Diane, Author at Cherokee Women's Health

Both Ann and I are early risers. Since the first days of our marriage, we have sat most mornings in the darkness before dawn, talking together and enjoying our morning coffee. It’s my favorite part of the day. Communication is the foundation of any healthy relationship, and I have been blessed with a spouse whose conversation I (usually) find interesting. But last month, that suddenly changed. No longer was Ann the scintillating woman to whom I had been married for over twenty years. Almost overnight, she had become… Boring. As a rule, our morning “coffee talks” have held my interest. The topics of conversation range from thought-provoking spiritual insights to friendly verbal fencing that leaves us both laughing. I was worried. Why did my wife suddenly seem so dull? Secretly I pondered possible causes. Maybe I had fallen victim to a low-grade, sub-symptomatic virus. Could being bored by your loved ones be a symptom of the swine flu? Indeed, a virus would explain the fatigue and irritability I was experiencing throughout my work day, tempering even my usual enthusiasm for practicing medicine. But on the other hand, a virus didn’t seem to fit, because overall I remained fairly healthy. Besides, I had already received my vaccinations. Then the headaches began. Each time a patient of mine suffers from a new pain, my underlying concern is cancer. Likewise, I worried about myself. Was this the first symptom of a brain tumor? But just as I was entertaining the idea of getting a CAT scan, an even more disturbing diagnosis occurred to me. Maybe I was having a Midlife Crisis. A midlife crisis is no laughing matter. I have watched friends and patients suffer through these things, and I’ve read about celebrities’ lives ruined as tabloids expose every last detail of their midlife indiscretions. A midlife crisis seemed an even worse possibility than a brain tumor. When you are confused about yourself, about the meaning of your life, when you have no connection with the higher purpose for your existence, you can make bad decisions that cause a great deal of pain down the road. I was reasonably certain I was not having an extramarital affair. But Tiger Woods took me by surprise, too, so I guess you never know. I was thinking about checking my cell phone records just to make sure. But before I did, one last diagnosis occurred to me – a diagnosis that could explain every one of the symptoms I was experiencing. But I just couldn’t imagine Ann would betray me in this way. Sadly, when I confronted her, she had to confess. Clandestinely, Ann had changed my morning coffee to decaf. It was an outrage! A tumult of conflicting emotions washed over me: anger, relief, disbelief – and then concern. Is it possible my marital relationship is not based upon love, respect and admiration – but rather on caffeine? Was my wife the source of my morning happiness – or was it Starbucks? As a physician, I endeavor to be a role model for my patients. I can say with certainty that couples who make time for each other – even if it comes with coffee – grow healthier marriages than those that don’t. Certainly decaffeinated coffee is healthier for you than the hi-octane I prefer. But the way I see it, divorce is not healthy either – particularly from a loving, supportive – albeit surreptitious – spouse such as mine. So Ann and I have since compromised on the coffee, now brewing half-caffeinated, half- decaf in the mornings. And even with this diluted morning mix, my marriage has never been better. I just make sure I drink two cups. -Dr. Mike Litrel

Dr. Litrel's Blog

Pregnancy is Tough on Husbands

Diane /

The other day I saw a pregnant patient whose ultrasound showed a healthy baby the size of a peanut, tiny heart beating rapidly. My patient’s young husband stood nearby with a happy grin on his face, clutching the photos of his unborn child. The expectant mother was smiling too, but she obviously didn’t feel well. I asked her what was wrong. “I’m nauseous,” she answered. “And no matter what I do, I – belch all day long.” “Oh my gosh, Doctor, does she ever!” her husband chimed in, his smile fading. “You’ve got to help her!” “She’s pretty miserable, I imagine.” I observed. “It’s not just that,” he explained. “She belches during mealtime. Breakfast, lunch, dinner…it’s making me sick!” Eyebrows knitted, he placed a hand on his stomach as the memory of unpleasant mealtime sounds brought a green hue to his complexion. His wife nodded her head sympathetically. “Yeah, he’s really having a tough time,” she said seriously. Once again, I was reminded why I like taking care of women more than I do men. I have seen women sometimes embody a selflessness akin to Divine Love. It’s rewarding to give them the medical care they so often postpone while taking care of others. But I’d be a liar if I didn’t admit some empathy with the young husband, too. My marriage was wonderful before Ann became pregnant. All that female generosity, focused like a laser beam right on me: meals, laundry, a clean house, even someone willing to listen to all my boring conversation and pretend to be interested. All that changed when Ann got pregnant. Ann suffered profound nausea – off and on all day, every day. This was confusing. Something called “morning sickness” should end by noontime, no? I was a recent med school graduate in my first year of OB/GYN residency, knee-deep studying the physiology of pregnancy. The 20th edition of Williams Obstetrics clearly stated that “this so called morning sickness of pregnancy usually commences during the early part of the day but passes in a few hours…” Obviously Ann wasn’t reading the same textbooks I was. I informed Ann that although no one knows what causes the nausea or what purpose it serves, it’s a sign of a healthy pregnancy. Hunched over clutching the toilet bowl, she didn’t seem appropriately reassured. As a young husband with a pretty, talented wife, I had become accustomed to being surrounded with beauty and the sounds of music in our home. Not to sounds of retching. I remember this was a tough time in our married life. Nevertheless, I tried my very best to encourage Ann, and despite my youth, made sure I was extra solicitous and loving in my communications with her… “Sweetheart, what’s for dinner? “Sweetheart, do I have any clean underwear? “Sweetheart, does this tie match this shirt?” In retrospect, I can see that my early approach to husbandly love had a few limitations. But I was genuinely befuddled. What happened to the rosy, happy glow of motherhood I had been expecting… you know, the one that graces all those pregnancy magazine covers? I was pretty sure that the fairy tale of marriage didn’t include the beautiful princess running to the bathroom, hand covering her mouth just as the prince was sitting down to enjoy his supper. Ann threw up one last time the day before her cesarean section. She was at work and made sure not to bother anyone. The next morning I stood beside her in the operating room as one of my obstetrics professors removed our son from her uterus. Tyler’s cries soon filled the operating room. The surgical team focused all efforts on stopping Ann’s bleeding. As a young surgeon, I knew the blood pouring from her body was par for the course. But there was still a lot of it. I looked at my beautiful wife as the surgeons were closing her abdomen. Ann smiled at me weakly. It had been a tough nine months. I suppose it had been rough on her, too. Understanding how much mothers and wives sacrifice, compared to what we husbands offer, is one of the stepping stones toward manhood. A boy thinks first of himself and expects others to give to him again and again. There are plenty of smiling boys with grey hair who remain self-centered and are certainly unhappy. A man appreciates what he has been given, understands what God wants – and dedicates himself to giving to those around him. It’s an uphill walk, but it’s the path we climb to happiness and fulfillment. -Dr. Mike Litrel

Pain, Pain Go Away

Diane /

Severe pelvic pain can keep women from enjoying family outings, spending time with friends, shopping, sleeping, and other daily activities. The type of pain varies from woman to woman, but includes pain that ranges from mild to severe, pain that ranges from dull to sharp, severe cramping during periods, pain during sex, or pain when you urinate or have a bowel movement. What’s Causing Your Pelvic Pain? There are a variety of causes for chronic pelvic pain, including: What You Can Do to Ease Pelvic Pain If you’re experiencing any type of pain described above, your OB/GYN will do a complete pelvic exam at your next visit to look for problems with your reproductive system. To help ease pelvic pain at home in the meantime, try one or more of the following: Seek Help From Your OB/GYN At Cherokee Women’s Health, we strive to offer the best solutions for women’s health. If you’re currently suffering from pelvic pain, call us at 770.720.7733 or schedule an appointment with one of our doctors for diagnosis and treatment.

Ablation Education, GYN Problems

Do You Suffer From Heavy Periods?

Diane /

Normal menstruation occurs for 4-5 days, totals 2-3 tablespoons and occurs every 25-31 days. If those numbers don’t sound like your regular periods, you could be suffering from menorrhagia, the medical term for menstrual periods in which bleeding is abnormally heavy or prolonged. “Heavy periods” refers to more than just heavy bleeding and can greatly impact a woman’s day-to-day activities. Heavy Bleeding Symptoms Heavy bleeding symptoms can include the following: An Ablation Can Help Heavy Bleeding In many cases, Cherokee Women’s Health Specialists can treat heavy bleeding with a procedure called an ablation, a 10-minute procedure that will greatly reduce or sometimes eliminate your menstrual flow completely. There are a variety of techniques for ablations. Our office treats abnormal menstrual bleeding using the following procedures: Novasure – A procedure performed with bipolar electric surgery with the guidance of an ultrasound. This procedure reduces the lining of the uterus using either sub-zero temperatures or heat.HTA Hydrothermal Ablation – This procedure uses a hot water treatment.Cryoblation – This procedure uses a freezing technique to destroy the endometrial tissue. Ablations are most often performed in our Canton office but may also be performed at the hospital. This recent treatment for heavy periods has made a huge difference in the lives of many of our patients. Our physicians and advanced practice providers feel it is one of the best examples of an effective use of modern technology to improve a woman’s overall sense of well-being. If you have menstrual bleeding so heavy that you dread your period, schedule an appointment online or call us at 770.720.7733 to talk with one of our doctors.

Vaginal Rejuvenation, Vaginal Rejuvenation Education

Dr. Litrel Says “Consider the Doctor” When Choosing a Surgeon for Vaginal Rejuvenation

Diane /

Double board-certified OB/GYN Dr. Michael Litrel of Cherokee Women’s Health Specialists is an expert surgeon, performing Vaginal Rejuvenation and reconstructive GYN surgeries in the Atlanta area. Vaginal Rejuvenation surgery is an option for women who suffer from a variety of issues, including changes due to childbirth, sexual activity, or the natural aging process. However, not all surgeons are trained to perform these delicate surgeries and he cautions women on the importance of choosing the right type of surgeon to perform the procedures. Why is Vaginal Rejuvenation Surgery Performed? Vaginal Rejuvenation is performed for two reasons. One of them is to restore sensation, which may be reduced due to childbirth. In this procedure, the natural shape and size of a woman’s vagina is restored to the shape it was prior to having sex or to the shape it was after sex but prior to childbirth. The other reason for vaginal rejuvenation is to improve the outward aesthetics of the vagina, which is often done by removing excess skin. If a woman’s considering vaginal rejuvenation, it’s important that she understand the surgeon’s ability to improve and correct both the aesthetics as well as the inside of a woman’s body. Having personally seen this surgery performed by cosmetic surgeons, Dr. Litrel says that while the outward appearance may be improved, oftentimes nothing is done to correct the internal damage. “That’s likely because they simply don’t have the training. Decreased sensation and pelvic reconstruction are primary reasons for having this surgery and because correcting these issues involve surgically reconstructing the anatomy, it’s imperative that women choose a surgeon with extensive experience and training.” See if Vaginal Rejuvenation is Right For You If you’re interested in making an appointment to discuss vaginal rejuvenation surgery options with Dr. Litrel or one of our other board-certified OB/GYNs, please call us at 770.721.6060.

Pap Smears, Well Woman

10 Things To Discuss With Your Gynecologist

Diane /

Regular communication with your gynecololgist is essential for maintaining good reproductive health. If you notice any “out of the ordinary” changes in your health, it’s important to bring them up during your appointments. Here are ten key issues you should always discuss with your gynecologist: Heavy Menstrual Bleeding: If your periods have become significantly heavier, this could be caused by various factors, including hormonal imbalances, the onset of menopause, uterine fibroids, cervical or endometrial polyps, pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), or even bleeding disorders. Informing your physician about your bleeding history and symptoms will help them perform the necessary tests and recommend appropriate treatments. Urinary Leakage During Exercise: Many women experience involuntary leakage of urine when exercising or laughing, which they may dismiss as a normal part of aging. However, this can often be linked to the strength of the pelvic floor, which may be affected by pregnancy, childbirth, or excess weight. Your OB/GYN can suggest effective treatments, such as Kegel exercises, which can help alleviate these symptoms. Feeling Like Your Bladder Has Fallen: Some women may describe sensations of pressure or pain in the pelvic area, which could indicate a condition known as pelvic organ prolapse. If you experience these symptoms, your doctor can evaluate your condition and may recommend pelvic floor strengthening exercises, the use of a pessary device, or even surgical options if necessary. Family History of Female Cancers: While only 5 to 15 percent of cancers are inherited, a family history of cancer in the female reproductive organs is worth discussing with your OB/GYN. They can recommend appropriate screenings and suggest lifestyle changes—such as dietary adjustments and regular exercise—to help minimize your risk. Abnormal Pap Smear Results: About 10% of Pap smear results may indicate some abnormality, which could suggest infections or other conditions like HPV or dysplasia. While most abnormalities do not indicate a serious issue, it’s important to follow up with your doctor for further evaluation and monitoring. Pain During Intercourse: Experiencing pain during sex can be distressing and may be a symptom of various underlying issues. It’s important to discuss the history of this pain with your doctor, whether it’s a new development or a long-standing problem. A thorough examination can help determine the cause and appropriate treatment. Breast Lumps: Most breast lumps—about 80 to 90%—are benign, especially in women under 40. However, any breast lump should be evaluated by a doctor, especially if accompanied by symptoms like nipple discharge or changes in the breast’s appearance. Your doctor may recommend further tests, such as a biopsy, if necessary. Severe Menstrual Pain: Dysmenorrhea, or painful periods, is a common issue among women and is often the leading cause of missed school or work for younger women. While this pain is rarely indicative of serious problems, discussing it with your doctor can help rule out any abnormalities and provide pain management options. Frequent Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs): Symptoms such as pain, burning during urination, and urgency may suggest recurrent UTIs, often caused by E. Coli bacteria. Your doctor can perform a urine culture to identify the bacteria and recommend the appropriate treatment. Non-Surgical Tubal Ligation Options: If you’re considering permanent birth control but want to avoid surgery, there are non-surgical options available. A device can be inserted into the fallopian tubes through a simple office procedure, effectively serving as an irreversible contraceptive solution. Discuss this with your OB/GYN to see if it’s suitable for you. We’re Here to Help Open communication with your gynecologist about these topics is vital for maintaining your health and well-being. Don’t hesitate to voice any concerns or changes you’ve noticed with your OB/GYN. Your health is important, and yowe’re here to support you. To make an appointment, call us at 770.720.7733 or simply schedule an appointment online.

Well Woman

The Body and Soul of Modern Medicine

Diane /

PRESS RELEASE Date: March 2011 Release Date: For Immediate Release Contact: Ann Litrel, Cherokee Women’s Health Specialists LLC 678.640.8217 annlitrel@comcast.net Subject: The Eyes Don’t See – The Faith Factor In Medicine Simply turning on the television or opening a magazine subjects one to a host of advertisements for the latest miracle cure for everything from weight loss to pain relief to removal of wrinkles. But Dr. Mike Litrel of Cherokee Women’s Health Specialists believes that the focus on the physical body is only half the story. “I think the focus in medical school has to be about the body and medicine and what is there, what is obvious,” he says. “But as you grow as a physician, you learn to focus more on who each patient is, as opposed to just what their symptoms are. And you see how “non-medical” factors affect a person’s health: “A destructive relationship can be a component of physical pain in the body. The will to live can bring back a “terminal” patient. Receiving and giving love can actually heal. These ideas are not addressed in the medical literature, but they are easily observable if you have your eyes open.” While modern medicine certainly holds the appeal of a “quick fix,” Dr. Litrel and his colleagues share the philosophy that the best solutions for curing a patient’s symptoms are not always those that include a prescription or a scalpel. “When we see someone in pain who is suffering, we often look at it as some sort of disease, rather than finding out what is really upsetting them,” he says. “Part of maturity is learning to take responsibility, to have the belief that our pain and suffering is a lesson to help us mature.” Dr. Litrel suggests that our society is more about fixing problems than in truly finding solutions. “You look at people – we overeat, we over drink, we take pills,” he says, and many people run to the doctor for something to help alleviate the pain brought on by those actions. But that is simply treating the body, instead of looking at the underlying cause. “Most of the suffering and disease and pain and sorrow is not about the body, it’s about the soul,” he says. While the evolution of medicine and technology has the capability of providing relief to symptoms, Dr. Litrel prefers to learn what is important to the individual, allowing them to be partners in their own wellness so that they can accomplish the goals that are important to them. “The point of medicine,” he says, “is to help the body live longer so the soul can accomplish its purpose. We all have a reason to be here.” Dr. Mike Litrel is the author of “The Eyes Don’t See What the Mind Don’t Know: A Physician’s Journey to Faith,” a collection of inspirational stories and medical “miracles” detailing a physician’s journey of faith in the world of modern medicine. Articles and information contained herein are provided for media use and general reference. You may quote or share articles, provided you do so verbatim and with attribution to our website. If you quote one of our articles on a website, please link to the article on this site. Thank you.

pr-jorge-lense-performing-sils-hysterectomy

GYN Problems

Local Doctor Explains Hysterectomy Option on “The Doctors”

Diane /

In the ever-changing world of women’s health, one Georgia gynecologist is making great strides in minimizing the pain, recovery time and trauma associated with a hysterectomy by refining Single Incision Laparoscopic Surgery (SILS™) as a viable alternative to traditional surgery, and he is sharing his knowledge on the popular medical television program, “The Doctors” in March. Dr. Jorge Lense, a one-time partner in the OB/GYN practice of Cherokee Women’s Health Specialists in Woodstock and Canton, Georgia, recognized the potential of the SILS™ procedure in women’s surgery, providing a minimally invasive option for women suffering from such afflictions as uterine fibroid tumors, endometriosis and uterine prolapse – the top three conditions for which surgical removal of the uterus is recommended. The relatively new SILS™ technology was originally developed to treat patients with gall stones and appendicitis, but the procedure holds considerable potential in the treatment of a host of conditions for which surgeons traditionally perform a multiple-entry abdominal laparoscopic procedure. Dr. Lense recognized the potential to reduce scarring, trauma and recovery time by using the SILS technology to perform hysterectomies, and he has spent much of his time introducing the technique to medical professionals across the country and around the globe. “Because it utilizes just a single small port through the belly button, (SILS™ ) really represents a whole new level of capabilities in the field of surgery,” Dr. Lense says. SILS™ now provides a fourth surgical option for hysterectomy, including traditional laparoscopic hysterectomy, abdominal (“open”) hysterectomy and vaginal hysterectomy, allowing women a less-invasive alternative for their treatment needs.

Well Woman

Diet and Emotional Health

Diane /

More and more medical studies are linking nutrition to our emotional health and sense of well-being -and even to traditional psychological diagnoses. The areas under study include: Adult ADHD, poor concentration, sleeplessness Clinical depression and fatigue, lack of energy Mood swings and irritability Feel Like Yourself Again The first step toward feeling better is a complete physical exam. The goal is to rule out any underlying physical problems that may be affecting your hormone levels and your energy. Call us to schedule this initial, important complete physical exam. The next step begins with nutrition and lifestyle. We will work with you one-on-one to design a nutrition program that will work for you, with simple lifestyle improvements that will make a difference. Programs include: Easy guidelines for good nutrition that will improve your overall energy and sense of well-being. Nutritional supplements and approaches if you would like a medically supervised program to come off of anti-depressants. Easy exercise tips that you can work into a busy lifestyle. Make an Appointment A consultation will allow you to work together with a provider to design a simple, healthy program that will work for you. Schedule your appointment today. Call 770.720.7733.

Pregnancy Tips

Diane /

A growing body of evidence links nutrition and environment during a woman’s pregnancy to the health and learning abilities of her children. The areas under study include: Children’s behavioral and learning disabilities, including autism and ADHD Child onset depression and emotional health Weight problems in children. Having a Healthy Baby Our physicians and advanced practice providers will work with you one-on-one to design a nutrition program that will work for you, with simple lifestyle improvements that will make your pregnancy healthy for you and your baby. Programs include: Easy guidelines for good nutrition for you and your baby Making sense of nutritional supplements during pregnancy Safe exercise tips that you can work into a busy lifestyle. Make an Appointment A consultation will allow you to work with one our highly qualified physicians and advanced practice providers to design an individual, simple, healthy meal plan that will work for you. Call 770.720.7733 and let our patient representative know that you’d like a pregnancy nutrition consultation.

Menopause and Hormone Therapy

Menopause Management

Diane /

Changes in a woman’s reproductive hormones, beginning as early as her twenties, can cause disruptive symptoms. Common complaints include irritability, hot flashes, insomnia, loss of sexual desire, decreased concentration, difficulty with relationships, anxiety, unhappiness – and a myriad of other problems. We often see these problems being misdiagnosed as psychiatric disorders by other doctors, with the initiation of powerful medications that can bring about their own set of side effects. As a general rule it’s better to avoid medication, particularly medication that changes the neurochemistry of your brain. Natural Hormone Replacement Many times an imbalance of hormones is the culprit, and thus we offer our patients natural hormone replacement. The word hormone sometimes generates fear because of the negative press regarding hormones causing cancer. However, the hormones implicated in causing cancer tend to be synthetic hormones rather than natural hormones – without hormones, life would not be possible. In addition to Hormone balancing, we often find our patients suffering because of problems with life balancing. There are many demands associated with being a woman; sometimes it’s the choices we are making in life that are causing our symptoms, not a biological deficiency. At Cherokee Women’s Health Specialists, we try to find the cause of the problem rather than just treat the symptom. We listen to your concerns, perform a careful physical exam and laboratory testing to help identify the sources of discomfort, and specialize in natural treatment options that are safe and beneficial.

Nutrition and Weight Loss

Food Sensitivity Testing

Diane /

Many common health problems, including certain skin conditions, headaches, chronic fatigue, irritable bowel and more, are caused by food sensitivities. Without proper diagnosis, the root cause of the problem is never treated. People can live for years with a chronic condition that does not respond to medication because drugs simply mask the symptoms while the individual continues to consume the food that is making them sick in the first place. Common Health Problems Created by Food Sensitivities: It can be difficult to pinpoint the triggers since even healthy foods can cause adverse reactions in sensitive individuals. On top of that, symptoms may not appear for hours or even days after the food is consumed. You may also have a reaction once, then consume the same food but not have the same reaction. This can be caused by consuming different doses, or even different combinations of foods that each cause sensitive reactions. Understanding what’s causing your symptoms is crucial. Make an appointment with a provider who specializes in food sensitivity testing.

Author name: Diane

A Midlife Crisis

Pregnancy is Tough on Husbands

Pain, Pain Go Away

Do You Suffer From Heavy Periods?

Dr. Litrel Says “Consider the Doctor” When Choosing a Surgeon for Vaginal Rejuvenation

10 Things To Discuss With Your Gynecologist

The Body and Soul of Modern Medicine

Local Doctor Explains Hysterectomy Option on “The Doctors”

Diet and Emotional Health

Pregnancy Tips

Menopause Management

Food Sensitivity Testing

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