A Question of Health
Here are some things you might want to ask your doctor.
We’re a month into the new year, and with luck, that means our health-related resolutions are still in full swing. Whatever your health goals in 2018, you’re bound to have a few questions. Here are some of the most frequently asked – answered by some of Milwaukee’s top medical specialists.
• SHEKHAR A. DAGAM, M.D.
Neurosurgery
When is surgery necessary for someone with spine problems, and why should they consider having a neurosurgeon perform the surgery?
“Spine surgery becomes necessary when injections, therapy and other painmanagement techniques no longer work and a patient’s condition has progressed. A neurosurgeon is preferable because they understand the nervous system and better understand care during and after surgery.”
• TOM A. STAMAS, D.D.S.
Cosmetic & Sedation Dentistry
Many people feel nervous about going to the dentist. What are some ways to help people who experience dental anxiety relax during their appointment?
“Dental anxiety can stem from being anxious about cost, time of procedure, how many appointments and also from not knowing what is happening inside their mouths. My team and I try to pinpoint each patient’s anxiety and find solutions. We offer calming music, headphones, pillows, blankets and the option to watch TV or a movie.
“We also offer and encourage those with dental anxiety to consider sedation dentistry. Sedation dentistry uses pharmacological agents to calm and relax a patient before and during a dental procedure, and is recommended for very long procedures or for those people who are extremely anxious and fearful of dental procedures. It allows a patient to be in a semi-awake state and get all of their dental work done in one appointment and wake up with little to no memory of the appointment.”
• ALEX COLQUE, M.D.
Alex Colque Plastic Surgery
When someone meets with a plastic surgeon, what are some key questions the patient should ask to ensure the doctor is a good match for the patient’s needs?
“Choosing a surgeon to perform your cosmetic procedure is a very important decision. As all cosmetic procedures are provider-dependent, it is important to choose the best surgeon to achieve your aesthetic goals. Questions that you would like to know are:
Is the plastic surgeon certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgeons?
Is the plastic surgeon privileged to perform this procedure at an accredited hospital?
Is the plastic surgeon licensed to practice plastic surgery in the state of Wisconsin?
Has the plastic surgeon done many of the procedures that you are looking to have?
Does the plastic surgeon have beforeand-after pictures of this specific procedure?
Where will your surgery or procedure be performed?
“It is important to make sure that your plastic surgeon is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgeons. Many cosmetic surgeons or providers may claim to be ‘board-certified,’ but only the American Board of Plastic Surgery has overseen the training of plastic surgeons. I highly recommend that you identify which board has certified your provider and consider the amount and time of specialized training and experience your doctor has completed to perform your procedure. The American Board of Plastic Surgery is the only board certifying plastic surgery of the face and body that is accredited by the American Board of Medical Specialties.
“Also, it is important to take safety into account. Where you have your plastic surgery procedure is important to the safety of your procedure. Using certified anesthesiologists and being in an accredit-
ed hospital or surgical facility is important to the overall safety of your procedure.
“You want to make sure that you are comfortable with where the surgery is being performed and the accreditation of that facility.”
• MARK FREEDMAN, M.D.
Eye Care Specialists
As people age, what vision changes should they be aware of and how should they change their eye care routine to accommodate those changes?
“First of all, people should know that the occurrence of serious eye problems – macular degeneration, cataracts and glaucoma – increases directly as we age. However, all three of them can be treated quite successfully if they are diagnosed early and treated properly.
“With glaucoma, everyone over the age of 70 should have an annual exam, because you cannot feel the higher pressure in your eye with glaucoma, nor can you notice the early loss of vision until it’s too late. Even if you think nothing is wrong, an annual exam is recommended to prevent needless, irreversible vision loss from glaucoma.
“Macular degeneration is the numberone cause of loss of vision in older people in the United States. However, with the new treatments available, we have the miraculous ability to stabilize vision in 90 percent of patients with wet macular degeneration, compared to close to zero percent a decade ago. In addition, it is possible to improve the early loss of vision in 30 to 40 percent of patients with wet macular degeneration. Since early diagnosis of the problem and prompt intervention can preserve vision, routine dilated eye exams are essential.
“Everyone develops cataracts as they get older. Over the last few years there have been tremendous advancements in cataract surgery. Cataract surgery is now a painless, 15-minute outpatient surgery. It provides incredible improvement in patients’ quality of life and ability to continue functioning and seeing life to its fullest. It is a tremendously rewarding procedure for patients.”
• BRADLEY RIEMANN, PH.D. CHIEF CLINICAL OFFICER
Rogers Behavioral Health
In addition to traditional therapy and medication, what can be done to treat major depression?
“Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) is a noninvasive, painless treatment in which a series of magnetic pulses are delivered to stimulate the area of the brain that is underactive in patients suffering from depression. TMS has been proven to activate the prefrontal cortex, the area of the brain that regulates mood. Treatments are carefully monitored and adjusted to find the optimal dosage for each patient’s unique needs.
“The effects of TMS, though gradual, are showing a 67 percent enhancement of traditionally effective treatments. In other words, it’s lifting a fog many of our patients have been living in for years – and restoring hope for their future.”