BTEC National Diploma in Health Studies
Physiological Disorders
Assignment 2
TASK 3 b)
To make a diagnosis with conditions such as diabetes and breast cancer might be not easy meaning straightforward there are steps that are involved which sometimes make it difficult. It’s very difficult to a sick person to understand and accept the fact that their life is going to change now because of the diagnosis that a health care professional made to the individual with a particular disorder. We can distinguish many different signs and symptoms of those diseases. Patients with diabetes could experience increased thirst, passing water frequently, especially at night, tiredness and fatigue, loss of weight, genital itching or recurrent thrush. Because many of these symptoms may be present in different diseases and conditions, therefore differential diagnoses can be diagnoses for the patient.
Many of those senses can be detected and observed by health professional such as doctor.
Diabetes symptoms may be misdiagnosed with many other illnesses such as: - a rare genetic disease that has fructose sugar in the urine, - a rare form of endocrine pancreatic cancer or impaired glucose tolerance. A doctor will need to do further tests to make sure that he give the patient right diagnosis. This will help with the doctor final diagnosis but being able to know and to distinguishing between 2 or more diseases with similar signs and symptoms. To determine what each patient is suffering from professionals must do certain tests and examinations to exclude certain possibilities.
Doctor will do Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT), Fasting plasma Glucose Test (FGT) and take diabetes family history in consideration.
Breast cancer also can have possible difficulties involved in making diagnosis.
Symptoms of breast cancer include: changes to breast such as: a lump or thickening in an area of the breast, a change in the size or shape of a breast, dimpling of the skin, a change in the shape of your nipple, particularly if it turns in, sinks into the breast or becomes irregular in shape, a blood-stained discharge from the nipple, a rash on a nipple or surrounding area or a swelling or lump in your armpit. These symptoms might be similar with other conditions and illnesses such as: - may cause breast changes, - may cause swollen or tender breasts. - breast changes occur from pregnancy, , , Hormone therapies, breast cysts, , , and . In order to give the patient right diagnose a doctor will need to make test which include: breast examination, mammography, breast ultrasound, needle biopsy and markers blood tests. Along with the tests and examinations professionals must investigate the patient’s medical history and family cancer history which helps also with the diagnosis.
TASK 4
Diabetes
Breast Cancer
TASK 5
Alternative care strategies for patient with diabetes
Complementary therapies are not a part of conventional medicine. It is not essential but can be used to support and supplement the conventional medicine a person is receiving
Acupuncture It is the insertion of thin needles in the body in order to stimulate nerves junctions which correspond with the body's 'patterns of pain' to attempt to release it.
The body produces opiates (endorphins and ...
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Breast Cancer
TASK 5
Alternative care strategies for patient with diabetes
Complementary therapies are not a part of conventional medicine. It is not essential but can be used to support and supplement the conventional medicine a person is receiving
Acupuncture It is the insertion of thin needles in the body in order to stimulate nerves junctions which correspond with the body's 'patterns of pain' to attempt to release it.
The body produces opiates (endorphins and enkphalins), that dull the senses as part of the body's pain relieving system. Many studies have shown that acupuncture releases 'natural pain relievers' into the body's Central Nervous System and the amount of pain relief felt, is directly linked to how many opiates have been released. The needles which are placed over the body release energy in chosen organs and body zones. Acupuncture in diabetes is believed to relief chronic pain.
Acupuncture can be used for a diabetes patient, when acupuncture has been used on diabetes patients they felt much more improvements in their condition. Acupuncture helped them effetely relief the pain of the neuropathy-the painful nerve damage of diabetes. This treatment also have been successful to maintain good blood circulation in the body in order to prevent problems which are associated with diabetes (such as neuropathy which causes numbness in feet, becoming vessels weak and leaky, blocking small vessels). Acupuncture also has been found effective with different health condition accessioned with diabetes: anxiety states, arthritis, circulatory problems, bone pain, high blood pressure, indeterminate aches and pains. Acupuncture benefits the strengthening of the immune system function. It is really beneficial in Diabetes Mellitus.
However many doctors have disagreed on the effectiveness of acupuncture. They argue that acupuncture is not curing the illness, but is the mind suggestion which help us to reduce pain. Acupuncture has helped to improve diabetes patient’s mobility skills, as well as the ways the blood circulates through the body. Although acupuncture is fairly new to people, it has been around for many years, originating with the Chinese, but it become very popular in the last 10 years. Acupuncture has many benefits if it is done correctly. However if it is done wrong it could lead to complications like an allergic reaction or blood contamination (if needles have been used twice). A diabetes patient who seeks help through doing acupuncture should be sure that they get someone who has full license to do it.
Biofeedback is a technique to learn voluntary control of involuntary muscles or voluntary muscles that can’t normally be controlled, such as blood pressure and heart rate. Biofeedback has been found to produce short and long term reductions in physical stress related to disease. Biofeedback also helps a sick person to become more aware of and to learn how to deal with the body response to pain and stress which are associated with illness. This alternative treatment for diabetes includes relaxation techniques and stress reduction.
Biofeedback it is very safe, non-invasive, powerful, non-drug treatment. It deals with emotional problems such as stress or depression. Biofeedback has been also effective in reduction of taking medicines It is rewarding because it is based on a series of small successes which typically leads to a reduction in symptoms and improved quality of life.
However biofeedback shouldn’t be used in serious medical conditions because it doesn’t bring wanted effects.
Reflexology have aim to leave patient feeling relaxed do not worry about his/her illness.
Reflexology has been known to help with problems such as digestion, constipation, fluid retention (swollen legs), stress and fatigue. Reflexology will be helpful for patients with diabetes because they will be very helpful in process of digestion which is important aspect in each person with diabetes. However reflexology is non invasive method of diabetes curing. Most of patients feel peaceful and calm after treatment. Some disadvantages include: not usually available on NHS so in effect the patient need to pay for treatment.
Some patients may experience a healing crisis as the body eliminates toxins and symptoms such as change in sleep pattern, increased perspiration or coughing and sneezing may occur.
Aromatherapy combines the physical and emotional effects, there are many advantages to aromatherapy, and for example- it can be an effective stress reliever and helps to counteract PMS, insomnia anxiety and depression.
Aromatherapy oils can be mixed to help ease muscle strain, rebalance skin problems- this can be associated with diabetes mellitus. It also help with respiratory and circulatory problems and to help strengthen the immune system which is believed to be weak in diabetes patients. Some disadvantages of aromatherapy might include allergies to some oils or they can cause thought or skin irritation
Though various studies it has been proven that aromatherapy cannot cure diabetes.
It can surely reduce the alarming side effects of the disorder and also reduce infections. Massaging the feet, legs, hands and arms with any of these aromatherapy oils may prove beneficial in regulating blood circulation. To help improve circulation which is often lacking in diabetics and which later contributes to gangrene of the lower extremities, blood clots, heart attacks, strokes, etc. The essential oils Cypress and Lemon are excellent for normalizing the circulatory system. Many essential oils have been prescribed by therapists as having a blood sugar lowering effect .These essential oils also help unblock blocked receptor areas which cause cells to be resistant to the effects of insulin. Some essential oils, when mixed in correct measures, may help some diabetics, particularly when used in conjunction with massage therapy. These include Eucalyptus, Juniper and Geranium oils. However, before any aromatherapy is used to help diabetes, it is vital to consult with your GP and diabetes healthcare team.
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Osteopathy is a physical method within complimentary approaches. It is based on the principle that health depends on the maintenance of proper relationships among the various physical factors in parts of the body. Osteopathy corrects structural abnormalities, using a physical therapy with the hands or by mechanical means.
Massage is used to relax stiff muscles, stretching to help joint mobility, and manipulation and high-velocity thrusts techniques to restore easy movement to the body.
Because some diabetes complications include stiffness and numbness of foot and hand osteopathy will be great idea to deal with it. Osteopathy is refunded by NHS; patient can be referred for free to osteopathic clinic by GP. It is a great way to reduces the amount and cost of painkilling drugs prescribed
Alternative care strategies for patient with breast cancer
Reiki is energy a tool for healing. Some benefits of reiki include: holistic healing (non medical intervention), it promotes relaxation, reduce stress, clears toxin, encourages vitality, it clears energy blockages, promotes natural self healing, relieves pain, promotes persona; awareness, adapts to the natural needs of the receiver, treats symptom and cause of particular illness and it also strengthens the immune system. The energy goes to the deepest levels of the person's being, where illnesses have their origin.
Reiki is not an alternative to taking medication, surgery or other medical care, Reiki heals the aspects of the body that medicine cant. All of the cancer patients may feel stressed because of the presence of their disorder, so Reiki may be an advantage for them as it would relief their stress. Reiki treatment has been successful in women with breast cancer in their pain reduction. Surgery cause a lot of discomfort in the breast and even in underarm areas and chemotherapy cause pain in joints. Women after breast surgery who receive regular Reiki treatment feel much better because reiki reduce stress and tension.
Distressing Emotions are calmed. Problems and Worries are seen in perspective. Therefore Reiki is one from the best methods of reducing negative energy after serious operation such as mastectomy. On the other hand some of the cancer patients may not consider Reiki as an effective treatment because they may believe that it is all superficial and in the mind. Reiki does not cure a person cancer, but it improves the quality of life.
Some cancer patients claim that reiki has helped with pain management, relaxation, and side effects of treatment like nausea and stomach upset. Reiki is a complementary therapy, used to ease the emotional and physical side effects of treatment. Reiki is considered to be safe. Be sure to talk to your doctor about reiki treatments before beginning.
Yoga is a science of health, that justify the WHO definition of health, and adding more meanings deeply exploring the various levels of physical, physiological, psychological, intellectual and spiritual well-being. Recent studies indicate that yoga can yield significant health benefits and improve quality of life for breast cancer survivors. New studies have added to the evidence that exercise can be of benefit for people undergoing treatment for breast cancer. Yoga benefits have been noted in people after surgery helping them with gastrointestinal, respiratory and cardiovascular problems.
Studies in the USA (The National Cancer Institute) did research in women after breast surgery and undergoing under chemotherapy. The researches have been show that stretching helped regain flexibility in operated arm, which was limited by scarring from surgeries and other treatments. Also breathing through yoga has helped to be calmer and sleep. Because yoga has many positive physiological and psychological benefits, therefore yoga therapy is commonly used to manage a wide range of chronic diseases, including breast cancer. Yoga therapy has been proven to improve the overall quality of life in breast cancer survivors.
Yoga is beneficial for a cancer person because it stimulates the body and is energizing. Sun salutation is a very good yoga exercise because it increases the blood supply to various parts of the body, improving insulin running in the body. Ananas is another form of yoga, it is beneficial in treatment of breast cancer because due to various twists, stretches and strain in the body, the internal organs are stretched and subjected to strain, this increases the blood supply, oxygen supply to the organs increasing the efficiency and functioning of the organ. However if the muscles stretches too much, it may tear a ligament. Especially after mastectomy the underarm area can be very sensitive
However yoga is a good form of relaxation for patients and it helps to generate the organs and mind after surgery but it may not work for some individual that attends because they may not go to enough sessions, or they may not believe its working for them. Some patient may feel that the treatment of yoga is pointless, some patient may much prefer to seek for professional medical help, rather then their own form of treatment. There are positive and negative things about yoga, it all depends on the individuals.
Meditation
Many researchers were fascinated by the ability of long-term mediators to control their autonomic nervous system. Therapeutic aspects of meditation include relaxation, stress management, and management of some psychological and psychophysical aspects. Uses of meditation for psychophysilogical problems can be seen in its use in rehabilitation after cancers, heart attacks, treatment of bronchial asthma and irregular heartbeat, management of chronic pain, and reduction of high blood pressure. Meditation is no less a form of psychotherapy than any Western therapies.
Meditation helps to reduces stress in the mind and body; meditation can be very beneficial to a breast cancer patient because their brain may be affecting the body’s ability to fight off the psychological symptoms of cancer. Researches have been shown that people who practice meditation are generally more confident and have higher self esteem, marital satisfaction, academic achievement, creativity, and cognitive development than non mediators. Stress can cause the cancer disorder to get worse; this happens because the mind is feeling weak and helpless, then the body is more prone to infections and symptoms. However meditation may not very good idea for everyone, some people may feel like mediating could conflict with their religion, for example a Catholic person may not find it suitable because certain way of meditating might be not appropriate for their religion. Overall meditation is a peaceful relaxing method of treatment; it stimulates the body, and makes people less stressed and remains them calm and focused.
TASK 6
Difficulties in adjusting to the presence of diabetes
My patient has difficulties in adjusting to his disorder because he has got problems with mobility. Mobility problems cause him difficulties in everyday life because he can’t do many things as his wanted. He can’t play football with his friends because he gets tired very quickly and his left leg starts to hurt.
In child it is also difficult to make a habit of regular taking of insulin or checking the glucose blood level.
My patient has difficulties in adjusting to his disorder because he has got problems with mobility. Mobility problems cause him difficulties in everyday life because he can’t do many things as his wanted. He can’t play football with his friends because he gets tired very quickly and his left leg starts to hurt.
In child it is also difficult to make a habit of regular taking of insulin or checking the glucose blood level. Always it is very important to control his glucose blood level because it can lead to hyperglycemia and death.
However, since he has been diagnosed with diabetes he had to make a lot of changes to his lifestyle, they included changes to the food he eats (cutting on sweet food with high level of sugar) he was recommended to eat more fruits and vegetables because they are good source of many vitamins and minerals. He was also advice to lead an active healthy life style-do some exercises to lower the glucose blood level.
Managing diabetes it is very difficult because diabetes influences our everyday life activity. It is very difficult to pain attention what we eat, because food needs to be low in sugar or buy in special shops. He needs to follow a schedule for a healthy diet and eat regularly, however it is difficult to my patient because he is a child and as we know children love sweets and products which are rich in sugar. Also he needs to remember to take his medicines at regular times to maintain constant level of blood glucose level. He needs to make sure that he visits his GP at regular bases for check ups in order to monitor his disease.
Difficulties in adjusting to the care process of diabetes
Because of young age of my patient he finds difficult to going to see the doctor on a regularly basic in order to monitor his disorder. As children are afraid of needles he finds it uncomfortable and scary to go for check ups or visiting hospital.
Every time he needs to take a insulin injection, he refuse it to his parents, therefore sometime he misses his insulin infections. This would also affect her on adjusting to the care process for her condition diabetes
My patient sees a physiotherapist three times a month in order to improve on his mobility. The physiotherapist provides him musculoskeletal and respiratory exercises to help him with his leg function. Physiotherapist give advice on how to avoid injury and provide their own future health and well-being techniques, he finds it a bit difficult because he feels minor pains when having the treatment-because of his injury to the left leg.
The medication that my patient has to take for his care process: it is hard for her to adjust to; he forgets when to take his medicine, he has missed some insulin injections.
Difficulties in adjusting to the presence of breast cancer
My patient has difficulties in adjusting to her disorder because she is now after operation and she is very weak and tired after chemotherapy treatment this has caused her difficulties because she can not do the things she used to do before. She finds it difficult to move around the home, doing things on her own and getting around home without assistance of second person.
After mastectomy operation hers left under arm area is still very painful because her veins and lymphatic connections have been removed in safety to not get cancer to spread.
She can’t dress and wash her self. During the week she has a help from a nurse to look after her, during the weekend family look after her.
My patient has a big problem with cigarette smoking before she was diagnosed with cancer.
Smoking is an issue that patient has been doing for many years and he believes that it will be difficult for her to quit. Therefore, in adjusting to breast cancer disease this is would be difficulty issue because if he does not stop smoking then it might lead to more complications connected with her treatment and the other operation. Because she already had a cancer she should stop smoking because cancer can spread to her lungs (because of many years she was smoking).
Difficulties in adjusting to the care process of breast cancer
After radiotherapy and chemotherapy treatment my patient feels sick and energy less. This is hard for her to adjust to because she feels like that after her treatment she wont be able to spend time with family because she will be to weak even for conversation.
After operation she has to go to regular check ups, chemotherapy and radiography treatments. This has become stressful for her to adjust because he misses many things in her life; so far she lost her job because she wasn’t able to come for a long time, she has no time to spend with her family because she is too weak and too tired.
There are some medications that she must take to reduce the risk of getting infection and to boost up her immunity system after chemotherapy and surgery.
She has a nurse who comes to her home three times a week to look after her. A nurse helps her in change her clothes doing food, helps to wash and ensures she eats properly because it is very important aspect to get healthy. On the weekends my patient’s family looks after her. She finds this situation difficult because before she got sick her just to look after her grandchildren and now her own children need to look after her. She thinks it should be the other way around.