4 Steps to Take If You Encounter Mesothelioma

by

16 December 2021

Health & Fitness

Mesothelioma

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that can be harmful to human health due to its carcinogenic nature. However, if asbestos is such a dangerous element, why did people use it from the 1950s to the 1970s inside their homes? Well, it was due to its heat-proof qualities.

Typically, asbestos was used as insulation material inside houses. However, asbestos can cause various diseases, one of which is mesothelioma. It is a form of cancer that results from prolonged exposure to asbestos. It usually occurs when you breathe in asbestos fibers, leading to a malignant cancerous growth on the lining of your lungs.

Some symptoms might include but are not limited to high-grade fever, respiratory issues, muscle weakness, shortness of breath, dry coughing, and much more.

Finding out that you have mesothelioma can be devastating. That doesn’t mean they should give up hope and count the days they have left to live. Sure, no amount of money will help you improve your mental well-being. However, compensation will enable you to pay for treatment or ensure that your family is well-cared for. That being said, let us look at a few steps you can take if you end up developing mesothelioma.

Research Your Treatment Options

Research Your Treatment Options

While it may be impossible to reverse the lung damage caused by this type of cancer, you still have a few treatment options after contracting mesothelioma. For instance, if you contract pleural mesothelioma, some treatment options include chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and surgery.

These treatment options will help slow down the spread of cancer and alleviate some symptoms. Furthermore, doctors might ask you to undergo oxygen therapy to help you breathe easier if your lungs are damaged due to mesothelioma. Plus, they might also suggest you quit smoking to prevent further damage.

The effectiveness of treatment will depend on the stage of cancer. For instance, if your mesothelioma is at its second or third stage, your physician might recommend chemo or radiotherapy as a last resort.

 Consult With Your Primary Care Physician

Once you’ve researched all your treatment options, talking to your primary care physician about which one is right for you is the next step to take. Your doctor will assess your cancer and provide you with a better idea of what treatment option will be the best fit for you.

However, the good news is that sometimes, the symptoms might be due to another medical issue altogether. After all, mesothelioma results from years of asbestos exposure, and symptoms probably won’t show up until fifteen to twenty years after exposure.

So, it would be wise to consult your doctor to rule out all other medical conditions that have similar symptoms as mesothelioma. However, if you’re already diagnosed with this type of cancer, your primary care physician will keep you under observation and refer you to a pulmonologist.

 Hire A Mesothelioma Attorney

If your doctor has diagnosed your cancer, the next step is to hire a competent mesothelioma attorney. A mesothelioma lawyer will help you file your lawsuit on time. That said, there are two types of mesothelioma lawsuits that you can file; a personal injury and a wrongful death claim. In the case of a personal injury lawsuit, your mesothelioma lawyer will help you file a claim for compensation against your employer.

However, you will be eligible for this type of claim if you can provide information about your diagnoses like employment records, medical reports, evidence of exposure at your workplace, and much more. So, go ahead and hire a competent mesothelioma lawyer if you think that your diagnosis was a direct result of asbestos exposure at your workplace.

Search For A Support Network

Search For A Support Network

There is no shadow of a doubt that a mesothelioma diagnosis will affect your physical, mental, and emotional well-being. So, searching for a support network for family and friends is vital for recovery. After all, it would help immensely to never feel disheartened and alone after receiving your diagnosis.

If you don’t have any friends or family members to confide in, look for an oncology cancer social worker. They will guide you and help you search for resources to manage your mesothelioma effectively.

In addition, signing up for a cancer support group is another viable option. In fact, you can go online and search for such support groups with the click of a mouse.

Being diagnosed with mesothelioma will undoubtedly leave you in a state of emotional turmoil. While the steps mentioned in this article will allow you to improve your quality of life, don’t forget to prioritize spending time with your friends, family, and loved ones!

So, go ahead and surround yourself with people who will support you and love you during such a testing time of your life. not to mention, leaning on loved ones for help and support will enable you to stay motivated and keep a positive look on life.

Read Also:

I enjoy writing and I write quality guest posts on topics of my interest and passion. I have been doing this since my college days. My special interests are in health, fitness, food and following the latest trends in these areas. I am an editor at Content Rally.

View all posts

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Related

Tooth Pain

6 Ways to Relieve From Tooth Pain and Sensitivity Naturally

When we take a bite, eat or chew our favourite ice cream, hot soup or juice we sometimes feel discomfort, or pain in our gums and teeth, this is called sensitivity. If you ever felt this pain into your teeth, then you're not alone. Sensitivity is now become very common almost every 6 people out of 10 are suffering from the same. It may start with the sudden temporary pain in the enamel when experience hot and cold temperature by the time it may turn into a chronic problem when it's treated. This can be caused due to many reasons but understanding the potential causes of sensitive teeth can help to cure it quickly. Ignoring it or left it untreated can worsen; as a result, it can affect your overall oral health. Here is the list of some causes of tooth sensitivity, where you can find your reason for the same: Tooth decay Using hard bristle toothbrush for brushing your teeth Consumption of Acidic and foods Tooth grinding and scrunching while you're asleep Gum diseases The habit of overeating cold and hot foods Extensive use of whitening toothpaste Dental surgery How to Take Care of Your Teeth Naturally to Avoid Sensitivity: Getting healthier, firm, white teeth is not an easy task, it takes years to achieve healthy oral health. Some of us never care about oral health, but oral health is as important as our other body organs. It's important to take the right step and follow the proper procedure to achieve excellent results. Taking care of teeth is hardly took 10-15 minutes daily. You can follow these simple steps every day to get rid of tooth pain and sensitivity naturally: 1. Brush Your Teeth Twice a Day: Brushing your teeth twice a day is a healthy habit to get healthy teeth. Using soft bristle toothbrush that fits into your mouth will help you to clean your teeth better than a large hard bristle toothbrush. Brushing your teeth after having dinner and before going to bed is very important. It prevents our teeth from the germ and avoids depositing it on the outer layer of our teeth overnight. Wash your toothbrush with water properly and replace it every three or four months. 2. Desensitising Toothpaste: Using a good quality toothbrush that contains salt, clove and mint can be a good option for brushing your teeth. Using teeth whitening toothpaste or powder contains harmful chemicals like chlorine, and fluoride can affect the outer layer of your teeth which results in causing sensitivity. You can also opt desensitising toothpaste which contains compounds potassium nitrate that blocks pains signals travelling from the nerve to our brain. 3. Opt Green Tea Instead of Coffee or Tea: Consume green tea instead of taking having tea or coffee. It plays a significant role in treating sensitivity. Green tea has many health benefits it is known for its antioxidant effects and anti-inflammatory properties which also affects our oral health. You can use green tea as a mouthwash twice a day to strengthen your teeth, reduce sensitivity and inflammation. 4. Clove & Clove Oil: People have been using clove and clove oil to cure tooth problem of thousands of years. It is a perfect ingredient used to add flavours and colour in baking muffins, and curries. It is also known for its medicinal properties. It contains a chemical called eugenol which has an anaesthetic and antiseptic propertiest that helps to prevent our teeth from infections and cure oral problems like sensitivity, gum problems, cavities etc. 5. Mouthwash: Racks in the markets are full of verities of mouthwashes it shows that mouthwashes are highly in demand these days due to its positive effects. Mouthwash is now as crucial as brushing for good oral health, but many of us skip them because we find that they don't work. But it really not the actual truth mouthwash reduce the amount of acid in the mouth, maintains the pH level of our mouth, clean the corners or the mouth where the brush can't reach, re-mineralises the teeth and gums. It also protects the outer layer of our teeth and prevents our teeth from sensitivity. It is scientifically proven that mouthwash really works for achieving good oral health. Prescription mouthwash is also available in the markets. 6. Visit your Local Dentist Twice or Thrice a Year: Our teeth are a very significant part of our body, brushing your teeth every day and taking care of overall oral health is a healthy habit. Still, it's essential to visit your local dentist for at least cleansing or just for a regular checkup will help you to know more about your oral health. A well-experienced dentist removes calculus and look for cavities and also offer you more treatment solutions to achieve good oral health.  You can easily find a local dentist on Google or you can consult your neighbors for better assistance. Read Also: 5 Ways To Prevent Severe Dental Problems The Differences Between A Dentist And An Orthodontist

READ MOREDetails
Dental Implants

Essential Things to Consider Before Getting Dental Implants

Having healthy pearl-white teeth is a dream for everyone. After all, who wouldn’t want a million-dollar smile? However, having healthy teeth goes way past the aesthetics - it is more about functionality and the fact that everyone wants to enjoy good food without feeling any pain while chewing or getting annoyed when a popcorn kernel finds its way around and gets stuck in a hole of a missing tooth. Losing a tooth is a dreaded thing for all of us, but unfortunately, it happens to a lot of people because of different reasons such as accidents, extreme cavities, illnesses, or injuries. If you have one such problem, the good news is that at least you live in a modern times when you have different options for fixing the problem. You might be considering a dental bridge or a removable denture, but dental implants are dentistry’s most advanced and comfortable solution yet. Before getting dental implants, there are a few things that you should take into. Types of Dental Implants: Dental implants can come in two forms: titanium or zirconia dentures. Titanium implants are more common and they have been used in the U.S. since the 1960ies. Zirconia dentures are relatively newer and they appeared on the market in 2007. Titanium has been used for a long time in medicine for hip and knee replacement. It is an extremely durable, lightweight material that is resistant to corrosion, making it perfect for medical needs. Zirconia, on the other hand, is not a metal, yet comes close to the durability of titanium implants. If you need help deciding which one is the right option for you, you can contact a dentist in Pensacola. Generally, you should pass on the titanium implants if you have a titanium allergy. Success Rate of Dental Implants: You might be surprised by how many people have already got dental implants! According to the statistics, over 3 million people in the U.S. only have at least one dental implant and the number is continuing to grow by another half a million each year. You might think that you don’t know anyone who has had one such implant, but if you ask around you will probably be surprised. The reason for that is that implants look natural and if someone hasn’t specifically told you that you possibly haven’t even noticed. Whichever option you choose - titanium or zirconia implants, they both have a very high success rate of 98%. The durability of Dental Implants: While dental bridges are made to last up to 10 years, dental implants are much more durable. Due to the fact that they are made out of high-end materials, they can last between 30 and 50 years. So actually, they are pretty much permanent! Another contributing factor to the durability is that they are directly implanted in the jaw bone so you don’t have to worry about losing them as you would do if you had removable dentures. Dental Implants Protect Other Teeth: When people would lose a tooth, the most commonly used method of replacing it was by using dental bridges. However, even though bridges might be a good solution for some, sometimes it means that the healthy teeth also need to be cut or adjusted so the bridge can be fitted properly. With dental implants, you don’t have to worry about damaging the neighboring teeth. The implant is independent, and bridges and crowns can be positioned on it without doing any harm to the healthy teeth. Cost of Dental Implants: The dental implants cost mostly depends on where you live and which dental implant clinic you decide to go for. For example, dental implants in Pensacola, Florida, for a single tooth usually cost between $3000-$6000. However, this is a very rough estimation, and it all depends on the type of implants or additional procedures that might be needed such as X-rays, bone grafts, or CT scans. To get a proper estimate, contact a family dentist near you and spare yourself the trouble of guessing the price. All On 4 Dental Implants: All on 4 dental implants refer to the procedure where all of the patient’s teeth are replaced with implants. However, not every tooth is replaced separately, but four implants are used for each jaw, hence the name. An all on 4 dental implants procedure is quite a complicated one, and it is actually a surgery where you would need to be given anesthetics. Due to the complexity and the scope of the operation, there will be a healing process that can last for several months until you start to feel the implants like they are your own teeth. All 4 implants costs, again, depending on different factors, but roughly, they cost between $20.000 and $35.000 per jaw. For a more accurate quote, contact a specialized clinic for dental implants in Pensacola. Give Your Confidence a Boost: Probably the most evident reason for dental implants is the way they look - real. If you have a missing tooth, you know that sometimes it is a real confidence killer. You might even avoid smiling because you don’t want the hole to be too visible. If you are looking to gain your confidence back and smile without worrying, getting a dental implant is a right thing to do. On top of that, considering that implants are placed into the jawbone, you will feel as if your natural teeth are back again. You will find it incredibly easy to chew food and the bite force they can endure is almost the same as for natural teeth. The case is different with removable dentures since they can fall off or cause discomfort, which is why implants are considered the better option. Modern dentistry made life easier and happier for many people and it can do the same for you. If you are ready to step on a path towards a new you, a dentist who specializes in dental implants can help to set you on the right track. Dental implants are a long-term investment to a better you, and putting our trust in a professional and experienced dentist is the first thing to start with. Read Also: 5 Dental Hygiene Tips For A Healthier Smile 5 Ways To Prevent Severe Dental Problems 6 Ways To Relieve From Tooth Pain And Sensitivity Naturally

READ MOREDetails
Psychologist

Questions To Ask A Psychologist Before Hiring One

 The human brain is always on the go, so it’s no surprise that at some point or another, humans experience being mentally and emotionally burned out. Caring for your psychological welfare is a huge responsibility; talking about it and not getting any medical help adds up to your frustrations. When this happens, the best thing to do is look for a psychologist that is highly-qualified and professional. For many, it is a big leap to seek professional help, but it is essential for your healing. However, there are things you need to consider before hiring one to avoid wasting any of your time, money, and effort to ineffective treatment. Here are some of the questions you need to ask from your prospect psychologist   There are multiple questions you can ask your psychologist to get the clearance of your problems in the best possible manner. Let's find out some of the effective means you can apply to develop your treatment process  in the right direction. 1. How will you treat me? The first thing you need to know is how the psychologist can help you get through your mental issues. If their answers are not satisfying, try looking for psychologists at Open Sky Psychology where you can find various psychologists offering different treatments for different issues. Since your reason for hiring one is to heal from your psychological warfare, it is but necessary to ask them these details in relation: The psychological treatment that will be used to address the problem. The kind of methods needed to treat other patients with similar problems as you and a general overview on how said patients has recovered. The methods that are being used and the probability of success. 2. Have you encountered issues similar to my case? They say that experience is the best teacher and this applies to your prospect psychologist, too. No matter how long they have been practicing, there are cases they may have not encountered yet and you wouldn’t want to be the first. To gauge the experience level of your prospective psychologist, consider these details: The number of patients that have the same problem as yours. The number of patients that need treatment and are still undergoing treatment. The length of time needed before positive changes are evident. The estimated timeline or length of time that is needed for cases like yours. 3. Can you evaluate if the treatment is working for me?  Some patients want honest answers to how they are doing, whether they’re doing well or not. Be bold enough to ask these questions to identify psychologists who are honest: Along the treatment, will you tell me if I’m doing well or not? Will you point out if there are changes? How will you gauge my changes? Will you be direct about it or will you wait for the entire treatment to be done before giving your evaluations?  4. What is your area of expertise?  Knowing the theoretical orientation of your potential psychologist helps you decide whether you’re seeking the right one or not. Psychologists have different expertise which requires different approaches. Here are questions to help you identify the right psychologist for your problem: What is your area of focus? How long have you been working on your expertise? Do you have any credentials to support your claim? Do you regularly attend seminars or training to further your knowledge? Do you rely solely on your knowledge when treating a patient or do your research to find more about it?  5. What is your availability?  It is essential to know the availability of your therapist, especially if your case needs constant support and advice from your psychologist. Ask them these questions to see if they can be reachable: Can I call you anytime? If not, what times of the day and night can I call you? How can I reach you? Do you have a separate emergency contact number? Can you keep me up to date if you will be away for a long time?  6. Can we be friends?  Your psychologist must maintain a professional yet distant relationship with you. Remember that you need professional help, not a friend. Consider it a red flag when their answers to these questions are a yes: Can I hang out with you during your free time? Can you add me up on my social media accounts? Do you have friends from your patients’ list? Conclusion  Having someone to vent out your problems is different from having a psychological therapy. It is important to seek professional help when you know you are suffering from within. But to be treated effectively needs the right psychologist. Bear the difficulty of finding the right one then go to an exhausting treatment process that will not help you. When you know you are in good hands, chances are you will be healed in time. There are multiple ways you can adopt to cure your patients. Read Also: Art Activities For Stress Relief The Role Of Nutrition Therapy In Eating Disorder Treatment

READ MOREDetails