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Actos Bladder Cancer Lawsuits Notice

By admin | Published January 27, 2012

Actos Bladder Cancer Lawsuits : The incidence of bladder cancer has risen over the past 20 years. Currently, around 54 500 new cases of bladder cancer are diagnosed in the USA each year, and 15 000 cases in the UK. Bladder cancer is the fourth most common cancer in men in the USA and the tenth most common in women. It is one of the most frequent causes of cancer death, accounting for about 10 000 deaths annually in the USA and 5000 in the UK.

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The incidence of bladder cancer varies among different patient groups. For example, there is a 3:1 male-to-female ratio, though the prevalence among women appears to be rising.

The incidence is higher in elderly populations, with a median age at presentation of 60-65 years. No evidence exists for a familial or inherited pattern among any patient group, although occasional family clusters have been recorded. In black people the incidence is lower than in white people; in Asian races it appears to be intermediate. The lifetime risk of developing bladder cancer is:

  • 2.8% for white men
  • 0.9% for black men
  • 1.0% for white women
  • 0.6% for black women.

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Five-year survival for both black and white people during the period 1986-92 (60% and 82%, respectively) was significantly better than the equivalent rates for 1974-76 (47% and 74%, respectively; p < 0.05). It is not really known why there are substantial ethnic differences in incidence and prognosis, although putative factors include differences in diet and nutritional status, differences in gene expression (especially of enzymes that may metabolize carcinogens) and differential access to healthcare.

Our use of the term or terms Actos Bladder Cancer Lawsuits is for descriptive purposes only. There is no relationship between the owners of this website and the maker of the product discussed in this post. Our use of the words Recall, Class Action Lawsuit and other similar words related to an event do not necessarily mean that this event has occurred. Refer to the website of the United States Food and Drug Administration for information on drug or medical device recalls. If a Class Action Lawsuit is formed in relation to the product discussed in this post we will provide that information at the time the Class Action is formed. A Class Action Lawsuit is not required to exist for you to file a lawsuit if you have been injured by the product discussed in this post.

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Actos Lawsuit Report

By admin | Published January 26, 2012

Actos Lawsuit : There are two broad types of cancers in the bladder: primary and metastatic. Primary bladder cancers are those that begin in the bladder itself. Metastatic cancers are those that originated in another organ and then spread to the bladder. Other tumors can get into the bladder through the bloodstream, through the lymphatic system, or by directly extending from a nearby organ, such as the prostate or the cervix.

Cancers originating in the bladder are far more common than cancers that spread to the bladder from another loca­tion. There are several types of primary tumors. Recall that transitional cell cancer accounts for at least 90% of all bladder cancers. Transitional cell tumors can be classi­fied as (1) papillary, (2) sessile, or (3) a mix of both types. Papillary tumors look like a piece of cauliflower attached to the wall by a short stalk; sessile tumors look flat and are broad-based. Almost 70% of transitional cell tumors are papillary types, which tend to have a better prognosis than sessile tumors. Less common types of bladder can­cer include squamous cell cancer, adenocarcinoma, and urachal carcinoma.

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Squamous cell carcinoma accounts for 3% to 7% of bladder cancers in the United States; however, in Egypt it accounts for 75% of the bladder cancers. There is a parasitic infection called schistosomiasis that is very common in Egypt. Infection with this parasite strongly predisposes a person to the development of squamous cell cancer. The parasite burrows into the wall of the bladder, which chronically irritates the bladder. Over many years, this chronic irritation can lead to the devel­opment of bladder cancer, most often squamous cell cancer. Other conditions that cause chronic irritation also predispose to this type of tumor. Chronic indwelling catheters, for example, can irritate the bladder and pre­dispose someone to this tumor. Squamous cell carci­noma does not tend to spread to the lymph nodes like transitional cell cancer does, although it does tend to spread aggressively directly through the bladder into neighboring structures. Because it is so locally aggres­sive and relatively resistant to chemotherapy or radia­tion, it usually has a worse prognosis than transitional cell cancers.

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Adenocarcinoma of the bladder is quite uncommon, accounting for approximately 2% of all bladder cancers in the United States. These tumors are also associated with chronic irritation. They tend to be high-grade aggressive tumors and are therefore usually associated with a worse prognosis. Urachal carcinoma is a specific type of adenocarci­noma of the bladder, but it is unique in that it does not originate in the lining of the bladder. These develop from the outer surface of the bladder, extending toward the inside of the bladder. They can then metastasize to the lymph nodes, the liver, lung, and bone.

Our use of the term or terms Actos Lawsuit is for descriptive purposes only. There is no relationship between the owners of this website and the maker of the product discussed in this post. Our use of the words Recall, Class Action Lawsuit and other similar words related to an event do not necessarily mean that this event has occurred. Refer to the website of the United States Food and Drug Administration for information on drug or medical device recalls. If a Class Action Lawsuit is formed in relation to the product discussed in this post we will provide that information at the time the Class Action is formed. A Class Action Lawsuit is not required to exist for you to file a lawsuit if you have been injured by the product discussed in this post.

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Safyral Lawsuit News

By admin | Published January 26, 2012

Safyral Lawsuit: A dry, nonproductive cough is frequently associated with ACEI therapy and can be attributed to kinin accumulation. Patients should be urged to continue therapy, if tolerable. An alternative ACEI should be attempted prior to substitution with an ARB. A rare, but well-known, risk associated with ACEI therapy is angioedema. This life-threatening adverse reaction is most com­monly acute in onset but may occur late in therapy. Re-exposure to ACEI is not recommended, therefore alternative therapies such as hydralazine and ISDN should be considered. Angioedema has also been associated with ARBs, thus switching from an ACEI should be done with extreme caution.

Aldosterone antagonists are yet another class of agents available to target the RAAS. Sodium and water retention, hypokalemia, fibrosis, and ventricular remodeling are all consequences of excess aldosterone. The favorable effects of aldosterone antagonism in HF are due primarily to the inhibition of collagen deposition and fibrosis, therefore preventing ventricular remodeling. Spironolactone was the first aldosterone antagonist studied in the HF population. The RALES trial, which compared spironolac­tone to placebo, was halted early after a 30% relative risk reduc­tion in the primary endpoint of all-cause mortality was discovered during an interim analysis.11 Eplerenone, a selective aldosterone receptor antagonist, was studied in patients post-myocardial infarction with left ventricular dysfunction (EF < 40%).12 There was a significant reduction in mortality, risk of hospitalization due to HF, and sudden death due to cardiac causes. Unlike in the RALES trial, there were more cases of hyperkalemia and no differ­ence in gynecomastia in the eplerenone group.

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Diuretics are key ingredients in the successful management of HF patients. They are often necessary to combat the water and sodium retention elicited by angiotensin II and aldosterone. Diuretics allow for a rapid improvement in signs and symptoms of HF, such as peripheral edema, pulmonary congestion, and jugular venous pressure. These agents are often used long term to maintain symptomatic relief and improve exercise compliance. Although there have not been any clinical trials evaluating the effect of diuretics on mortality, they are indicated in all patients exhibiting signs and symptoms of volume overload.19 Diuretics should never be used alone to treat symptomatic HF. They should be used in combination with an ACEI and beta blocker to prevent further decompensation.

Diuretics, including loop and thiazide, prevent renal tubule absorption of sodium and water. Loop diuretics inhibit reabsorp­tion of sodium in the ascending limb of the Loop of Henle, while thiazide diuretics act in the distal convoluted tubule. Bumetanide, furosemide, and torsemide, all loop diuretics, increase sodium excretion by 20-25% whereas hydrochlorothiazide and metola- zone increase excretion by only 10-15%. It should also be noted that loop diuretics maintain efficacy in renal dysfunction while thiazides are less effective in patients with a creatinine clearance below 50 mL/min. Loop diuretics are, therefore, the most com­monly used diuretics in the management of HF.

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The surgical approach for left ventricular remodeling is predicated on the concept of restoring the geometry of the left ventricle to a conical shape. As shown below the left ventricle is opened in the area of dilatation or scar and direct inspection of the interior of the LV allows the surgeon to determine the beginning area of normal myocardium. This demarcation zone is used to fashion a new LV apex utilizing a constricting stitch and apical patch. The volume of the LV is determined by the patient’s preoperative LV dimensions and body surface area using a balloon template of known volume to adequately but not overly downsize the LV. Additional areas of thinning or dilatation can be plicated and the remaining LV scar is then closed to complete the repair.

Left ventricular failure secondary to myocardial cell dysfunction remains the pressing problem for the future and despite the uti­lization of surgical techniques and devices carries a significant long-term mortality. The future treatment of left ventricular fa.il- . ure may in large part reside in the new technologies surrounding the use of precursor cells growing in areas of myocardial scar or cellular dysfunction providing eventual improvement in left ven­tricular function. The use of stem cells, myoblasts, and skeletal muscle among others are currently under investigation utilizing tissue engineering by seeding cells in three-dimensional matrices of biodegradable polymers without artificial scaffolds to form new myocardial constructs. This technology of cell growth and cell implantation via vectors is well established but many questions are present and hopefully future answers will open this Pandora’s Box allowing successful treatment of end-stage heart failure.

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One of the largest series of apico-aortic conduits in elderly high risk patients has been reported by Dr John Brown in which 45 elderly patients received valved conduits for risk factors men­tioned above. The procedure as pictured below is carried through a left thoracotomy and be accomplished without cardiopulmonary’ bypass in many cases. The operative mortality was low and mid­term durability of the prostheses was good allowing the conclu­sion that high risk elderly patients with no other option could be successfully palliated.

Initially carried out for compassionate use for extremely high risk patients, clinical trials are currently under way in the US and Europe to evaluate the percutaneous or apical implantation of an expandable aortic valve prosthesis. In view of the results of per­cutaneous AVR, the optimism expressed is premature. In fact, the only published series (6 patients affected by end-stage aortic stenosis), presented by Cribier and associates, evidenced some major drawbacks, such as perivalvular leakage, which is caused by the persistence of empty space between the percutaneous and native valves owing to calcifications and which was observed in the majority of patients. Moreover, coronary’ flow obstruction provoked by the valved stent and atheroembolism of calcific debris during the positioning of the derice is possible. Grube and colleagues have recently described 1 single case of implantation of self- expandable valve prosthesis by the retrograde approach, which was deemed to facilitate coaxial positioning and to reduce the risk of perivalvular leakage, but required extracorporeal circulatory support (ECC) as a “safety measure.”

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Certainly in the setting of acute RV failure, the underlying cause needs to be addressed to the extent possible. If treatment of the underlying etiology is unsuccessful or not possible, attempts should be made to maximize right ventricular performance. According to the Frank-Starling principle, volume loading may improve RV output (even in the setting of RV contractile dysfunc­tion). Invasive monitoring (central venous or pulmonary artery catheters) is often necessary to determine the optimal filling pres­sures because excessive volume loading may be detrimental to the RV contractile function. Inotropic support using agents such as dobutamine or milrinone may improve RV contractile function, especially in the setting of high pulmonary artery pressures. In few’ cases when RV failure persists despite optimizing function using the above strategies, right ventricular assist devices are required.

Currently, MCSDs are broken down into distinct types of pumps based on their design as well as there indications for use. Current FDA-approved indications for pump use include bridge-to-recov- ery, bridge-to-transplant, and permanent lifetime therapy. The type of pumps based on design can be either paracorporeal or intracorporeal in relation to the actual location of the pump. The pumps may be either pulsatile/displacement pumps or nonpulsa­tile continuous flow pumps inclusive of the rotary impeller type or centrifugal type. The pumps may have bearings or be bearing-less as in the totally magnetically levitated pumps. The utilization of the different systems is determined most notably by the clinical situation and specifically the ultimate goals of therapy. A single institution may have an array of different pumps that are utilized in different clinical scenarios. At our institution we typically divide the pumps into two groups – those intended for acute decompen­sated support and those for more elective implant for chronic heart failure. The ultimate goal of therapy is paramount to the specific device utilized being either short-term (days to weeks) or long-term (years) support in relation to the ultimate goals of recovery, transplant, or permanent lifetime therapy.

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Total artificial heart pumps are orthotopically implanted and the native heart ventricles are excised. The first successful utiliza­tion of temporary total artificial heart was by Denton Cooley in 1969 utilizing a device developed by Liotta and DeBakey. The first permanent implant of a TAH system was done in 1982; a Jarvik-7 was implanted into Dr. Barney Clark by Dr. William DeVries at the University of Utah. Dr. Clark was supported on the Jarvik-7 for a total of 112 days. The S3>ncardia Cardiowest TAH-t system was approved as a temporary system for bridging to cardiac transplant by the FDA in 2004.Medicare approved reimbursement for the Syncardia Cardiowest TAH-t on 5/1/200S reversing its 1986 non­coverage policy for total artificial heart systems.

The goal of mechanical circulatory support is to restore normal physiologic blood flow to the body and prevent end-organ dys­function. In doing so the ventricle is unloaded thereby decreasing the myocardial workload and reducing the myocardial oxygen demand. Use of a VAD will reduce preload, myocardial wall ten­sion and oxygen consumption.15 Numerous studies have high­lighted the ability of MCSDs to adequately restore tissue perfusion and maintain as well as reverse end-organ dysfunction.

Our use of the term or terms Safyral Lawsuit: is for descriptive purposes only. There is no relationship between the owners of this website and the maker of the product discussed in this post. Our use of the words Recall, Class Action Lawsuit and other similar words related to an event do not necessarily mean that this event has occurred. Refer to the website of the United States Food and Drug Administration for information on drug or medical device recalls. If a Class Action Lawsuit is formed in relation to the product discussed in this post we will provide that information at the time the Class Action is formed. A Class Action Lawsuit is not required to exist for you to file a lawsuit if you have been injured by the product discussed in this post.

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Actos Lawsuit Announcement

By admin | Published January 26, 2012

Actos Lawsuit: Pain post-op is initially treated often via the epidural catheter. Intravenous medication may be given as an alternative and switched to oral pain meds once the individual is tolerating liquids. Many physicians order a PCA (patient controlled anesthesia) in which the patient pushes a button that releases pain medication via an intravenous line into the blood stream. Maximal amounts of drug administered are carefully controlled by settings on the PCA to allow safe, effective analgesia.

During the post-o you will meet regularly with an enterostomy nurse who will teach you the mechanics of caring for an ostomy and handling the ostomy appliance.period, Gradually, your pain will diminish, strength will increase, and diet will be advanced. Drains placed intraoperatively to siphon off any excess fluids from the abdomen will be removed when no longer needed. During difficult dissection, small intestines may be inadvertently opened. These injuries are usually immediately recognized and repaired without difficulty. During removal of the bladder, the rectum may be entered. Assuming the patient has had a complete bowel prep prior to surgery, the rectum is usually readily repaired.

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During removal of the pelvic lymph nodes, entry into a major vein or artery may result in significant blood loss. Smaller, inconsequential veins or branches into larger veins are usually ligated with a suture or cauterized shut. Larger veins and arteries require repair with a fine vascular suture and needle. Troublesome bleeding can also occur during removal of the bladder and from deep in the pelvis after the bladder and prostate are removed. Bleeding is stopped through suture ligation, vascular clips, or cautery.

An abscess is a pocket of pus located deep within the body. It may form from a bowel or urine leak, and generally will require drainage since antibiotics alone may not resolve it. If percutaneous drainage (drainage through the skin) is possible, the radiologist will drain the abscess. If this is not possible, the urologist will need to open the incision or make a new incision to allow the pus to be drained. A sizable abscess will generally not be cured without proper drainage. Left untreated, an abscess can result in sepsis, a life threatening bacterial infection.

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When the bowel is reconnected after removing the section for the urinary diversion, healing may not be adequate and bowel contents may leak into the abdomen. A bowel leak often will present as a failure of the bowel to return to normal function, resulting in a distended abdomen with poor bowel sounds. Distention, ileus (poor bowel function) may occur after the bowels are working well and feeding has been going on for some time. Evaluation is usually accomplished with CT Scan and oral contrast. Immediate surgical correction may be necessary. Left untreated, a bowel leak will generally lead to an abscess or possibly a fistula (a drainage tract from the bowel which may extend out through the incision or drain). The incidence of bowel leak is increased if bowel has been exposed to prior radiation, most often from radiation used to treat prostate cancer in men and uterine cancer in women.

When a piece of bowel is separated from the intestine to create the new urinary drainage system, the remaining bowel must be reanastomosed (brought back together). This may be accomplished via sewing the bowel together or through the use of staples. Sometimes the opening of the bowel connection may be obstructed secondary to swelling. If an obstruction does not clear after a reasonable time, reoperation may be required.

During a standard radical cystectomy in the male, the fine nerves which run along the base of the prostate to the penis are severed, resulting in loss of erections (impotence). If the individual having surgery still has good erections and is sexually active, these nerves can be attempted to be saved by modifying the surgery. Saving the nerves is more difficult to do, it takes more time, and is not always successful.

Our use of the term or terms Actos Lawsuit is for descriptive purposes only. There is no relationship between the owners of this website and the maker of the product discussed in this post. Our use of the words Recall, Class Action Lawsuit and other similar words related to an event do not necessarily mean that this event has occurred. Refer to the website of the United States Food and Drug Administration for information on drug or medical device recalls. If a Class Action Lawsuit is formed in relation to the product discussed in this post we will provide that information at the time the Class Action is formed. A Class Action Lawsuit is not required to exist for you to file a lawsuit if you have been injured by the product discussed in this post.

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Asbestos Claim News

By admin | Published January 26, 2012

Asbestos Claim News – 1/25/2012: Exposure to asbestos is the link to the development of mesothelioma. People who end up with this disease usually have had some type of previous exposure to asbestos. How this works is not fully understood. It is thought that asbestos fibers are inhaled and first travel through the upper air passages, which include the throat, the trachea (windpipe), and the large bronchi (large breathing tubes of the lungs). These airways are lined with mucus, and therefore most of the fibers are cleared from these upper airways by sticking to this mucus and being coughed up or swallowed. When the fibers continue to travel and reach the small airways (the alveoli), the body’s immune system is able to sur­round, engulf, and remove the smaller fibers by a process known as phagocytosis. The large, long, thin fibers cannot be cleared as easily and may eventually reach the pleura (the lining of the lung and the chest wall), where they may irritate and injure the cells and lead to the development of calcium containing plate­like structures on the pleural lining (pleural plaques), fibrosis (scar tissue formation), or mesothelioma. These same asbestos fibers can also damage cells in the lung itself, which can lead to asbestosis (scar tissue in the lung) and/or lung cancer. Patients with these pleu­ral plaques seem to be at highest risk for developing mesothelioma.

The best way to prevent mesothelioma is to decrease one’s exposure to asbestos in the workplace, at home, and in the environment. The federal government is responsible for developing regulations that deal with asbestos exposure in the workplace. The agency that issues these regulations is known as the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). Employ­ers are required to follow these regulations, and there­fore workers who are concerned about asbestos exposure should be discussing these concerns with their employers or union. Also, employees should be using all protective equipment provided to them by their employers and following recommended safety procedures and practices while at work. If you are exposed to asbestos in the workplace, you should be aware of the potential of bringing the fibers home on your clothes, skin, and hair. It is best to change your clothes and shower at work if at all possi­ble. If not, then it is important to do this immediately upon arriving home, which will limit the amount of exposure to others. Remove your clothes and put them in the washing machine as soon as possible.

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Malignant mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer that is found m the lining of the chest and lung (the pleura), the abdomen (the peritoneum), or the saclike space around the heart (the pericardium). Although it is rare, mesothelioma is a very serious disease that is often at an advanced stage when the diagnosis is made. In the United States an estimated 2000 to 3000 new cases of mesothelioma are diagnosed each year. Approximately three fourths of these cases start in the chest cavity and are called pleural mesothe­liomas. Another 10% to 20% begin in the abdomen and are called peritoneal mesotheliomas. Lastly, those that start in the lining around the heart are called pericardial mesotheliomas, but these are extremely rare. Mesothelioma is divided into three main types, based on what the cancer cells look like under the micro­scope. The most frequent type is epithelioid. About 50% to 70% of mesotheliomas are of this type. It usu­ally has the best prognosis or outiook of the three. The second type is called the sarcomatoid, which makes up about 7% to 20% of mesotheliomas. It has a very unpredictable pattern or nature. The last type, called mixed or biphasic, is a combination of the first two types and makes up about 20% to 35% of mesotheliomas. Although there are different types of mesothelioma, the treatment options, at this time, are essentially the same for all types.

Family members of people exposed to asbestos at work are also at an increased risk for mesothelioma. This is because these asbestos fibers are carried home on the clothes, shoes, skin, and hair of these workers and can be inhaled by others. Simian virus 40, or SV40, is a virus that has been asso­ciated with the development of malignant mesothe­lioma. This virus is found in rhesus monkeys and is now widespread among humans. The way this virus was transferred from monkeys to humans is uncertain, but it is postulated that some of the transfer occurred from 1954 to 1963 through SV40-contaminated polio vaccines administered worldwide. Those people who received the injectable form of the polio vaccine are believed to be those at greatest risk. This vaccine doesn’t folly explain the transfer of this virus, because many humans who could not have received the contaminated vaccines are now infected with the SV40 virus. One theory that has been proposed is that the SV40 virus continues to be transferred from monkeys to humans or that humans can pass the virus from person to per­son. The latter theory has been supported by data showing that SV40 can be excreted in human feces, breast milk, and semen. It is unlikely that this virus acts alone in the development of mesothelioma as most cancers have multiple risk factors associated with their development, and most mesotheliomas occur in asbestos exposed individuals. Instead, it is more likely that asbestos and SV40 may act together to develop into mesothelioma.

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Asbestos is associated with lung cancer too! Many studies have shown that the combination of smoking and exposure to asbestos is particularly haz­ardous. The risk of lung cancer is greatly increased in asbestos-exposed individuals who smoke. However, smoking in the absence of asbestos exposure has not been associated with the development of mesothe­lioma. Nevertheless, did you know that certain ciga­rette filters were constructed from asbestos fibers? Fortunately, this brand, Kents, is no longer on the market. Because of the combined effect of smoking and asbestos exposure, it is important for anyone who has ever been exposed to asbestos, or who suspects that he or she may have been exposed to the fibers, to quit smoking, or not to start. People who have been exposed to asbestos should also get regular physical exams and should seek prompt medical treatment for any respiratory illnesses.

Asbestos is a naturally occurring group of minerals that have been mined and used in different industries since the late 1800s. It is an extremely poor conductor of heat and does not conduct electricity, and therefore it has been widely used as an insulator. The flexible asbestos fibers are woven after being separated into thin threads. The fibers tend to break easily, and the dust that is formed from them breaking can float in the air and stick to clothes. The fibers can also be inhaled or swallowed and can result in serious health problems, including asbestosis, lung cancer, and mesothelioma.

There are six types of asbestos: amosite, crocidolite, anthophyllite, actinolite, tremolite, and chrysotile. The first five types are called amphibole asbestos, and they all have needlelike fibers. Chrysotile has a different texture, composition, and behavior than amphibole asbestos. Although some findings suggest that amphi­bole asbestos is more cancer causing than chrysotile, the topic remains controversial. Mesothelioma has a very long latency period (the time from the initial asbestos exposure to the development of cancer), making it doubly treacherous. This latency period can be anywhere from 25 to 40 years. The length of time it takes patients to report symptoms varies but can range from two weeks to two years, with the average being about two months. As many as 25% of patients with the disease can have symptoms for six months or more before seeking medical attention. Due to its slow onset, the disease tends to affect people between 50 and 70 years of age. It affects men three to five times more often than women and is less common in African Americans than in Caucasians. The right side of the chest is affected more than the left. The right lung is bigger than the left lung, or the right lung is of greater size and volume than the left lung.

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If you experience shortness of breath, pain in the chest or abdomen, swelling in the abdomen, or any other unusual symptom, see your doctor! The doctor will take a history from you and perform a physical exam. In listening to your chest, the doctor may not hear breath sounds clearly on one side or may hear scratchy sounds in the chest (rub). Or the doctor may notice that your abdomen is swollen. After the examination, the doctor mil link the symptoms you reported to the findings on the physical exam. The doctor will want to know whether you have had other symptoms, like fever, chills, pain, or unusual lumps on the torso. The doctor will also want to know whether your appetite is good and whether you have lost any weight. He or she may ask about asbestos exposure and cigarette use.

A patient with a large, unexplained fluid accumulation in the chest or abdomen and who has a small or moder­ate amount of thickening of the pleura should have a biopsy performed, using semi-invasive techniques (tech­niques that require only local anesthesia and that do not involve cutting into the chest or abdomen). For exam­ple, the biopsy might involve an initial thoracentesis (drainage of fluid in the chest) or paracentesis (drainage of fluid in the abdomen) and a pleural biopsy. These are relatively safe procedures that can be performed by a pulmonologist (lung physician), a radiologist, or a sur­geon. A local anesthetic (a numbing medicine such as lidocaine) is given to temporarily reduce the feeling in the area before the needle is inserted. It is important that you get the best information avail­able regarding your particular condition in order to decrease confusion, establish confidence in the treat­ment team, and have every opportunity to fight the disease and live as long as possible. In the majority of cases, your physician -will inform you whether the institution he or she is associated with has a special interest in the disease and treats more than 50 cases of mesothelioma per year. If those resources are not at your physician’s disposal, he or she should recommend a second opinion at a cancer center, which is a spe­cialized institution to which he can refer you for mesothelioma. You should not lose your primary physician or the physician who made this initial diag­nosis as your advocates.

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Oncology is a branch of medicine that deals with can­cer, and an oncologist is a specialized doctor who treats people with these cancers. Depending on your particular treatment plan and which cancer center you are referred to, you may be seen first by a medical oncologist (a specially certified physician who treats cancer and delivers chemotherapy), a thoracic surgical oncologist (a general thoracic surgeon whose practice is almost exclusively the treatment of cancers in the chest and who does not perform heart surgery), or a radiation oncol­ogist (a physician who delivers radiation). Mesothe­lioma is a very rare disease and therefore should be managed by doctors who have experience in treating it. The ideal situation is to be referred to a cancer center that deals with the disease in a multimodal way. That is, one that has a team of physicians from medicine, surgery, and radiation; nurses; and pain specialists who meet and discuss every patient in an individual­ized fashion. This group of specialists is called the multidisciplinary team. The key words here are “expe­rience” and “protocols.” You should insist on seeing individuals experienced in treating mesothelioma and who offer clinical trials (protocols) studying new ways to treat the disease.

It is important that you and your doctor communicate clearly and understand each other well. Before you visit a center or a specific doctor, see whether either has a website that you can visit. You may be pleasandy surprised that a lot of your questions about the place or physician j^ou are visiting are dealt with on this web­site. Nevertheless, how comfortable you are with your doctor will determine what questions you are able to ask and how successful your visit will be. If you don’t understand something that your doctor tells you, let him or her know this! You should be able to receive the information in a form that is understandable to you. Ask the doctor to speak in simple terms if you find the language too complex. If you have concerns about any­thing that is said, speak up and discuss these issues. Take the time to repeat back to the doctor what you heard so that he or she knows what information to reinforce and what to correct. Talk with your doctor about what your knowledge is of the disease and its treatment and any concerns and/or fears you may have.

Telling family members about a diagnosis of mesothe­lioma is a difficult thing to do. They may experience a lot of the same emotions that you do, including fear, worry, concern, anger, and sadness. These emo­tions need to be expressed, even when they are strong. The best recommendation is to communicate openly and honestly with one another. This enables you and your family to cope better with the cancer diagnosis. The entire adult family should discuss all aspects of the disease before you start treatment. This includes the type of mesothelioma, the prognosis, treatment options, goals of treatment, and side effects expected.

Our use of the term or terms Asbestos Claim is for descriptive purposes only. There is no relationship between the owners of this website and the maker of the product discussed in this post. Our use of the words Recall, Class Action Lawsuit and other similar words related to an event do not necessarily mean that this event has occurred. Refer to the website of the United States Food and Drug Administration for information on drug or medical device recalls. If a Class Action Lawsuit is formed in relation to the product discussed in this post we will provide that information at the time the Class Action is formed. A Class Action Lawsuit is not required to exist for you to file a lawsuit if you have been injured by the product discussed in this post.

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Actos Warning Breaking News

By admin | Published January 26, 2012

Actos Warning : One study of municipal distribution of BC in Spain detected 34,281 BC deaths registered between 1989 and 1998. They could observe that determinate zones exhibited a higher risk than others, these being provinces of Cadiz, Seville, Huelva, Barcelona, and Almeria. The municipal mortality patterns suggested that the industrial and mining activity in the Provinces of Seville and Huelva could be associated with higher BC mortality in these provinces. The mortality pattern assessed in two different areas of the Province of Barcelona, which is only observable in women, might be related to the textile industry traditionally situated in these areas (Lopez-Abente et al. 2006).The trend to decrease BC due to occupational exposure was reported in a pooled analysis of 11 case-control studies on BC conducted in European countries between 1976 and 1996. This analysis included 3346 male cases and 6840 male controls. Thirty-one occupations showed increase risk for BC and these occupations were grouped as metal workers, textile workers, painters, miners, and transport opera­tors. Higher odd ratios were observed on those people with duration of employment more than 25 years. However, the author concluded that the ratio of BCs caused by occupational exposure was lower than those identified one year ago and that the exposure to occupational carcinogens had been reduced in the European Union.

 

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This would likely be due to the improvement in working conditions and the reduction of exposure, particularly, to aromatic amines in work. Currently, employ­ments that relate more to BC risk are those in metal sector, machinists, transport operators, and miners (Kogevinas et al. 2003).In addition to the analysis on men, a pooled analysis of 11 case-control studies in BC conducted in Western Europe showed that the rates of BC due to occupa­tional exposure had been reduced in women, with only a 8% of BC in women attributable to occupational carcinogens (Mannetje et al. 1999). Although in devel­oped countries strict regulatory controls may have contributed to a decreased bur­den of exposure to bladder carcinogens in the workplace, the situation is less apparent in developing countries.

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As in BC, in general, occupational case is more frequent in men than in women, although, an increased risk among women has been documented in several studies, including those employed in the rubber industry and, more recently, in healthcare settings. In a case-control study conducted in Iowa, female teachers, domestic ser­vice employees, and workers in laundering and dry-cleaning business had elevated risk of BC. Other gender and racial differences had been documented in occupa­tional BC. In this way, in a recent mortality study in the United States, the mortality ratios for AA men and women and Latino males in various occupations were found to be increased compared with workers of the same gender and ethnic-racial group (Delclos and Lerner 2008).

 

Our use of the term or terms Actos Warning is for descriptive purposes only. There is no relationship between the owners of this website and the maker of the product discussed in this post. Our use of the words Recall, Class Action Lawsuit and other similar words related to an event do not necessarily mean that this event has occurred. Refer to the website of the United States Food and Drug Administration for information on drug or medical device recalls. If a Class Action Lawsuit is formed in relation to the product discussed in this post we will provide that information at the time the Class Action is formed. A Class Action Lawsuit is not required to exist for you to file a lawsuit if you have been injured by the product discussed in this post.

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Actos and Bladder Cancer News Flash

By admin | Published January 26, 2012

Actos and Bladder Cancer : Bladder cancer treatment can include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and immunotherapy. Although some of these treatments are used alone, often a combination of several treatments (i.e., both chemotherapy and surgery) is used for the most success. Selection of the most appropriate treatment is based on clinical staging, including pathological and ra­diographic information, and individual preference in close consultation with your physician. When choosing a blad­der cancer treatment, it is important that you consider not only the potential for cancer cure but also the side effects and quality of life impact of various treatments.

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SURGICAL TREATMENT

Surgery plays an important role in both the staging and subsequent treatment of bladder cancer. Transurethral resection of a bladder tumor (TURBT) is the initial treat­ment step in the vast majority of patients with bladder cancer. TURBT provides valuable staging information, and pathological results from these procedures are used to make further decisions regarding what, if any, addi­tional therapy is needed. The gold standard treatment for muscle-invasive bladder cancer is radical cystectomy (removal of the bladder). Advances in surgical technique and anesthesia have reduced the complications associated with this procedure in the last two decades. The develop­ment of continent urinary diversion, which allows one to empty the bladder through the urethra, is an option for certain patients. Minimally invasive procedures such as laparoscopic or robotic-assisted radical cystectomy may also be treatment options. In addition, bladder-sparing procedures (either with partial removal of the bladder or aggressive TURBT frequently in combination with che­motherapy and/or radiation therapy) have allowed some patients to treat their cancer while leaving their blad­ders intact. Advances in surgical techniques continue to this day with the development of minimally invasive approaches to cystectomy. Both robotic-assisted and lapa­roscopic radical cystectomy have been performed safely in highly specialized centers and have the potential for decreased morbidity and a shorter period of recovery, but longer term follow-up is needed to determine if these pro­cedures are equivalent to open surgical techniques.

 

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TURBT is often the first procedure you will have once diagnosed with a bladder tumor. This surgery is typically performed under general or spinal anesthesia as an out­patient procedure and without any incision, endoscopically through the urethra, which means a cystoscope is placed through the urethra and into the bladder. Through this scope your urologist can see the inside of your bladder and has the ability to resect, or remove, tumors in the bladder under direct vision using electrocautery. The electrocautery is also used to control bleeding after the resection is com­pleted. TURBT is extremely important for the staging of bladder tumors but can also be therapeutic for lower stage bladder cancers. Once the tumor has been removed, it can be analyzed under the microscope by a pathologist. The pathological findings dictate further treatment decisions. If the tumor is low grade and noninvasive, you will likely not need any further therapy at this point except for close follow-up.

 

Our use of the term or terms Actos and Bladder Cancer is for descriptive purposes only. There is no relationship between the owners of this website and the maker of the product discussed in this post. Our use of the words Recall, Class Action Lawsuit and other similar words related to an event do not necessarily mean that this event has occurred. Refer to the website of the United States Food and Drug Administration for information on drug or medical device recalls. If a Class Action Lawsuit is formed in relation to the product discussed in this post we will provide that information at the time the Class Action is formed. A Class Action Lawsuit is not required to exist for you to file a lawsuit if you have been injured by the product discussed in this post.

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Actos Side Effects Resources

By admin | Published January 26, 2012

Actos Side Effects: The bladder is a balloon-shaped, muscular organ tucked into the pelvis and held in place by fibrous bands and muscle. The bladder is part of a system that includes the kidneys, ureters, and urethra. These work to process the waste products left behind after your body has taken out the nutrients it needs from the food you eat.

The bladder is lined on the inside by a tissue known as “urotheli- um,” the smooth layer that stretches as the bladder fills and prevents excreted material from being reabsorbed into the body. Underneath the urothelium is a mix of fibrous or supporting tissue and muscle, both of which help the bladder to expand (when full) and to contract and excrete urine at the appropriate time.

Not only does the urothelium line the bladder; it also is found as the lining tissue elsewhere in the urinary tract system, including in the ureters (the tubes that drain the kidneys), the urethra (the tube that drains urine from the bladder to the exterior of the body), and parts of the male prostate. Urothelial tissue, too, can sometimes develop cancer­ous changes known as urothelial malignancy. The most common type of urothelial malignancy is “transitional cell carcinoma.” (See Chapter 3.)

It’s important to note that when the urothelial tissue is exposed to cancer-causing substances, such as the breakdown products of ciga­rette smoke, the potential exists for cancerous changes to occur in multiple areas. That’s why when bladder cancer is suspected or con­firmed, the whole urinary tract is screened for the possible presence of other cancerous deposits. Other organs, such as the lungs, liver, skin, and intestinal tract, also process waste. These systems work together to balance the chemicals and water that your body needs to function properly.

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The urinary system processes urea, a specific waste product that is produced when protein-containing foods (such as a meat) are broken down in the digestive process.Urea is filtered through the kidneys and together with other waste by-products and water, becomes urine. This is carried by thin tubes called ureters to the bladder, where it is stored. Muscles in the walls of the ureters squeeze out small amounts of urine into the bladder on a constant basis, about every 10 seconds. A healthy bladder can hold about two cups of urine for up to five hours. Healthy adults produce about six cups of urine a day.

A strong muscle somewhat like a rubber band circles your bladder and keeps the urethra tightly closed until nerves in the bladder signal you that the bladder is full and it is time to urinate. Urinary problems include the inability to retain the urine in the normal fashion or to void urine from the body. Sometimes people experience the urge to urinate even if the bladder is not full. Sometimes this is caused by bacteria in the bladder, which can cause an infection called cystitis. This symptom can also be caused by local bladder irritation or by the development of cancer. As with all parts of the human body, the bladder can develop cancer, which can also cause problems with retaining or voiding urine.

The most common symptom of bladder cancer is hematuria, or blood visible in the urine, either with or without any accompanying pain. About 85 percent of the people diagnosed with bladder cancer notice blood in their urine, and it’s often what prompts them to seek med­ical attention.

In some cases, the presence of blood isn’t noticeable to the naked eye and can only be seen through a microscope, usually when a urine test is being done during a routine physical or when an infection of the urinary tract or bladder is suspected. A urine test can detect whether blood is present in the urine and can also rule out whether other things, such as food or medicines, are the cause of red or rusty-colored urine.

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Noticeable blood in the urine is a tricky symptom. It appears in varying colors and at irregular intervals, and as a result, you might overlook its significance or decide to wait and see whether it happens again before checking it out. For example, you may notice blood in your urine or drops of blood in your underwear two or three times in as many days, or you may see it on one occasion but after that your urine appears normal for days or weeks. The same thing can happen with a laboratory urinalysis, where red blood cells may be visible microscopically only intermittently.

You might experience a gush of With the major symptoms bright red blood or notice pink or rusty of bladder cancer acting in brown urine or even little clots of such a variable fashion, blood. To complicate things even appearing in different ways more, foods you eat such as beets or and sometimes disappearing blackberries may produce colored altogether, it’s important to urine, as do a number of medicines, see your doctor immediately food additives, and vitamins. If you notice blood or what

With the major symptoms of bladder you think might be blood in cancer acting in such a variable fash- your urine. ion, appearing in different ways and sometimes disappearing altogether, it’s important to see your doctor immediately if you notice blood or what you think might be blood in your urine. As with most cancers, the key to successfully managing bladder cancer is detecting it early and starting treatment as soon as possible.

Bladder cancer does not have a long list of symptoms, and many of the symptoms are typical of other, less severe conditions such as infections or benign tumors. Besides blood in the urine, your symp­toms can include pain or burning during urination, a feeling of having to urinate because of an uncomfortable fullness, or the need to get up frequently at night to urinate. You may also have symptoms such as backache, abdominal pain, and unplanned weight loss, or you may feel more tired and achy than usual.

Our use of the term or terms Actos Side Effects is for descriptive purposes only. There is no relationship between the owners of this website and the maker of the product discussed in this post. Our use of the words Recall, Class Action Lawsuit and other similar words related to an event do not necessarily mean that this event has occurred. Refer to the website of the United States Food and Drug Administration for information on drug or medical device recalls. If a Class Action Lawsuit is formed in relation to the product discussed in this post we will provide that information at the time the Class Action is formed. A Class Action Lawsuit is not required to exist for you to file a lawsuit if you have been injured by the product discussed in this post.

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Actos Bladder Cancer Release

By admin | Published January 26, 2012

Actos Bladder Cancer : Despite prompt and appropriate medical treatment if you have mus­cle-invasive TCC, there is about a 50 percent chance that your cancer will metastasize (spread), either to another organ in the body or with­in the bladder area itself. The most common sites of “distant metastasis” (not in the imme­diate area of the bladder) are the para-aortic lymph nodes and the liver, lungs, and bone. Occasionally, bladder cancer can send deposits through the bloodstream to the brain, but usually this happens only after prolonged and repeated treatment. Most recurrences, both dis­tant and local, occur within the first two years after treatment.

One point worth emphasizing is that cancer cells in a distant metastasis still have the characteristics of the bladder cancer (i.e., they behave in the pattern of those bladder-cancer cells and don’t really constitute ” bone cancer”or “liver cancer”as such).Thus the drugs that may work against bladder-cancer cells also have a chance of working against these metastases located at other sites in the body.

As you might expect, the metastasis of your cancer is a dangerous situation that reduces your chance of a permanent cure. That doesn’t mean that cure is impossible or that you no longer have options. Some established chemotherapy approaches can sometimes achieve cure if the metastases are not too extensive. In addition, new and promising therapies, including novel chemotherapy drugs, are under­going clinical trials as this book goes to print, and many of those may well be available to you.

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When metastasis occurs, the direction of your treatment shifts somewhat from a totally focused attempt to achieve cure. In this situ­ation/ while we attempt to cure the metastatic cancer if possible/ we also tty to palliate (reduce) the symptoms and we place a greater emphasis on comfort and pain control This type of treatment is called palliative care. At this point, not only you but your family and loved ones should be involved with your medical team in understanding the progression of your disease and making decisions about your care.

This is a very important point and it can be confusing. On the one hand, your medical team is still trying very actively to cure the cancer, if possible, and to prolong your life and improve its quality to the maximum extent. However, as the chance of cure is somewhat small­er, you and your medical team must also give thought to the benefits and drawbacks of treatment, to quality-of-Hfe issues, and to making the decisions that make the most sense. You and they will want to weigh the chance that treatment might be successful against the possible side effects, the time spent in treatment, and the possible limitations on your quality of life.Your doctor may discover the metastasis during a routine check­up, although sometimes a patient will experience symptoms.

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might be bone pain, abdominal discomfort severe headache, or tin­gling in the legs. (The latter may occur if a metastasis is pressing on nerves in the spine.) Perhaps weight has been lost without changing exercise or diet habits. One might develop a cough or abdominal pain, or experience hematuria (blood in the urine) or other symp­toms of bladder irritation. Any of these symptoms should send you to the phone to make an appointment with your doctors to figure out whether something sin­ister is beginning to occur. As you read this you might be thinking that if the cancer is so advanced – if it has spread to the lungs or bones what’s the point of treating symptoms like tingling in your legs or vague abdominal pain?

The point is that even though the cancer has advanced and metas­tasized, you are likely to live for an extensive period of time – months or years – and it makes good sense to make sure that you are able to live that time comfortably and as fully as possible. If you allow symp­toms to go untreated, your ability to participate in everyday life with your family and friends may be greatly diminished, and the time you have left with them may be cut short. On the other hand, occasionally a specialist may decide to watch and wait. For example, when a change is seen on an x-ray but there are no symptoms. Or when a patient is unwell from other medical problems or is just keen to avoid treatment at that time. In such situ­ations, sometimes the decision will be made to observe closely and start treatment when symptoms occur.

What kind of treatment can one expect if the cancer metastasizes? Surgery to remove the bladder is occasionally a possibility if the only site of recurrence is the bladder and surrounding tissues. It usually doesn’t make sense to operate if the cancer has spread to distant sites. Sometimes radiotherapy will be used to reduce the symptoms of recurrence in the bladder if the recurrence is too extensive to permit surgery or if distant metastases have also occurred.

Our use of the term or terms Actos Bladder Cancer is for descriptive purposes only. There is no relationship between the owners of this website and the maker of the product discussed in this post. Our use of the words Recall, Class Action Lawsuit and other similar words related to an event do not necessarily mean that this event has occurred. Refer to the website of the United States Food and Drug Administration for information on drug or medical device recalls. If a Class Action Lawsuit is formed in relation to the product discussed in this post we will provide that information at the time the Class Action is formed. A Class Action Lawsuit is not required to exist for you to file a lawsuit if you have been injured by the product discussed in this post.

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Actos Side Effects Legal News

By admin | Published January 24, 2012

Actos Side Effects : More information on Actos Side Effects

After the initial shock of being given a new diagnosis of cancer, a flood of emotions follow with fear and anxiety being foremost. Questions fill your mind:

How serious is it?

Can 1 be cured?

Am I going to die?

Will I suffer?

What treatments are available?

Can 1 do anything to improve my odds?

What side effects will occur from the treatments?

Will I lose time from work?

Will my insurance cover the cost?

Will I be disfigured?

Will my spouse and family be supportive?

Do 1 have a good doctor?

Bladder cancer, or any serious potentially life threatening illness is generally alien to most individuals. Suddenly, lives are changed and a new reality must be dealt with. Becoming a “patient” or worse “a cancer patient” is not only threatening, but a dreaded proposition. Cancer patients are not happy with the loss of autonomy, the invasion of privacy, the discomfort inflicted upon them and the demands on their time and quality of life. As a patient, being thrust into this altered identity, it is essential to seek out the information you need. Having a fundamental base of knowledge is a must when facing the issues and treatment decisions which lie ahead. In the following pages, together we will explore bladder cancer, a disease which is totally foreign to most of us until the diagnosis is made. I have chosen to present the information in a question and answer format, written in a conversational tone, as if I were having an extended consultation with one of my patients. The questions are typical of what individuals have asked over the years. 1 have covered the key issues and decisions the individual with bladder cancer may face. The answers are to the point and cover the essentials required to make an informed decision for most individuals. For others, a more detailed resource may be required. For helpful sources of additional information see the Appendix.

Each individual’s situation is unique. Decisions on treatment may be modified based on the patient’s preferences and values and altered by other considerations such as age and coexisting conditions. By becoming an individual knowledgeable of bladder cancer, you will be prepared to fully partner with your physician for your best possible outcome. To your companions and family members, this book will serve to answer the many questions and doubts that may arise. Having your loved ones informed and supportive is a big plus for the individual facing this new challenge.

The book is written in a logical sequence starting with finding a qualified urologist to the basics on bladder cancer, its assessment and treatment. At the end of the book, you will find chapters on complementary medicine, advance care planning, and hospice care. The book can be read in sequence or each chapter can serve as a resource covering the basics of the topic. It is my hope this book will help clarify the many issues and options individuals must face with bladder cancer. For family members, significant others and concerned friends, this resource should help improve your understanding and thus your ability to assist your loved one.

 

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Understanding bladder cancer is a tremendous first step that will assist you in your treatment. Having a qualified urologist administer the actual treatments and care for you is essential for the best possible outcome. In the following chapter, we will explore what you need to know to assure you have the right urologist.

BESIDES LEARNING ABOUT MY DISEASE, WHAT IS MY MOST IMPORTANT FIRST STEP?

Make sure you have an excellent urologist supervising your care. A urologist is a surgical specialist trained to care for conditions involving the male and female urinary tracts and the male reproductive system. The bladder is part of the urinary system, and a urologist is trained to care for problems involving it, including cancer.

IS IT IMPORTANT TO HAVE A BOARD CERTIFIED UROLOGIST?

A urologist board certified by The American Board of Urology has gone through an accredited urology training program (generally a four year program), following two years of internship and residency in surgery after four years of medical school. The urologist must be in practice after training and provide a detailed list of surgeries, including complications, over a twelve month period. The doctor will then take a two day oral and written test covering a wide spectrum of urology. If he passes, he is certified for a period of ten years. At the end of the ten year period, he must recertify to maintain his board status. Recertification entails a three month surgical and procedure log and a written test as well as reference letters from those in a position to judge the practicing urologist’s work. Any malpractice or judgments are also reviewed. Although being board certified does not guarantee you have an excellent urologist, it demonstrates that he has the fund of knowledge to practice urology competently. Even though board certification is voluntary, in today’s competitive environment more and more hospitals and insurance plans are requiring their specialists to be certified.

HOW CAN I TELL IF MY UROLOGIST IS BOARD CERTIFIED?

The urologist has worked hard to obtain board certification. The certificate from The American Board of Urology is often displayed openly in his office. If you do not see it, you can simply ask him or you can call 1-866-275-2267 or use this web site: www.certified doctor.org

SHOULD I TRY TO FIND A UROLOGIST WHO HAS BEEN IN PRACTICE FOR YEARS OR A NEWLY TRAINED ONE?

Surgery is a skill which can only be mastered with experience. The saying “practice makes perfect” definitely pertains to surgery. Although a urology training program offers the new physician years of training, his surgical skills will continue to improve with further experience. However, each individual physician has his own innate skills. Some more quickly learn and are simply better at the technical craft of surgery than others. For the most part, urologists finishing an accredited urology program have the training and skill set required to care for patients with bladder cancer.

Experience also counts. As a physician practices the art of medicine, his depth of knowledge and ability to treat grows. Ask your physician how long he has been treating patients with bladder cancer. If you require major surgery ask how many he has performed and if his complication rate matches what is expected.

Physicians by and large do improve as they practice, and all physicians are required to show that they are continuing to learn by partaking in continuing medical education, a requirement to remain licensed. Most physicians are compulsive in their medical practice and care deeply in the care they deliver. They continually strive to improve.

Some physicians may become “burned out” over the years as they continue to face the pressures of a busy medical practice. Similarly, towards the end of a surgeon’s career, technical skills may slip due to aging. New urologists are trained in the latest techniques and are familiar with recent medical literature, but may lack practical experience. In the end, recommendations from others and reputation may be your best guide to finding a qualified physician.

WHAT QUALITIES SHOULD MY UROLOGIST HAVE?

Ideally, you should have a competent, technically skilled surgeon who is also approachable and compassionate. You should be able to freely ask questions pertaining to your disease and treatment. Your physician should answer your questions forthrightly. Although some patients prefer a surgeon who will take over all aspects of care with no questions asked, most prefer in depth explanations, especially when alternatives exist and risks are involved.

Your urologist must be an individual who takes your concerns, priorities and values seriously. Your urologist should be a good communicator. It is his responsibility to keep you fully informed of your progress, make you aware immediately if things are not going well, and educate you fully in treatment alternatives. Your specific values should be incorporated into the decision process if alternatives are available. Even if your urologist makes a recommendation and you choose an alternative course (unless you are putting yourself in extreme jeopardy), he should honor your choice and continue his care of you. Becoming an educated patient will make your decision making process easier. Granted, your physician should provide you with the basics, however having time to review and digest the material will allow you to fully understand and accept your treatment regimen, providing you with peace of mind.

Beware of the physician who bombards you with statistics and studies and leaves the decision making to you. After all, you are not a physician and don’t have the practical hands on experience he does. Your physician should provide the facts and the statistics, guide you through the information, and make treatment recommendations based on your preferences.

You may find yourself emotionally distraught and overwhelmed. Having a physician on your side is invaluable. You should be able to trust your physician. Complete honesty on the part of your doctor in his care of you is a must. From the doctor’s point of view, trust is also a necessity. Physicians have an extremely difficult time dealing with individuals who do not trust them. Without trust, the physician patient relationship is extremely hindered.

Lastly, your urologist should be compassionate. Having cancer is tough enough, you shouldn’t have to deal with a rude or arrogant physician. Your urologist should be supportive at all times. He should treat you as an individual and not just as “another cancer patient.” People with bladder cancer will require long term follow up and care. Having a compassionate individual to work with will make a tremendous difference

HOW DO I FIND A GOOD BOARD CERTIFIED UROLOGIST?

A good starting point is your primary care physician. He will generally have a number of specialists to whom he generally refers his urology patients. If the primary care physician has been working with these urologists, he should have an appreciation of their skills and temperament. However, this does not mean he is referring you necessarily to the best available urologist in your area. His choices may be limited by insurance or hospital networks. An excellent source of information would be nurses who work in the operating room, recovery room or on the surgical floor where the urologist does his surgery. Asking friends or other individuals who have had experience with the urologist can also prove useful. After a little digging, you can often quickly learn what type of reputation the urologist has in the community. Generally, if an established urologist has a “good reputation” this is an indication that he has pleased many individuals with his care.

SHOULD I CHECK TO SEE HOW MANY TIMES MY UROLOGIST HAS BEEN SUED?

Given the litigious society we live in, most physicians can face at least one malpractice lawsuit during their careers. In urology, two of the most common causes of litigation would be a surgical mishap leading to a complication, or failure to diagnose cancer in a timely fashion.

Medicine is based on science, but also is an “art.” Individuals do not walk into their physicians offices with a diagnosis and treatment plan always readily apparent. Even the best intentioned, thorough physician will make mistakes. Most of these errors do not result in harm. On occasion they do, and a law suit may follow. If a physician develops a good working relationship with a patient, these bad outcomes more often than not are acknowledged and accepted without legal entanglement. Competent, busy physicians may be dealing with a higher mix of complicated patients, leading to a higher number of potential suits. Physicians who have poor “bed side manner” may find themselves dealing with more suits. If a physician has an inordinate number of suits, “red flags” should go up, as competency may be an issue.

For those individuals who wish to check out the malpractice history of their physician, you may request an inquiry from the National Practitioners Data Bank at: 1-800-767-6732 or check the web site: www.npdb-hipdb.com

Our use of the term or terms Actos Side Effects is for descriptive purposes only. There is no relationship between the owners of this website and the maker of the product discussed in this post. Our use of the words Recall, Class Action Lawsuit and other similar words related to an event do not necessarily mean that this event has occurred. Refer to the website of the United States Food and Drug Administration for information on drug or medical device recalls. If a Class Action Lawsuit is formed in relation to the product discussed in this post we will provide that information at the time the Class Action is formed. A Class Action Lawsuit is not required to exist for you to file a lawsuit if you have been injured by the product discussed in this post.

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