Elizabeth McNeill Byrd

Internist

1900 Tottenham Court Winterville North Carolina, 28590 Show map

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About

An internist with 23 years in practice, Elizabeth McNeill Byrd, MD, is the Medical Director for Because Every Mother Matters (BEMM) and the founding CEO and Medical Director of Veridical Doc, a S Corp. and medical blog. Dr. Byrd's area of clinical focus is indigent care. Most of her practice is dedicated to Africa (Ethiopia). She received her medical education from East Carolina School of Medicine and interned at Pitt County Memorial Hospital (now Vidant). She is certified in Internal Medicine by the American Board of Internal Medicine and certified in Advanced Cardiac Life Support.

Elizabeth McNeill Byrd's Videos

Education and Training

East Carolina School of Medicine

Board Certification

American Board of Internal Medicine- Internal Medicine

Provider Details

FemaleEnglish 24 years of experience

Elizabeth McNeill Byrd

Elizabeth McNeill Byrd's Expert Contributions

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I Dreamed of Sierra Leone and Somehow Discovered Ethiopia
Sometimes it is simply difficult to know where to begin. But I know that everything begins and ends with God.“For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.” - Jeremiah 29:11 NLTFor those of you who know...

Does getting a hysterectomy get rid of cervical cancer?
The cervix is the neck of the uterus. Provided there has been no spread of cancer cells to your lymph nodes, vaginal wall, or other local (close) areas, a hysterectomy should remove your cancer, however depending on your particular circumstances, your doctor may recommend chemotherapy, radiation, immunotherapy, or some combination of the three. Remember that if you are dissatisfied or uncomfortable, you can always seek a second opinion. Good luck! READ MORE
What medicine helps myocarditis?
Generally, prednisone helps improve myocarditis especially if it is caused by a virus. However, it should be used under the guidance of a physician. You may also require medications used for the treatment of congestive heart failure and possibly in particularly bad cases heart transplant. There are also medications (referred to as negative inotropes) like metoprolol or diltiazem that should not be used early in the course of myocarditis. So, the treatment of myocarditis can be complicated and is best accomplished with a good doctor-patient relationship. READ MORE
I have video game addiction and weakness?
It sounds like your sleep patterns, need for sleep, and quantity of sleep have changed over the past few months. It is certainly possible that you have narcolepsy. There is a peak in the teens and again in the later 30s. And it is more common in males. However, in order to know for sure, you will need a "sleep study". If the study is positive there are lifestyle modifications and medications that can help you lead a more normal life. READ MORE
I was recently told I have two GI Fistula’s?
I am so sorry. You have really had a hard time. Side effects could get better with time, but there is no guarantee. The treatment is surgical with repair of the fistulas. This could also cause more problems with the adhesions you have and the fistulas that are likely causing the current problem. It is possible to operate and remove the sections of bowel where you have fistulas. I recommend getting a second opinion from another GI surgeon and then making a decision. READ MORE
I have a rapid heart rate?
You did not mention how long you have been on escitalipram or your menopausal status, however, post-marketing reports indicate that escitalipram or Lexapro can cause heart rhythm disturbances including too fast, too slow, and arrhythmias like atrial fibrillation. Be sure to keep your cardiology appointment and call your pcp if you have problems before your cardiology appointment. READ MORE
Pea sized thing moving freely on the right side of my scrotum and it isn't the testicle?
See your doctor. An ultrasound can be done to help determine what the lesion is…it could be anything from a cyst to a tumor. READ MORE
Pulmonary embolism?
Yes it is ok to take them both together. There is no significant evidence to support a drug interaction. READ MORE
What’s causing high heart rate?
There are many causes of increased heart rate such as coffee, energy drinks, amphetamines, and heart problems to name a few. With your history of an abnormal ekg, I suggest you see your doctor for a complete cardiac work up to rule out anything dangerous. There is a syndrome called WPW or Wolfe-Párkinson-White syndrome that can be missed on ekgs. The doctor needs to be trained to recognize delta waves on ekgs. READ MORE
Extreme tobacco withdrawal?
Nicotine withdrawal can cause a sadness or depressed mood, anxiety, or irritability. That is not what you are describing to me. You are describing a flu-like illness. With the prevalence of the Delta variant of Covid-19, I recommend seeing your doctor immediately to get tested. Also, if you have not been vaccinated, please do. READ MORE
How long do you stay on blood thinners after stents?
In general, after a stent is placed patients take aspirin 81 mg and a P2Y12 antagonist such as Plavix, Brilinta, or Effient for at least 12 months. This can be longer depending upon the patient’s response and medical history. READ MORE
Medication side effects?
Mirtazepine or Remeron is an antidepressant that helps improve appetite and sleep. Promethazine or Phenergan is used for nausea and tends to make one sleepy. I suspect that you still had some mirtazepine in your body when you took the promethazine. So, both made you sleepy. I am curious about the reason for using mirtazepine for GERD? GERD is usually treated with proton pump inhibitors such as omeprazole. READ MORE
Urgent diarrhea?
For starters, it would be helpful to find a GI doctor who takes your complaints seriously. Bright red blood coming from the colon is worrisome. Possibly diverticulitis, but usually that is a bleed that starts without warning. Lots of bright red blood loss. Then simply stops. Any bleeding from the GI tract requires thorough investigation. Your stomach and liver should be included in your work-up. If you are having trouble finding a GI doctor try Academic Medical Schools. READ MORE
Lupus and Rheumatoid Arthritis?
I am so sorry for your pain. Auto immune diseases run together so you could have more than one simultaneously. Getting pain medication is going to be a lifelong struggle for you. You can look to the government for these problems. First we were required to call “pain” a vital sign (which it is not) that must be assessed with each visit, even those for colds. Then drug companies produced highly addictive products. Addiction became a problem and the government got involved again. Now pain medicine is limited and physicians are afraid of losing their license. I suggest you get a primary care doctor who can follow you over time and negotiate pain management. READ MORE
Concerning pregnancy?
It sounds like you are telling me that your left kidney is not retro peritoneal. As long as it is functioning correctly, I would not necessarily expect any problems. Your abdominal cavity (and uterus) will expand as the baby grows and they will follow you closely and may label you “high risk”. But I don’t see any reason that you could not have a healthy baby. READ MORE
Why?
I am very sorry about your friend. Without knowing the specific details involving the pump and the overdose and hospitalization, the most reasonable conclusion was that the overdose caused an anoxic brain injury (there was a period of time in which the brain did not receive adequate oxygen), and this complicated the medical condition(s) that required the pump initially, and there were too many problems for the body to recover. READ MORE
Lower leg pain?
That sounds painful and life-style limiting. If the pain is truly confined to your lower leg, the the sciatic nerve may have already divided into the tibial and common peroneal nerve. It would be helpful to know exactly where your leg hurts. The medications do not seem to be helping as it sounds like you are fixing your own pain by your movements. You could try using cushioning in your seating areas, but I do recommend seeing a procedural neurologist. The problem could be controlled with steroid injections. Good luck! READ MORE
How long should I continue taking low-dose aspirin?
It should be a lifetime medication due to your medical history of diabetes, chronic kidney disease, elevated lipids and hypertension. READ MORE
Potassium chloride?
It is usually used to replace potassium lost due to diuretics like lasix. Check with your pharmacist to make sure the medication/pill is not defective. READ MORE
How long is the procedure for removing colon polyps?
Usually short… less than 30 minutes, but it will depend upon the size and number of polyps. READ MORE
Why do nosebleeds happen at night?
Usually dry air in the sleeping area that leaves the nose and Venus plexus (collection of veins) irritated. READ MORE