Your Doctor Friends

Do I Have a Kidney Stone? (with Ryan Steinberg, MD)

Sharp pain in your side. A burning sensation while urinating. Nausea or vomiting. If you’re suffering from symptoms like these, you might be asking yourself: do I have a kidney stone?

As you’ll discover in this episode, it can be a bit more complicated than that. Kidney stones are sometimes referred to as ‘the great mimicker’, since their signs and symptoms are remarkably similar to those of urinary tract infections, appendicitis, ovarian or testicular conditions, gastritis, and more.

Today, we bring in Urologist and Clinical Assistant Professor of Urology at the University of Iowa Health Care, Dr. Ryan Steinberg to help us understand what the heck kidney stones are, how to identify them, and when to seek treatment.

Ryan sheds some light on whether or not you can keep your pet stones after they are removed, what it actually looks like to obliterate kidney stones with lasers, and some of the surprisingly simple measures you can take to prevent kidney stones from forming in the first place. You’ll even get a behind-the-scenes account of what it was like to be Jeremy’s roommate in his med school days, which you won't want to miss!

To learn more about how to know for sure if it’s a kidney stone that ails you, tune in today!

Topics discussed in this episode:

• First and foremost, what is a kidney stone?
• How common kidney stones actually are
• An understanding of when kidney stones cause symptoms
• What causes kidney stones (and why you should drink more water!)
• Common signs that you might have a kidney stone
• The mechanics behind why kidney stones are so painful
• Why an accompanying fever can be bad news
• Passing the stone naturally vs. medical intervention
• Demystifying laser kidney stone surgery
• Dietary recommendations for kidney stone prevention
• Popular herbal remedies to cop or drop
• Why and how to do a 24-hour urine collection sample
• Why Ryan suggests being proactive about your health
• OR playlists, stories from Ryan and Jeremy’s days as roommates, and more! 

Connect with Ryan by visiting his webpage at the University of Iowa Health Care here, or follow him on Twitter for more bad puns and dad jokes!

For more episodes, limited edition merch, or to become a Friend of Your Doctor Friends (and more), follow this link!

Find us at:

Website: yourdoctorfriendspodcast.com 

Email: yourdoctorfriendspodcast@gmail.com 

Call the DOCLINE on 312-380-5005 and leave us a message. We will listen and maybe even respond/play it on the show!

(Disclaimer: we will not answer specific medical questions or offer medical advice. Consult your healthcare professional with any and all personal health questions.)

Connect with us:

@JeremyAllandMD (IG, FB, Twitter)

@JuliaBrueneMD (IG)

What Cold Medicine Should I Use? (with Greg Castelli, PharmD)

It’s fall! This means a few things. Not only are the leaves changing color and nearly everything is flavored with pumpkin spice, but cold and flu season is also officially in full swing.

If you find that you’ve got an aching head, a runny nose, or a scratchy throat, you’re not alone. You’re going to need something to make you feel better, but the cold and flu aisle can be so intimidating. What are all these pills, syrups, and herbal elixirs? Which one will effectively alleviate your symptoms?

Before you grab the first thing you recognize from a TV commercial and end up feeling dissatisfied with the results or suffering from some undesirable side effects, it might be useful to draw on the expertise of a Board Certified Pharmacotherapy Specialist like Greg Castelli.

Today, we ask Greg, a real-life clinical pharmacist, which cold medicine is best. He shares his take on intranasal sprays, cough syrups, home remedies, and more. We also discuss whether or not brand-name drugs are better, what contraindications to look out for, and how to go about caring for your kids when they’ve got a case of the sniffles.

Hopefully, by the end of this episode, you’ll have a much better idea of which remedy to reach for the next time you’re feeling under the weather!

Topics discussed in this episode:

• Letting your symptoms (and your pharmacist) lead you
• Nasal sprays and how to use them
• Brand names vs. generic drugs
• When you should and shouldn’t take Sudafed
• Antihistamines for nasal congestion
• Why you should only take the products that you need
• Your guide to cough medications
• The importance of managing your expectations of recovery
• Symptoms of cough medicine and DXM (dextromethorphan) abuse
• Common antipyretics used to treat fever and inflammation
• Recommendations for treating your kids when they are sick
• Home remedies: from honey to humidifiers
• Tips for topical treatments like Vicks VapoRub
• A look at the pros and cons of herbal remedies and vitamins
• How pregnant women can feel better without harming the baby
• Greg’s Halloween plans, weird questions he gets as a pharmacist, and more!

Connect with Greg Castelli, learn more about the Family Medicine Residency Program at St. Margaret’s, or watch the St. Margaret Files on YouTube.

For more episodes, limited edition merch, or to become a Friend of Your Doctor Friends (and more), follow this link!

Find us at:

Website: yourdoctorfriendspodcast.com 

Email: yourdoctorfriendspodcast@gmail.com 

Call the DOCLINE on 312-380-5005 and leave us a message. We will listen and maybe even respond/play it on the show!

(Disclaimer: we will not answer specific medical questions or offer medical advice. Consult your healthcare professional with any and all personal health questions.)

Connect with us:

@JeremyAllandMD (IG, FB, Twitter)

@JuliaBrueneMD (IG)

Patient Stories: A Huge Shock for an Ultramarathon Runner with Back Pain

While it’s obviously hugely beneficial to hear from the experts when it comes to specific medical problems, looking to the patient files for anecdotes and poignant stories is often equally powerful.

That’s why this episode of Your Doctor Friends is something a little different! Today, we welcome our first-ever patient guest, Jerry Cropsey, who originally visited Dr. Jeremy over five years ago with pain in his right shoulder blade.

As an ultramarathon runner who had suffered several orthopedic injuries over the years, Jerry was sure the source of his pain was musculoskeletal. However, despite several visits to his physical therapist and after undergoing various other treatments, nothing helped.

Today, Jerry shares his unexpected journey from ultramarathon to triple bypass surgery and back, thanks to the timely advice he received from his physicians and the information and support he received from organizations like the Ironheart Foundation, an online community for endurance athletes dealing with heart disease.

This remarkable case study highlights the importance of trusting your instincts, heeding your doctor’s advice (even if it seems strange at the time), and leaning on the support of a like-minded community.

To hear what Dr. Jeremy calls one of the most interesting patient stories he has heard as a physician, you won't want to miss today’s episode!

Topics discussed in this episode:

• The BACKstory behind Jerry’s shoulder blade pain (excuse the pun!)
• An unexpected journey from chiropractor to cardiologist
• The fear and uncertainty that accompanies a triple bypass surgery 
• Support groups and resources for athletes affected by heart disease
• Steps Jerry took to transition safely from heart surgery to 50K
• How Jerry influenced his family members to get tested
• Our key takeaways from Jerry’s story
• The importance of trusting your gut and seeking a second opinion
• Rapid fire: that first shower after surgery, Colorado weather, and more!

For heart disease education, support, and athletic inspiration, visit the Ironheart Foundation.

Looking to connect with individuals impacted by cardiac disease? Join the Ironheart Connect Facebook Group.

Watch HEART: Flatline to Finish Line for an unvarnished look at some of the struggles that athletes with heart conditions go through daily.

Find us at:

Website: yourdoctorfriendspodcast.com 

Email: yourdoctorfriendspodcast@gmail.com 

Call the DOCLINE on 312-380-5005 and leave us a message. We will listen and maybe even respond/play it on the show!

(Disclaimer: we will not answer specific medical questions or offer medical advice. Consult your healthcare professional with any and all personal health questions.)

Connect with us:

Join our Facebook group – Friends of Your Doctor Friends

@your_doctor_friends (IG, TikTok)

Your Doctor Friends Podcast (YouTube)

@JeremyAllandMD (IG, FB, Twitter)

@JuliaBrueneMD (IG)

Is My Heart OK For Exercise? (with Anu Rao, MD)

Newspaper headlines can be terrifying. Sometimes, although rarely, young runners die suddenly during marathons, despite seemingly good health. If athletes at their peak physical performance are dropping dead from cardiac events, you might ask yourself; how do I know if my heart is okay for exercise?

Helping us navigate these concerns is Dr. Anu Rao, an Associate Professor of Cardiology in the department of Internal Medicine at Rush Medical College, a board-certified cardiologist at St. Luke’s Hospital, and an expert in matters of the heart.

Dr. Rao’s goal is to educate and empower, working collaboratively with her patients to create a care plan, reduce future risks, and help them reach their full health potential.

With this in mind, we take a look at Dr. Rao’s weekly exercise recommendations to reduce your risk of heart disease, how likely it is that you’ll suffer from a cardiac event during exercise, and some of the unusual symptoms you shouldn't ignore.

As Dr. Rao reminds us, nothing in life is risk-free! Don’t break up with your favorite physical activity just because you’re worried about a cardiac event. Instead, consider moderate exercise on alternating days, get adequate rest, and if you’re really savvy, get your heart checked. Oh, and listen to Your Doctor Friends, of course!

Topics discussed in this episode:

• Why runners die at marathons, dating back to Ancient Greece
• Unpacking the term ‘cardiac arrest’
• Risk factors that warrant being screened for heart disease
• The controversy surrounding widespread EKG screening for athletes
• Common feelings of anxiety that come with abnormal test results
• A cardiologist's recommendations for weekly exercise
• Unusual symptoms that should raise red flags
• Why we don’t recommend going from couch to marathon
• Insight into why cardiologists treat professional athletes differently
• Genetic commonalities among different populations
• Why you might want to consider genetic testing
• A reminder that nothing in life is risk-free
• Important advice regarding your cardiac health
• Stage fright, St. Louis-style pizza, and more in the rapid-fire segment!

Request an appointment with Dr. Rao by visiting the Rush University Medical Group website here or the St. Luke’s Hospital website here.

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Find us at:

Website: yourdoctorfriendspodcast.com 

Email: yourdoctorfriendspodcast@gmail.com 

Call the DOCLINE on 312-380-5005 and leave us a message. We will listen and maybe even respond/play it on the show!

(Disclaimer: we will not answer specific medical questions or offer medical advice. Consult your healthcare professional with any and all personal health questions.)

Connect with us:

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@your_doctor_friends (IG, TikTok)

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Ankle Sprains Part 2: It’s Been 3 Months and It Doesn’t Feel Right (with Erin Schreiber, DPT)

Let’s say you sprained your ankle a couple of months ago. Nothing major, but you’ve followed all the protocols in your recovery regimen and it still just doesn't feel quite right. What should you do?

To help us answer this question, we are joined by Erin Schreiber, a board-certified orthopedic clinical specialist and the Lead Physical Therapist at the Movement Guild in Chicago.

Embracing a holistic biomechanical approach to rehabilitation is a key facet of Erin’s philosophy. She helps her clients achieve their goals and imparts a better understanding of the factors contributing to the root cause of their issues, not just offering them a "quick fix"!

In today’s episode, Erin shares her expertise with us as we address the important role that proprioception plays in restoring optimal ankle function. You have to essentially "retrain your brain" in order to fully heal your ankle.

We also touch on video call consults with your physical therapist, exercises you can do at home to strengthen your ankles, and some of the surprising ways that you can prevent future injuries, plus so much more!

Armed with these tips and preventative measures, you’re well on your way to stronger ankles and faster healing. Trust us, you won’t want to miss this episode of Your Doctor Friends with movement expert, Erin Schreiber.

Topics discussed in this episode:

• Common issues that Erin encounters at this stage of recovery
• The normal biomechanical function of your foot and ankle
• An understanding of functional instability versus structural instability
• Potential consequences of being ‘over-immobilized’
• Tips for preventing additional injuries in the future
• Getting back to your prior level of functioning 
• A look at proprioception and why it’s relevant
• Consulting with Erin about your ankle sprain via video call!
• How you can test your ankle function at home
• Exercises you can do to strengthen your ankle
• Erin’s take on braces, taping, and other external supports
• Preventing ankle injuries with cardiovascular fitness
• Summer fun, toe dynamometers, singing in the car, and more!

Connect with Erin Schreiber on Instagram, or learn more about the Movement Guild by visiting their website.

Find us at:

Website: yourdoctorfriendspodcast.com 

Email: yourdoctorfriendspodcast@gmail.com 

Call the DOCLINE on 312-380-5005 and leave us a message. We will listen and maybe even respond/play it on the show!

(Disclaimer: we will not answer specific medical questions or offer medical advice. Consult your healthcare professional with any and all personal health questions.)

Connect with us:

Join our Facebook group – Friends of Your Doctor Friends

@your_doctor_friends (IG, TikTok)

Your Doctor Friends Podcast (YouTube)

@JeremyAllandMD (IG, FB, Twitter)

@JuliaBrueneMD (IG)

Ankle Sprains Part 1: I Just Rolled It and It F#$&ing Hurts (with Kamran Hamid, MD)

“I rolled my ankle. What should I do?” Unfortunately we hear this often at Your Doctor Friends. Today, we take a look at this common injury, how to know if it is serious, how long it should take to heal, and more!

We are joined by Dr. Kamran Hamid, an orthopedic surgeon who specializes in ankle injuries, particularly for athletes. He has served as a team doctor for the Chicago Bulls, Chicago White Sox, Joffrey Ballet, and Duke University Athletics.

He treats a wide array of foot/ankle injuries in his capacity as Head of Orthopedic Surgery at Loyola Medicine, including ankle fractures, Achilles tendon repair, and ankle replacements, but in this episode, he shares his insights into one of the most common musculoskeletal injuries in the world: ankle sprains!

Tuning in, you’ll also learn some fun facts about Dr. Hamid, including how he became the ‘Weird Al’ of Orthopedics! Ultimately, what we’ve learned is that ankle sprains are ugly. They're swollen, they're bruised, but guess what? It'll be okay. Just ask Your Doctor Friends.

Topics discussed in this episode:

• What “I rolled my ankle” actually means to Dr. Hamid
• How to judge the severity of your sprained ankle
• Why you generally want to avoid getting an MRI early on
• Some recommendations, including ice, elevation, and x-rays
• Understanding why not all x-rays are created equal
• The difference between urgency and emergency
• How to let your pain be your guide
• Common injuries that can result from rolling your ankle
• A break versus a fracture versus a hairline fracture
• The nuances of high ankle sprains
• Instances when you might need surgery
• Recovering from an ankle sprain (and the risks of reinjury)
• How ankle injuries can impact the mental health of athletes
• The immense value of physical therapy
• Rapid fire: Dr. Hamid’s rap career, audiobooks of choice, and more!

Take a look at Dr. Hamid’s impressive CV here, or follow him on Instagram @thisiskomron and @theathletesankle.

Find us at:

Website: yourdoctorfriendspodcast.com 

Email: yourdoctorfriendspodcast@gmail.com 

Call the DOCLINE on 312-380-5005 and leave us a message. We will listen and maybe even respond/play it on the show!

(Disclaimer: we will not answer specific medical questions or offer medical advice. Consult your healthcare professional with any and all personal health questions.)

Connect with us:

Join our Facebook group – Friends of Your Doctor Friends

@your_doctor_friends (IG, TikTok)

Your Doctor Friends Podcast (YouTube)

@JeremyAllandMD (IG, FB, Twitter)

@JuliaBrueneMD (IG)

What Contraception Is Right For Me? (with Laura Laursen, MD)

So much misinformation around birth control exists that we felt compelled to answer one of your questions about contraception, to dispel the myths and educate our listeners!

“Can my contraception affect my future fertility?” is a question we here at Your Doctor Friends have heard from our friends, families, and patients. Many of us are taught certain information about women's health and contraception that are no longer true, or were never true to begin with. So we invited an expert in women’s health to help educate us! 

Dr. Laura Laursen is an obstetrician/gynecologist at Rush University Medical Center, as well as an advocate with Physicians for Reproductive Health, and a very dedicated teacher and professor. Who better to empower us in all things women's health!

We comb through most types of contraception methods out there (there are a lot!) and the best practices for each. Answering queries like, which IUD would best suit your needs, what birth control brands are out there and how they work, how to access these services, and much more!

Tune in for an information packed episode!

Topics discussed in this episode:

• Listener question about contraception and pregnancy
• Does birth control cause changes in fertility?
• Myths around birth control
• The different contraceptive methods
• How Dr. Laursen gauges her patient’s interest in contraception choices
• Youngest age you can start using contraception
• What should you expect to feel during an IUD insertion
• Pain management for in-office procedures
• How Dr. Laursen breaks down the different brands of birth control to her patients
• Do you need to have your period when taking birth control?
• The link between the depo shot and bone density
• Can you feel your IUD after its insertion?
• Are there barriers for young girls to getting contraception?
• How accessible is Plan B?
• Will birth control pills be available over the counter in the future?

Find us at

Website: https://www.yourdoctorfriendspodcast.com

Email: yourdoctorfriendspodcast@gmail.com

Call the DOCLINE at 312-380-5005. Leave us a message, we will listen and maybe answer/play it on the show!

(Disclaimer: we will not answer specific medical questions or offer medical advice. Consult your healthcare professional with any and all personal health questions.)

Social:

Join our Facebook group- Friends of Your Doctor Friends

@your_doctor_friends(IG, TikTok)

Your Doctor Friends Podcast (YouTube)

@JeremyAllandMD (IG, FB, Twitter)

@JuliaBrueneMD (IG)

Why Jeremy Failed Miserably at The Chair Challenge - Labor Day Snack Episode (with Erin Schreiber, DPT)

Back in 2019, an internet challenge struck a particular chord with people thanks to its fascinating gender dynamic: the chair challenge.

You learn forward, put your head against a wall, slide a chair in front of you and then, raising the chair up to your chest, stand up while continuing to hold it. Simple, right? If only!

After Stephen "tWitch" Boss and his wife, Allison Holker went viral demonstrating how easily she could complete the challenge while he got stuck, Jeremy and his wife just had to try it out.

Like tWitch and Allison, she managed to do it no problem, but no matter how hard he tried, Jeremy just couldn’t stand up. Immediately his thoughts turned to failure and the need for more physical therapy.

In today’s snack episode, physiotherapist Erin Schreiber explains why many men struggle with the challenge while women generally don’t. In short, the balance of the levers varies between different body types.

Tune in for a short, snack episode to learn why athleticism has nothing to do with one of the internet’s most bizarre viral trends!

Topics discussed in this episode:

The viral fitness trend that many men can’t seem to do

Jeremy’s feelings of a fulcrum failure

Why men often struggle but women frequently don’t

Size—and volume—does matter

It’s all about your center of mass

Find us at:

Website: https://www.yourdoctorfriendspodcast.com

Email: yourdoctorfriendspodcast@gmail.com

Call the DOCLINE at 312-380-5005. Leave us a message, we will listen and maybe answer/play it on the show!

(Disclaimer: we will not answer specific medical questions or offer medical advice. Consult your healthcare professional with any and all personal health questions.)

Social:

Join our Facebook group- Friends of Your Doctor Friends!

https://urlgeni.us/facebook/ydfpod

@your_doctor_friends (IG, TikTok)

Your Doctor Friends Podcast (YouTube)

https://youtu.be/i-0jD3A07zE (link to TRAILER VIDEO! :)

@JeremyAllandMD (IG, FB, Twitter)

@JuliaBrueneMD (IG)