LEADING MEDICINE SPRI N G/SUM M ER 2019
Surviving Cancer and Starting a Family Robotic-Assisted Hernia Repair
Orthopedic and Sports Injuries
PROTECT YOURSELF FROM HEAD TO TOE
YOUR LINK TO HEALTH INNOVATIONS, NEWS AND TIPS IN NORTHWEST HOUSTON
NEWS & EVENTS EVENTS WEIGHT LOSS SURGERY SEMINARS
Date: June 18 | Time: 6 p.m. Location: Houston Methodist Willowbrook Hospital Conference Center Date: July 10 | Time: 6 p.m. Location: Houston Methodist Willowbrook Hospital Conference Center
SPORTS PHYSICALS
Date: July 27 | Time: 8 a.m. – Noon Location: Houston Methodist Orthopedics & Sports Medicine at Willowbrook 13802 Centerfield Drive, Suite 300 Houston, TX 77070 For more information about our events and to register, visit houstonmethodist.org/events or call 281.737.2500.
VIRTUAL URGENT CARE The next time you get sick, you can skip the waiting room. See our providers via video visit — 24/7, from wherever you are. Virtual Urgent Care is available through the MyMethodist app. Download it today or visit houstonmethodist.org/virtual-care to learn more.
WALK YOUR WAY TO HEART HEALTH
NEWS GET RELIEF FROM NECK AND BACK PAIN AT THE HOUSTON METHODIST SPINE CENTER AT WILLOWBROOK
Living with neck and back pain can be a daily struggle. Whether you’ve experienced pain for a few days or several years, the spine experts at Houston Methodist Willowbrook Hospital can help provide relief for such conditions as Dr. Hosun a herniated disk, muscle spasms, arthritis and Hwang scoliosis. Houston Methodist Spine Center at Willowbrook brings together a multitalented team of specialists who offer innovative treatments for the most common spine conditions in one convenient location. Our board-certified team includes neurologists, neurosurgeons, orthopedic Dr. Glenn spine surgeons, pain management specialists, Anderson physical and occupational therapists, primary care sports medicine doctors and radiologists. From testing through treatment, our spine care nurse navigators will guide you through the process, helping you find the right specialist and answering your questions along the way. To schedule an appointment at the Spine Center at Houston Methodist Willowbrook, call 281.73.SPINE or email spinewillowbrook@houstonmethodist.org to connect with a spine care navigator.
2 LEADING MEDICINE IN NORTHWEST HOUSTON
Physical exercise is essential to cardiovascular health. Exercise makes the heart more efficient, decreases blood-fat levels and lowers blood pressure. Walking is an excellent aerobic activity that virtually any person can do to improve their cardiovascular health. “Just 30 minutes of exercise each day can Dr. Mukarram help reduce your risk of heart disease,” said Baig Dr. Mukarram Baig, cardiologist at Houston Methodist Willowbrook Hospital. “A brisk walk is a great way to introduce physical activity into your life, as it is well tolerated by people at different fitness levels and ages.” If you’re new to fitness walking, start slowly with a five-minute stroll each day for a week. Then, add three minutes to your walks each week as you feel comfortable until you can walk briskly for 30 minutes at a time. Start with a warm-up period and stretching exercises to improve your flexibility. Walk in your neighborhood, at a local park, in the gym on a treadmill or at your nearest shopping mall. If you’re walking outside, stick to sidewalks or well-lit walking paths and always be aware of your surroundings. Ask a friend or family member to join you. Walking with a buddy can help you stay motivated. If you’re currently inactive, are a smoker or have a history of heart disease, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes or another serious illness, check with your doctor or cardiologist before beginning an exercise program. Our cardiologists, cardiovascular surgeons, radiologists and technologists are dedicated to providing patients with advanced surgical and nonsurgical treatments to meet each individual's needs. To set up an appointment with a cardiology specialist at Houston Methodist Willowbrook, call 281.737.2500.
SURVIVING CANCER and Starting a Family
W
hen you’re a cancer survivor, making the decision to start a family can be a difficult one for men and women. For some, cancer treatments Dr. Stacy can make it challenging Norton or impossible to conceive naturally. If you want to have children, talk with your health care provider about infertility before beginning treatment, and discuss your options to preserve fertility. “For women, it’s important to see an obstetrician who is specially trained in helping those with health issues that affect pregnancy,” said Dr. Stacy Norton, an obstetrician-gynecologist at Houston Methodist Willowbrook Hospital.
KNOW YOUR OPTIONS
There are several fertility preservation methods available, including freezing sperm or embryos before cancer treatment. However, if you didn’t or couldn’t protect your fertility before treatment, you may still be able to have children. The effects your cancer treatment may have had on your fertility depend on the following factors: C ancer type and stage Y our age Th e type of treatment you received “In general, women who were treated for cancer before age 30 have the best chance at becoming pregnant after treatment. This may be because a younger woman has more eggs left,” explained Norton. Still, chemotherapy and radiation may stop ovulation and cause early menopause. For men, cancer treatments may reduce the number of sperm they produce or the sperms’ ability to swim. A fertility specialist can perform a semen analysis to find out whether the sperm are viable.
Learn More To find an obstetrician-gynecologist near you, visit houstonmethodist.org/willowbrook or call 281.737.2500.
GET PROFESSIONAL GUIDANCE
“If you’re a woman who has had chemotherapy or radiation to your pelvic or abdominal area, you need to know whether your uterus is healthy before getting pregnant. This can help avoid pregnancy complications, such as miscarriage or premature birth,” Norton said. Your provider will also check the health of your heart and lungs, which can be affected by cancer treatments. Your doctor may recommend waiting at least six months after treatment before you try to get pregnant to avoid fertilization of a damaged egg, which can lead to miscarriage or genetic problems. “Other doctors may suggest waiting two to five years after you stop treatment. This is the period when cancer is most likely to
return,” Norton said. While there’s no firm rule about waiting for men, most providers suggest waiting two to five years after treatment to avoid fertilization by damaged sperm.
ASK YOURSELF THE TOUGH QUESTIONS
You’ll face some difficult questions so take some time before conceiving. Your health care team can help you work through worries, such as: W ould you attempt pregnancy if you knew your cancer would return? H ow do you feel about your child possibly losing a parent to recurring cancer? A re you worried about passing on a hereditary cancer to your child?
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Orthopedic and Sports Injuries
Protect Yourself from HEAD TO TOE D ealing with orthopedic and sports injuries often comes with the territory for football players, marathon runners, gymnasts and other competitive athletes. But you don’t have to be on the field or court to end up with a painful or chronic injury. Everyday types of injuries — from carrying groceries or unloading the dishwasher — happen all the time and can also lead to long-term problems if not Dr. John treated properly. Seaberg Back problems, joint disorders and osteoarthritis are among the top reasons for seeing a doctor. “Musculoskeletal issues result in millions of orthopedic visits every year,” said Dr. John Seaberg, boardcertified orthopedic surgeon specializing in knee, hip and shoulder surgery at Houston Methodist Orthopedics & Sports Medicine at Willowbrook.
KNOW YOUR LIMITS
Seaberg says it’s important to listen to your body when it’s telling you to slow down. “Sometimes we try to push through the pain, but you can end up doing more damage if you’re not careful. When you have joint and muscle pain, you can’t always walk off the pain or solve it by taking antiinflammatory medicines,” he noted. “With age, our ability to heal is not as fast as it used to be and we don’t have as much elasticity in those tendons — like a rubber band that loses its elasticity over time. The best thing you can do is modify your activities or try a new activity that puts less stress on your body, such as biking or swimming,” Seaberg added.
WHEN TO GET CHECKED
Injuries are bound to happen whether you’re competing in sports or just taking a walk around the block. Minor injuries can often be treated at home with rest, ice, compression and elevation. But there are times when it’s important to see a doctor so you can avoid further damage and ensure that you can heal properly. It’s wise to get medical help if you experience the following symptoms after an injury: Instability (unable to bear weight on your knee or ankle) Limited range of motion Numbness or tingling Persistent joint pain Significant swelling or tenderness Weakness or lack of strength while moving a limb or muscle In addition, any impact to the head should be taken seriously, whether it’s from a sports collision or a minor fall at home. “When it comes to head injuries, always seek medical help for signs of concussion, such as any loss of consciousness, confusion or dizziness following a bump on the head,” Seaberg said.
4 LEADING MEDICINE IN NORTHWEST HOUSTON
ORTHOPEDIC INJURY CLINIC
Twisted ankle? Sprained knee? Bad shoulder? The Houston Methodist Orthopedic Injury Clinic at Willowbrook offers same-day appointments. For immediate orthopedic care, count on our experts to evaluate and treat your injury, so you can get back to your active life. Major insurance plans are accepted. The injury clinic provides treatment for: Acute orthopedic injuries Fractures and broken bones Injured tendons Minor dislocations Painful or swollen joints Sports injuries Sprains and strains Torn ligaments Monday – Thursday, 8 a.m. – 7 p.m. Friday, 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. Conveniently located at 13802 Centerfield Dr., Suite 300, Houston, TX 77070. Visit houstonmethodist.org/osm/ willowbrook or call 281.737.6824. Chronic conditions, spine injuries, motor vehicle accidents and workers’ compensation injuries are not treated at the injury clinic. Please call 281.737.0999 to schedule an appointment with the appropriate physician for those conditions.
Watch our patient success story at: vimeo.com/275265792
HEAD AND NECK
INJURY PREVENTION TIPS
Concussion Whiplash Injury prevention: Stay fit and maintain good posture for a strong neck and upper back. Wear headgear for contact sports or safety equipment for your activity.
Dr. John Seaberg, board-certified orthopedic surgeon at Houston Methodist Orthopedics & Sports Medicine at Willowbrook, shared the following injury prevention tips.
BACK Herniated disk Repetitive strain Injury prevention: Protect your back from injuries by strengthening your core muscles (the muscles that wrap around your entire torso) by doing exercises, such as planks and/or abdominal bracing exercises.
SHOULDER Rotator cuff injury Shoulder instability Injury prevention: Lift properly by picking up objects in front of you and as close to your body as possible.
ARM AND ELBOW
HIP AND LEG
Bursitis Golfer’s elbow Tennis elbow
Hamstring strain Hip flexor strain Shin splints
Injury prevention: Mix up your routine by doing a variety of arm movements to avoid repetitive injuries. Learning the proper mechanics for throwing and swinging is key to avoiding upper extremity injuries.
Injury prevention: Take care of your muscles and joints by warming up and stretching before exercise.
KNEE ACL injuries Jumper’s knee (patellar tendonitis) Osteoarthritis of the knee Injury prevention: Lose weight or maintain a healthy weight to take pressure off the knee and reduce wear and tear over time. Staying active helps protect the knee because you’re building muscles in the hips, quads and thighs to support the knee.
WRIST AND HAND FOOT AND ANKLE Ankle sprains Tendonitis Turf toe Injury prevention: Wear good shoes with solid support to absorb impact and prevent ankle injuries. Balance activities can help with stability — it can be as simple as standing on one leg.
Carpal tunnel syndrome Jammed fingers Skier’s thumb Wrist sprains Injury prevention: Take breaks from activity to rest the hands and wrists. If you spend a lot of time at a desk, set a timer throughout the day for every half hour to remind you to stretch and move.
KEEP MOVING Seaberg shared some additional tips to help you keep moving and stay injury-free: Warm up before you exercise — walking, squatting, cycling, jumping jacks, arm circles, shoulder rolls or lunges. Get your heart rate up, such as a brisk walk in a park with friends.
A im for 30 minutes of exercise every day — you can break this up into smaller 10-minute bursts of exercise throughout the day. B uild strength with weights a few times a week. A dd balance activities at least once a week — stretching, yoga, tai chi. F ocus on good posture — avoid the “head forward, rounded neck” posture when looking at your phone.
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Surgical Expertise Close to Home
If you require surgery, schedule an appointment with a surgeon at Houston Methodist Willowbrook Hospital to find out if you’re a candidate for a robot-assisted procedure. Call 281.737.2500 for more information.
6 LEADING MEDICINE IN NORTHWEST HOUSTON
Robotic-Assisted HERNIA REPAIR
Y
ou spent the weekend moving furniture — and now something doesn’t feel right. You feel pain or pressure in your lower abdomen or groin and a sensation of heaviness or tugging. Is this what a hernia feels like? “A hernia occurs when tissue pushes through a weak spot in the muscular wall. In some Dr. Ata Ahmad cases, a bulge may appear under the skin and grow larger when you lift heavy objects, strain, cough or sneeze,” said Dr. Ata Ahmad, general surgeon with Houston Methodist Willowbrook Hospital. It may diminish when lying down or applying gentle pressure.
A COMMON PROBLEM FOR MEN
Hernias are common in men over age 40, but they can affect men and women of all ages as well as children. There are a number of different types of hernias: I nguinal hernias are the most common type of hernia, and they occur more often in men than in women. Inguinal hernias occur when a portion of intestine or internal fat sticks out through a weakness in the abdominal wall in the groin. H iatal hernias happen when part of the stomach pushes up through the diaphragm into the chest cavity, often causing acid reflux when stomach contents leak into the esophagus. U mbilical hernias are most common in newborns and babies 6 months old and younger. Umbilical hernias may appear as a bulge under the navel, and they generally go away by the time a child is 1 year old. I ncisional hernias occur when an internal organ pushes through a weakness in the abdominal wall caused by an incision from a previous surgery. If you think you may have a hernia, it’s important to see your doctor. “Most of the time, hernias do not go away without treatment and may become dangerous if left untreated. Generally, a health care provider can diagnose a hernia by touch. If there’s no obvious bulge, an imaging test, such as a CT scan, may be used,” Ahmad explained.
HERNIA TREATMENT WITH SURGERY
Your doctor may recommend surgery to repair the hernia — especially in cases when the hernia is growing larger or causing pain. A hernia may be repaired with open surgery (one large incision), laparoscopic surgery (several small incisions) or robotic-assisted surgery (several small incisions using the da Vinci® Surgical System). “With laparoscopic and robotic-assisted surgery, patients typically benefit from less pain and quicker recovery times compared with open surgery. The surgeon uses a small instrument with a lens or camera on the end to see inside the affected area and make the repair,” Ahmad said.
ROBOTIC-ASSISTED SURGERIES Surgeons at Houston Methodist Willowbrook Hospital perform robotic procedures to treat a range of conditions. Our state-of-the-art facility is equipped with the da Vinci® Surgical System. The device enhances the surgeons’ field of vision and enables them to make small incisions and precise movements. For patients, this means reduced pain and scarring, less bleeding and a faster recovery. Some of the robotic-assisted procedures we perform include: Bariatric surgery (weight loss surgery): The surgeon may recommend robotic-assisted gastric sleeve or gastric bypass surgeries to aid with weight loss. Colon and rectal surgery: Conditions, such as inflammatory bowel disease, diverticulits and cancer in the colon or rectum, may be treated with roboticassisted surgery. G allbladder removal (cholecystectomy). This procedure may be necessary if you’re suffering from gallstones or your gallbladder isn’t working properly. H ernia repair. Your doctor may suggest a roboticassisted procedure to repair a hernia, depending on its size, where it’s located and other factors. H ysterectomy in women to remove the uterus. Your doctor may recommend this procedure to treat gynecologic conditions, including cancer. The robot enhances the surgeon’s ability to see the pelvic region and carefully remove and examine tissue. Lung surgery: To treat thoracic conditions such as cancer, your surgeon may use the robot to perform thoracic procedures making a few small incisions in the thorax. P rostatectomy in men to remove the prostate gland as a result of cancer. The surgeon is able to remove the prostate without damaging the nerves that control erectile function, as well as sparing nearby organs.
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The expertise to
KEEP YOU MOVING
At Houston Methodist Orthopedics & Sports Medicine, we know your body is made to move. Our specialists use the latest technology, perform minimally invasive procedures and develop customized treatment plans, including physical therapy. Whether you’re getting back in shape or back to work, we can help get you back on your feet — and keep you moving. houstonmethodist.org/orthopedics 20 convenient locations
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