Month: February 2020
Tumor was the size of a small baby – Patient traveled 3,000 miles for care
When Aron Svavarsson traveled across continents he was surrounded by a team of caregivers from IU Health – showing compassion not only for Svavarsson but also for his family.
By IU Health Senior Journalist T.J. Banes, tfender1@iuhealth.org
The way his mom describes it, Aron Svavarsson’s care team swarmed around him like a circle of attentive relatives – anticipating and preparing for his arrival.
First there was the contact with Maria Siddons, a coordinator with destination services. Svavarsson was traveling to Indianapolis from Reykjavik, the capital of Iceland, seeking care for germ cell tumors. He had been diagnosed with testis cancer. Six tumors had been discovered ranging in size from a small baby to a tennis ball. He was scheduled to arrive in Indianapolis during a busy conference week so housing was scarce. Siddons helped him locate a place to stay. From the moment the family arrived, Siddons remained in touch – helping them navigate appointments, complete paperwork, direct them throughout the city, and then securing rehabilitation and additional housing. He was joined by his mother and girlfriend Vigdís Marteinsdóttir and Asthildur Greta Simonardittir.
The second oldest of five siblings, Svavarsson, 25, had other needs when he came to Indianapolis. He says at the age of 15 he started drinking and experimenting with drugs. Five years ago, he entered rehab and turned a corner.
“I got sick and tired of being sick and tired. I learned that if you want to make progress you need to go to a 12-step program and stick with it. I relapsed after two months and I experienced the desperation of a drowning man. When I went back, I began working the steps with my sponsor,” said Svavarsson.
It’s part of his story. He wanted it to be part of his care. So when he was a patient in Indianapolis, he attended AA meetings at Methodist Hospital.
“I can tell you my experience with destination services is way beyond what we can describe. We are so grateful. I get teary-eyed thinking about it. They have gone above and beyond,” said Svavarsson. His oncologist in Iceland referred him to IU Health, but even before his plane landed in Chicago, Svavarsson was well aware of the reputation of IU Health doctors for treating testicular cancer. Dr. Lawrence Einhorn is known throughout the world for his successful treatment of testicular cancer – germ cell tumors – using a mix of high dose chemotherapies and peripheral stem cell transplant.
It was December of 2018 when another resident of Reykjavik traveled to Indiana for treatment of testicular cancer. Cardiothoracic surgeon Dr. Kenneth Kesler removed a six-pound tumor from Gudbjorn Johann, 23.
“We spoke to my oncologist to get in touch with previous patients who had come to IU Health and the next thing we know my mom gets in touch with the mother of another patient, and then we are connected through a Facebook support group and we’re hanging out together,” said Svavarsson. That experience alone, made the world seem a little smaller. And then when he arrived in Indianapolis, Svavarsson said everything seemed familiar, not so scary. His mother even delivered cards to the staff of destination services from a former patient.
Primarily found in males ages 15 to 44, testicular cancer most commonly spreads to the lymph nodes and chest, pelvis and neck. Svavarsson’s first detection came from a lump near his left shoulder in July 2019. By August he was scheduled for an orchiectomy followed by chemotherapy at a hospital in Reykjavik. When scans showed additional tumors he began making plans to come to Indianapolis.
On December 13, a team of physicians including Dr. Kelser, Dr. Timothy Masterson, and Dr. Michael Moore performed more than 12 hours of surgery. Setbacks followed – including a seizure that landed him in ER. He was intubated and unconscious for five days. Svavarsson lost muscle tone and more than 40 pounds, but he is alive and looks forward to resuming his life back home.
In Reykjavik he works alongside his father as a sheet metal employee and also enjoys restoring old cars. He’s the proud owner of two projects – a Volkswagen and a Mercedes.
“Since I got here I’ve constantly been waiting for that emotional dive – when I hit rock bottom and feel hopeless, but it hasn’t come,” said Svavarsson. “Sure, I’ve been in severe physical pain, but there’s an undisputed feeling of gratitude that has carried me through the whole process. I have so many people at IU Health to be thankful for.”
Coronavirus: Under The Microscope
The 2019 novel coronavirus also known as Covid-19 has infected tens of thousands of people, and killed more than 1,000 people worldwide.
IU Health infectious disease physician, Dr. Douglas Webb is the medical director for infection control across the IU Health system. He and his team offer this comprehensive look at Covid-19, efforts to contain the spread of the virus worldwide, and how you can stay as safe as possible in your own community.
Two hearts united by heart health
Evansville resident part of hospital milestone he calls: “Operation KP 1000”
Military man’s wish is fulfilled – He marries his true love at hospital bedside
Things To Know Before Getting Botox Done
Botox is a popular term which is used by many. This procedure is quite popular among the men and women who want to improve their appearance. It temporarily helps in smoothing out the facial wrinkles and improving the appearance. This is one of the most popular aesthetic procedures which is often used for improving the appearance of the face. There are many important facts that you have to know before getting the Botox done in Oklahoma City.
Things to know before the Botox
If you are considering Botox for the first time, then you will definitely have a lot of questions. If your mind is swirling with many questions, then you will have to read this:
- Know where the injectable is coming from
You need to know about the substances that your physician is using for the Botox. The top 3 manufacturers of fillers and neurotoxins like Botox are Merz, Galderma and Allergan. If you want to reduce the risk of getting any contaminated and expired product, you have to visit the website of the manufacturer and search by zip code to check if your physician has obtained the product legally.
- Avoid blood-thinning medicines
Most of the physician will tell you to discontinue any anticoagulant medicines such as ibuprofen and aspirin before the Botox treatment. These types of drugs can make the blood thinner and hinder the blood clotting. Besides that, you will have to stop having green tea, fish oil, red wine, cinnamon, multivitamins and ginger. Some of the antioxidants can increase fragility of the blood vessels and prevent clotting of blood.
- Dosage may vary
If you have heard that a person is getting a certain amount of dose, it may not be the same for you. The dosage depends on the requirements of your skin. The physician will first verify your skin quality and determine the total dosage needed by you. Generally, the average dose varies from 10 to 25 units. Depending on the skin quality and texture, the dose will be decided.
- Bruises can happen but curable
When the Botox is injected in your face, they use finer needles. These needles are superficially injected in your skin. But it can sometimes hit the blood vessel cause bruises. There is no doubt that the black and blue botches look bad but it will disappear after a certain time. So, there is nothing to worry about.
- Younger people get better result
If you are opting for the Botox, then you must know that the early birds get better results and benefits. You can get a better results in the late 20s or early 30s than the people in the 40s. Of course, the wrinkles and blush lines can be treated better when they are finer in nature. Once you cross 40, the Botox may not be as effective as it is for the people in the 20s.
Summary
These are some of the important things that you have to keep in mind when it comes to Botox in Oklahoma City. If you are from Oklahoma City or surrounding areas you can consult with your Oklahoma City plastic surgeons for further information and dos and don’ts.
Contact US:
Sawan Surgical Aesthetics Address:209 Lilac Dr #200, Oklahoma City, OK Phone: (405) 285-7660
Resident working with family on delivery of number two
When Amanda Parker found out she was pregnant for the second time, she knew exactly where she wanted to go for her obstetrics care—our IU School of Medicine (IUSM) – IU Health Arnett Family Medicine Residency.
Amanda came to IU Health in the middle of her first pregnancy, and she was glad she did. She had many questions that came along with being a first-time mom. She wanted to make sure she was receiving the best care possible for her and baby. At the IUSM – IU Health Arnett Family Medicine Residency, Amanda was able to receive care from a team of dedicated physicians and providers.
“When I was in their care, I was getting the best care possible. I felt respected and never rushed. They answered every question I threw at them,” Amanda said. “I knew I was in great hands from the entire care team.”
Bryan Norkus, MD was joined by IUSM resident, Nicole Moon, DO, to care for both mother and baby throughout the pregnancy resulting in the successful delivery of a very healthy baby boy, RJ.
“I was in labor for 22 hours with RJ. The team that was taking care of me kept me calm throughout the whole process,” Amanda mentioned, “Despite the long labor, because of my care team, I knew that whatever was going to happen was going to be the best possible outcome.”
Amanda and RJ were Dr. Moon’s first obstetrics patients in her residency experience. “Amanda had a great disposition,” Dr. Moon stated, “RJ was my first delivery. The whole journey was such a rewarding experience.” Since then, Dr. Moon has been on an obstetrics rotation, with assisting in over 43 deliveries since her time in the residency program.
Reaching new milestones as he grows up, RJ continues to receive pediatric care at the IU Health Arnett Family Medicine Residency.
When the Parkers found out about baby number two, it was a natural decision to choose where they wanted to go for their obstetrics care. “We are at 8 weeks gestation now,” Amanda mentions, “I have a strong feeling that it is a girl this time around!”
The IU Health Arnett Family Medicine Residency looks forward to continuing these multiple levels of care for the entire Parker family during this exciting journey.