“It’s a moment I’ll never forget, when I sat down at the edge of the pool – the pool where I’ve trained my whole life – to find out there’s a brain tumor”

In 2024, Archie Goodburn, a- young and promising 23-year-old athlete (currently 24-year-old) who won a bronze medal at a major junior championship and swam for Scotland, shared difficult news of being diagnosed with a rare form of cancer. This Scottish swimmer who has a record in the 50 m breaststroke found himself in a position where he might have to put a stopper on his dreams of competing in the Paris Olympic. He was diagnosed with incurable brain tumors. This discovery came after he experienced numbness and seizures, especially around the time he was trying to qualify for the Olympics.

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Incurable Brain Cancer And Impending Time Limit

Tests after the Olympic trials showed Archie has three large brain tumors called oligodendrogliomas that can't be removed with surgery. These tumors are rare and usually grow slowly, forming from a type of brain cell. While they're more often found in adults, they can affect anyone. Archie will now be undergoing radiotherapy and chemotherapy to treat them.

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The brain tumor is in a critical area and is the leading cancer killer for people under 40, according to Brain Tumour Research.

Taking to social media Archie explained that he started having strange episodes of dizziness and was feeling uncomfortable in late 2023 that messed up his training. At first, they thought these were severe migraines. They caused him to lose strength, feel numb on his left side, and experience fear, nausea, and strong déjà vu. He now knows these were actually seizures.

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What Is Oligodendrogliomas?

According to the US National Cancer Institute, Oligodendroglioma is a type of tumor that starts in the brain or spinal cord. To correctly diagnose it, doctors look for two specific changes in the tumor's genes: a specific gene change called an IDH mutation and a particular loss of parts of chromosomes 1 and 19.

Archie on his Instagram account said, “My tumors express a mutation of my IDH1 gene that is shared with some forms of leukaemia.” According to a 2012 study published in the Brain Pathology, IDH1 gene is a mutation that happens in the early stages of brain development and is a common step in the development of brain tumors. This type of gene mutation is common in glial tumors, which are a type of tumor that originated in the glial cells present in the brain and spinal cord.

To get a clear diagnosis, doctors usually need to take a small piece of the tumor during surgery, if possible. A neuropathologist then looks at this piece of the tumor.

The National Cancer Institute explains that the causes of this brain tumor are still unknown. However, being exposed to radiation and having certain gene changes passed down in families might increase the chance of getting them.

What Are The Chances of Survival for Oligodendrogliomas?

Prognosis is about the likely outcome of the disease or the chance of recovery. It depends on several things: Type, grade, location, spread and severity of the type of tumor, specific gene changes, the patient's age, and how much of the tumor is left after surgery (if surgery was possible). Archie said, “IDH inhibiting medications, a new class of drug, have seen phenomenal developments in the last few years with some pretty amazing results. Continued progress in this field will aid my prognosis massively.”

About 79.5% of people with oligodendroglioma are still alive five years after diagnosis. However, one must remember that there are many things that affect this number. These include the tumor's grade and genetic makeup, the person's age and health when diagnosed, and how well they respond to treatment. If you want to understand your own outlook, it's best to talk to your doctor.

Archie's Positive Outlook

Despite the tough news, Archie is staying incredibly positive. He mentioned a "silver lining": these types of tumors often respond better to radiotherapy and chemotherapy than some other serious brain tumors. He also noted they usually grow slowly and might have been there for years.

Archie is determined to face this challenge head-on. He's drawing strength from being young and fit, and from the amazing support he gets from his friends, family, and girlfriend. He plans to "remain positive and to keep being Archie." Many people have applauded his strength and resilience to bring awareness about the disease “I'm lucky... I've got time to shout about this disease.”

After Coldrif was linked to children's death in India, regulators have now advised against the use of two more cough syrups including Respifresh TR and ReLife. The World Health Organization (WHO) has also warned of the potential risks of the unregulated channels through which these cough syrups could be exported, however, as of now, these have not been exported.

Health alerts from Gujarat and other states describe both Respifresh and ReLife as containing DEG, “a toxic chemical that can cause serious poisoning, including kidney failure, neurological complications, and even death, particularly in children.”

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The Jammu And Kashmir Cough Syrup Death Case

However, this is not the first case of cough syrup linked deaths of children from India. Earlier, between 2019 and 2020, at least 12 children under five died in Jammu and Kashmir, allegedly from cough syrup. The syrup has been manufactured in Himachal Pradesh's Sirmaur district by pharmaceutical company Digital Vision. Scroll reported that Digital Vision has "not only gone to resume production, but found guilt of more drug quality violations."

The samples of the cough syrups were collected in Ramnagar and sent to lab for tests in Chandigarh. The tests found that "more 34% diethylene glycol", said Jammu and Kashmir drug controller Lotika Khajuria to BBC. The samples' findings were also corroborated by another Kolkata-based lab test, said Khajuria.

The BBC report mentioned that the toxins failed the children's kidneys, and in some cases, even multiple organs were affected, including brain, liver, and lungs. Some of the children were also to be put on ventilators, while some were left with major disabilities.

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The Gambia Cough Syrup Death Case

In the September of 2022, reports BBC, a father in The Gambia, watched his young son slowly die in front of his eye. His son, 3-year-pld Lamin was among the 70 children, younger than five, who died in The Gambia of acute kidney injuries between July and October of 2022.

All these kids consumed one of the four cough syrups made by an Indian company called Maiden Pharmaceuticals. In fact, in October 2022, the WHO linked the deaths to the syrups and said that it found "unacceptable" levels of toxins in the medicines. A Gambian parliamentary panel also concluded after investigations that the deaths were the result of children ingesting the syrups.

However, the pharmaceutical company denied this and said that the cough syrups complied with quality standards when tested domestically. Though the then chairperson of the Gambian panel that investigated these deaths Amadou Camara strongly denied. He said, "We have evidence. We tested these drugs. [They] contained unacceptable amounts of ethylene glycol and diethylene glycol, and these were directly imported from India, manufactured by Maiden."

Ethylene glycol and diethylene glycol are toxic to humans and could be fatal if consumed.

Uzbekistan Cough Syrup Death Case

After the trial of August 2023, an Uzbekistan court sentenced 23 people to prison over the deaths of 68 children linked to contaminated cough syrup. Among them were Singh Ragvendra Pratar, reports BBC, who was given the longest sentence of 20 years. He was the executive director at Quaramax Medical, who distributed the contaminated cough syrups manufactured by Marion Biotech in India.

WHO in January 2023, also said that the products manufactured by Marion Biotech were "substandard" and that the firm had failed to provide guarantees about their safety. After this, India's health ministry suspended production at the company. The authorities stated that they were "permanently" cancelling the company's license.

The popular weight-loss drug Ozempic, and similar GLP=1 medications like Wegovy and Mounjaro and known for a little more than fat loss jabs. They have a more complicate side to it. This is all about the sagging breasts, surprise pregnancies to confusing cancer scans, and many more such side effects. Of course due to its consequence of helping people use weight, have these drugs gained popularity, but also because these injections are producing ripple effects fat beyond the waistline.

Ozempic Breasts

If 'Ozempic Face' was not enough - a term used for facial sagging after rapid weight loss, then there is a new cosmetic concern: Ozempic breasts.

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Women using this weekly injection have reported dropping, deflated breasts after they have shred pounds quickly. Experts have also stressed that this is not a drug-specific effect and could happen to anyone who lost a significant amount of fat in a short time.

“In the breast area, rapid fat loss can leave the skin envelope empty, causing the breasts to look deflated and the nipples facing downward,” explained Dr. Ronald F. Rosso, medical director at Peninsula Plastic Surgery in California, as reported in Healthline. “It’s very similar to what we see after more traditional weight-loss surgeries such as gastric bypass.”

Women who have experienced pregnancy and breastfeeding may be at a greater risk, said Dr Walter J Joseph, a California-based aesthetic and reconstructive surgeon. For them, less cleavage and fullness, translates into a "sad looking" breast appearance.

The best measure? Experts suggest a well-fitted bra throughout the day. "It won't reverse the change, but it can help with comfort and prevent further sagging," said Dr Elie Levine, director of Plastic Surgery & Dermatology of NYC PLLC.

Plastic Surgery May Solve Your Problems

Not just Ozempic Breasts, but even Ozempic Butt, a droopy backside has made it to the list. For those seeking to restore firmness and shape, procedures like butt lifting and breast lifts for Ozempic breasts are available, including mastopexy.

What happens in this surgery is doctors remove the sagging skin, reshape the tissue and reposition the nipple to face forward rather than downward. The lift can also be paired with implants for added fullness.

“Patients should wait until they reach and maintain their goal weight before considering surgery,” advised Dr. Christopher Costa, as reported in the NY Post. Dr Costa is the founder of Platinum Plastic Surgery in Las Vegas. “Your body after Ozempic may be completely different, and it’s important to give it time to stabilize before making permanent changes.”

Dr Costa also noted in a 2022 study found two-thirds users regained the lost weight within a year of stopping GLP-1 drugs. Thus timing is the key to avoid repeating costly procedures. “If you’re not ready for surgery, embrace your new look,” he added. “Buy new clothes that flatter your shape, celebrate the healthier version of you.”

Ozempic Breast Is Not Just Sagging, It Is Also Swelling

Not all complaints are about sagging, some are also about sore and swollen breasts, especially in the early weeks of treatment.

"They feel bigger and tender, like the first trimester of pregnancy," shared a Reddit user. Experts suggest that it is due to the hormonal shifts that your body undergoes or due to the temporary inflammation.

What could work? Massaging, is what Dr Elie Levine recommends. This could boost circulation. Other than that, one can also use painkillers, or cool compresses for relief.

After Tylenol, a popular pain medicine in the US was in debate of whether it causes autism, the debate has now shifted to Tramadol.

What Is Tramadol?

It is an opioid pain medicine used to treat moderate to moderately severe pain. It is a controlled substance due to its potential for misuse and addiction. It alters how the brain and the nervous system respond to pain.

What's New About Tramadol?

New research published in the BMJ Evidence Based Medicine indicates that tramadol offers only a slight alleviation from chronic pain and may not be as effective. The research also notes that the side effects maybe overweighing the benefits.

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This prescription only drug is branded under various names, including Maxitram, Marol, Zydol, Zamadol, Tramulief, and Tramquel. It is used to treat pain, especially after surgery or a significant injury.

This is also a popular choice in US, however, the new evidence shows that it only offers limited impact on chronic pain and could actually be associated with the high risk of serious effects, including heart diseases.

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Tramadol Ineffective? What Is It Based On?

The team of researchers assessed 19 published clinical trials that involved 6,506 people with chronic pain. Five of the trials studied the impact of tramadol on neuropathic pain, nine focused on osteoarthritis, four looked at chronic low back pain, and one looked at fibromyalgia.

The prescribed period for most people were two to 16 weeks. Pooled data analysis showed that tramadol did ease the pain, the effect was small as compared to what would be considered clinically effective.

Researchers also noted a doubling in the risk of harms, which were associated with the popular pain killer drug, as compared to placebo drugs. They had a higher proportion of side effects, which include: chest pain, heart disease, and congestive heart failure. Some patients also suffered nausea, dizziness, constipation, and sleepiness. The researchers concluded: "Approximately 60 million worldwide experience the addictive effects of opioids."

The researchers further noted: "In 2019, drug use was responsible for approximately 600,000 deaths, with nearly 80 per cent of these fatalities associated with opioids and approximately 25 per cent resulting from opioid overdose. Given this trend and the present findings, the use of tramadol and other opioids should be minimised to the greatest extend possible."

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Opioid And Its Link To Cardiovascular Health

As per a 2023 study, published in Cureus, titled: Opioid Impacts on Cardiovascular Health cardiovascular diseases (CVD) is a major contributor to global mortality, and opioid use impacts cardiovascular health. Opioid receptors belong to the G protein, and these long-term opioid receptors have been linked to increased inflammatory responses and elevated production of reactive oxygen species, when it comes to cardiovascular health. These processes can contribute to cardiovascular complications such as microvascular dysfunction and atherosclerosis. This contrasts with the effects of acute receptor activation.