Leading Medicine Spring Summer 2018, Houston Methodist Willowbrook Hospital edition

LEADING MEDICINE SPRI N G/SUM M ER 2018

BIRTH USING A MIDWIFE DON’T PUT UP WITH PAIN

BREAKING THE BARRIERS TO JOINT REPLACEMENT

What’s holding you back from considering a joint replacement?

YOUR LINK TO HEALTH INNOVATIONS, NEWS AND TIPS IN NORTHWEST HOUSTON

NEWS & EVENTS BEAT THE PACK QUIT SMOKING PROGRAM

Ready to quit smoking? Come find out how we can help you at Houston Methodist Willowbrook Hospital. Beat the Pack is a free smoking cessation program sponsored by Pfizer and Houston Methodist Cancer and Lung Centers at Willowbrook.

The program consists of four sessions led by a live facilitator and includes tools and tips to help you create a “quit plan” with the support of smokers like you. Start enjoying life now and the freedom that comes with being free from nicotine.

To register, visit houstonmethodist.org/events or call 281.737.2500.

Date: Thursdays, Aug. 2, 9, 16 and 23 Time: 6-7 p.m.

Location: Houston Methodist Willowbrook Hospital Nursing Administrative Conference Room, 1st Floor 18220 State Hwy. 249 Houston, TX 77070

CANCER SURVIVORS LUNCHEON

Mark your calendars for Friday, June 8. We invite you to join us as we celebrate National Cancer Survivors Day at our annual luncheon. Each year, Houston Methodist Willowbrook Hospital hosts this inspirational luncheon to honor cancer patients and their caregivers.

Date: Friday, June 8 | Time: noon-1:30 p.m.

Location: Houston Methodist Willowbrook Hospital Swadesh Khurana Healing Garden, North Pavilion, 4th Floor 18220 State Hwy. 249 Houston, TX 77070

WEIGHT-LOSS SURGERY SEMINARS

Weight loss can improve quality of life and relieve chronic medical conditions, including diabetes, stroke, hypertension and sleep apnea. At Houston Methodist Willowbrook Hospital, we want to help you reach your goal of living a healthier lifestyle. Our Surgical Weight Loss Center has transformed the lives of thousands of patients with satisfying and life-changing results.

BREASTFEEDING EXPO FOR EXPECTANT MOTHERS

Breastfeeding offers many health benefits to newborns.

The international board certified lactation consultants at Houston Methodist Willowbrook Hospital want to help your infant grow into a strong and healthy toddler. Come learn from our experts, and enjoy a light lunch, along with a cupcake station and giveaways!

Breastfeeding Expo topics: Benefits and basics of breastfeeding Benefits of breast massage and hand expression Colostrum: liquid gold Going back to work Breastfeeding Q&A Register online at houstonmethodist.org/events or call 281.737.2500.

Date: Saturday, Aug. 4 | Time: 11 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.

Location: Houston Methodist Willowbrook Hospital Women’s & Children’s Pavilion Conference Center, 1st Floor 18220 State Hwy. 249 Houston, TX 77070

2 LEADING MEDICINE IN NORTHWEST HOUSTON

Dr. Dexter Turnquest

Dr. Todd Worley

FREE SEMINARS Dr. Dexter Turnquest, Bariatric Surgeon Dates: Wednesday, June 6 and Aug. 1 Time: 6 p.m.

Dr. Todd Worley, Bariatric Surgeon Dates: Tuesday, July 24 and Sept. 18 Time: 6 p.m.

Learn about the benefits of weight-loss surgery and the advantages of a team approach toward reaching your goal. To register, visit houstonmethodist.org/ events or call 281.737.2500.

Hear from our patients in their own words in our patient celebration video at houstonmethodist.org/willowbrookbariatrics for the uplifting stories of those who underwent weight-loss surgery.

SPORTS PHYSICALS FOR ALL SCHOOL ACTIVITIES

Playing sports helps keep young athletes in shape.

Houston Methodist Orthopedics & Sports Medicine at Willowbrook offers sports physicals for all sports to prepare young athletes for the upcoming season.

Date: Saturday, May 19 | Time: 8 a.m.-noon Date: Saturday, July 28 | Time: 8 a.m.-noon FEES: Sports Physical Fee: $20 – cash only (no credit cards or checks accepted) Optional EKG Screening Fee: an additional $10 (athlete must be 14 years or older) Optional ImPACT Baseline Concussion Testing Fee: an additional $5 (athlete must be 12 years or older) Don’t forget: Wear light comfortable clothing.

Bring glasses or wear contacts if you have corrected vision.

Please bring your school physical form with medical history completed.

Please bring signed physical consent form.

Location: Houston Methodist Orthopedics & Sports Medicine at Willowbrook 13802 Centerfield Dr., Suite 300 Houston, TX 77070 No appointment is necessary. For more information, call 281.737.2500.

TEA AND TEAL

Join Houston Methodist Willowbrook Hospital’s panel of women’s health experts as they discuss the latest in prevention, detection, treatment and research breakthroughs for gynecologic cancer. Participate in a Q&A session with our gynecologic oncologists as they share the signs and symptoms of common gynecologic cancers. Treat yourself and someone you love to an evening all about women’s health and enjoy giveaways and a complimentary light dinner.

To register, visit houstonmethodist.org/events or call 281.737.2500.

Date: Tuesday, Sept. 18 | Time: 6-8 p.m.

Location: Houston Methodist Willowbrook Hospital Swadesh Khurana Healing Garden North Pavilion, 4th Floor 18220 State Hwy. 249 Houston, TX 77070

Did you know?

9 Facts About

SKIN CANCER 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer in the United States.

9

isk increases for people with a weakened immune R system, people who have had skin cancer before and those with a family history of skin cancer.

The head is the most common spot for skin cancer to develop — especially ears and noses.

Basal and squamous cell skin cancers are the most treatable forms.

Melanoma accounts for about 4 percent of diagnosed skin cancers and is the deadliest form.

With early detection and proper treatment, melanoma has a cure rate of about 95 percent.

Common locations for melanoma in men is on the chest and back, and on the legs in women.

Most skin cancers are caused by too much exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays. eople with light skin are much more likely to experience P sun damage, but darker-skinned people can also be affected.

Source: American Cancer Society, cancer.org

Skin Safety

See your primary care provider or dermatologist if you have concerns about your skin. DermSurgery Associates is now available on the Houston Methodist Willowbrook campus providing a full spectrum of dermatologic services. To make an appointment, call 832.213.5454. You can also visit houstonmethodist.org/ outsmartcancer or call 281.737.2500 to find a doctor in your area.

CHECK OUT OUR DIGITAL MAGAZINE AT HOUSTONMETHODIST.ORG/NEWSROOM/NEWSLETTERS 3

BIRTH: You Have Options

A

fter carrying a child for nine months, most expectant mothers can’t wait to meet their new bundles of joy. Before that can happen, of course, there’s Becky planning for the muchMcKimmey anticipated birth. As women explore their childbirth options, many look to midwives to help guide them through a calmer and more natural childbirth.

The Midwifery Program at Houston Amy Perilman Methodist Willowbrook Hospital is dedicated to providing prenatal and childbirth care that is family centered and wellness based.

“Pregnancy is a natural phase of life, not an illness to be treated,” said certified nurse midwife (CNM) Amy Perilman.

“Our job is to support mothers through pregnancy and childbirth,” Becky McKimmey, CNM, added, “and only intervene when medically necessary.”

Perilman and McKimmey are part of the new Midwifery Program, launched in March 2018 at the Houston Methodist Childbirth Center at Willowbrook.

WHAT MAKES IT MIDWIFERY?

Midwifery dates back to antiquity, but its current practices are modern and practitioners are recognized as certified nurse midwives. Midwives are advanced practice nurses who specialize in prenatal and childbirth care, but are trained to see women for all obstetric and gynecologic issues.

“The difference our patients will find is time we spend at each appointment,” McKimmey said. “Our first appointment

with moms-to-be lasts an hour, and is very educational and open-ended.”

“Return visits are 30 minutes, and the whole family is invited to attend,” Perilman added. The frequency of well-woman prenatal appointments follows that of traditional gynecological care, but it can be altered, if needed.

MIDWIVES FOR MOST WOMEN

Midwives are ideal providers for mothers with low-risk pregnancies. At the Houston Methodist Childbirth Center at Willowbrook, women who start as midwifery patients but develop high-risk conditions, such as preeclampsia or gestational diabetes, can work with both a midwife and obstetrician to develop a plan that’s right for them.

“Our goal is the same: safe mom, safe baby,” Perilman said.

Having the Childbirth Center inside the hospital provides added security.

“If you need a cesarean section or other advanced care, everything is in-house and available,” McKimmey said.

BIRTH WITH A MIDWIFE

The childbirth experience when attended by a midwife is focused on the mother’s personal plans. When possible, midwives avoid interventions, such as induction and invasive procedures, unless they are medically necessary. Midwives guide women to use natural pain relief techniques, such as massage or hydrotherapy, but epidurals are available to women who choose them. Perilman and McKimmey find that most of their patients opt for natural relief. “Our ladies tend to be looking for a more natural birth experience,” Perilman added. And now, thanks to the new midwifery program, mothers who deliver at the Childbirth Center have that option.

Interested in Using a Midwife?

If you’re expecting a baby, and a midwife sounds like a good fit for you, learn more at houstonmethodist.org/ willowbrook or call 281.737.2500.

4 LEADING MEDICINE IN NORTHWEST HOUSTON

Q & A: A Closer Look at

Heart Valve Surgery I f you or a loved one needs a heart valve replacement, you may have a lot of questions and concerns. The idea of having surgery on one of the body’s most vital organs can be rather Dr. Lucas unsettling. But you can Duvall rest assured that you’re in good hands with experienced surgeons at Houston Methodist Willowbrook Hospital.

HEART VALVE REPLACEMENT

Let’s take a closer look at heart valve replacement surgery with answers from Dr. Lucas Duvall, cardiothoracic and vascular surgeon.

Q: What do the valves in the heart do?

may be able to repair it by removing the worn tissue and inserting a “ring” to keep the valve in shape. If the condition worsens, patients may require medication and/or surgery.

Q: How is robotic-assisted heart surgery different from open surgery for valve replacement?

A: With open-heart surgery, the surgeon makes an incision to open the chest and repairs the damaged valve or replaces it with a new valve. With robotic-assisted surgery, we can replace the valve without opening the chest with a large incision.

Robotic-assisted surgery involves using a specially designed computer console to control surgical instruments for valve replacement surgery and

other cardiothoracic (heart and lung) procedures.

Q: What are the benefits of using robotic-assisted surgery for heart procedures?

A: Robotic-assisted surgery provides all the benefits of a conventional open-heart procedure, plus the recovery advantages of a minimally invasive procedure with smaller incisions, less trauma to the chest and heart muscle tissue, and decreased recovery time. Minimally invasive heart valve surgery is a good option for some patients, but not everyone is a candidate for this type of surgery. If you need a heart procedure, your doctor will recommend the approach with the best possible outcome for you.

A: The heart has four valves responsible for keeping blood moving in a circular pattern through the organ. The aortic and mitral valves are located on the left side, the pulmonary and tricuspid valves on the right. Each valve has “flaps” that work like a gate that closes before the blood can flow backward from where it came.

Q: Why is surgery sometimes needed to repair or replace heart valves?

A: Over time or due to certain conditions, a valve can weaken and harden, preventing blood from circulating properly.

Regurgitation is a condition in which the valve flaps don’t seal properly, causing blood to flow in the wrong direction. If the valve is only slightly damaged, a surgeon

Find a Heart Specialist

Find a heart specialist at Houston Methodist Willowbrook Hospital by visiting houstonmethodist.org/find-a-doctor or calling 281.737.2500.

HOUSTONMETHODIST.ORG/WILLOWBROOK 5

BREAKING THE BARRIERS TO JOINT REPLACEMENT What’s holding you back from considering a joint replacement?

I

f you’ve been living with chronic joint pain for months or years — making it difficult to move about easily or even just walk normally — you may keep a running list Dr. Daniel Le of reasons in your head why you haven’t had joint replacement surgery. But most of these are unnecessary barriers, because this highly common surgery usually vastly improves patients’ lives and allows them to resume their favorite activities without pain, according to Dr. Daniel Le, an orthopedic surgeon with Houston Methodist Orthopedics & Sports Medicine at Willowbrook.

More than 7 million Americans are living with an artificial knee or hip, the two joints most often replaced through surgery, according to the National Institutes of Health. At Houston Methodist, orthopedic surgeons perform over 4,000 joint replacements each year, predominantly knees, hips and shoulders.

This high volume translates into high levels of experience and high success rates, Le said.

“Joint replacement surgery is one of the true miracles of modern medicine,” Le added. “It gets people back to their lives doing the things they want to do and used to take for granted. That’s good for society, for the workforce and for patients’ quality of life.”

WHY JOINT REPLACEMENT BECOMES NECESSARY

Affecting 1 in 5 Americans, arthritis is typically the culprit in causing joints to become so stiff, tender and painful that joint replacement surgery is

6 LEADING MEDICINE IN NORTHWEST HOUSTON

considered. An artificial joint used in joint replacement surgery can be made of plastic, metal and/or ceramic, according to Le. Either the usual “wear and tear” type of arthritis (osteoarthritis) is at play, he noted, or so-called traumatic arthritis brought on by an injury that makes the joint increasingly unstable over decades.

But the resulting pain can be so pervasive and excruciating that nonsurgical measures meant to manage it — such as pain medications and creams, exercise, physical therapy, steroid or other injections, and bracing the joint — provide only brief relief, if at all.

“By the time people get to a conversation about joint replacement, they have pain on a daily basis and it’s occupying a disproportionate part of their

lives,” Le explained. “It’s the kind of pain that leads them to become less active, whether athletically or socially, and can include everything from going grocery shopping to going to church, being able to prepare their own meals or even being able to walk outside.”

“It basically narrows their lives and limits their movement,” he added. “A lot of people get to the point where mentally, the pain becomes such a big part of their lives they become unhappy.”

JOINT SURGERY FACTS

While many would say their joint pain is difficult and debilitating, surgery is often viewed as an absolute last resort. Here, Le debunks the most common misconceptions.

GET RELIEF FROM YOUR JOINT PAIN Dr. Daniel Le specializes in joint replacement and was the first orthopedic specialist in Houston to use the HipSextant™ Navigation system — and among the first in the country to successfully apply the system with the SUPERPATH® hip replacement technique. Use the QR code below to hear from one of Le's patients who traveled from Alaska to have SUPERPATH hip replacement surgery.

At Houston Methodist, we offer a full spectrum of services, which include: Minimally invasive knee and hip replacement Hip fracture management Advanced techniques to minimize postoperative discomfort and accelerate recovery Partial knee replacement Complex joint revision surgery Physical therapy for arthritic knees Knee-preservation surgery Watch a patient story

Short-term discomfort from surgery beats a lifetime of debilitating pain.

For most people who have had joint replacement surgery, they say they are glad they have done it, and the majority of their pain is gone. It is now possible to better control patients’ pain before, during and after surgery with new medications and by using older medications a bit differently depending on the patient’s needs.

Recovery doesn't take as long as it used to.

Improvements in surgical techniques and technology have reduced recovery time making it more efficient, predictable and generally less painful. This enables a more rapid return to function. Many patients are concerned they won’t get back to work in a prescribed amount of time, but national and international data show they usually return to their jobs within six weeks.

Most insurance covers it.

While insurance plans vary, joint replacement is one of the most established procedures in the United States, meaning coverage isn’t often a problem regardless of age.

Newer technology means longer lasting artificial joints.

As technology improves, joint durability continues to improve as well. An artificial joint has a life expectancy that matches the patient’s most of the time, and most who receive one will never need another.

READY? NO NEED TO WAIT

Regardless of what misconceptions may hold them back, most patients who need joint replacement typically reach the point where they’re ready to do it.

“It's not uncommon for a patient to be ready to commit to joint replacement within a year or so of an arthritis diagnosis,” Le said. “There’s not necessarily a medical rush for this, a time frame where a patient’s outcome will be sacrificed as a result of waiting. However, the decision to proceed with joint replacement — sooner than later — will eliminate the pain and suffering of a prolonged waiting period.

“I schedule a follow-up visit with every patient one year after joint replacement surgery, and during this visit, I commonly hear ‘I wish I had done this sooner.’”

Considering Joint Replacement Surgery?

To schedule an appointment with one of our joint specialists at Houston Methodist Orthopedics & Sports Medicine at Willowbrook, visit houstonmethodist.org/ jointpain or call 281.737.0999.

HOUSTONMETHODIST.ORG/WILLOWBROOK 7

Back or Neck

PAIN? FIND RELIEF! M

ost healthy adults will experience back or neck pain at some point in their lives. Whether you’re young or old, back and neck pain can be debilitating. And it’s no wonder. Your neck and back work to give strength to your movements and hold up half of your weight day in and day out. The spine is a complex structure with more than 33 vertebrae that form the flexible column running from skull to tailbone.

Dr. HoSun Between each is a cushiony disk, and holding everything Hwang together is a web of ligaments and muscles.

“With all of these different parts in the spine, there’s a lot that can go wrong,” said Dr. HoSun Hwang, a board-certified orthopedic surgeon specializing in neck and spine with Houston Methodist Orthopedics & Sports Medicine at Willowbrook.

PREVENTION IS KEY

Back ailments can stem from a variety of sources, including heavy lifting, improper sports or exercise techniques, sitting hunched over a desk or being overweight. Conditions, such as a herniated disk, muscle spasms, arthritis and scoliosis, can also contribute to back pain. Depending on the source of your back problem, you may experience acute pain (lasting a few weeks) or chronic pain (lasting for months or years).

“Since most people end up experiencing back pain at some point in their lives, one of the best things we can recommend is prevention,” Hwang said.

Some of the steps you can take to prevent back and neck pain include: Practicing good posture Strengthening muscles in your legs, back and abdomen Lifting objects with your legs, not your back Maintaining a healthy weight Wearing supportive shoes

TREATING THE PAIN

If you’re experiencing mild back or neck pain, over-the-counter antiinflammatory drugs like ibuprofen or naproxen may help, along with applying an ice pack and alternating with a heating pad. Whether your pain is intense or a slight throbbing, it’s important to seek a treatment option that’s right for you.

8 LEADING MEDICINE IN NORTHWEST HOUSTON

Schedule Today

To schedule an appointment with Dr. HoSun Hwang or another orthopedic specialist at Houston Methodist Orthopedics & Sports Medicine at Willowbrook, visit houstonmethodist.org/ appointments for easy online scheduling or call 281.737.0999.

IS IT HEARTBURN

or Something More?

D

o you suffer from heartburn after eating, bending over or lying down? It’s that painful burning sensation in your chest, or tasting food or acid in your Dr. Arturo throat. If so, you’re not Bravo alone. Most people experience occasional heartburn. But, if you have heartburn more than twice a week, you may have a condition called gastroesophageal reflux disease or GERD. “The stomach is meant to have acid,” explained Dr. Arturo Bravo, a gastroenterologist at Houston Methodist Willowbrook Hospital, “but the esophagus is not. There is a gatekeeper mechanism that keeps the stomach acid out of the esophagus — but it isn’t perfect.” GERD occurs when the mechanism at the end of the esophagus fails and allows stomach acid to reflux, or flow back up into the esophagus. The acid irritates the lining of the esophagus, resulting in an

uncomfortable burning sensation and can eventually cause damage of the esophagus.

GET RELIEF

Treatment for GERD varies, depending on the type and severity of symptoms. Bravo recommends that people with heartburn follow these lifestyle changes: Stop smoking.

Don’t drink alcohol in excess.

Lose weight if you’re overweight.

Eat smaller, more frequent meals and avoid fatty meals.

Wear comfortable, loose clothing.

Avoid eating two to three hours before bedtime.

GERD is a mechanical problem, so while medications and lifestyle changes may control the symptoms, it will not fix the problem. For more severe cases of GERD, there are minimally invasive surgical procedures now available that help the gatekeeper mechanism to be more effective.

WHEN TO SEE THE DOCTOR

Visit your health care provider when symptoms interfere with your sleep and daily life. The Reflux Services team at Houston Methodist Willowbrook Hospital treats GERD in a comprehensive way and rules out more serious problems that may result in similar symptoms.

No Need to Suffer

If frequent heartburn is disrupting your life or can’t be controlled by over-the-counter medications, call Reflux Services at Houston Methodist Willowbrook Hospital. A nurse navigator will listen to your symptoms and ensure that you’re directed to the right evaluations for an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan. Visit houstonmethodist.org/gerd for more information, or call 281.737.GERD (4373) to find a reflux specialist near you.

HOUSTONMETHODIST.ORG/WILLOWBROOK 9

Helping survivors move forward

SURGERY CONCEALS THE Reminders of Breast Cancer

W

hen a woman is diagnosed with breast cancer, her first concern is becoming cancer-free — rarely does she consider the cosmetic result of Dr. Liza surgery. “I tell women Thalheimer that I understand that right now it isn’t a priority but in five years, you will not want to be reminded of your fight with cancer,” said Dr. Liza Thalheimer, a surgeon specializing in both malignant and benign breast surgery. As time passes, however, the scar from a lumpectomy or mastectomy can impact several areas of survivorship. In fact, advanced surgical techniques can hide visible reminders of cancer, can have a positive impact on the patient’s psychological and emotional recovery and an improved quality of life.

“In the past, breast surgery was solely focused on the oncologic result — removing the tumor and preventing the growth or return of a cancerous growth,” Thalheimer said. In recent years, there has been a push from the surgical community to address both the oncologic and cosmetic results of breast surgery in order to provide the best long-term quality of life.

Houston Methodist Breast Care Center at Willowbrook is a designated Hidden Scar Breast Surgery Center — with surgeons like Thalheimer who are specially trained in the innovative technique.

®

HOW DOES IT WORK?

The procedure is an advanced approach for nipple-sparing mastectomies and lumpectomies. Cancerous tissue is removed through a single incision made in a discreet location — either around the areola, under the breast fold or in the armpit — resulting in a scar that is hidden.

By using this approach, surgeons are able

10 LEADING MEDICINE IN NORTHWEST HOUSTON

to preserve a natural-looking breast by sparing the nipple, areola and surrounding tissue. Patients who undergo this technique are at no higher risk of recurrence than women who undergo any other type of surgical technique.

Shauna Showers, a breast cancer survivor, chose a nipple-sparing technique for her double mastectomy. After her initial self-diagnosis, Showers had a 3-D mammogram and genetic testing. The genetic testing revealed that she was at increased risk for breast cancer, and after undergoing four chemotherapy treatments, Showers said the decision to have a mastectomy, rather than a lumpectomy, was easy. “I knew I wanted everything removed. I never wanted to go through this again,” she recalled, “but choosing the nipple-sparing technique, along with reconstruction and implants, gave me a sense of normalcy.”

KNOW YOUR OPTIONS

“Hidden Scar surgery is always offered, unless for some reason the effectiveness of the surgery or the patient’s safety is compromised,” Thalheimer said.

“Women should know all their options.” If a large scar remains, survivors may struggle with selfconfidence and body image, feel uncomfortable in certain clothes or a swimsuit or live with a constant visible reminder of a life-threatening diagnosis.

If you or someone you love has a breast cancer diagnosis or a benign breast tumor, Hidden Scar breast cancer surgery could be part of your treatment plan.

Call 281.737.2500 to schedule an appointment and learn more.

Mammogram Reminder

Don’t forget that women ages 40 and older, in good health, are recommended to get a mammogram every year.

You can schedule online at houstonmethodist.org/ willowbrook or call 281.737.PINK (7465).

DON’T PUT UP

WITH PAIN Y

ou bang your knee on a coffee table and feel a sharp, shooting pain. It hurts, but the throbbing quickly goes away. That’s acute pain. Chronic pain is a completely different story: it is persistent, and it can be very difficult to cope with. “Chronic pain is defined as pain lasting more than three months that can’t be managed with traditional Dr. Cole painkillers,” said Dr. Cole Fitzgerald, director Fitzgerald of the Houston Methodist Pain Management Associates at Willowbrook's new clinic.

According to Fitzgerald, chronic pain can disrupt many aspects of your life, with side effects, including anxiety, depression and insomnia. When a condition affects so many facets of your life, it only makes sense that the approach should be comprehensive as well: “We look at the physical and mental aspects of a patient’s health, but also address things like diet, exercise, medications and past procedures,” Fitzgerald said.

GETTING HELP

Whether it’s a backache courtesy of a long-forgotten car accident or constant soreness caused by arthritis or conditions like fibromyalgia, the first step to overcoming the agony is making sure your health care provider knows how you feel. Talk about where you hurt and exactly what it feels like.

Is it burning? Throbbing? Tight? Shooting?

How bad is the pain on a scale of 1 to 10? (With 10 being the worst pain imaginable) How often does it occur?

What makes you feel better or worse?

This information can help your doctor determine the root of your problem and how to treat it.

METHODS FOR MANAGING

“When treating chronic pain, we are not only hoping to bring down the level of pain, but we are ultimately trying to help patients live the life they want to live,” Fitzgerald said, “so our focus is on reducing pain safely and functionally.”

The methods used to treat your pain depend on the particular cause and type of pain you experience, where it occurs on your body as well as other conditions and health concerns that affect your pain. Some pain-reduction methods may include: E xercise. Low-impact activities, such as walking or swimming can help release endorphins, your body’s natural pain relievers.

Injections. Your health care provider can inject nerve-blocking substances to relieve soreness, reduce inflammation and prevent the spread of certain types of pain.

M edication. Both over-the-counter or prescription painkillers, anticonvulsants or other drugs may be prescribed depending on the severity and cause of your pain.

M editation. Whether it’s deep-breathing exercises, guided imagery, prayer, tai chi or yoga, thinking better can help you physically feel better.

S oothing soaks. Taking a hot bath can relieve arthritis pains or spasms; cool baths can help reduce swelling and inflammation.

S urgery. If conservative measures fail, a surgeon can sometimes implant a device that delivers pain-relieving electrical impulses or medications.

Because the causes of chronic pain are so varied and perception of pain differs from person to person, treatment options are tailored for each patient.

Find Relief From Pain If chronic pain is keeping you from living the life you want, talk to your primary care provider about a referral to Houston Methodist Pain Management Associates at Willowbrook or call 281.737.0810 to schedule an appointment.

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LIVE A LIFE WITHOUT

JOINT PAIN We can help you get there.

Conroe The Woodlands

If you’ve suffered from years of joint pain and struggled to find relief, we have the joint care expertise to get you back to your everyday life. With treatment plans customized for you, our specialists offer a full range of advanced nonsurgical and surgical techniques, including: • • • •

Innovative pain control methods Physical therapy to improve mobility and range of motion Latest technology, including minimally invasive surgical techniques Presurgical education programs for joint replacement

Willowbrook

Memorial City Bellaire

Katy

Baytown

Texas Medical Center Pearland Sugar Land

Clear Lake

Schedule an appointment to discuss your options with a joint specialist.

Houston Methodist Orthopedics & Sports Medicine at Willowbrook 13802 Centerfield Dr. | Houston, TX 77070 | 281.737.0999 houstonmethodist.org/jointpain

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