RE: Medical procedure "Paracentesis"
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Hello @anaestrada12,
Your article caught my eye because I've had some experience with ascites. The first time I experienced this, a rather ignorant and ill-mannered physician suggested I was an alcoholic. The next time I had it, the doctors suspected obstruction or vasculitis.
Happily, on both occasions the event was acute, sudden onset, and resolved spontaneously. CT scans were a big help in getting to an underlying cause. I would think this would be the first step in any attempt to diagnose and treat. While the pain is significant in a patient with acute ascites, CT scans help to clear up the picture. Though paracentesis is relatively safe, still there is risk. (I am never eager to have someone stick a large needle in any part of my body haha)
The CT scans were extremely helpful afterwards, as doctors tried to assess what was causing these acute episodes. We--they and I--wanted to understand how to prevent future episodes and also to understand how to proceed safely if these occurred again.
I know your blogs are written for practitioners, but I hope you know that patients are also your readers. As a patient, I view my role in any treatment plan as collaborative. The doctor may know more, but well-written articles (such as yours) help patients to take an active role in formulating treatment plans.
Thank you for this information. Very valuable to all.
Greetings @agmoore2 thanks for the article, every patient is different, every pathology is different, and not all behaviors are the same, and of course every study that is requested has its indications in your case that only tomographic studies were necessary.
:)
Yes, I was lucky. I had excellent medical care (mostly) before, during and after my episodes. Very grateful for that.