A different look (part II)

Haven’t been around much recently. I had to take a step back for a little while. As it stands, my blog is not what I originally envisioned. I really had to change my perspective in order to continue.

So, what has changed?

Geek’s 2007 SIR Abstract Report 3: Pregnancy after MRgFUS for Uterine Fibroids – First Experiences

This is the third installment of my geeky science series on the abstracts and posters presented at the Society of Interventional Radiology’s 32nd annual Scientific Meeting held March 1 – March 6, 2007.

Pregnancy after MRgFUS for Uterine Fibroids: First Experiences

Geek’s 2007 SIR Abstract Report 2: Post-Embolization Syndrome: Leukocytosis after Uterine Artery Embolization

This is the second in my series of geeky reports on the abstracts and posters presented at the Society of Interventional Radiology’s 32nd annual Scientific Meeting held March 1 – March 6, 2007.

Post-Embolization Syndrome: Leukocytosis after Uterine Artery Embolization

Geek’s 2007 SIR Abstract Report: Comparison of Partial to Complete Uterine Fibroid Embolization

The Society of Interventional Radiology held its 32nd annual Scientific Meeting from March 1 – March 6, 2007. Multiple abstracts and posters were presented. I’ll try my best to discuss as many of the fibroid-related ones as I can. Yes, this is (hopefully) the first in a series of very geeky reports.

A Prospective Randomized Comparison of Partial to Complete Uterine Fibroid Embolization

If soy contributes to fibroid growth, I’m in trouble…

Ahhh, the controversy of soy. There is evidence to support both arguments. Some scientists feel since it is estrogenic (binds to estrogen receptors), soy would stimulate fibroid growth. Others feel it acts as a weak estrogen. Therefore, soy would bind to the receptors, block your estrogen from binding, and be beneficial.

I’ll talk more about that in a minute but I first wanted to list the 5 forms of soy that can be found in my house right now:

ExAblate 2000 (MRgFUS) non-invasive fibroid treatment receives two new associated approvals by the FDA

Received an email message from a visitor who wanted to pass along this information about the additional ExAblate 2000 approvals by the FDA. Thanks for the update!

From the email message:

The FDA approved new software that allows the ExAblate 2000 incisionless surgery procedure to be performed more efficiently by permitting more sonications during the same treatment window. This means that women with fibroids can be treated faster and women with larger fibroids may now be eligible for the outpatient procedure. The greater the area of the fibroid that a physician can treat, the greater the symptom relief. The agency is also allowing the system to be used with a more powerful open MRI machine, which means the physicians will have an even more precise view inside the woman’s body.

You can click the links to view the full press releases on Insightec’s web site but I included excerpts…

Reflecting on The Elegant Universe and string theory

Seem to have slowed down today. Still feeling a little under the weather but happy. I started reading Brian Greene’s The Elegant Universe a couple of days ago. Found a good quote near the beginning that I will probably add to the Home page or About page of this site eventually:

When science is widely seen as an integral part of what makes us human, our own connection to the cosmos will be significantly strengthened; truly, science is the thread that weaves us all into the fabric of reality.

My fibroid blog is NOT your personal chat room

I’m sorry that you have completely missed the purpose of my blog. Perhaps I should spell it out more clearly on the Home page. I’ll go do that right after I post this and something else that is bothering me.

My fibroid blog is an active experiment in real time!

Spent much of the day making changes to the site that will (hopefully!) make it easier to find stuff. This is my blog (an active experiment). It’s a mixture of personal journal, science-based resource, and support forum. I’m really stretching the definition of a blog (square peg in a round hole and all) but I’m enjoying every minute. Here are today’s changes:

Tell me about Lupron, Synarel, and Zoladex (gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonists)

One upon a time (months ago), I wrote a post on gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonists but I don’t think anyone really saw it. I guess it’s the name. Gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist does sound kind of strange.

How about Lupron, Synarel, and Zoladex? Yeah, still a little funny sounding but better. Lupron, Synarel, and Zoladex all belong to the class of drugs known as (everybody chime in)… gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonists (GnRH agonists).

What should I carry with me to the hospital before my fibroid surgery?

Received an email request from Tina (1/24) about a specific list of what to carry to the hospital when going in for fibroid surgery. Thanks for the great suggestion!

I’ll start with a quote from the post that listed what I carried. Remember, I had a Uterine Fibroid Embolization and only stayed overnight.

So you need proof of global warming, right?

Global warming is the observed increase in the average temperature of the Earth’s atmosphere and oceans. It’s been in the news quite a bit and remains a concern because of the projected continuation of rising temperatures. Many believe. Many don’t. Yet another issue causing polarity (like we need another).