Your heart is a hardworking pump, and one of its most important parts is a tiny flap called the aortic valve. Although it’s only about the size of a quarter, this valve plays a key role in keeping blood flowing the right way, out of your heart and through your body. The role of the aortic valve The aortic valve sits between the heart’s […]
A physical therapist’s experience with joint pain Clay Hammons, a husband, father of four young children and doctor of Physical Therapy, suffered from pain in his arm for years due to a compressed disc in his neck. Once conservativeefforts no longer provided enough relief, he sought advice from a neurosurgeon – and his neighbor – Zain Boghani, MD, with […]
A craniotomy is a procedure where a surgeon removes part of the skull to treat one of manyconditions in the brain. While a craniotomy can be a life-saving procedure, any surgery comes with potential risks and can be daunting. Your life expectancy after a craniotomy depends on several factors. Let’s take a look at the possible outcomes! Why was the craniotomy performed? […]
As a urogynecologist, one of the most common and often anxiety-inducing questions I hear from patients is: “What does a pelvic organ prolapse actually feel like to touch?” It’s a great question and one that deserves a clear and compassionate answer. What is a Pelvic Organ Prolapse? Pelvic organ prolapse (POP) occurs when the muscles and connective tissues of the […]
When someone is diagnosed with cancer, one of the first questions they may ask is: How will it be treated? There are many ways to treat cancer, and surgery is one of the most common options. Surgery has been used to treat cancer for many years. For some people, it is the first and most important step in their treatment […]
Knee replacement surgery can bring much-needed relief to people living with knee pain. If you’re thinking about surgery, you may be wondering how long the results will last. The good news is that most people enjoy many years of improved movement and less pain after knee replacement. Today’s knee implants are built to last longer than ever before. […]
Shoulder pain can make everyday tasks harder. If you’ve been told you need a shoulder replacement or recently had a shoulder replacement, you may be wondering: how long does a shoulder replacement last? The short answer: Most shoulder replacements last 10 to 15 years. Some last even longer, depending on your age, activity level and how well you care for your new joint. Types […]
Are your varicose veins bothering you? You’re not alone — millions of people deal with these twisted, bulging veins, especially in their legs. Let me walk you through what causes them, what to watch for, and how we treat varicose veins at the Northeast Georgia Physicians Group Vein Clinic. What Are Varicose Veins? Varicose veins […]
As a urogynecologist, I’ve dedicated my career to helping women overcome the challenges of pelvic floor disorders. These conditions are often underdiagnosed, misunderstood, and deeply personal. Last summer, on my very first day seeing patients at Northeast Georgia Physicians Group (NGPG), I met Carolyn Johnson, a retired operating room nurse who came in with symptoms of pelvic organ […]
Pancreatitis is an inflammatory condition affecting your pancreas, a small but powerful organ behind your stomach. Your pancreas helps your body digest food and control blood sugar, so when it’s not working right, it can lead to serious, possibly life-threatening health problems. If you’re wondering how to fix pancreatitis, you’re not alone. Many people don’t […]
Hip pain can start as a mild discomfort or come on suddenly. For many people, it starts as a small ache and becomes something that makes everyday tasks feel harder, like walking the dog, getting out of a car or sleeping through the night… or even trying to put your shoes on and tie them! […]
As an OB/GYN, I often meet patients who have been silently suffering with pain for years. They may have painful periods from chronic pelvic pain, or trouble getting pregnant. One of the most common reasons behind these problems is endometriosis. This condition affects an estimated 1 in 10 women of reproductive age in the United […]
In the hallways of East Hall High School in 1959, Jimmy Faulkner and his future wife, Marie, kindled a love that defied the passing decades. For 63 years, their enduring bond weathered life’s storms, welcoming children and grandchildren — only to face its ultimate test in Marie’s heartbreaking struggle with dementia. Her tragic battle became […]
As a general surgeon, I’ve seen countless patients come into the emergency room clutching their abdomen, pale and sweating, convinced they’re having a heart attack. But often, the culprit isn’t the heart—it’s the gallbladder. So, what does a gallbladder attack actually feel like? How to know if you’re having a gallbladder attack Gallbladder attack pain: sharp, sudden, and […]
If you’ve been having neck pain and your doctor has recommended anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF), you likely have many questions – including, “Is ACDF considered major surgery?” ACDF is considered a major surgery due to the complexity of the procedure and the section of the spine in the neck (also called the cervical spine) being a delicate […]
In our daily routines, we don’t typically think about how easily something like a hernia could happen. Yet, it can pop up during the most ordinary of moments. Something as simple as picking up your grandchild or lifting a heavy object at work could lead to a hernia that may even result in needing surgery. Because hernias can develop unexpectedly, it is important to know what not to do if […]
You may have heard of spinal fusion but may not know much about the procedure. While there are some limitations following surgery, there are many benefits that outweigh potential restrictions. What is spinal fusion? Spinal fusion is a procedure that connects two or more vertebrae (bones) in the spine together, essentially creating a single, solid bone. This procedure […]
Carotid endarterectomy (CEA) is a vascular surgery aimed at reducing stoke risk by removing plaque from the carotid arteries. This can be a lifesaving surgery for patients living with carotid artery disease. While the most common complication is stroke, the risk is relatively low and can be managed with careful surgical techniques and postoperative care. Before we go into more depth on carotid endarterectomy, let’s talk […]