Classy Class

While I was out of class and in such a pitiful state, I was able to observe some behaviors that I normally wouldn’t have. Thought they were worthy of recording here.

I confess I was beginning to think our class was just a group of above average folks who seemed well-suited enough for medicine. Nothing about them that truly stood out and really caught my attention until now. But, my glasses were a bit smudged, it seems... Turns out that there are some folks in our class who have an amazing capacity for compassion. They effortlessly embody joyful sacrifice.

As soon as they heard I was sick, they began to extend assistance and wishes of a speedy recovery. All entirely unsolicited. Katie offered to take her own time to go over class notes that I missed and try to explain material to me - which she did. Freddie offered to record class lectures that I would be forced to miss – which he then posted online for me to listen to at my leisure. Sarah offered to get me up to speed on abdomen exam procedures and Thu offered homemade chicken soup. Over and over, folks inquired about my health and expressed their relief at seeing me back. They told me how glad they were that I was feeling better.

I’m sure there are many others who would have acted in a similar fashion, but who simply didn’t feel they knew me well enough to approach me. Possibly they were persons whose paths I didn’t cross. Possibly they did extend some kindness or good words, but I was unaware as I ambled about in a fog.

The selection committees who allowed these folks to assemble here seem remarkably capable to me. I can’t help but think that these students are undeniably the raw material for a group of future doctors. Not just doctors. Great doctors. My faith in them has been restored if it ever faltered. They are much more than bright. They have something much more valuable than intelligence.

They have heart.

One of my personal sayings is: “We will all do what we each will do”. Go ahead and Google it if you want. I made it up myself… To the point, I think these folks will do the absolute best they can. And together they will do something utterly amazing. Makes me a little giddy just guessing what it might be.

To the good people of the OHSU School of Medicine Class of 2013: Thank you.

Splendidly done.

Don’t Get Sick

Been a couple of weeks since I’ve been here.

Went in to the clinic the Monday after the last entry. Turns out I have pneumonia. They gave me a second antibiotic. Finished both last Sunday. Worked okay, but I’ve still been coughing up crap every 10 or 20 minutes as of today, can’t breathe, have night sweats and feel exhausted after eight and a half hours of sleep. I nap a couple three hours in the afternoons I have off. They say I have to wait it out. Could be another week.

I’m getting better though. Have more energy. Have my wits about me for the most part. Been three long weeks. Glad to be getting better. Hope to get into the gym again next week.

How It All Turned Out

Not well, actually. Seems I picked up a secondary bacterial infection after recovering from the flu. Something nasty that crawled into my lungs and took hold with a vengeance. Am taking the big Augmentin to try to kill it with some speed. Have just been beat to pieces over the last eight days. Will be very glad to be feeling better. It will be at least a week until I have recovered from these back to back illnesses. Will be quite tired for awhile and will have to just do the best I can until I return to 100%.

After two days of the antibiotic I think I am finally seeing a bit of light at the end of the tunnel. The problem is that material is given to us to learn at a very rapid rate and in volumes, so, when unable to study and absorb the new material, one can easily fall behind. Am feeling as though the bacterial infection is on the run and am able to look at material and have it make sense. Quite a relief. Wasn't able to schedule my make-up exam until after I was allowed to come back to class. Was quarantined from patient contact, class attendance and any contact with staff until the end of the one-week waiting period.

It has been an interesting experience in patience, humility and maintaining a big picture perspective. I am reminded once again that pain is a humbler. When I see people in pain I need to find ways to assess their condition accurately and ease their pain, so their lives can come back into focus. Intense pain steals every awareness we have access to. Our reality only contains the color of the pain. Every idea is distorted and every hope is dashed. Don’t forget, Paul.

Lots to catch up. Need to get to it.

Life Happens

Picked up the flu last Friday. Worst I can recall. Fevers close to 103 would jump up within hours after going to bed and stopping the ibuprofen. Today is the third day. We had a big test for block 2. I wasn't there. I'm glad I didn't have to take it while I was this sick. Wasn't able to study all weekend either. Will take a make-up exam in a couple of days. All I want to do is sleep. Whatever kind of flu this is, it really beats you up. Sweet dreams.