Honest Conversations in Healthcare
Welcome to Honest Conversations. A Series.
Join me for a series of candid dialogues between a patient and their clinician. Here, I move beyond the textbooks to address real-world health questions, giving clarity and practical insight into a wide range of medical topics.
Why I Created This
I understand that medicine can feel overwhelming. Between the complex terminology and the tremendous volume of information available, it is easy to feel lost. “Honest Conversations” was created to change that. I focus on the questions many share but may hesitate to ask, breaking down the barriers that make healthcare feel inaccessible.
Jargon Removed, Clarity Added
I believe that accurate health information should be easy to understand, not a puzzle to solve. By removing the jargon, these conversations provide you with the clear, compassionate understanding necessary to manage your health with confidence.
Here are the latest “Honest Conversations”
Doctor, Do I Really Need Cataract Surgery?
Patient: Doctor, the eye specialist says I have cataracts in both eyes and need surgery. But honestly, I am 75 years old. I have sugar, BP and heart disease. I feel I can see well…
Doctor, Do I Need Angiography Now?
Patient: Doctor, the cardiologist is saying I need an Angiography. I am a bit scared. Do I really need this procedure? Doctor: I understand your worry. The word “Angiography” sounds serious because it involves the…
Doctor, I Was Told To Have Atrial Fibrillation
Patient: Doctor, I went for a routine check of my high blood pressure yesterday and I was told I have something called Atrial Fibrillation! What is this? Doctor: Oh, I see. Don’t panic. Atrial Fibrillation,…
Doctor, Can I Avoid Cancer?
Patient: Doctor, I read an article recently that said “carcinogens” (cancer-causing substances) are everywhere. It said they are in our food, our air, and even our homes. Is it true that they are unavoidable? Doctor:…
Doctor, I Have Vertigo. What Can I Do Now?
Patient: Doctor, I am very scared. Since yesterday, I feel like the room is suddenly spinning around me. I have to hold onto the wall to stand. Is this Vertigo? Doctor: I can see you…
Doctor, Tell Me About High Blood Pressure
Patient: Doctor, everyone talks about “BP” or Hypertension. I am curious—what exactly is it? Doctor: Certainly. Hypertension, commonly known as High Blood Pressure, is a condition where the force of the blood pushing against your…
Doctor, I Searched My Symptoms on Google!
Patient: “Doctor, I had stomach pain 2 weeks ago and searched my symptoms on Google. It says I might have something serious. It’s bothering me since then.” Doctor: “Searching about your symptoms online is like…
Doctor, I Can’t Sleep Well
𝗣𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗲𝗻𝘁: “Doctor, I can’t sleep well for many months. I’ve tried many remedies with no use. What can I do?” 𝗗𝗼𝗰𝘁𝗼𝗿: “That’s a difficult situation. Good sleep is very important for health. Do you know…
Doctor, Can I Eat Sweets During Functions?
Patient: Doctor, the wedding season is starting, and I am worried about my diabetes control. In our culture, it is almost impossible to avoid sweets. If I don’t eat the payasa or sweets served on…
Doctor, Are Vaccines Really Safe?
Doctor, I Have Abdominal Bloating
Doctor, Are Generic Medicines Really Safe?
Doctor, Can I Do Blood Tests in Any Lab?
Doctor, Can I Stop The Medicines Now?
Patient: Doctor, my BP readings are normal now. Can I stop the medicines? Doctor: It is excellent that your BP is under control. That means the medicines are working. However, treating a chronic illness is…
Doctor, Are There Any Side Effects?
Doctor, Can You Guarantee A Cure?
Honest Conversations in Healthcare
Dr. Shashikiran Umakanth (MBBS, MD, FRCP Edin.) is the Professor & Head of Internal Medicine at Dr. TMA Pai Hospital, Udupi, under the Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE). While he has contributed to nearly 100 scientific publications in the academic world, he writes on MEDiscuss out of a passion to simplify complex medical science for public awareness.
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