Digital mammography

I had a screening mammogram today, and despite all my worries and fears, it was almost a pleasant experience.

Digital mammography is new technology, and lucky for me I got to enjoy that technology today! Compared to my experience with film mammography three years ago, this was a walk in the park.

The compression time is cut in half, the quality of the image is much better, the machine automatically releases the compression once the image is complete, and the technician is right in the room with you instead of leaving you alone.

I was very impressed with the technology and the staff. I would never have thought that I'd have access to more advanced technology here in Raleigh, NC, as opposed to the Washington, DC, area -- but I guess I have misjudged this good ol' southern town.

If you have a choice in the matter, next time you have to get a mammogram ask if you can go digital. It's worth asking for!

Over-the-counter medications for colds

I am currently suffering from a major head-cold. The sinus pressure in my head combined with the horrendous sore throat is making me feel absolutely miserable. You know how they make the people look in commercials who are supposedly suffering from colds? I feel like how they make them look!

For those of us with MVP, knowing which cold medications to use is sometimes tricky. Here's what I found in a quick search on the 'net (from http://www.midwestheart.com/resourceseducation/patient-education/valves/mitral-valve-prolapse):

"It is recommended that MVP patients avoid stimulants that may alter the effects of the heart. Over-the-counter stimulants such as: ephedrine, phenylpropanolamine, pseudoephedrine, epinephrine, and caffeine are used many times as decongestants, weight-control pills, asthma medications, 'keep awake' stimulants, and pain relievers. These types of drugs should be avoided unless specifically prescribed to you by your physician."

All those big words get confusing (to me, at least), and trying to read the fine print on all those cold medicine boxes while you can barely see from your burning, watery eyes just makes it near impossible.

It's best if you talk to your doctor BEFORE you get a cold, so once you're suffering you know exactly what to take and what not to take. Some of us are told to only avoid antihistamines, and others are told to avoid decongestants too. If you have to avoid decongestants completely, something like Mucinex to loosen up the mucous is probably the only option (besides a nice steam bath!).

For now, I'm going to go crawl under the covers and try to sleep.