Tag: bp_docs_comment_access_anyone
Gender pronouns
Gender pronouns are words someone would like others to use when talking about or referring to them. They are almost like a replacement in a sentence for your name. The most common pronouns used are “he, him, his” and “she, her, hers”. When someone is transgender or gender nonconforming, they may prefer to use different pronouns, such as “they, them, theirs”. There are many other pronouns someone may choose to use – check the graphic below to see what some of them are.
If you are cisgender, which means your gender identity matches the sex you were assigned at birth (i.e. born a female and gender identity is female), you may have not given much thought to pronouns before. People can typically guess what a cisgender person’s pronouns are by looking at them. Not everybody has this privilege! People who are transgender or gender nonconforming may use pronouns that you wouldn’t guess just by looking at them.
The pronouns a person uses are an important part of their identity. For people who are transgender, the shift in pronouns can be an important part of their transition. So, how can you be supportive? Stating your own gender pronouns and asking for other people’s gender pronouns when you meet them is a great way to communicate that you are supportive of all identities. Once someone tells you their gender pronouns, try your best to remember what they are and use them appropriately.
Tube Feeds
What is tube feeding?
Tube feeding can be a very effective therapy for people with irritable bowl disease. It can heal intestine damage, reduce swelling, make symptoms improve, and help you gain weight and height.
Tube feeding is a treatment that involves taking some or all of your daily nutrition in a liquid formula. In other words, it’s a way of giving your body the nutrition it needs. The doctors decide how much formula you must consume to stay healthy. Partial enteral nutrition (PEN) means you consume 30-50% of your calories from formula. Exclusive enteral nutrition (EEN) means you receive all your calories from formula and do not eat regular meals. The formula enters your body through a tube, such as a nasogastric (NG) tube, which is a soft and flexible tube that goes from your nose into your stomach.
How does the tube get put in?
The tube is put in for the first time in the hospital, and this is where they teach you about what it is and how to continue them at home. Most kids say that having the tube put in is uncomfortable, but not painful. That uncomfy feeling starts to go away soon, too, as your body becomes used to having the tube there. It won’t be there forever.
Eating or drinking while tube feeding?
A lot of kids wonder if they can eat or drink anything while on tube feeds. This depends on your specific treatment plan and how much of your total calories you are consuming via the tube. Even when you are receiving all your calories from the formula (EEN), you may still be allowed to drink clear fluids or even chew gum. Ask your dietician what’s allowed for you and your body before trying anything at home 🙂
Here are a couple videos about feeding tubes:
Brief description of nutritional support & IBD: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6tbq_Lp7wnY
Getting an NG tube in: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M2bbyFFVtnc
Vlog from a teen girl about adjusting to life with a feeding tube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZUEL8yiEKEY
Valvular Stenosis
Anatomy of the Heart
The heart has four chambers. The two upper chambers are called the left and right atriums, and the two lower chambers are called the left and right ventricles. There is a valve at the exit of each chamber that ensures one-way continuous flow of blood through the heart.
The four valves are the tricuspid valve, pulmonary valve, mitral valve and aortic valve. These valves open and close to prevent blood from flowing backwards.
- Oxygen-poor blood coming into your heart from your body flows into the right atrium. The tricuspid valve is the valve between the right atrium and the right ventricle. It opens so blood can be pumped to the right ventricle.
- The pulmonary valve controls blood flow between the right ventricle and the lungs. It opens to let the heart pump blood out of the ventricles into the pulmonary artery toward the lungs so it can pick up oxygen. The oxygen-rich blood flows back from the lungs into the left atrium.
- The mitral valve lies between the left atrium and the left ventricle. It opens so the oxygen-rich blood from the left atrium can be pumped into the left ventricle.
- The aortic valve controls blood flow from the left ventricle into the aorta (the main artery in your body). When this valve opens, the oxygen-rich blood is pumped to the aorta and then out to fuel the rest of your body.
Stenosis
Stenosis is when the valve opening becomes narrow and restricts blood flow.
- Tricuspid valve stenosis: If your tricuspid valve narrows, blood is not able to fully move from the right atrium to the right ventricle. This can cause the atrium to enlarge, affecting pressure and blood flow in the surrounding chambers and veins. It can also cause the right ventricle to become smaller, so less blood circulates to your lungs to pick up oxygen.
- Pulmonary valve stenosis: If your pulmonary valve narrows, the flow of oxygen-poor blood from the right ventricle through the pulmonary arteries to the lungs is restricted. This affects your blood’s ability to pick up oxygen and deliver oxygen-rich blood to the rest of your body. With pulmonary valve stenosis, the right ventricle has to work harder to pump blood through the narrowed pulmonary valve and the pressure in the heart is often increased.
- Mitral valve stenosis: When the mitral valve narrows, blood flow from the left atrium to the left ventricle is reduced. This can cause fatigue and shortness of breath because the volume of blood carrying oxygen from the lungs is reduced. Pressure from the blood that has stayed in the left atrium can cause the atrium to enlarge and fluid to build up in the lungs.
- Aortic valve stenosis: When the aortic valve narrows, blood flow from your heart to your aorta (the main artery to your body) and onwards to the rest of your body is restricted. As a result, the left ventricle has to contract harder to try to push blood across the aortic valve. This can often lead to thickening of the left ventricle (left vernacular hypertrophy) which eventually makes the heart less efficient.
Causes
Valvular heart disease can develop before or at birth (congenital causes) or normal valves may become damaged during one’s lifetime (acquired causes). The cause of valvular heart disease is not always known.
Symptoms
Many people do not notice any symptoms until their blood flow has been significantly reduced by valvular heart disease. Symptoms can include:
- Chest discomfort, pressure or tightness (angina)
- Palpitations (irregular or rapid heartbeats caused by problems with the heart’s electrical system) can sometimes be a symptom of valvular heart disease. Your heart may be working harder.
- Shortness of breath – especially when you are active. Valvular heart disease reduces the amount of oxygen available to fuel your body and that causes breathlessness.
- Fatigue or weakness. You may find it harder to do routine activities such as walking or housework.
- Light-headedness, dizziness or near fainting (most common with aortic stenosis).
- Swelling can occur when valve problems cause blood to back up in other parts of the body, leading to fluid buildup and swollen abdomen, feet and ankles.
If you don’t have many symptoms or if they are mild and not affecting you too much, your doctor may choose to monitor your condition carefully and wait until it is necessary to treat your symptoms. It is important to understand that the symptoms of valvular heart disease may not necessarily reflect the seriousness of the problem. Regular check-ups are recommended.
Treatment
Treatment will depend on the severity of your disease! If it’s minor, you may not need treatment at all. You and your doctor will discuss your options based on your condition.
Options include:
- Medication: It cannot cure stenosis, but it may relieve the symptoms.
- Surgeries or other procedures: Such as valve repair or replacement.
- Lifestyle changes: Such as being smoke-free, active, a healthy weight, eating a balanced diet.
Ostomy
WHAT IS AN OSTOMY?
An ostomy is a temporary or permanent opening created through surgery that brings a part of the bowel from inside the body to the outside of the body on the abdomen. Ostomies are typically needed when stool can no longer pass the normal way though the digestive system and out the rectum. This procedure can be an option for people with Crohn’s or Colitis, for example, who have inflamed sections in their bowels.
WHAT IS A STOMA?
The opening of the bowel on the outside of the body is called a stoma. Stoma’s are usually pink or red in colour, moist, and round or oval in shape. Stoma’s become the new place that the body gets rid of solid waste. People with ostomies do not have control over passing gas or stool because there is no muscle at the opening of the stoma like there is in the rectum. The stool output that comes out of the stoma will look different than the stool a person may be used to seeing from their rectum because the stool is bypassing certain parts of the digestive tract.
Stool comes out of the stoma into a pouch that sticks to the skin around the opening. Pouches come in different sizes and different options to best suit each person’s needs. Part of getting an ostomy is learning how to care for your stoma, empty, and change your pouches!
TYPES OF OSTOMIES
Colostomy: Created when a part of the large intestine (AKA the colon) is brought to the surface of the abdomen. Stool output may be thicker, since the large intestine absorbs water.
Ileostomy: Created when the end of the small intestine is brought to the surface of the abdomen. Stool output may be loose since less water is absorbed in the small intestine.
WHAT CAN/CAN’T YOU DO WITH AN OSTOMY?
If you have an ostomy you can eat whatever you want, although some people will find certain foods make them gassier than others (and this may be different from how your body reacted before having an ostomy). People with ostomies can do most activities that other people can do once their body has healed from the initial surgery! Caution should be exercised with heavy contact sports, though, as they could cause damage to the stoma. You can wear any clothes you want, although some may be more comfortable than others (i.e. tight waistbands). With a little pre-planning, you can also go wherever you want!
Types of Post-Secondary Degrees
It may be helpful to know the different types of degrees you can get when you’re deciding what you want to do after high school. Here is a description of each:
Diploma/Certificate Programs: Degree programs may be two-year or four-year degrees. Community colleges are government-regulated post-secondary institutions offering one- to two-year certificates, diplomas, two-year associate’s degrees (i.e. Early Childhood Education) and even three- and four-year specialized degrees (i.e. Engineering). You can also usually transfer a Certificate Degree from a Community College to a different institution if you want to study further or get more qualifications.
Undergraduate – Bachelor’s Degree: These may be anywhere between three-five years, and take place at a university. Some universities offer partnerships with colleges, where you usually spend 2 years with the college and 2 years with the university to get your Bachelor’s Degree. A high school diploma is required to apply to these types of programs. If you are applying to university from high school, you will be looking in to undergraduate programs.
Postgraduate – Master’s Degree/Doctoral Degree: A master’s degree in Canada typically requires two years of study after successful completion of a 4 year bachelor’s degree. A doctoral program usually requires successful completion of a master’s degree. A doctoral degree, AKA a PhD, will take a minimum of three years and up to four or five years of study and research.
Transgender
Gender identity is the personal sense of your own gender. It can match the sex you were assigned at birth or it can be different. Cisgender is a gender identity that means your gender identity and the sex you were assigned at birth are the same (i.e. you are born with male genitalia and feel that you are a male).
Transgender is a gender identity meaning a person’s gender at birth does not match the way they feel about themselves on the inside (i.e. you are born with male genitalia but feel that you are a female). People with female genitalia who transition to become males are transgender males, and people with male genitalia who transition to become females are transgender females. There are also transgender people who feel that they are not either gender, which can be called gender non-conforming or gender non-binary.
Youth who are transgender feel very strongly that they wish to be or are a different gender than the one they were assigned at birth. They may feel uncomfortable in their body and wish that it looked like the gender they are on the inside. Through hormone therapy or surgery, these youth can change their bodies to align with their gender identity.
Transgender youth are at a higher risk for bullying, rejection from family and friends, anxiety, depression, and suicide. Consider how you can make your school or community feel safer and more welcoming to people who are transgender! I’ve attached an infographic with some great ideas.
Crohn’s & Colitis
Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis are the two main forms of inflammatory bowel disease and can greatly impact someone’s quality of life. These inflame the lining of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract and disrupt the body’s ability to digest food, absorb nutrition, and eliminate waste in a healthy manner. They are lifelong diseases, but people can experience periods of active symptoms (flare ups) or other times when their symptoms are absent.
Crohn’s Disease
Inflammation from Crohn’s can strike anywhere in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, from mouth to anus, but is usually located in the lower part of the small bowel and the upper colon. Patches of inflammation are often found between between healthy portions of the gut, and can penetrate through intestinal layers from inner to outer (see red patches in photo). Crohn’s disease can be controlled with medication and reduce the chance of a disease relapse. In severe cases, surgery of the small or large intestine may be required to manage the disease.
Crohn’s occurs more in females than males and affects all ages, although it’s most commonly diagnosed between 15-35 years of age. There is currently no cure for Crohn’s disease.
Symptoms: Diarrhea, fever, sores in the mouth and around the anus, abdominal pain and cramps, anemia (low iron), fatigue, loss of appetite, weight loss
Ulcerative Colitis
Typically, UC affects the colon (large intestine) including the rectum and anus, and only inflames the inner lining of bowel tissue. Colitis can be controlled with medication and in severe cases can even be treated through the surgical removal of the entire large intestine.
Colitis equally affects both genders and is also found in all ages. It’s most commonly diagnosed between 15-45 years of age. The only known cure is surgery for the removal of the colon (colectomy).
Symptoms: Bloody diarrhea, mild fever, abdominal pain and cramps, anemia, fatigue, loss of appetite, weight loss
Indeterminate Colitis
A term used when it is unclear if the inflammation is due to Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis.
Collège de I’Île
Location: Wellington, PEI
Website:
https://www.collegedelile.ca/en/
Programs of Study:
https://www.collegedelile.ca/en/programs-and-courses/college-programs
Accessibility:
https://www.collegedelile.ca/en/future-students/l-arc-your-resource-centre
What to do when you accidentally use the wrong pronouns
Last week we discussed gender pronouns, and how when someone shares their pronouns with you, you should try your best to remember what they are and use them appropriately. Of course, we’re all human, and sometimes mistakes happen. You may accidentally use “he” or “she” when referring to someone who’s told you they use “they” pronouns, for example. This is also called misgendering someone.
Consider these tips if you make a mistake:
1. When someone shares their pronouns with you, actively listen to what they are. Try to repeat them in your brain in a way that you will remember.
2. If you accidentally use the wrong pronouns when speaking about that person, calmly apologize, correct yourself, and continue speaking.
Do this even if they’re not around. This will help you to remember to use the right pronoun in the future, will help others to remember, and will communicate your allyship (support) to the LGBTQ2S+ community. There is no need to excessively apologize, justify why you made the mistake, or defend yourself. Doing this only centers your own needs and feelings over the persons who has been misgendered.
3. Commit to doing better. On your own time, take time to reflect on why you made that mistake and think about how you can prevent yourself from making it again. This may even involve practicing using pronouns you are less familiar with so you can be more confident using them in a sentence.
The general consensus is that if you misgender someone, it should never be the person who you misgendered’s responsibility to make you feel better about it or to help you do better at respecting their identity. Language can make such a huge impact on mental health and self-esteem, so we should all do what we can to communicate our respect to others with our words and reactions!