I’ve been on Duodart for BPH for awhile now and it does help a bit, but I’ve also been getting some side effects that are quite bothersome. I recently came across steam therapy (Rezum?) and was wondering is it as ...
Experiencing a sensation of your arm freezing or feeling cold during sleep can be attributed to several factors, some more common and benign, and others potentially requiring medical attention. Here are some plausible explanations and considerations: Poor Circulation: Compression of Blood Vessels: WRead more
Experiencing a sensation of your arm freezing or feeling cold during sleep can be attributed to several factors, some more common and benign, and others potentially requiring medical attention. Here are some plausible explanations and considerations:
- Poor Circulation:
- Compression of Blood Vessels: While sleeping, you might lie in a position that compresses the blood vessels in your arm, reducing blood flow and causing your arm to feel cold or numb. This is similar to how limbs “fall asleep” due to temporary nerve compression.
- Underlying Circulatory Issues: Conditions such as peripheral artery disease could affect blood flow to the extremities, leading to a cold sensation.
- Neurological Factors:
- Nerve Compression or Entrapment: Similar to circulation issues, nerves might also be compressed during certain sleeping positions, particularly if the brachial plexus or ulnar nerve is involved.
- Peripheral Neuropathy: Conditions like diabetes or other metabolic disorders can lead to nerve damage, which might contribute to these sensations.
- Environmental Factors:
- Room Temperature: A significantly cool environment while sleeping can lead to extremities feeling cold. If your arm is exposed, it might get colder compared to the rest of your body.
- Bedding: Insufficient bedding or covers that do not adequately retain warmth around your body can also lead to specific areas, like arms, feeling cold.
- Raynaud’s Phenomenon:
- This condition causes blood vessels in extremities like fingers and toes to constrict more than usual, reducing blood flow and leading to a cold sensation. If your arms are affected by Raynaud’s, they might feel abnormally cold during rest.
- Autonomic Dysfunction:
- Some dysregulation in the autonomic nervous system, which controls blood flow and temperature regulation, might cause certain areas to feel cold.
- Optimize Sleeping Position: Ensure that you are not compressing the arm by experimenting with different sleeping positions or using additional pillows for support.
- Adequate Insulation: Ensure your sleeping environment is warm enough and use appropriate bedding to cover all body parts, including arms.
- Medical Evaluation: If this sensation is persistent or accompanied by pain, numbness, or other symptoms upon waking, it would be prudent to seek medical evaluation to rule out underlying circulatory, neurological, or metabolic conditions.
- Lifestyle Modifications: For conditions like Raynaud’s, avoiding cold exposure, reducing stress, and avoiding smoking can help manage symptoms.
Recommendations:
While occasional occurrences might be harmless, recurring symptoms warrant further assessment to ensure there are no underlying health issues affecting your circulation or nerves.
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Duodart, a combination of dutasteride and tamsulosin, is commonly prescribed for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and can be effective in reducing symptoms by decreasing prostate size and relaxing prostatic smooth muscle. However, as you've experienced, side effects such as erectile dysfunction, dRead more
Duodart, a combination of dutasteride and tamsulosin, is commonly prescribed for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and can be effective in reducing symptoms by decreasing prostate size and relaxing prostatic smooth muscle. However, as you’ve experienced, side effects such as erectile dysfunction, decreased libido, and ejaculatory issues can be bothersome for some patients.
Rezum, or steam therapy, is a minimally invasive treatment for BPH that uses water vapor to ablate excess prostate tissue. This procedure is typically performed in an outpatient setting and is designed to relieve urinary symptoms by reducing the size of the prostate. Here are some key points to consider regarding Rezum therapy:
1. Effectiveness: Rezum has been shown to be effective in reducing BPH symptoms, with improvements in urinary flow and symptom scores. Clinical studies have demonstrated significant symptom relief, comparable to some surgical interventions, with a lower risk of serious complications.
2. Durability: The effects of Rezum are generally long-lasting, with many patients experiencing sustained symptom relief for several years. However, as with any treatment, there is a possibility that symptoms may recur over time, and some patients may require additional treatments.
3. Comparison to Surgery: While Rezum is less invasive than traditional surgical options like transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP), it may not be as effective for very large prostates or in cases with severe symptoms. TURP remains the gold standard for surgical intervention, particularly for patients with significant prostate enlargement or complications such as recurrent urinary tract infections or renal impairment.
4. Side Effects and Recovery: Rezum is associated with fewer side effects compared to surgery, with a lower risk of sexual dysfunction and incontinence. Recovery is typically quicker, and most patients can return to normal activities within a few days.
5. Patient Suitability: Rezum is best suited for men with moderate to severe BPH symptoms who prefer a less invasive option and are willing to accept the possibility of needing future treatments. It may not be suitable for those with very large prostates or significant complications.
Before deciding on Rezum or any other treatment, it’s important to discuss your specific symptoms, prostate size, and overall health with your healthcare provider. They can help determine the most appropriate treatment plan based on your individual needs and preferences.
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