Simply the Breast

June 19, 2020 By Cheyenne OBGYN

On average, every day in Wyoming, one person is diagnosed with breast cancer. One day, that person was Lisa Wagner. Lisa is the wife of Dr. Bert Wagner, one of our wonderful providers at Cheyenne OBGYN. Dr. Wagner has served gynecology patients in southeast Wyoming for almost 30 years, and thus has helped many women through their breast cancer journeys, including Lisa.

This year, Dr. and Lisa Wagner are serving as honorary chairs for the 2020 Pink Ribbon Run and Fun. This race is put on by the Wyoming Breast Cancer Initiative as a fundraiser to support Wyoming residents with breast cancer.

The Wyoming Breast Cancer Initiative (WBCI) works to support breast cancer programs within Wyoming, focusing on breast health education. The initiative also assists financially with breast cancer screenings, survivor services, and patient navigation. Since its establishment in 2016, WBCI has granted over $350,000 into projects and breast cancer screening and early detection programs available all across Wyoming.

The WBCI uses several events throughout the year to both raise awareness as well as meet their financial goals for supporting breast cancer programs. One of these is the Wyoming Pink Ribbon Run & Fun. While WBCI typically hosts a run that is held outdoors with teams all decked out in matching tees, COVID-19 has changed the plan just a little bit this year. The run has gone virtual!

Our team at Cheyenne OBGYN will be participating in the Run and Fun this year – we’ve named our team ‘Simply the Breast’. We’d love for you to join us and support the Wyoming Breast Cancer Initiative! Visit wyomingbreastcancer.org for more information.

Lisa Wagner

Dr. Bert Wagner

Health Tips for Moms

May 22, 2020 By Cheyenne OBGYN

At Cheyenne OBGYN, we love moms! Whether new moms or more experienced moms, caring for these amazingly strong women is both a privilege! As we celebrate Mother’s Day this month, we decided to put together a few health tips for all the wonderful mamas out there. Many moms selflessly give to their children and everyone around them, but we want to remind you to put your health first and care for your own body, too!

Take “Me” Time

Running between work, soccer practice, and music lessons, it can be hard to remember to carve out time for yourself! But you deserve to take a break as well. Take yourself out for lunch, get your nails done, or let yourself indulge in a bubble bath. Taking time for yourself is important for your mental health. We all need a minute to relax and take a break from the stresses of everyday life.

Get Some Exercise!

Make it a priority to get some exercise. Whether you love lifting weights in the gym or taking quick walks around the neighborhood, movement is good for the body and the mind! It is recommended to get at least 30 minutes of exercise every day. You’ll find yourself sleeping better at night. Exercise also keeps our energy levels up during the day, making it easier to power through even the busiest of days.

Eat Right

Easier said than done, we know. But eating a balanced diet is important for your health and can keep your energy levels up, making it easier to live your busy mom life. Don’t skip breakfast – we know you make sure your kids are eating a healthy breakfast each morning, so take care of yourself in the same way! Pack healthy snacks to grab on the go and keep unhealthy things out of the house. Avoiding late night ice cream cravings are easier if it’s not in the house!

Sleep More

Prioritizing your sleep will help you to be a better parent, be more productive at your job, and can reduce your risks for diabetes, heart disease, and obesity. Moms need 7-9 hours of sleep each night to function at their best, so prioritize it!

Be Kind to Yourself

It’s easy to get caught up in the idea that moms have to be perfect all the time and accomplish everything flawlessly, especially with social media – the truth is, that is unrealistic and too much to put on one person. Don’t be so hard on yourself. You’re doing a great job!

Cheyenne OBGYN has been caring for moms for over 40 years. We are honored to care for some of the strongest women in Cheyenne! Prioritize your health and take time for you! We are resuming normal patient operations on Monday, May 18. You can read our COVID-19 Patient Update here or schedule an appointment by calling 307-634-5216.

COVID-19

March 13, 2020 By Cheyenne OBGYN

As part of our mission, Cheyenne OBGYN is dedicated to addressing the concerns of our employees, colleagues, and community with the same values and attentiveness as we do for our patients and families.

We have been closely monitoring the outbreak of the coronavirus (COVID-19), which seems to be evolving daily. We monitor the directives from the World Health Organization (WHO), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Wyoming Department of Health.

For most of the American public, the immediate health risk from COVID-19 is considered low. People who have been in close contact with someone with a confirmed case of COVID-19 and travelers to affected international locations are at elevated risk of exposure.

While research is ongoing, there is currently no vaccine available to prevent coronavirus or medication to cure the infection. Supportive care, including hospitalization and even intensive care as needed, has been used to successfully manage symptoms in many patients.

Symptoms of COVID-19:

Mild to severe respiratory illness, particularly in older people
Sore throat
Fever
Cough
Difficulty breathing

If you have any of these symptoms:

To limit potential exposure to other patients, do not go to your doctor’s office without calling first. We ask that you contact Stitches telemedicine, 307-514-9888 https://stitchescare.com/telemedicine/
If you are instructed to go to a doctor’s office or Emergency Department, notify the front desk staff of your symptoms immediately upon arrival so they can provide you with a mask and isolate you.
Tell your health care provider about any recent travel or contact with people who have traveled internationally.
Your health care provider will work with the Wyoming Department of Health and the CDC to determine if you need to be tested for COVID-19.

Precautions you should take:

Stay at home if you are sick and restrict contact with other people. Even at home, remain at least six feet away from other people while you are sick.

Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.

Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water is not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.

Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
The CDC continues to recommend against the use of face masks for people who do not have symptoms.

For patients who are pregnant:

We know that pregnant women can contract coronavirus, but information on whether or not the infection can be transmitted to the fetus is less clear. In an abundance of caution, we encourage pregnant women to avoid large gatherings. When possible, this could include limiting some social activities, working from home rather than going to the office and participating in college courses online rather than in person.

Steps Cheyenne OBGYN is taking:

Cheyenne OBGYN’s staff members are receiving instruction and ongoing updates about COVID-19, hand hygiene and other safety measures to decrease the likelihood of contracting or transmitting the infection.
We are sanitizing all work areas at least twice daily. Exam rooms are being sanitized between each patient.
Staff are screening all patients to identify those who have traveled to any high-risk areas within the last 14 days and/or those who are having symptoms.
We continue to encourage our staff and patients to get the flu vaccine if they have not already done so this season.

Cheyenne OBGYN remain open and available to serve you. Coronavirus is an evolving issue. Please follow the CDC website and do not hesitate to call our office with any questions.

We encourage you to keep yourself updated on information about coronavirus by looking at the following websites:

World Health Organization: https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html

Wyoming Department of Health: https://health.wyo.gov/publichealth/infectious-disease-epidemiology-unit/disease/novel-coronavirus/

Endometriosis: You’re Not Alone

March 11, 2020 By Cheyenne OBGYN

“It is truly unbearable. Imagine throwing up, chills, fever, and lying on your bathroom floor in pain. It is real, and it is awful. Childbirth was easier.” —Crystal

“I suffered greatly from endo and didn’t find out until it was almost too late. Now I am watching my 15-year-old do the same. I tried to tell her primary care practitioner, but they didn’t listen. Four days ago, she begged me to help just rip it all out… Our whole family was rocked by this illness. I need guidance…my baby needs help.” ―Nicole

“Women and girls should not have to live with pain for years like I have. I have been through countless procedures and medications to control it. I have had a baby and the pain came back stronger than before having a baby. I finally want someone to listen to me and not try to put me on more drugs.” —Amy

These are just a few quotes from women across America, provided by the Endometriosis Association. Endometriosis is a gynecological condition that affects about 10% of all women. Women with endometriosis often experience extremely painful periods, infertility, pain following sexual intercourse, lower back pain, heavy menstrual bleeding, and cramps. March is Endometriosis Awareness Month, and it’s time to speak up about it.

What is Endometriosis?

Endometrium is a tissue that lines the inside of a woman’s uterus. Endometriosis occurs when this tissue grows outside of the uterus and onto the ovaries, fallopian tubes, and other tissue in the pelvic region. The endometrium tissue still grows, thickens, and bleeds during the menstrual cycle as it would within the uterus, but because it has no way of exiting the body, it becomes trapped and can cause excruciating pain.

Endometriosis Causes and Symptoms

Women with endometriosis may experience any or all of the following symptoms:

Painful periods
Painful intercourse
Painful bowel movements or urination
Infertility
Excessive bleeding – during or in-between periods

The exact cause of endometriosis is unknown, although doctors have several theories. One theory is retrograde menstruation, where menstrual blood flows back through the fallopian tubes instead of leaving the body. This blood contains endometrial cells which can attach to other organs and tissues outside of the uterus where they continue to grow.

Other theories state that hormones, such as estrogen, can transform either embryonic cells or peritoneal cells (found on the inner side of the abdomen) into endometrial cells during puberty.

Menstrual blood may also find its way into the pelvic area through a surgical scar from a C-section or hysterectomy. Endometrial cells can attach themselves to the incision and elsewhere in the pelvic region.

Another theory places the blame on a faulty immune system. Problems in the immune system could mean that the body is unable to recognize and destroy endometrial-like tissue growing outside of the uterus.

Endometriosis affects all types of women, regardless of age, race, or medical history. However, you may be at an increased risk of endometriosis if you started your period at an early age, have short menstrual cycles, heavy periods that last longer than seven days, or have a relative with endometriosis.

Endometriosis and Infertility

Many women with endometriosis also struggle with infertility. Nearly 40% of women with endometriosis have trouble getting pregnant because the endometriosis can block the fallopian tubes and prevent the egg and sperm from meeting. It can also damage sperm and eggs.

Although endometriosis can make a pregnancy more difficult, it is not impossible. Many women with mild to moderate endometriosis can have children, although doctors sometimes recommend having children sooner rather than later, since symptoms may worsen over time.

Endometriosis Treatment Options

While there currently is no cure for endometriosis, there are ways to treat the symptoms. Your treatment options will vary based on the severity of symptoms you experience. Every woman is different and what is recommended for one may not be recommended for you. You should, of course, consult your gynecologist and inform them of any changes in your symptoms.

Women can try over-the-counter pain relievers to combat pain, or hormone therapy to help slow the development of endometrial tissue growth. Sometimes different forms of birth control are also recommended, as they also work to manage the production of hormones.

If more conservative treatment options are not effective, your doctor may recommend surgery. A laparoscopic surgery can remove endometrial tissue, which can help reduce pain. In some cases, a hysterectomy is performed to remove the uterus and ovaries.

For more information on endometriosis, we encourage you to speak to one of our doctors at Cheyenne OBGYN. Resources about endometriosis can also be found on our website here. During the month of March, we’re encouraging Endometriosis Awareness. It is a common disorder that affects millions of women around the world, including our patients in Cheyenne, Wyoming. If you suspect that either you, a friend, or a family member may be suffering from endometriosis, don’t be afraid to ask your doctor questions and learn more about it.

When should your teen begin seeing a gynecologist?

February 7, 2020 By Cheyenne OBGYN

Visiting a gynecologist for the first time is a big step in a young woman’s development. As a parent, you may wonder when the appropriate time is to schedule your daughter’s first GYN appointment.

The gynecologists at Cheyenne OBGYN typically recommend young girls have their first appointment between ages 13 and 15. Usually, a pelvic exam is not needed at this time, but it allows your daughter to begin forming a relationship with her doctor and therefore be more comfortable sharing personal information in the future.

During her first visit, your teen will meet her gynecologist for the first time. Her Cheyenne OBGYN doctor will ask questions about family health history, her menstrual period, and sexual activity. The doctor may also ask if she has received the HPV vaccination. The vaccine is the most effective method at preventing human papillomavirus and works best when administered before sexual activity. Many children receive the vaccine between the ages of 11-13 and can receive it from their pediatrician. If they have not, this vaccine can be provided at Cheyenne OBGYN.

Your daughter’s first pelvic exam will likely not take place until she is 21, which is the age doctors recommend begin screenings for cervical cancer with a pap test. For over 60 years, this test has been the most reliable in detecting cervical cancer.

If you or your daughter have questions about when to see a gynecologist or about an upcoming visit, please call our doctors at Cheyenne OBGYN. We have been serving women in and around Cheyenne, Wyoming since 1979. Call to schedule an appointment at 307-634-5216.