Dr.Amy Brenner Ob/Gyn

Don’t Do Your Doctor’s Job: Why Self Diagnosis Can Be Downright Dangerous

2012-02-07T21:59:00.000-05:00

You have probably had a strange ache or pain that persists, a rash that will not respond to any lotions or creams, or a sudden fever that seems to come from out of nowhere. You probably are not looking for reasons to run to the doctor’s office every chance you get. However, when you need answers, there is only one real option: see your doctor. Many people are now assuming the role of physician by doing their own research on the Internet, attempting to self diagnose, and potentially causing themselves harm.

The Internet can be a great tool for health education and research. Staying healthy is one of the leading reasons people flock to the web, for answers on diet, exercise, supplements, and medications. However, when you are facing a troubling or unusual symptom, even a symptom that is out of the ordinary but does not seem to bother you too much, trying to identify a potential cause by matching that symptom to a medical condition can be confusing and potentially terrifying.

Reading medical websites with their A-Z symptom lists can be scary. To give an example, persistent redness on your cheeks could be a symptom of rosacea, a mild inflammatory skin condition, or lupus, a very serious autoimmune disorder that requires immediate medical intervention. The anxiety and stress that can come from imagining what is going on inside your body, versus actually knowing, can aggravate your problem and will do nothing to help you get better.

Many diseases share common symptoms and are hard to diagnose even for physicians. That is why ordering the proper tests to identify specific factors is imperative. The time to make a doctor’s appointment is not after months of trying one home remedy after another until you are desperate for answers. Such a strategy is not only stressful but could be life threatening. If you are experiencing a strange symptom, call your doctor. Only a qualified physician can tell you if what you are going through is just a “bug” that is going around, a reaction to something (such as an allergy), or a more serious condition requiring further tests. By calling your doctor right away, you are giving yourself the best chance of a speedier recovery, proper diagnosis and treatment plan, and peace of mind.

It is also important to trust your doctor. While you may not be a physician, you are ultimately the one in control of your body and health. Be sure to have a doctor who listens to you and with whom you feel comfortable. If not, seek a physician with the qualities you desire through referrals from friends and family.

In the end, we all want to live long, vibrant lives full of promise, love, and gratitude. Love yourself enough to know when something is bothering you, to seek professional help. Your body will thank you for it.

Electronic Medical Records (EMR) Means Security, Privacy, and Less Hassle for Your Next Appointment

2011-12-08T10:06:00.000-05:00

One of the most common complaints I have heard from patients in my years of medical practice is the cumbersome clipboard method of filling out private medical information. To have enough time to fill it all out, patients would need to arrive at least 20 minutes before their appointment, hope the information didn’t get misplaced, and try to focus on answering family medical history questions, all while being stressed out.

When I made my dream of my own practice a reality, I wanted to avoid the needless hassles of an outdated and clumsy paper patient file system. I knew that the proper solution wouldn’t be cheap, but I also knew my patients are worth it. I evaluated several different products before deciding on Digichart, the system we use now. It was a big investment (over $30,000), but I knew it was essential to providing the very latest technological advances within reach of my patients.

What is so special about Digichart? Here are just a few highlights:

A user friendly interface that anyone can easily understand
Fill out private medical information in the comfort of your own home
Advanced encryption makes certain your medical records are secure
No one sees your medical information except me or my medical assistant
Lab portal allows test results to be viewed right from your computer at home
All medical and surgical records are in one place
Insurance billing and claims process is simplified
No papers to get lost or viewed by unauthorized persons
A “green”, environmentally responsible solution
No need to arrive 20 minutes early to fumble with dog-eared clipboard questionnaires

As you can see from the list of benefits above, Digichart really is revolutionary in terms of medical information management from a security, convenience, and organizational perspective. You can go into your records and review them any time you wish, to formulate questions for a follow up visit, or to remind yourself of when your last appointment was.

When I opened my practice, I didn’t cut corners anywhere, especially when it came to my patients’ medical record management. When you make an appointment, I want you to be relaxed, not worried about remembering whether or not Great Aunt Martha had breast cancer. The Digichart medical questions do take about 20-30 minutes to complete, but because you fill them out online, you can do so at your leisure, with a steaming hot cup of coffee, in your PJ’s, listening to your iPod. It certainly beats scrambling to make it to my office early, being flustered, and not being focused in preparation for your appointment. It’s vital that your Digichart records are filled out completely before your visit, to ensure we have a thorough history, including diseases that may run in your family, and how to best prevent certain conditions from taking hold before they happen.

My parents always taught me that if you’re going to do something, do it right, or don’t do it at all. I hope with Digichart my commitment to this principle is clear, that nothing is too good for my cherished patients.

To Your Health,

Dr. Brenner

Why Wait? Get Goals Going with New Year’s in November!

2011-11-17T21:54:00.000-05:00

It happens like clockwork. Immediately after Halloween, everywhere you look, the signs of the impending holidays are everywhere: Christmas music wafting through the air of the local mall, holiday lights strung around street lamps, and of course, the food. Cookies, cakes, turkey, stuffing, chocolate, candy, and booze – it’s enough to give you a sugar high that lasts until spring.

We all know that overindulgence has a high price tag – extra pounds, bloat, moodiness, tight-fitting clothes, and fatigue. This year, why not jump-start your resolution to be fit and fabulous? Is there a secret rule that says you must wait until midnight, December 31?

No one will argue that deprivation on Thanksgiving, Hanukkah, Christmas, Kwanzaa or any other wintertime holiday you celebrate is unrealistic. However, there is a big difference between a sensibly sized portion of turkey and all the trimmings, a small piece of pie, and maybe a glass of wine than second and third helpings of everything, too much alcohol, and a glut of sweets. With a little planning, you can have your cake (or pie) and eat it too.

Here are some suggestions for avoiding Holiday Hangovers (of too much of anything!):

Plan ahead of time what you are going to eat
Enjoy your turkey – it’s good for you! Take off the skin as it’s just fatty calories.
Go ahead and have mashed potatoes or a roll – but limit yourself to one small scoop and one roll.
If you are going to bring a dish, opt for a healthier version of an unhealthy classic – marinated green beans vs. green bean casserole, whole-wheat rolls vs. white, or homemade whole grain bread.
Eat a green salad before your meal so you get full faster. Toss with balsamic vinaigrette rather than a creamy full fat dressing.
Choose larger servings of veggies than starchy carbs.
If you must graze, eat fresh cut raw veggies. Hummus or plain yogurt is a healthy alternative to ranch or onion dip.
Savor your meal! Enjoy every bite, just as you enjoy the time you are spending with your loved ones.
Don’t over-do the alcohol. Limit yourself to one drink, and sip it over the course of dinner. If you are driving, skip the alcohol altogether and have water with lemon (naturally detoxifying) or coffee or tea.
Think about a 21-day jump-start of the HCG diet! Because the first 2 days are calorie-loading days, you could actually start your diet on Thanksgiving and the day after, and finish your first round before Christmas!
Herbal 10 day detox: to get clean from the inside out, ask us about our exclusive detox plans that can get you feeling great and looking beautiful just in time for those holiday parties and family get togethers.

It’s a wonderful time of year to take control of your health. The holidays are a time to reflect on our blessings and practice gratitude. Why not give yourself an early gift of rejuvenation?

Come January 1, your friends and relatives will still be recovering from their holiday stupor, and you’ll be glowing with health and boundless energy.

To fight the post-holiday blues, join us for our first event of 2012:

Girls Night Out!

Thursday, January 5, 4-8 p.m.

Topics on Bio-Identical Hormones, Weight Loss, and Decreased Libido (Low Sex Drive)

Giveaways, Facials, Chair Massages, and More! Join us!

RSVP by calling our office at 513-777-0787

To Your Holiday Health,

Dr. Brenner and Staff

Finding Time: The Balancing Act of Healthy Boundaries

2011-10-29T13:34:00.000-04:00

As women, we take on the world. We have so many roles we love and enjoy: mother, daughter, wife, aunt, professional roles, and the list goes on. Our schedules are filled to the brim, and then some. We love our lives, yet having too much to do can take a serious toll on our bodies if we do not occasionally say “no”. Saying “no” or “not now” can also be a liberating experience, especially if you suffer from “people pleaser disease”. We need to honor and love ourselves enough to draw healthy boundaries, create balance, and know that the world will go on if there is one or two events we don’t volunteer for, a meeting we can’t make, or the dishes wait a few more hours to be put away.

Part of creating healthy boundaries is in taking charge of your health. Regular gynecological exams are crucial for any woman’s wellbeing, yet I see it time and time again how these appointments are canceled, put off, or in some cases, ignored altogether. There are so many reasons for not making and keeping your doctor’s appointment, but no real excuse for not taking good care of your health. How can we as women take care of so many others if we are not taking proper care of ourselves?

Many times, people who rely on us as caregivers or as support may not realize the burden they place on us, because we never complain. If we never draw healthy boundaries, we will forever be asked to do more, give more, and work more, even to the breaking point. It’s not that we don’t want to give, but there is always a limit to creating and sustaining a healthy life.

I think it’s important to remember that a gynecological exam is an hour or so either once a year, or if you are a patient with higher risk factors, perhaps every 4-6 months. It’s not much to ask that people respect your need to have regular medical care. If you have children, you make sure they always see their pediatrician on time. Why should it be any less important for you?

On the day of your appointment, don’t try to cram a whole bunch of to do’s either before or after your appointment. Give yourself the needed time to get to our office at a leisurely pace, and do not rush. While we try to respect everyone’s time and get our patients in and out as quickly as possible, we will not skimp on any patient’s care to make things run faster.

I want my focus as a gynecological physician to be on my patients’ care more than their schedules. I am also a busy mom, wife, employer, and member of the community. Yet when I am here in the office, I am a physician first. As much as I dislike charging cancellation fees for missed appointments, I have to somehow minimize the effect of them on my practice as a whole.

So, please take the time to honor yourself by honoring your body. Take the time to take care of it. The emails, phone calls, texts, soccer games and meetings will all be there when you are done with your appointment, back in the game and ready to participate.

Boo! Taking the “Scary!” Out of Outpatient Office Procedures

2011-10-19T12:19:00.001-04:00

Halloween is just around the corner, with many people enjoying the reminders of the season – little ones picking out their costumes, putting up decorations, and carving pumpkins. It’s all in fun, and most of us enjoy a light-hearted scare at this time of year. However, some women are truly frightened of in office gynecological procedures that could vastly improve their quality of life. In reality, I believe it’s more fear of the unknown than the actual procedure.

Medicine has progressed leaps and bounds in the last 10 years, even from the time I was in medical school. This is why I am so passionate about continuing education, and through a love of teaching, imparting my knowledge on advanced gynecological medicine to other physicians all over the country. New technologies, treatments, and discoveries happen every day, and I want to make sure I know about the ones that can help all my patients live longer, healthier, more vibrant lives.

Because of the progress in gynecological treatments in the last decade, procedures that used to require a hospital stay are now done in a medical office setting. As a busy mother and wife, I understand that my patients have lives to lead, soccer practice to get to, business meetings to attend, and dance recitals to watch their kids perform. Sometimes, our own health as women gets pushed to the back burner as we see to everyone else’s needs but our own. Still, there may be more than just the pull of family and work obligations preventing women from seeking and scheduling a procedure that could improve the quality of their lives. The fear of pain, recovery time, and complications lead some to just “live with” symptoms that disrupt and inconvenience their lives, like dealing with the hassle of a monthly birth control pill when a family is complete, and constant, heavy bleeding.

Here I hope to demystify a couple of common procedures and take away needless fear regarding them:

Essure Permanent Birth Control

Essure is a permanent sterilization procedure that offers no incisions, no scarring, or hormonal therapy. There is no need for any anesthetic or actual surgery, and any discomfort (some women report none at all) is very minimal. With Essure, small micro-inserts are placed inside the fallopian tubes by way of the vagina and cervix pathways. After the procedure, the body’s natural healing process takes over, allowing tissue in the fallopian tubes to heal over the micro-inserts, forming a barrier between sperm and egg. After 3 months, a special x-ray test will confirm that the procedure was successful and the tubes are blocked.

For more questions and information on Essure, please visit our website:

http://www.dramybrenner.com/services-essure.htm

Thermachoice Endometrial Ablation

One of the most common complaints I hear from my patients is episodes of heavy bleeding. This potentially embarrassing condition inconveniences every aspect of a woman’s life and inhibits social interaction, an active lifestyle, and even intimacy with a partner. With Thermachoice, there is no surgery, no downtime, and no scarring. This very quick procedure is done in the office (average time in only 8 minutes) and no anesthetic or incisions is involved. First, a mild sedative is given to relax the patient, and a numbing agent is applied to the uterus. A slender, hand-held catheter is inserted into the uterus through the cervix, and applies controlled heat to destroy the lining of the uterus. This ends the hassle of monthly periods and any need for feminine protection products. Child bearing must be complete to consider this procedure.

For more information on Thermachoice, please click on the link below:

http://www.dramybrenner.com/services-thermachoice.htm

I hope everyone enjoys Halloween, taking their little ghouls and goblins trick-or-treating. When it comes to your health, the only thing to be scared of is not seeking the available help you need to enhance your health and give you a happier, more balanced life.

Happy Halloween!

~Dr. Brenner & Staff

Embracing My Passion for Teaching Patients, Not Just Doctors

2011-10-05T12:57:00.001-04:00

One of my areas of expertise as a physician is teaching. I travel quite a bit to teach other OBGYN doctors the latest innovations in minimally invasive outpatient surgeries. I enjoy contributing to the well being of women everywhere by sharing my knowledge with their physicians, ensuring they are well equipped to provide their patients the very best care.

In the spirit of that philosophy, I invested in our Patient Education System, available to all my patients to get more information about their concerns in the privacy of the exam room.

What is a Patient Education System (PES) and how does it work?

Our PES consists of a large screen TV located within our exam rooms, with a corresponding remote. As you get ready for your appointment, you can access this easy to use system to look up any kind of information regarding women’s health, symptoms, treatments, and prevention right there at your fingertips. While I always encourage my patients to formulate questions prior to an appointment, the PES may spark additional questions or topics of conversation, to make the most of the time we have together during your exam.

As your physician, I want you to be informed as a patient, as we partner together to reach your goals of vibrant health and balance.

Here are some pictures of the PES at work:

As with all my patients who have used it, I know you are going to love it!

Our PES is just one way we strive to demonstrate our commitment to the latest technology and tools to make the lives of you, our patients, easier and healthier through education and empowerment.

To your health and well-being,

-Dr. Brenner & Staff

West Chester Chamber Alliance Welcomes My New Practice!

2011-09-15T11:40:00.000-04:00

On Sept. 2, 2011, we were welcomed by the West Chester Chamber Alliance into the West Chester business community with a ribbon-cutting ceremony, attended by all my staff as well as Chamber officials.

In addition, we are being featured in this month’s issue of “The Voice”, The Chamber’s magazine. This article will describe what makes our brand of care entirely unique to the community, and not just another doctor’s office. Of course, women come from all over the Cincinnati area to our practice, because of our personalized approach to caring for our patients.

Here are some pictures from the event:

We are so excited about being part of the West Chester business renaissance and growth. In addition, West Chester Hospital, just a few miles from our office, offers world-class medical care to our growing community.

Thanks to all my patients who have made my new practice your home away from home for advanced gynecological and anti-aging treatment and care.

We look forward to helping you stay healthy, happy, and looking and feeling your best!

-Dr. Brenner and Staff

The Reviews Are In! Find Out What My Patients Love Most About My New Practice…

2011-08-24T22:27:00.000-04:00

It’s hard to believe we have been open for over a month now. I am amazed at how beautifully everything has come together due to my dedicated team, a lot of hard work, and meticulous planning. It goes without saying we had a few hiccups in our journey, but I am so thankful for the realization of this new medical practice because to me, it’s all about you, my treasured patients.

Here are some of the wonderful things people are saying about us:

The coziest, warmest office atmosphere. You may not know this, but I didn’t hire some fancy decorator to come in and design the interior of my office. I wanted all my patients to feel like they had just walked into my living room, as my honored guest, with warm colors, homey touches, and a fresh cup of hot coffee to greet them. My office decorating, which I did with some great help from my college roommate and dear friend, was a labor of love that extends from the reception area to each exam and procedure room. I picked out many of the pieces myself and so many patients have told me how the atmosphere alone has helped set their mind at ease.

Our cuddly-soft spa robes. My patients absolutely love them and comment about them often.

The most welcoming, concerned, and caring staff. I handpicked each one of my team members and they all share my vision and commitment to creating the very best gynecological and anti-aging medical practice in Cincinnati. To us, you are not just a patient. You are the reason we do what we do, and every person working for me believes in our mission to providing you the best care, with compassion and understanding.

When you call, we answer! We have a 2-ring answer goal that we strive to meet every day, so you can talk to a human being, not an automated attendant.

The most advanced solutions in women's health and youth preservation. Continuing education is not just a responsibility for me. I teach physicians all across the country in the latest innovations in minimally invasive gynecological surgery. I have the most experienced and skilled staff specializing in anti-aging treatments to help you look and feel your best. Patients love that the best in gynecological care and the best in anti-aging care can be found in one place.

We care what you think! We have survey cards at the ready for you to offer feedback about your experience. We want to know what we are doing right, or if there is something we can improve on.

Feel free to talk to one of my staff about their professional specialty. We welcome questions! Whether you want to know about losing weight with pharmaceutical grade HCG, or spider vein elimination with sclerotherapy, or scientific skincare, we can answer all your questions and then some. It’s why we are here!

We all look forward to seeing you!

~Dr. Brenner and Staff

Announcing Our Long Anticipated Grand Opening!

2011-07-25T15:11:00.003-04:00

You are cordially invited...

To the Grand Opening of Dr. Amy Brenner MD and Associates!

When: Thursday, July 28, 2011, from 4-8 PM!

Where: Our beautiful, brand new offices located at:

7593 Tylers Place Blvd. Suite 104

West Chester, OH 45069

We will be your gracious hosts, offering you refreshments and delicious snacks as you peruse our offices, meet the staff, and learn all the ways you can look and feel incredible at any age!

If you have been anxious to check out my new practice and see it for yourself, now is your chance. Not only will you notice all the love and care that has gone into the French country décor, soft personal touches, and the artistic attention to detail, you will also get to meet every member of my welcoming team, learn about their roles, and see all the ways we can help you achieve your very best, beautiful, vibrant self.

Some of the great things you will learn at the Grand Opening:

All about the HCG diet and how you can lose a pound a day
Skin rejuvenation with micro-dermabrasion
Spider vein elimination with sclerotherapy
Nutritional profiling and support for optimal health
Bio-identical hormones for menopause symptom relief
Permanent birth control
Advances in minimally invasive gynecological surgery
And much more!

Plus, we will have drawings for luxurious, hand-made gift baskets in every room of our office as you make your way through the entire suite. Simply enter your name to win!

Every person who attends gets a complimentary gift bag filled with goodies and 20% off any aesthetic service!

Please RSVP via Facebook or by calling our office at 513-777-0787 today!

We can’t wait to see you!

Dr. Brenner and Staff

Labor and Delivery of My New Practice: Joy, a Few Tears, and a Temperamental Printer

2011-07-19T00:38:00.000-04:00

Well, we are finally open! This “labor of love” has at times felt like actual labor, the birthing of a dream, and with the excitement of new beginnings come challenges as well. To be honest, some were a little painful. There were so many details going into this new practice, from the office space, to my wonderful staff, to decisions about the direction I wanted to take things, products and services, patient record management, and so on. Anything truly worthwhile is never achieved easily. The harder you work for something, the sweeter the reward. And that’s how I feel about this wonderful new home away from home.

I am so proud of my amazing staff and their unified efforts to bring all the necessary elements together for the best possible patient experience. Inevitably, though, things are bound to go wrong. I know I am harder on myself than anyone else, and there really isn’t any such thing as perfection, but when it’s your name on the sign outside, you want everything to be just right. Here are some of the delightful hiccups we experienced our first full week after opening:

Our printer ran out of paper so we couldn’t print patient receipts temporarily
The rest of our building is still undergoing remodeling with a lot of dust and debris
Our EMR system was experiencing some blips

So, you can see these are minor annoyances, not big problems, but it still irks me a bit that we have to deal with them. On the brighter side, most everything else has gone off without a hitch. Patients absolutely LOVE the new office and surroundings, especially all of the little luxuries that make it feel like home, such as the coffee bar, cushy couches, and homey atmosphere. The last thing I wanted my patients to feel like when they entered my practice is a cold, stark room with old magazines, dated décor, worn looking furnishings, and a disinterested staff. I have to say if there is one thing I absolutely got right, it’s my incredible team. They aren’t just my support staff; they are women on a mission to provide the very best care to our patients, whether that involves proper management of your medical records, or helping me during a procedure. I couldn’t have handpicked a finer group of people anywhere.

If you haven’t heard, we would like to show you first hand our amazing new offices and have you come down and meet everybody during our Grand Opening July 28. More details will follow in next week’s blog. We can’t wait to see you!

If Momma Isn't Happy, No One is Happy

2011-06-15T21:33:00.000-04:00

Raise your glass if you are more pleasant when you are happy with your appearance. Come on, you know you are. I totally admit I will try almost anything that will make me lose five pounds or look five years younger. When I look good, I feel good and my demeanor is dramatically improved. My kids and my hubby love it when I am happy with my appearance - the kids have a fun, happy Mommy and date night is much more fun if I am feeling a little flirty.

What do you think of my crow’s feet? Oh wait, they aren’t there anymore! Botox took care of them and Juvaderm plumped up my lips. Clinical facials make my skin glow, just as it did years ago. Thanks to sclerotherapy my kids have stopped asking me if I have boo boos on my legs.

Although I am a self-proclaimed workout fanatic, working at my current practice, starting my new practice, traveling the country teaching other physicians, being a wife, mother, sister and daughter really cut into my exercise regimens. Doing the hCG diet with several close friends and my sister helped me rapidly lose excess weight while toning and sculpting my body; regular exercise and a healthier menu help me maintain. I love that there is less looking back at me in the mirror!

The women I care for are no different than me. Every woman wants to look and feel her best. It is for this reason I am so excited to offer a full range of aesthetic services at my new office. I wanted to provide a total package of care, working with my patients to keep them healthy on the inside and looking good on the outside. I believe an integral part of feeling good is looking good! Who doesn’t love new makeup and a new outfit? Permanent makeup is one of the few things available in my office that I haven’t had done yet (but you know I will soon!) I love walking into a room and having people ask who the doctor is because I don’t look old enough to be a doctor.

Now THAT makes Momma happy.

Happy Mother's Day

2011-05-11T21:07:00.000-04:00

I hope everyone had a memorable Mother’s Day, spent with those who mean the most to you. I was fortunate to spend the day not only with my children, but my mother as well. I had some quiet introspective time after opening the gift my daughter Taylor made for me – after I wiped away my tears.

This was certainly not my first Mother’s Day, and it was not spent doing anything out of the ordinary, just spending time with the woman I call mom and the children who call me mom. Perhaps because of the significant changes I am making to my career path this year seemed extra special to me. I have spent much time contemplating the balance of my life recently.

My career as on Ob/Gyn is what defines me. I devoted a significant portion of my life becoming the doctor I am today. I love what I do and am proud that my continuing education keeps me on the cutting edge as a physician. Taking care of a girl from her late teens as she grows into womanhood, through pre-conceptual counseling, pregnancy, labor and delivery, eventually into menopause and beyond is such an amazing, personal bond that I treasure. There is nothing quite like helping someone become a mom. Giving up Obstetrics still pulls at my heartstrings, but helping someone become a mom isn’t limited to labor and delivery. Preparing a woman preconception, successfully overcoming her infertility and seeing the new mom with her newborn at her postpartum checkup are equally important.

I may be defined by my profession, but being Taylor, Avery and Andrew’s mom is who I am. I may change the direction of my career, but nothing will ever alter the plain, simple fact that I am and always will be their mother. Although as they enter their teens, they may try to disclaim me as a liability to their popularity, I will always, always be there. For the time being, while they are small, I am still their go-to person, their buddy and I treasure every moment. Being their mom makes it all worth it.

Fun in the Sun with Pirates and Princesses

2011-04-21T13:47:00.000-04:00

My hardworking husband scored a free trip to Disney for the family so that is how we are spending our Spring Break. I am totally loving spending time with Casey and the kids in such a fun venue! The sunny 85 degree weather is pretty amazing too. Sitting down here poolside is so calming, especially right now when I am being pulled in so many directions gearing up to open my solo practice. I admit I do feel guilty about getting away when there is so much to be done before July 1st, but I will return focused and ready to get right back to work.

I wish I could bottle up some of this serenity and bring it home with me. In fact I already have found my own little bit of Feng Shui to add to my new office environment. We all know how bringing the oriental art of elemental balance into your life creates harmonious vibes as well as the effect pheromones have on our general feeling of wellbeing.

Time for a quick show of hands - who’s been to Disney recently? It’s ok you can admit it, I love it here too! When you were here, did you notice how different attractions had their own unique aroma? The Main Street Confectionary has a melt in your mouth caramel apple fragrance, while the Old Key West Resort has a glorious Island Breeze drifting through. My kids’ favorite is the “A Bug’s Life” theatre’s stinkbug scent. Seriously. It smells like a stinkbug.

I am going to incorporate scent into my office space. Sorry no stinkbug scent in the office, you have to go to Disney for that one. I’m torn between creating my own signature scent that you would come to associate with my office or changing scents to embody the current season. Spring flowers, Ocean Breezes, Caramel Apple and Evergreen for example. What do you think? I would love for you to leave a comment with your thoughts.

Disney World aficionados know that every Disney employee right down to the ticket tearers and teens who scrape gum are so genuine and pleasant. They are known for their total package of customer service and although I probably won’t need anyone tearing tickets or scraping gum in my office, I do want my staff to provide that same level of quality service.

Ouch! Just came back down to reality with a hard thud! We couldn’t make the meal plan that came with the trip work for us so we are buying our meals. I feel like such a mean mom telling the kids “No” and then “No, you can’t have that either” “Or that”. Oh the whining is not encouraging my Feng Shui.

To (O)B or not to (O)B, that is the Question...

2011-04-11T20:45:00.001-04:00

Shakespeare said “To (O)B or not to (O)B, that is the question”…

…and it is not an easily answered question. I love obstetrics; it has been so personally rewarding! There is nothing more amazing than delivering a baby and being part of such a special moment in a family. Even after 15 years of practicing Obstetrics, it still just amazes me how we can grow a human inside us in less than a year.

However, after much deliberation, I have decided to specialize in my new practice on gynecology, gyn surgery and bioidentical hormones and supplements. This was not a decision I arrived at quickly. I will miss the OB part but I just couldn't ﬁgure out how to make it work in my future solo practice. No one wants to spend a long time waiting for the doctor, myself included! It's annoying and I don't want to be "that" doctor. There doesn't seem to be a good way to do deliveries in a solo practice without having to reschedule hours of patients when I would leave to do a delivery and that isn't how I want it to be.

I am sad about giving up Ob, but my true passion lies in teaching, gynecology and minimally invasive gynecological surgery. Medical advances and technology breakthroughs occur with such speed, especially in women’s health, and I pride myself with staying on the cutting edge of new research. I believe that in today's rapid advancement of surgical techniques, it requires all of my focus to be a leading surgeon. There is so much new information every day about hormones, new devices to improve patients outcome with procedures, and things I can do to help my patients feel better and lead a healthier life. Taking this path is a major career change for me and I am anxious about it. Starting a business is never easy and I am so nervous about the response to my new direction. I have a vision of how I want my practice to be: warm, inviting, and personal. It will be focused on a more holistic approach to women's health and needs.
At the risk of sounding repetitive, as a woman I understand all too well many of the problems women are faced with from
my own personal experiences and I want to really be more able to incorporate that understanding into patient care.

To be perfectly honest, another part of this decision lies in my wish to be the best mom and wife I can be. It has been diﬃcult covering the entire hospital and call for 11 doctors. I can't provide the care I want to give my patients and I wasn't really doing a good job at home either. I have two daughters, a son and a step daughter who give me a very busy (actually crazy) family life. Having to stay in the hospital for 36 hours straight several times a month and having lots of evening meetings with my partners AND trying to keep up with continuing education courses and traveling the country
teaching other doctors didn't leave much time for my family. I hope to soon correct that void I've given to my family (and my patients) Even with oﬀering the early morning, evening and Saturday appointment times, I will gain considerable time with my family which is priceless.

Having done Obstetrics in the Cincinnati area for 15 years I have cultivated relationships with other Ob's who have a
myriad of backgrounds and diﬀerent methods of approaching patient care. My patients are not just a number to me, I feel
a personal connection with each one. I will be providing pre-conceptual counseling and ﬁrst trimester care. During that
time, we will discuss which nearby Ob would be the best for you personally. I will look forward to seeing you again
postpartum, hearing your birth story and meeting your new arrival.

My New Practice, An Enduring Dream

2011-03-10T21:35:00.000-05:00

A New Practice, an Enduring Dream
I hope 2011 is shaping up to be a great year for everyone so far. For me personally, I am so excited to announce the realization of a lifelong dream: my very own medical practice dedicated to the well-being of women in the Cincinnati area, opening in July. This practice will be all about education, prevention, and the very latest in treatment options in a serene and relaxing environment. Most of all, it will be about caring and taking the time to listen to your questions and concerns.
I love being a physician. I feel it is a true calling. As both my parents were teachers, I have that same desire to impart knowledge to my patients for their greater good. Teaching is a passion of mine, whether instructing patients on their healthcare or teaching other OBGYN physicians nationwide on the latest procedures in minimally invasive gynecology. One of the most wonderful things I am looking forward to in this new venture is practicing the kind of caring, holistic medicine I believe all women deserve, with the very latest innovations and treatments.
I know through years of experience as a doctor how stressful going to the gynecologist can be. All the time, I see how anxious some patients get. Let’s face it; it is no one’s favorite activity. To make your visit more relaxing, we have designed our office to feel more like you are waiting for a spa treatment than your yearly exam. Our friendly, caring staff welcomes you with our quick, paperless Digichart EMR system, to update your patient information, and then lets you unwind with a beverage of your choice: a flavorful cup of hot coffee, soothing herbal tea, or a cool bottle of water. Sit back on one of our plush couches, enjoy the soft colors and lighting, and feel the calm around you. As a bonus, we even have wireless Internet for you to surf the web while you wait for your exam.
An amazing new feature of my practice will be a state-of-the-art Patient Education System, or PES. This interactive tool involves a large screen TV and a patient hand-held remote accessed in the privacy of your exam room as you wait to be seen. You can easily find out information about your particular concern or condition, to help you better prepare any questions for me before your exam. This innovation is to help you feel more empowered as a patient and be more involved in your health care decisions. As I always have, I will continue to take the time to listen to you, answer your questions, address your concerns, and hopefully reassure you during your appointment.

I am inspired by my patients every day. This new practice is a result of that inspiration. Please take a moment to go on my new website, www.dramybrenner.com and sign up for our email list. As the grand opening of my new practice draws closer, you will receive updates and useful information about scheduling your first visit. I can’t wait to see you there.

How do you do it all?

2010-11-07T08:53:00.000-05:00

How do you do it all?
This is a question I commonly get from patients when we’re kibitzing about our personal lives. Occasionally, when someone finds out that I have a busy life at home with 3 kids (ages 7, 5 and 4 as well as an 18 year old step-daughter), a husband that runs his own business, one cat (although I never change the litter- still going with the excuse that is not good for me ever since I was pregnant), and one puppy MJ that’s 9 months old, they ask me how I can do all of that at home and still work full time as a doctor. Of course, this question truly is a compliment and makes me feel like Superwoman.
Seriously,its taken ten years in private practice and seven years of being a Mom until I finally got in a groove this year. My secret is that I don’t even come close to doing it all myself. I grew up in a family of teachers. My mother, father, sister and brother are all teachers. Growing up in our house we lived frugally and watched every penny. My mom had a large garden and cooked dinner every night from home. In fact, I probably remember the few times we ever went to a restaurant. We went to Taco Bell when I made my 8th grade Confirmation and went to Beni Hana when I came in 4th in the city spelling bee. My dad did all the projects and fixing of things around the house himself. What I’m trying to get at here is that all the work that goes into raising a family and maintaining a house was done by my parents. I attempted to follow in their footsteps when I started my own family. Actually, I really didn’t have much of a choice initially because I had so much debt from student loans. So for the first few years of being a working mother, I did everything myself: shopping, laundry, dinners, cleaning. My husband did his share of the work as well. As our debt decreased and our bank account and family grew, we were able to get more help around the house.
Finally, this year I feel like I’m just now starting to get it together. I have a great “nanager” which is a nanny and house manager. She does all the stuff that I don’t want to do, which in my case is pretty much anything domestic: cleaning, dishes, laundry, litter box cleaning, grocery shopping, cooking, and organizing my house. I’m really blessed to have found someone that can take great care of my children, house and pets.
Certainly, this story would not be complete without mentioning what an amazing husband I have!!! And I’m not just writing this so I can still have my nanager that I lobbied, begged and pleaded and asked for for many years. My husband also grew up knowing the value of a dollar and initially he had a hard time paying for something that both our parents did themselves . Anyway, Kevin or Casey (we both have name issues- but that’s another story) does at least 50% if not more of the parental duties. He regularly does the morning shift and gets the kids dressed, fed and driven to school. Now granted, my kids are usually in tears after the constant reprimanding and threats and are most often tardy, but he gets them to school almost every day. This allows me to just take care of me in the morning before I’m off to work. I’ve learned that if I don’t get my exercise in before I go to the office, then it doesn’t happen. So I usually work out in my basement first thing in the morning. My latest motivator has been P90X and Insanity DVDs.
Kevin also is the one who stays home with the kids should an illness or inclement weather interrupt our daily plans. He also meets up with the “nanager” on days that I am on call and spend the night in the hospital. On those special evenings when Mom doesn’t come home, Dad usually gives the kids a special treat of pizza at Cici’s pizza and allows at least one of our offspring to sleep in my spot. However, lately by the time the alarm clock goes off, our bed is filled with 3 kids, a dog AND a cat. And I wonder why I’m always tired!
H owever, even with all these “helpers”, I still manage to screw up quite often, both at home and at work. There have been a few times where one of my children missed a birthday party because I just forgot, was in tears because Mom forgot to send them in pajamas on “breakfast at school day” . As it relates to my job, I have gone to the wrong office in the morning and started my day off being an hour behind schedule. Another perfect example of my craziness, is how I have just dropped the ball trying to keep up with this blog. You can tell from the date of my last post and this one. The whole back to school thing just sent me over the edge.
So thank you to all of you kind ladies for just suggesting that what I do is impressive, because many days I feel quite overwhelmed and just trying to make it.

Why can't I get pregnant

2010-04-24T10:10:00.000-04:00

Most women spend many years of their life trying NOT to get pregnant and then a fair amount of them won't be able to conceive when they want. Don't tell my mom, but this is what happened to me. I'm not the most patient person, so when I wanted to have a baby at age 34, I wanted to conceive the first time I had sex with my husband. I was certain this would happen- afterall, I'm a Gynecologist. I know all the tricks! As you can probably guess, this didn't happen to me!! SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO frustrating!!!! Especially when I do this job- with pregnant women and babies and talking about getting pregnant is what I do all day long. Even my husband and family members would tell me, "try not to think about it.... it will happen in time." Yeah right- easier said than done.

Certainly, I'm not alone in feeling this way . This is a common condition as 15 percent of the couples in the United States who are trying to conceive are not able to do so.

So, the big questions raised is why? The following is a general overview of the tests that I usually order when a patient comes to see me for infertility.

EVALUATION OF INFERTILITY IN MEN — A healthcare provider (not me ! I don't do men anymore- usually the family practitioner) usually begins with a medical history and physical of the the dad to be. I WILL give the father to be an order for a semen analysis and a specimen cup. . A man should avoid sex and masturbation for two to seven days ( do you think its possible?) before providing the semen sample. Ideally, a sample should be collected in a clinician's office after masturbation (yes, they have special rooms with magazines and movies to help ; if this is not possible, the man may be allowed to collect a sample at home in a sterile laboratory container. The sample should be delivered to the lab (usually University Pointe in West Chester) within one hour of collection. The cost of this test is about $65
If the initial semen analysis is abnormal, I will often request an additional sample; this is best done one to two weeks later.

EVALUATION OF INFERTILITY IN WOMEN

Medical history — A woman's past health and medical history may provide some clues about the cause of infertility. I will ask about childhood development; sexual development during puberty; sexual history; illnesses and infections; surgeries; medications used; exposure to certain environmental agents (alcohol, radiation, steroids, chemotherapy, and toxic chemicals); and any previous fertility evaluations.

Physical examination — A physical examination usually includes a general examination, with special attention to any signs of hormone deficiency or signs of other conditions that might impair fertility. I will also perform a pelvic examination, which can identify abnormalities of the reproductive tract and signs of low hormone levels.

Blood tests — Blood tests can provide information about the levels of several hormones that play a role in female fertility.es. These hormones include follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), and prolactin.

Tests to evaluate ovulation — Ovulation (the release of an egg from an ovary) is essential for fertility. Abnormalities of ovulation can often be determined from a woman's menstrual history or hormone levels such LH or progesterone

Menstrual history — Amenorrhea (absent menstrual periods) usually signals an absence of ovulation, which can cause infertility. Irregular menstrual cycles can be a sign of irregular ovulation.

Basal body temperature — Monitoring of basal body temperature (measured before getting out of bed in the morning A woman's temperature usually rises by 0.5ºF to 1.0ºF after ovulation.
Hormone levels — Levels of luteinizing hormone (LH) rise abruptly approximately 38 hours before ovulation. This hormone surge can be detected using an over-the-counter home urine test. However, this kit fails to detect the hormone surge about 15 percent of the time. Therefore, sometimes I may recommend a blood test to confirm ovulation- the progesterone test.

Tests to evaluate the uterus and fallopian tubes — Uterine abnormalities that can contribute to infertility include congenital (present from birth) structural abnormalities, such as a uterine septum, fibroids and uterine polyps.

Scarring of the fallopian tubes can occur due to pelvic inflammatory disease, endometriosis or scar tissue from prior infections or surgery.

Hysterosalpingogram — Hysterosalpingogram (HSG) is used to help identify structural abnormalities of the uterus and fallopian tubes. It involves inserting a small catheter through the cervix and into the uterus. A liquid dye is injected through the catheter, which fills the uterus and fallopian tubes. An x-ray is taken after the dye is injected, which shows the outline of the uterus and tubes . An abnormally shaped uterus or blocked fallopian tube would be visible on the x-ray. I always tell patients that this test hurts- it's quick, but it hurts.

Pelvic ultrasound — This is used to measure the size and shape of the uterus and ovaries, and to determine if there are structural abnormalities (such as fibroids or ovarian cysts). If abnormalities are seen, further testing may be needed.

Laparoscopy — During laparoscopy, a thin, lighted tube is inserted through a small incision in the abdomen while the patient is asleep under anesthesia. . Laparoscopy allows me to detect damage and obstruction of the fallopian tubes, endometriosis, and other abnormalities of the pelvic structures. This is the best test for diagnosis of endometriosis or pelvic adhesions (scarring). Furthermore, endometriosis can be treated during laparoscopy, which can help to improve pregnancy rates. However, laparoscopy is not routinely done during an evaluation of infertility.

EMOTIONAL SUPPORT DURING INFERTILITY EVALUATION — The process of trying to become pregnant and the inability to do so can lead to a variety of emotions, including anxiety, depression, anger, shame, and guilt. I personally became obscessed with trying to get pregnant. It takes over all your thoughts!! Some experts suggest relaxation techniques, stress-management, coping skills training, and group support. Those options are great but what I've found is that patients and myself feel so much better when we (patient and doctor) are DOING something to help speed up this process. Because, in my experience the best way to make this all well and good is to get pregnant!!!!!

W

What to Do About Heavy Bleeding???

2010-03-25T22:38:00.000-04:00

Do you miss work or limit your activities because of your periods?
Do you ever soak through your clothes? (see entry #2- I know I have and even had my male partners tell me I have blood on my clothes. UGH! )
Do you stay close to a bathroom during your periods? (well, I stay close to the bathroom all the time :)
Does bleeding limit your intimate time with your partner? (I wish that was my only excuse)
Do you need to take iron to keep from becoming anemic?

It is not normal to have your menstrual periods control your life!! There's too many contenders for that positon- kids, husband, job- you get my drift. Heavy menstrual bleeding (menorrhagia) is a common problem for women. The worst cases of excessive menstrual bleeding can cause severe anemia and even require blood transfusions.

When you know all your options up front you can make a more informed decision about which is right for you. Here's just a general overview of what I can do to treat your heavy bleeding but we'll have to talk about the specifics for your medical history, age and future plans for childbirth. And certainly, we may need to do some tests first (like an ultrasound) to see which option is best for YOU. Several factors will be important to your decision, including whether or not you plan to have children in the future and whether you want ongoing therapy or a one time treatment.

So here's a list of some options to fix this common problem:

1. Medicines: The simplest treatment is the use of hormones such as birth control pills or progesterone pills. Most bleeding caused by hormone imbalance can be treated with medications. However, many women are unable to use this option due to side effects or other medical problems. Also, some women simply just don't want to take a birth control pills.
Some prescription "cousins" of ibuprofen may decrease heavy flow, but may lengthen the time of bleeding.

2 Progesterone IUD: The Mirena® progesterone IUD (www.mirena-us.com)
may decrease bleeding. This IUD was recently FDA approved for the treatment of heavy bleeding. Prior to this FDA approval, physicians were just using it "off-label" for menorrhagia. It can, however, cause irregular bleeding and occasionally have some other side effects of moodiness, acne, and pain .It is a good option for women that want to conceive in the future as you can become pregnant within 1 month of its removal.

3. Endometrial ablation: Endometrial ablation is a quick (about 2 minutes) office procedure, that will usually eliminate or greatly decrease bleeding. After the procedure, over 95% of women will be satisfied with the results. Approximately 60-70% will no longer have any more periods. Another 20-30% will have very light periods only using a pantiliner throughout the period. Approximately 10% will fail the procedure and choose to manage bleeding as they have been doing, use hormones to control bleeding or opt for other surgical treatments.
It is also very important to understand that you should not become pregnant after an ablation.

4.Hysterectomy: This is the only procedure that guarantees permanent elimination of any bleeding. In my opinion, itt usually makes sense to consider less invasive alternatives before having major surgery. A hysterectomy is the removal of the uterus and cervix but not necessarily the removal of the ovaries. When a hysterectomy is the best option for you, I want you to have the LEAST invasive- which means FASTEST recovery- option. So then you can get back what's more important- family, friends and job. Who has 6 weeks to recover from a sugery these days? Laparoscopic hysterectomy (www.gynecare.com) is the most common way that I choose to remove a patient's uterus and cervix. This surgery usually takes 45-60 minutes to perform and you would stay in the hospital for 10-23 hours.Most patients are back to work in 2 weeks sometimes even sooner.

Hope this overview helps, but come talk to me about your specific situation and we'll talk about what's the best for YOU!

For more reading, here's a reputable website http://www.uptodate.com/online/content/topic.do?topicKey=gen_gyne/4741&selectedTitle=1%7E147&source=search_result#PATIENT_INFORMATION

Are You Nervous Going to the Gynecologist?

2010-03-20T19:52:00.000-04:00

Have you ever gone to your Gyno and then while you were waiting to see her, you realized you forgot to shave your legs? Or forgot to trim things up "down there"? Have you ever gone to the doctor after a workout or at the end of the day when that fresh feeling has left? Or the worst one yet- you were bleeding? What is she going to say about how much weight was gained since last year? OMG! You are wondering.- what is the doctor going to think? Will she assume you're unkempt and unsanitary?

Are you kidding? At least this gynecologist has her own personal hygiene and bodily functions to worry about.

It's not an uncommon morning for me to slug down a few cups of coffee, get ready for work, make breakfast, kiss my kids goodbye about 3 times each, and then before I'm out the door- dash upstairs to brush my teeth and then dribble toothpaste on my outfit. No prob. I'll just wash it off with a washcloth- only to get to the office and realize it didn't quite come out. How unprofessional!

Or then there's the time when I was pregnant and nauseated and had to deliver a baby in the middle of the night. ie empty stomach. After the baby was born, I had to run and vomit in the trash can. I felt so bad. What kind of Obstetrician gets sick at the sight of a placenta and blood? Of course, there's another story I have relating to my vomit and that's when I threw up on myself in the car on the way to work- pregnancy #1 that was.

Its a good thing my patients don't know the real reason why I often wear scrubs to the office. Sure, many times its because I'm doing an in office procedure , but lately its because I've gained a few pounds and most of my clothes don't fit.

I've also been in the office with that white coat on and had one of my male partners, Dr.Silver, to be exact, tell me that I had blood on my lab coat. He just assumed I must have sat in blood after a procedure or something. I just let him go on believing this while I whispered to my nurse what really happened and how she would be a lifesaver and find me a new pair of scrubs and lab coat. I need to get that endometrial ablation myself!!!

I used to have a partner, Dr. Freeman, now retired , who liked to tell a lot of jokes. This is not a good thing to do in the office setting to a woman who has had 3 kids and poor bladder control. Now I've got that problem taken care of- so laughing is now permitted in my office.

So- the moral of my story is: in case you are worried what I am going to think about your unwanted hair, added pounds or menstual blood, rest assured. I've been there, done that. I'm a woman just like you. So don't worry, I'm not thinking about those things, I'm thinking about what I need to do to take care of you and your health.

what makes you wanna do this job?

2010-03-20T14:11:00.002-04:00

Many times when I am doing a pap smear or a pelvic exam, a patient will ask me: "What made you ever want to go into this field?" Well, I thought this would be a good way to open up in my first blog. So- here's a few of the reasons why I decided to become a Obstetrician/Gynecologist

1. Bringing babies into the world is absolutely amazing!!!! There is nothing like it in the entire world and in my job, I get to be a part of it. It is such an intimate moment in a family. I love it!!!

2. I love taking care of women. I feel like I can relate- after all, I'm a woman and unfortunately- or fortunately - I've had many of the "female medical problems myself"- such as painful, heavy periods, PMS, infertility, polycystic ovarian syndrome, gestational diabetes, abnormal mammogram and a breast biopsy. More of that stuff later........

3. I enjoy the continuity of care that being an Ob/Gyn affords. It's great to take care of a woman for her yearly exams, then see her through a few pregnancies and watch her and her family develop. I love being there for her as her doctor and the lasting relationships this leads to.

4. I like to do Gyn surgery. And in womens health- it is such an exciting time to be a gyn surgeon. There are so many new surgical instruments and ways to do things to ensure my patients a better outcome and quicker recovery. I really pride myself on staying current in what's going on in the gyn surgery field.

5.Procedures are fun. Not just surgeries, but excising a painful abscess (its kinda satisfying like squeezing a big zit. Gross- I know) LEEPs, IUD insertions, polyp removals, and endometrial biopsies.

6. I love to teach. When I was a college student, I couldn't decide if I should be a high school biology teacher or a doctor. Obviously, you know what I chose. But now I get to do both. Not only do I get to inform women about all the stuff I learn to keep them healthy, but now I have started teaching other doctors. Often I have other doctors watch me do certain procedures or I go to their place and help them with their first cases. I also do speaking engagements for physicians. I am also going to get back to teaching medical students and residents (I used to do this before I had kids)

But the main reason why I just love my job- I feel that I am making a difference in women's lives..... Hopefully, with this blog, I can make an impact in yours too.