www.mycathatesyou.com/newlist.asp) every minute of every day, it just knows it lack the size or the oposeable thumbs to mount a good offensive.

[Always Free]

BJ-"BTW, I have a cat also - called Milos (pronounced "meal loss" )"

Milos---RUN FOR YOUR LIFE!!!!!:eek:

[BillyJoe]

That cat is as safe as mouses. :cool:

[BillyJoe]

Hey, I've just had another look at Eddy's Mothay - it's the spitting image of my Milos!!
No joking.
Tell me, Eddy, does Mothe wear white boots and does it have milk on the right half of its upper lip?

[BillyJoe]

Originally posted by OdderMensch
oh you're biased, cause you're prey ;) My cat protects me from deadly mayflys, crickets and moths. And your cat is not thick as a brick, its plotting your demise (http://www.mycathatesyou.com/newlist.asp) every minute of every day, it just knows it lack the size or the oposeable thumbs to mount a good offensive. Odd man, my cat couldn't give a s**t (save you the trouble Hal ;) ) about me. It couldn't care less whether I was alive or dead - as long as SOMEONE fed it.

This is the truth about cats.

[Always Free]

Originally posted by BillyJoe
Odd man, my cat couldn't give a s**t (save you the trouble Hal ;) ) about me. It couldn't care less whether I was alive or dead - as long as SOMEONE fed it.

This is the truth about cats.

BJ, how can you say such a thing? Milos probably luvs his dad very much but all you can say is--(see above).

And what does your dog think of you?:cool:

[OdderMensch]

truth and cats should never be mentioned in the same breath. But we're near to hijacking this thread.

[BillyJoe]

My dog's s**t scared of me (sorry, Hal, you're going to have to fix this one up yourself).

Okay, okay, I've fixed it.

[BillyJoe]

Originally posted by OdderMensch
But we're near to hijacking this thread. We're just keeping it alive until Eddy gets around to answering those questions.

[Always Free]

Originally posted by BillyJoe
My dog's **** scared of me (sorry, Hal, you're going to have to fix that one up yourself).

Come on BJ, you can fix it yourself. And why is your dog really scared of you and what breed is it/he/she?

[BillyJoe]

Can I talk about my old dog?

This one is a complete embarrassment. I will not mention its breed for fear of being laughed away. It's completely untrainable. Barks at will. Eats off our table. ***** on our beds (I'm going to see if Hal fixes that one :D ). As a result he has to spend his life outdoors and can't figure out why. I'm not sure why he's scared of me - perhaps he's psychic ;) .

regards,
BillyJoe
(signing off for now - 'night Alfie)

[Always Free]

BJ, you are walking a thin line;)

Goodnight BJ, kiss the cat, hug the dog and put the missus out before you go to bed, okay!:D