Damn you, Nick Hornby! Why do you have to be so right?!!!

I heard this song a while back and I've been meaning to comment about it here, but alas, I've been sidetracked multiple times.

Well, not today.

Anyhoo...this is probably the most honest story I've heard in a very long time. And the saddest.

What do you think?

Song of the day: "From Above" - Ben Folds and Nick Hornby

Self Dx

OK...after much research, I think I have found a diagnosis for my ailment.

Eczema. Pure and simple. Nummular eczema, I think, to be specific...with matching hand eczema to boot. What pisses me off is that I have no idea what specifically triggered this.
So, I think my dermatologist got my diagnosis wrong, but her prescribed treatment is appropriate for the diagnosis I came up with for myself. The sad part is, I don't know exactly how long I'm to be on the steroids. My skin is drying out: good for the itchy parts, but bad because my skin gets really thin, and it cracks and bleeds. Also, I think I'm having a pretty bad resurgence of acne because of the steroids as well.
The disease process also doesn't necessarily abate like an infection or an injury. I don't have a time frame for how long this condition will last. For now, I'm calling it sub-acute, considering it's been more than a month and it's somewhat under control.
In summary: I'm a poor med student with itchy, bad skin...who owns a car that's making concerning noises despite multiple, costly interventions...and lives out of a suitcase, currently looking for a job. And I'm single. And hungry.

Could be worse.

I could be constipated too.

Song of the day: "Dream About The Future" - The Apples In Stereo

Disappointed

My faith in the medical field is starting to wane. When it seemed like my condition was beginning to abate on a course of steroids, after the pills were finished, my malady began to surface once more. Frankly, I'm disappointed that the medication only masked my symptoms for a while. And I'm not entirely convinced that the doctor got my diagnosis exactly right.

I'm uncomfortable, I'm itchy, and I'm starting to look like Quasimodo...at least, my hands do, anyway.

And the timing couldn't be any more perfect. For the next 3 months, I will be doing a lot of traveling to different rotation sites and various residency interviews. At a time when personality, board scores, and looks are taken into consideration, I am deathly afraid that I might end up going into one of these interviews all covered in band aids and looking like a psychotic leper.

I need help. And I need it, fast. :(

Song of the day: "Repo Man" - Ray LaMontagne and the Pariah Dogs

Ermmm...sorry.

For being away so long, I apologize.

I have been sick. For about a month.

At first I thought I was having a bad allergic reaction to something I don't know.

Then the hives got worse and then I thought "bedbugs." I know, gross.

I became quite paranoid and pretty much vacuumed and cleaned and recleaned and re-recleaned everything I had.

But the damn hives didn't get any better...that is until I was put on steroids.
Apparently it was an allergic reaction to either a viral or a bacterial infection that I had recently.

Well, so far, the itchiness and hives have gone away for the most part. Lets hope they stay away for good once I finish the steroid regimen.

On another note, I went to a friend's wedding and managed a slow dance with one of her friends towards the end of the reception. Then I asked for her number (my friend's friend). Then she gave it to me. Problem is, she lives in Connecticut and getting in touch with her is a bit dodgy. I called her a week ago, she called me today, I texted back. I'll call her again tomorrow to see if I can make a date happen.

So my Massachusetts rotation is all finished. It was a very mixed outcome at the end of it all. I had an Honors and Pass grade...I guess I wasn't as good in my last rotation as I thought I was. On the upside, I did learn a lot, and I enjoyed myself there for the most part. Now if only they'd send me an invite for an interview.

Speaking of which, I have 11 residency interviews to date. The first one, being done this past week. Not much to go on. Lots of vague questions, and plenty of me, being absolutely nervous and possibly babbling the whole time. That and I was fighting the fatigue from the night before, not being able to sleep properly because I was so nervous. I hope the next interview will be better.

So, that is my update. More to come soon, I'm sure.

Song of the day: "Intro" -> "Crystalized" - The XX (Live)

Something

2 generalities I stumbled upon tonight that might be important for the rest of the male single persuasion:
1. It pays to be the guy who knows how to fix things.
2. Being funny goes a long way.

Song of the day: "Tonight I Can Write..." - Andy Garcia reading a poem by Pablo Neruda (From the movie "Il Postino")

Hurray +2!!

2, count'em...2 - interviews for residency so far. I hope all of this pans out!

Song of the day: "Angel Dance" - Robert Plant

HURRAY!!!

Ok, not exactly hurray, but maybe a mini one.
I finally submitted my applications for residencies!
I've made my decision about 9 residency programs so far.
I want to add about 9-10 more.
Pray for interviews soon!
My rotation here in Massachusetts is almost at an end. It's been amazing to say the least. I'm also going to miss living with my old college friends as well. They've been more than gracious and generous hosts. I hope that I get considered for a residency post here.
Now I have to study for another standardized test for next week.
But first, I have to book a hotel near the testing site. It's a pain in the butt to drive all the way from Mass. to Conshohocken, PA on test day.

...feels like all I've been doing is just spending money. Oh well.

Song of the day: "Two Weeks" - Grizzly Bear