Diane, Author at Cherokee Women's Health - Page 15 of 59
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Author name: Diane

woman with endometriosis
Endometriosis Education, GYN Problems

Endometriosis – Shannon’s Story of a Hidden Disease

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The hidden pain of endometriosis refers to the fact that it often goes undiagnosed or misdiagnosed for years. It’s a chronic condition that affects millions of women worldwide. Shannon is a 21-year old who lived with the hidden pain and confusion of endometriosis until she finally received the diagnosis. Her journey highlights the urgent need for increased awareness and better support for women battling this condition. Shannon Talks About the Silent Struggle Shannon’s teenage years were overshadowed by excruciating menstrual cramps, fatigue, and a constant sense of discomfort. Despite voicing her concerns to multiple doctors, her pain was dismissed as “normal” menstrual symptoms or attributed to stress and anxiety. Shannon, like many other young women, struggled to find answers and relief, as her pleas for help were met with skepticism and indifference. As Shannon entered her early twenties, her symptoms worsened. She found herself frequently bedridden during her periods, unable to participate in social activities or focus on her studies. Endometriosis Unveiled She was determined to find answers. Shannon sought out Cherokee Women’s Health Specialists and met with Dr. Ansley Stone who is well-versed in endometriosis. This marked a turning point in her life. After Dr. Stone conducted a thorough examination and diagnostic tests, Shannon received the long-awaited diagnosis of endometriosis. The condition occurs when tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside the womb, leading to chronic pain, infertility, and a host of other symptoms. Endometriosis affects women of all ages, yet it often remains undiagnosed for an average of 7 to 10 years, causing immense physical and emotional distress. Relief Mixed With Frustration With the diagnosis finally in hand, Shannon experienced a whirlwind of emotions. On one hand, relief flooded over her—she finally had a name for her suffering. On the other hand, she realized the extent to which endometriosis had disrupted her life, from missed opportunities to strained relationships. Shannon’s story resonates with countless others who have faced a similar battle against the unseen foe that is endometriosis. Regaining Her Life With the Right Support Endometriosis is a complex condition that requires a multidimensional approach to treatment. Dr. Stone devised a comprehensive plan for Shannon that included pain management strategies, hormonal therapy, and, as in some cases, surgical intervention to remove the endometrial tissue. With the right support system, Shannon was able to regain some control over her life. Raising Awareness and Empowering Women Shannon’s journey serves as a powerful reminder of the urgent need to raise awareness about endometriosis. Many women suffer silently, unaware that their pain is not normal and that there are treatment options available. It is crucial to find a doctor that has received the education and training to recognize the signs and symptoms of endometriosis, enabling him or her to provide accurate diagnoses and timely intervention. Furthermore, society must foster an environment of understanding and support for women battling this condition. By debunking the misconceptions surrounding endometriosis, we can empower women to seek the help they deserve and encourage research into better treatments, diagnostic tools, and ultimately, a cure. Shannon helps to shed light on the often-overlooked pain and suffering caused by this chronic condition. It’s important to raise awareness, advocate for improved healthcare, and support those living with endometriosis. Together, we can bring an end to the silent struggle and ensure a brighter future for women like Shannon. Our OB/GYNs are Women’s Health Experts If you’re experiencing pain or cramps or suspect something besides ‘normal’ period pain, call us at 770.720.7733 or request an appointment online. Our physicians are here to help.

Vaginal Rejuvenation photo of patient
Robin's Vaginal Rejuvenation Journey Articles, Vaginal Rejuvenation Patient Stories

Robin’s Vaginal Rejuvenation Journey – Part 7

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Following is Robin’s story in her own words. She’s a patient who decided to get vaginoplasty after having 12 pregnancies. She shares her experience with meeting Dr. Litrel, the procedure and how her life has changed as a result. See Robin’s accompanying video. 18 Months After Vaginal Rejuvenation Surgery It’s been a year and a half since my surgery. I encourage you to go back and listen to all of my videos and/or read my stories. I’ve been honest, and this is no exception. So, a year and a half later, I can hold my pee longer than all of my friends. That is so crazy to say, but I don’t go to the bathroom anymore. My bladder is doing great, and I’m so thankful for that. My sex life is through the roof, people, through the roof! My husband said he got a new bride, and he didn’t even have to get remarried! I’m so thankful for that. The tightness is incredible. I don’t know how to say that without being too blunt, but I went from a size four to a size one. Yes, one! It’s been a lot of fun stretching and getting to know each other again. I can’t believe they can do this with technology, but they did it. VR is So Worth It! I have nine children, and I’ve birthed six children, had several miscarriages, and a stillbirth, so my body has been through a lot. It’s so worth it to have the surgery. I never would have dreamed that I would feel this great at 53. It’s like being on a honeymoon this past year, and my husband and I are still getting used to having sex again together because it’s so new for me and for him also. I mean, he got me again! It’s been so much fun. The recovery was not bad at all. It was so worth it, and the whole bladder attack was worth it. I Encourage You to Take Care of Yourself I encourage you to go out and take care of yourself, get a couple of things done this year, and then next year get something else done to keep yourself looking good and fresh. That’s what I’ve committed to do. I may not do a whole lot, but I’m going to do something every year to kind of make myself look fresh, to feel fresh, so that I can continue to be active way up into my 70s and 80s. You know, we have covered bridges here in Aniana, Alabama and every year they close the bridges to make sure that they’re okay so that you can go across them. I want to encourage you women: we do a lot, a lot of things happen to our bodies through the years, and I just want to encourage you to take care of yourself. Close it off for a month or so, go have surgery, go talk to Dr. Litrel or the doctors at Cherokee Women’s Health and see what they can do to make you feel better about yourself. The entire staff is incredible, and Dr. Litrel has my heart and my husband’s heart. I encourage you to go and talk to him. Thank you so much for being on this journey with me. I hope that I’ve helped just one person.

vaginal rejuvenation robin white photo
Robin's Vaginal Rejuvenation Journey Articles, Vaginal Rejuvenation Patient Stories

Robin’s Vaginal Rejuvenation Journey – Part 6

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Following is Robin’s story in her own words. She’s a patient who decided to get vaginoplasty after having 12 pregnancies. She shares her experience with meeting Dr. Litrel, the procedure and how her life has changed as a result. See Robin’s accompanying video. Eight Weeks After Vaginal Rejuvenation Surgery I am here with Dr. Litrel, and I am happy to report that my recovery has been a success. After eight weeks, two days, and approximately 36 minutes, I am ready to be released. Dr. Litrel confirms that I am in great shape, and everything went according to plan. Regarding my appearance, Dr. Litrel believes I look perfect, which makes me very happy. I wanted to share this news with you all first, and we will catch up later after my honeymoon. Speaking of my honeymoon, I am excited to share an update with all the ladies. Since my surgery, I have fully healed with no complications whatsoever, except for feeling tight in my vagina. I consider this a benefit, rather than a complication. VR Has Changed My Life The surgery has changed my life, my marriage, and my confidence level. Despite being an active coach in my church, a wife for 28 years, a mom to nine children, and a grandma to two beautiful girls, I aim to stay healthy and maintain a healthy body. I eat clean, do keto, drink water, and exercise five to six times a week. Having a tight vagina and a healthy body have given me much confidence as a woman and a wife. My husband and I have great sex now, and it’s exciting to have that part of my life back. It has been a process, but a fun one! I Can Now Exercise ‘Without Peeing Myself’ and So Many More Benefits I can now exercise without worrying about peeing myself and I can now run more than a few miles without having to use the restroom. I also slept all night last night, which is a big improvement for my 52-year-old bladder. The benefits of surgery are numerous, and I am excited to see how it will benefit my body in the future. I would recommend this surgery to anyone, but especially older women who want to take control of their health and be happy in their golden years. Thank you for listening, and I will talk to you later. Read Part 7 of Robin’s Story – 18 Months Later

Vaginal Rejuvenation Robin White photo
Robin's Vaginal Rejuvenation Journey Articles, Vaginal Rejuvenation Patient Stories

Robin’s Vaginal Rejuvenation Journey – Part 5

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Following is Robin’s story in her own words. She’s a patient who decided to get vaginoplasty after having 12 pregnancies. She shares her experience with meeting Dr. Litrel, the procedure and how her life has changed as a result. See Robin’s accompanying video. Looking at Myself Down There There’s something I haven’t told you guys yet, and it’s that I finally took a look at myself after years of being too ashamed to do so. I realized that I didn’t know my own body very well because I had been so self-conscious. To my surprise, I discovered that I don’t know who she is! I mean, my own body looks different to me now. Making My Husband Wait I’m pretty sure my husband will freak out when he sees me. We’re planning to go on a second honeymoon to celebrate and make this time special. I won’t let him see me until then, but I know he’s going to be amazed. I’ll be 52 in a couple of months, and ‘she’ looks brand new — no wrinkles or anything. It’s like hitting an all-inclusive resort in the middle of a war! I’m so excited for this fresh start. A True Milestone My husband and I haave been together for 30 years, have raised kids, and this is like a bonus milestone for us. We’re already talking and laughing and just looking forward to the time when we can enjoy each other again! Read Part 5 of Robin’s Story

Episode 4 Robin's VR Journey Photo
Robin's Vaginal Rejuvenation Journey Articles, Vaginal Rejuvenation Patient Stories

Robin’s Vaginal Rejuvenation Journey – Part 4

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Following is Robin’s story in her own words. She’s a patient who decided to get vaginoplasty after having 12 pregnancies. She shares her experience with meeting Dr. Litrel, the procedure and how her life has changed as a result. See Robin’s accompanying video. Day After Surgery The surgery was yesterday I’ve been napping on and off as per doctor’s orders and taking pain medication. I’m also icing for the first 24 hours to reduce swelling and help with pain control. I’m taking stool softeners and eating light foods like eggs to avoid anything hard on my stomach. So far, everything is going great. I don’t feel much pain right now, just taking it easy. Later that day, around 4 PM, my pain level was about a 1 on a scale of 1-10, so it seemed the anesthesia was wearing off, but it wasn’t too bad. Dr. Litrel has been texting me two or three times a day to make sure I’m okay. My husband has been taking good care of me, and I’m using some products that have made a significant difference, especially the water bottle for an ice pack. It fits comfortably between my legs, and it has been amazing. Two Days After Surgery On the second day, my pain levels were very manageable. I felt some pressure down there from the packing, but overall, I slept great and have been icing 24/7. I’m using ice packs, which have been amazing. I’m having breakfast in bed and watching some TV, just resting again today. Three Days After Surgery On Sunday morning, I was heading back home and felt grateful to see my kids and finish my recovery process at home. Yesterday was filled with ice, ice, ice, and pain medication. My doctor was with me the whole time, texting me and making sure I was okay. I’ll keep updating you. Five Days After Surgery On Tuesday, I was feeling wonderful, just taking pain medication, icing, and resting. I felt great, and my pain level was zero. Dr. Litrel said this would be the turning point, and he was right. I was feeling great, still taking pain meds, watching movies with my kids, and taking it easy. Six Days After Surgery Today is Thursday, and my pain level is zero. I’m feeling great and have more energy. I’m trying to piddle around the house and take it easy. I’ll keep you updated on my progress. Read Part 5 of Robin’s Story

Robin's Vaginal Rejuvenation Journey Articles, Vaginal Rejuvenation Patient Stories

Robin’s Vaginal Rejuvenation Journey – Part 3

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Following is Robin’s story in her own words. She’s a patient who decided to get vaginoplasty after having 12 pregnancies. She shares her experience with meeting Dr. Litrel, the procedure and how her life has changed as a result. See Robin’s accompanying video. Prepping for Surgery I am super excited to have talked to Dr. Litrel a couple of times, and he seems just as thrilled about my upcoming surgery. Today, we have a pre-op appointment at 2:45 PM where we will get the check-in details and perhaps grab a bite to eat. I have been on a three-day cleanse to clean out my stomach, and I probably won’t eat anything tonight to prepare for surgery. Constipation is a common complaint after surgery, so I hope the cleanse helps alleviate that issue. Surgery Day! It’s the morning of surgery, and it’s 4:30 AM. I am waiting on my husband Scott to get ready, as we plan to leave around 5:15 to check into the clinic. I’m a little nervous but I know I’m in good hands. Post-Op It’s been about three hours since I went into surgery and I’m feeling great. Dr. Litrel has just come in to tell me that everything was perfect. All of my vitals are looking good, and he is pleased with the surgery. I’m not in any pain right now, but he has given me lots of pain medication, so I’m sure I’ll need it later. Dr. Litrel says, “People usually don’t experience much pain right after surgery, but I’ll make sure Robin takes some pain meds when she gets to the hotel.” Everything turned out perfectly, and I’ll keep you informed about my pain and recovery process. Read Part 4 of Robin’s Story

Robin vaginal rejuvenation patient part 2
Robin's Vaginal Rejuvenation Journey Articles, Vaginal Rejuvenation Patient Stories

Robin’s Vaginal Rejuvenation Journey – Part 2

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Following is Robin’s story in her own words. She’s a patient who decided to get vaginoplasty after having 12 pregnancies. She shares her experience with meeting Dr. Litrel, the procedure and how her life has changed as a result. See Robin’s accompanying video. Talking to My Husband About Getting VR I talked to my husband and I just said I really want to talk to you about letting someone see if they can help me with how I’m feeling, and it could mean possible surgery. And he said absolutely not. I love you just the way you are. And I don’t want anybody cutting on you. You don’t need to do this for me. And I just had to stop him and say this isn’t for you. This is for me. He said, I really need to think about it. And so I decided to order another contraption. Yes, I did. Do not judge me. It went way up into your legs and you had to squeeze it. It came in and I thought it was just was ridiculous. I really couldn’t do anything with it and I was very discouraged. So I thought, you know what? I’ve got to find help and so I started looking to see if there was someone in my area that did vaginoplasty surgery. But then I thought if I did find someone, would they just want to do a bladder tack, like my other doctor had recommended. I just didn’t want all of that. And I’m not saying it’s not useful. I’m just saying for me, I didn’t want it if I if I didn’t have to have it. So I came across Dr. Litrel from the Atlanta area. I just really liked him. I liked his video. He did one about the pelvic floor and I liked his sincerity. Then I called his office and his scheduler took care of me and answered my questions. I felt like she was my best friend before I got off the phone. She made me feel so at ease and she answered every one of my questions. She made me feel that like, hey, this is okay. You’re going to be OK. And so I hung out with all of my questions answered and I called Scott to let him know what they said. I said, I’m not asking for you to change your mind, but what I am asking is if you would go with me to just have a consultation and talk to the doctor to see if you like him and see if he can answer some questions for me. Scott said if this means this much to you, then yes, absolutely, I’ll do that. So I made the appointment for about three or four days later, and we took off to Atlanta, which is about 3-1/2 hours from our farm. I was so nervous and I just remembered thinking that this could change my life. I mean, this could literally change my life and change the way I feel about myself, and not in a vain way. I mean, it’s not like getting plastic surgery or fake eyelashes. This could really help me heal in ways that I can’t even begin to tell you. We got to Dr. Litrel’s office and I was very nervous. It’s scary talking to someone about how you feel about yourself, and I was already feeling horrible about myself. You know, Dr. Litrel just had no idea what he was getting into when he saw me as a patient, but I just remember feeling hope that I can feel better about myself and that my body could work better. Meeting Dr. Litrel Dr. Litrel comes into the exam room and at first he’s really distracted so I didn’t know if I was going to like him because I wanted someone that was going to look at me and help me to decide what was best for me. And to be honest, Dr. Litrel came in and was all business at first and I thought, okay, I’m not sure this is going to work but I’m I’m willing to give him a try. He gets focused in on me and starts talking to me as a person, and as a woman. I could tell he was sincere. He starts feeling my pelvic area and I was like, gosh, this is so embarrassing. And I was just waiting for him to say I’m sorry, I can’t help you. I mean, I promise you, I was waiting for that! But you what he said next? It changed my heart and changed my life. He said, you’re not that bad. You’re really not that bad. And then he goes on to say, you have great ingredients. Y’all, he told me I had great ingredients! Do you understand what that does to someone who has felt like she has not had great ingredients for so long? I was shocked. He said I can see where you were when you were 18. I can see, you know. I can see this and I can see that. I started to cry because my body has been through so much with 12 pregnancies. And of course, a delivery that didn’t go as planned. He told me that I had a rectocyle. I had never heard of that before, but apparently it’s very common with women who’ve had children. He said, you don’t have to have a lot of children to have this. You can have one child and have a rectocyle. Do you know what that is? I didn’t know what it was but I would have wanted someone to be proactive before I had babies to tell me that this could happen and to be on the lookout for it. But no one did. I’ve seen it before when I have gotten out of the shower or looked at a mirror, so it didn’t surprise me. Dr. Litrel said it’s fixable and

vaginal rejuvenation patient robin
Robin's Vaginal Rejuvenation Journey Articles, Vaginal Rejuvenation Patient Stories

Robin’s Vaginal Rejuvenation Journey – Part 1

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Following is Robin’s story in her own words. She’s a patient who decided to get vaginoplasty after having 12 pregnancies. She shares her experience with meeting Dr. Litrel, the procedure and how her life has changed as a result. See Robin’s accompanying video. Meet Robin Hello everyone, my name is Robin, I am 51 years old and live in Alabama. In two weeks, I will be making the drive to Atlanta, Georgia to meet with my doctor. I am getting a vaginal facelift. Yes, a vaginal facelift. Can you imagine? My husband and I have been married for almost 30 years. We have had 12 children together, but not all of them have survived. We have five children that are living, but we have had a multitude of pregnancies and losses. Finding a Doctor Who Will Truly Listen As I get older, I am very disappointed by the way the healthcare system treats us, especially as we go through perimenopause and menopause. So, I decided to hit the road and find a doctor that would truly listen to me and truly give me what I want without all the extras like a hysterectomy or mesh bladder treatments to hold everything up. I think I found him, and you’re going to love him. I can’t wait to tell you, and I hope to answer some of your questions right now. So, why vaginoplasty? Well, I am 51 years old, and I went to my OB/GYN about five years ago and told him that things weren’t feeling great down there. It was nothing in particular, just a lot of general discomfort that I can’t put my finger on. His response, as he was doing my yearly pap smear, was “Okay, well great. Let’s just do a hysterectomy, a bladder repair, a posterior-anterior repair, and we’ll go ahead and take care of everything.” Whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa. Number one, I didn’t complain about a specific issue. I just knew I had an issue. And here’s this doctor who I’ve loved and respected for as long as my husband. He was my doctor for 30 years, almost as long as I’ve been married. He’s walked our journey with us through our whole reproductive years, and now he’s telling me that the next step is a hysterectomy, bladder tack, and some kind of posterior-anterior repair. I just remember sliding off that table and feeling insecure. From that moment on, I felt really, really bad about myself. So, Why Did I Decide to Get a Vaginal Facelift? So why am I getting a vaginal facelift — or what the medical profession calls a vaginoplasty? How did I know I needed one? Well, I’ve had about 12 kids, 12 pregnancies, lots of miscarriages, and lots of loss in our reproductive years. But in particular, I had a forceps delivery with our fourth child that was very traumatic. I actually had a cracked pelvis, needed 20-something stitches, and couldn’t walk for six weeks. And then it took me a complete six months to heal from that birth. I never wanted to have kids again. It was so bad. But I did go on to have more children. So, I did eventually heal, but I was never quite the same down there. I can’t explain it other than when they use forceps on you, you know it’s going to make things different down there. And I really felt like it did for me. Read Part 2 of Robin’s Story

woman-with-incontinence
GYN Problems

Urinary Incontinence: Problems and Treatments

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Urinary incontinence is a common condition that affects millions of people around the world. It is more prevalent among women than men, and it becomes more common as women age. It can greatly impact a woman’s life, causing her distress and embarrassment. What is Urinary Incontinence? Urinary incontinence is the loss of bladder control resulting in unintentional leakage of urine. It can range from occasional leakage to a complete loss of bladder control. The severity of the condition varies among individuals, with some experiencing minor leaks, while others have a constant flow of urine. It can have a significant impact on a person’s quality of life, leading to embarrassment, social isolation, and even depression. What Causes Urinary Incontinence? Urinary incontinence can be caused by a variety of factors, including: Weak pelvic floor muscles – The muscles that support the bladder and control urination can become weak due to aging, pregnancy, childbirth, and menopause. Neurological disorders – Conditions that affect the nervous system, such as multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, and spinal cord injuries, can interfere with the communication between the brain and bladder. Certain medications – Some medications, such as diuretics and antidepressants, can increase urine production and lead to urinary incontinence. Chronic coughing – Persistent coughing can weaken the pelvic floor muscles and lead to stress incontinence. Obesity – Excess weight can put pressure on the bladder and weaken the pelvic floor muscles. Types of Incontinence There are four types of urinary incontinence: Stress incontinence – This occurs when there is pressure on the bladder, such as during coughing, sneezing, or exercise. Urge incontinence – This occurs when there is a sudden, strong urge to urinate that is difficult to control. Overflow incontinence – This occurs when the bladder doesn’t empty completely, causing urine to leak out. Functional incontinence – This occurs when physical or mental limitations prevent a person from getting to the bathroom in time. Treatment Options The treatment for urinary incontinence depends on the cause and severity of the condition. Here are some common treatment options: Lifestyle changes – Some lifestyle changes can help manage urinary incontinence, such as losing weight, reducing caffeine and alcohol intake, and quitting smoking. Also performing pelvic floor exercises can help to strengthen the pelvic muscles. Medications – There are medications that can help treat urinary incontinence, such as anticholinergics, which relax the bladder muscles, and topical estrogen, which can help restore vaginal tissue. Medical devices – There are medical devices, such as urethral inserts and pessaries, that can be used to support the bladder and prevent urine leakage. Surgery – In severe cases, surgery may be necessary to repair the bladder or urethra. In Summary Urinary incontinence can be a distressing and embarrassing condition, but it is treatable. It’s important to talk to your OB/GYN about your symptoms and explore the various treatment options available. With the right treatment, you can manage your condition and improve your quality of life. Our OB/GYNs Can Help Call us today at 770.720.7733 or schedule an appointment online at either our Canton or Woodstock location.

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OB

Staying Hydrated During Pregnancy: Why It’s So Important

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Staying hydrated during pregnancy is very important. As your baby grows and develops, it’s important to stay healthy and nourished to ensure a healthy pregnancy and a healthy baby. One of the most important things you can do to support your pregnancy is to stay hydrated. Why Is Hydration So Important During Pregnancy? During pregnancy, your body needs more water to support your increased blood volume, the development of your baby, and the extra fluid in your amniotic sac. Drinking enough water can also help prevent constipation and help your body flush out waste products more effectively. Dehydration can cause a range of problems during pregnancy, including: How Much Water Should You Drink During Pregnancy? While the exact amount of water you need will depend on your body size and activity level, most pregnant women should aim to drink at least eight 8-ounce glasses of water each day. However, you may need more if you exercise, live in a hot climate, or are experiencing vomiting or diarrhea. Tips for Staying Hydrated Drinking enough water is essential for a healthy pregnancy, but it can be challenging to stay hydrated when you’re dealing with morning sickness, fatigue, and other pregnancy symptoms. Here are some tips to help you stay hydrated: Staying hydrated during pregnancy is essential for a healthy pregnancy and a healthy baby. Make sure to drink plenty of water, eat water-rich foods, and pay attention to your body’s signals to ensure that you’re getting the hydration you need. Call Us With Questions If you have any concerns or questions about hydration during pregnancy, talk to us at your appointment or give us a call at 770.720.7733 or schedule an appointment online. We can offer guidance and support to help you have a healthy, happy pregnancy.

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