MedWorm provides a medical RSS filtering service. Over 6000 RSS medical sources are combined and output via different filters. This feed contains the latest medical blog items that have been tagged with 'absence'. Sat, 03 Sep 2011 02:09:53 +0100 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4975940&cid=t_113305_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2011%2F06%2F28%2F10-myths-about-happiness%2F I’m leaving my desk for a few days, so in my absence, thought I’d re-post one of my favorite round-up pieces, about ten widespread myths about happiness. A while back, each day for two weeks, I posted about Ten Happiness Myths. Here they are, for your reading convenience. (Click on each myth to read a longer explanation of it.) 1. Happy people are annoying and stupid. Wrong. Actually, studies show that people find happy people much more likable than their less-happy peers. Happy people are viewed as friendlier, smarter, warmer, less selfish, more self-confident, and more socially skilled — even more physically attractive. 2. Nothing changes a person’s happiness level much. It’s true that there’s a powerful genetic link to happiness — usually it’s estimated t... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4975940 Tue, 28 Jun 2011 19:23:58 +0100 4975940 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4626758&cid=t_113305_83_f&fid=34856&url=http%3A%2F%2Finsidesurgery.com%2F2011%2F03%2Fecg-findings-left-bundle-branch-block%2F Left bundle branch blocks (LBBB) are a common finding on ECG’s particularly in the ER and ICU. New onset of a LBBB can herald underlying ischemia or infarct. Some ECG findings indicative of LBBB are: 1. QRS wave greater than 0.12 sec 2. Broad R wave in leads I, V5, and/or V6 3. Absence of Q wave in leads I, V5, and/or V6 4. ST segment depressions in leads V4, V5, and/or V6 5. Delayed onset of R wave peak time in leads V5 and V6 (Source: Inside Surgery) Inside Surgery blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4626758 Thu, 24 Mar 2011 05:19:54 +0100 4626758 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4565903&cid=t_113305_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fmanaging-patient-uncertainty%2F2011.03.09 How comfortable are we with uncertainty? I struggle with this question every day. I treat children with abdominal pain. Some of these children suffer with crohns disease, eosinophilic esophagitis, and other serious problems. Some children struggle with abdominal pain from anxiety or social concerns. I see all kinds. But kids are tricky, and sometimes I can’t pinpoint the problem. Trudging forward with more testing is often the simplest option since it involves little thinking. And some parents perceive endless testing as “thorough.” The question ultimately becomes: When do we stop? Once we’ve taken a sensible first approach to a child’s problem and judged that the likelihood of serious pathology is slim, when and how do we suggest that we wait before going any furt... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4565903 Wed, 09 Mar 2011 20:30:46 +0100 4565903 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4304875&cid=t_113305_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Ffalse-positives-in-medical-tests-how-they-can-kill-patients%2F2011.01.03 I’ve written in the past that more medicine and tests do not necessarily reflect better care. There is no test that is 100 percent specific or sensitive. That means tests may be positive, when, in fact, there is no disease (“false positive”), or tests may be negative in the presence of disease (“false negative”). It’s the latter that often gets the most media attention, often trumpeted as missed diagnoses. But false positives can be just as dangerous. Consider this frightening case report from the Archives of Internal Medicine: A 52-year-old woman presented to a community hospital with atypical chest pain. Her low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein levels were not elevated. She underwent cardiac computed tomography angiography, which showed... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4304875 Mon, 03 Jan 2011 18:00:49 +0100 4304875 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3629880&cid=t_113305_151_f&fid=35818&url=http%3A%2F%2Frecoveryissexy.com%2Fself-forgiveness-in-recovery%2F Self-forgiveness is part of the process of recovery using the 12 Step Fellowship program. An important part of recovery that is often overlooked. What is self-forgiveness? Self-forgiving is: Accepting yourself as a human who has faults and makes mistakes. Letting go of self anger for your past failures, errors, and mistakes. No longer needing penance, sorrow, and regret over a grievous, self-inflicted, personal offense. The act of self love after you have admitted your failure, mistake, or misdeed. The spiritual self healing of your heart by calming self rejection, quieting the sense of failure, and lightening the burden of guilt. The act of letting go of the need to work so hard to make up for your past offenses. Negative consequences of the absence of self-forgiveness In the ab... Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3629880 Wed, 02 Jun 2010 16:30:21 +0100 3629880 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4259212&cid=t_113305_151_f&fid=35819&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.gamblingwatchglobal.com%2Farchives%2F1254%2F For those of you who had the opportunity to hear Bill Clark  speak at your conference this weekend, we hope you all had a great time. Welcome to Gambling Watch Global! We have a list of resources for you which were mentioned in Mr. Clark’s presentations; the search field at the top of the site is quite [...] (Source: Gambling Watch Global) Gambling Watch Global blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4259212 Thu, 15 Apr 2010 23:38:51 +0100 4259212 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3224803&cid=t_113305_83_f&fid=34856&url=http%3A%2F%2Finsidesurgery.com%2F2010%2F01%2Fabetalipoproteinemia-bassen-kornzweig-syndrome%2F Pathophysiology type of lipid disorder Signs and Symptoms 1) sensory ataxia 2) loss of deep tendon reflexes 3) retinitis pigmentosa Characteristic Test Findings Laboratory – 1) absence of chylomicrons, LDLs, and VLDLs 2) decreased triglycerides 3) decreased cholesterol 4) only mild anemia despite significant acanthocytosis (Burr’s cells) Histology/Gross Pathology 1) demyelinization of selective CNS tissues, particularly posterior columns 2) acanthocytosis (RBCs look like they have spurs protruding from membranes) 3) pigmentary retinopathy 4) epithelial cells of gut have lipid vacuoles Biochemistry absorptive cells in GI tract lack ability to make apoprotein B, which is used to build the membranes of chylomicrons and lipoproteins Inheritance/Epidemiology autosomal recessive Tr... Inside Surgery blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3224803 Sat, 30 Jan 2010 21:20:53 +0100 3224803 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2939240&cid=t_113305_86_f&fid=36669&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffadelibrary.wordpress.com%2F2009%2F10%2F29%2Fjournal-of-health-economics-2009-vol-28-no-5%2F content page Fade Fave: Coughs and sneezes spread diseases: An empirical study of absenteeism and infectious illness Fade Skinny: This paper incorporates some theoretical ideas from the study of the epidemiology of infectious illness into a model of worker absence. The paper then seeks to quantify such infection effects by examining a personnel dataset which allows us to track daily absence decisions of a group of industrial workers employed in the same factory. We find significant effects of our measure of sickness in the (rest of the) workforce on the absence probabilities of individual workers, and offer a suggestion on how this might be used by managers to gauge the extent of illness transmission within the workplace. (FADE holds a print copy) Posted in Current Awareness, Journal... Fade Library blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2939240 Thu, 29 Oct 2009 11:00:39 +0100 2939240 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2695562&cid=t_113305_133_f&fid=35096&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAutismVox%2F%7E3%2FEjAnk02wtfM%2F I’m taking Ned to Maine next week. As usual before I go out of town, I’ll prep Alex with a few days of warning. “Alex,” I’ll say, “daddy and Ned are going away for a few days next week. We’re going Monday and coming back on Friday afternoon.” I don’t know what he’ll say to this. Image: grouptraveldiscounts.comI’ve taken Ned to see my brother and his wife every August for three years now. We spend the days playing mini-golf and hitting arcades, eating good, milky fish chowder (impossible to find in Manhattan!) and otherwise goofing off. I take Ned because I want Ned to build a relationship with my brother so that someday maybe I can put Ned on a plane by himself and he’ll consider it a fun week with his uncle away fro... Autism Vox blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2695562 Thu, 13 Aug 2009 02:30:09 +0100 2695562 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2637964&cid=t_113305_133_f&fid=35096&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAutismVox%2F%7E3%2FADT1jzkduZI%2F How will Alex react to the next weeks, which will be the longest time in all our lives that Ned, Alex’s only sibling, will be away from home. Ned’s going to a farm camp some three hours from here, right in what they call in my home state “the willywacks” because that’s the sound the branch makes when it snaps back on the deep forest trail and hits you on the cheek. I never did sleepaway camp but Jill did, and she’s estimating with fair accuracy, I think, the stages Ned will pass through: three days of rapture at the parent-free life, one or two days of crumbling feelings, three days of homesickness, then rapture again until he gets off the bus wanting to immediately return to sleepaway camp for the rest of the summer. Image: geekologie.com I’m gue... Autism Vox blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2637964 Sat, 25 Jul 2009 05:36:51 +0100 2637964 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2227602&cid=t_113305_151_f&fid=35819&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.gamblingwatchglobal.com%2Farchives%2Fletter-to-the-belleville-intelligencer%2F Re: Setting the record straight on racetrack and slots by Kelly McDougald Chief Executive Officer Ontario Lottery and Gaming  Interesting numbers from OLG. Lets see if I understand. Ontario horses get 20 %, so far some 2.7 billion dollars. Municipalities get 5 %, so far some .48 billion dollars. Gamblers lost 100 % to the tune of 12.72 billion dollars. So humans [...] (Source: Gambling Watch Global) Gambling Watch Global blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2227602 Mon, 02 Mar 2009 00:55:02 +0100 2227602 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2087251&cid=t_113305_151_f&fid=35819&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.gamblingwatchglobal.com%2Farchives%2Fis-the-olg-going-to-smash-its-way-out-of-this-one%2F  27 year old Thomas Noftall of Brampton is meeting behind closed doors today after being told by the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation that his misprinted tickets are no good. Noftall thought he had won the top prize of $75,000 — three such tickets were issued — plus an additional $60,000. There are million-to-one odds against winning one [...] (Source: Gambling Watch Global) Gambling Watch Global blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2087251 Wed, 07 Jan 2009 22:50:08 +0100 2087251 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2021759&cid=t_113305_151_f&fid=35819&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.gamblingwatchglobal.com%2Farchives%2Fnotice-for-slots-players-by-makers-of-slot-machines%2F Gaming chief admit odds against pokie players Australia December 07, 2008 Laurie Nowell The News PLAYING pokies (slots) is a mug’s game — and even the industry itself has finally admitted the odds are stacked against the punters. New data released by the Gaming Technology Association reveals the longer you play poker machines in a [...] (Source: Gambling Watch Global) Gambling Watch Global blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2021759 Tue, 09 Dec 2008 09:48:49 +0100 2021759 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1829551&cid=t_113305_151_f&fid=35819&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.gamblingwatchglobal.com%2Farchives%2Fgood-advice-avoid-crah-flow%2F Ban on betting would boost ailing economy gambling critic says September 23, 2008 PhysOrg Congress should resurrect the nationwide gambling ban that existed through most of the 20th century to help soothe a fragile U.S. economy shaken by the worst credit and financial crisis in decades, a University of Illinois professor and national gambling critic says. John [...] (Source: Gambling Watch Global) Gambling Watch Global blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1829551 Thu, 25 Sep 2008 17:19:58 +0100 1829551 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1815810&cid=t_113305_151_f&fid=35819&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.gamblingwatchglobal.com%2Farchives%2Fvulnerable-consumers%2F What’s distressing about Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz’s listeriosis “joke” is not that he has a streak of black humour running through his soul. Most of us do. Nor is it that he made a comment in bad taste. Many suffer lapses of judgment. Rather, Ritz’s remark is unnerving because it is far too indicative of the [...] (Source: Gambling Watch Global) Gambling Watch Global blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1815810 Mon, 22 Sep 2008 20:45:37 +0100 1815810 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1809973&cid=t_113305_151_f&fid=35819&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.gamblingwatchglobal.com%2Farchives%2Fletter-to-monreal-gazette%2F re: Suit against Loto-Quebec makes little sense As a retired Quebec community pharmacist, I feel I must disagree and state that Lotto Quebec must be held responsible.The total concept that gambling is entertainment and not without risk has never been true. If I had charge and was responsible for narcotics and addictive chemicals, then Lotto Quebec [...] (Source: Gambling Watch Global) Gambling Watch Global blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1809973 Sat, 20 Sep 2008 01:51:06 +0100 1809973 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1658225&cid=t_113305_151_f&fid=35819&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.gamblingwatchglobal.com%2Farchives%2Fbelleville-slots%2F Letter to Belleville Ontario It is hard to believe that Belleville is going to have a race track, and slots. One Ontario non unionized slot needs 3 jobs to feed it. OLG operates 24,000 +/- slots, that work 24/7 to divert up to 100,000 job contributions away from Ontario economy. Add AGCO Nevada, bingo, Lottery, [...] (Source: Gambling Watch Global) Gambling Watch Global blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1658225 Mon, 28 Jul 2008 02:04:41 +0100 1658225 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1652608&cid=t_113305_151_f&fid=35819&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.gamblingwatchglobal.com%2Farchives%2Fgambling-is-no-economic-plan%2F Slots a drain on economy LETTER OF THE DAY Posted 2 days ago http://www.thesudburystar.com/ArticleDisplay.aspx?e=1124405 Re: Gambling is no economic plan — July 7. Excellent editorial; allow me to add a few observations. Sudbury, with the strike, is losing $2 million-plus per year. However, adding up racetrack betting, lottery, Nevada tickets and bingos, the Ontario Lottery and Gaming [...] (Source: Gambling Watch Global) Gambling Watch Global blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1652608 Thu, 24 Jul 2008 22:26:03 +0100 1652608 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1623028&cid=t_113305_151_f&fid=35819&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.gamblingwatchglobal.com%2Farchives%2Fembedding-social-responsibility%2F Imagine a casino throwing out a player who is gambling too much. It happens. And when thrown out the player might never be able to enter a casino anywhere in the country again. As public officials legalize casinos they should assure that social responsibility pervades the new gambling scene. Concern for troubled gamblers should be part [...] (Source: Gambling Watch Global) Gambling Watch Global blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1623028 Mon, 14 Jul 2008 21:31:00 +0100 1623028 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1616480&cid=t_113305_151_f&fid=35819&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.gamblingwatchglobal.com%2Farchives%2Fdificille-letter-to-ottawa-citizen-re-slots%2F Two Ottawa area councillors want to see more profits from slot machines in their local area: Alta Vista Councillor Peter Hume and Barrhaven Councillor Jan Harder think the province should be turning more gambling profits from slot machines over to the city. The city gets about three per cent of the take from machines at Rideau [...] (Source: Gambling Watch Global) Gambling Watch Global blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1616480 Fri, 11 Jul 2008 19:16:10 +0100 1616480 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2513557&cid=t_113305_177_f&fid=38133&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FTubalReversalBlog%2F%7E3%2Fly9FICjyFvs%2Fchapel-hill-tubal-reversal-center-meets-momzilla.html Momzilla is the public display name of a member of the Tubal Reversal Message Board. She came to Chapel Hill Tubal Reversal Center seeking relief of symptoms that developed after she had undergone a tubal ligation. She is one of many women who report the onset of many symptoms they associate with tubal sterilization that have been described as Post Tubal Ligation Syndrome (PTLS). She is reporting daily about her experiences related to tubal ligation and tubal reversal to other interested women on the Tubal Reversal Message Board. (Source: Tubal Reversal Blog) Tubal Reversal Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2513557 Tue, 24 Jun 2008 11:03:44 +0100 2513557 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1538379&cid=t_113305_151_f&fid=35819&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.gamblingwatchglobal.com%2Farchives%2Fthe-slot%2F Slot. What an ugly 4 letter word. In the dictionary the next word is sloth, and then comes slothful. But we are here to talk about slots. Sittman and Pitt of Brooklyn, New York, U.S.A. developed a gambling machine in 1891 which was a precursor to the modern slot machine. It contained five drums holding a total of 50 [...] (Source: Gambling Watch Global) Gambling Watch Global blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1538379 Mon, 23 Jun 2008 00:04:35 +0100 1538379 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1389225&cid=t_113305_151_f&fid=35819&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.gamblingwatchglobal.com%2Farchives%2Fside-effects%2F But suicides are a real side effect Nearly fifty years of community pharmacy gave me a little insight into addiction and side effects of drugs. The reluctance of the CGA to admit that the creation of nearly half a million gambling addicts, a number published for Ontario, is a fair price, not to mention anywhere from [...] (Source: Gambling Watch Global) Gambling Watch Global blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1389225 Tue, 22 Apr 2008 02:14:55 +0100 1389225 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1369760&cid=t_113305_151_f&fid=35819&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.gamblingwatchglobal.com%2Farchives%2Fcanadian-gaming-association-crusade-to-launder-gambling%2F Letter to Toronto Star re: Gambling employs 267,000 in Canada ( Canadian Gaming Assoc.) Canada’s largest and most financially significant entertainment industry is gambling, accounting for 267,000 full-time jobs and contributing $15.3 billion a year to the economy, according to the Canadian Gaming Association. The industry group’s report released Tuesday and based on 2006 data says [...] (Source: Gambling Watch Global) Gambling Watch Global blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1369760 Sun, 13 Apr 2008 22:57:36 +0100 1369760 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1356443&cid=t_113305_151_f&fid=35819&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.gamblingwatchglobal.com%2Farchives%2Fculture-of-shame%2F While researching and writing a book on video lottery terminals in Atlantic Canada, Peter McKenna says he was constantly frustrated by uncomfortable politicians, difficult-to-access information and public servants “terrified” to speak on the issue. Particularly in Newfoundland and Labrador, McKenna encountered a “culture of shame” that kept stories of addiction underground and a government extremely reluctant [...] (Source: Gambling Watch Global) Gambling Watch Global blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1356443 Mon, 07 Apr 2008 20:56:00 +0100 1356443 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1131788&cid=t_113305_151_f&fid=35819&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.gamblingwatchglobal.com%2Farchives%2Fracetrack-workers-fight-unfair-practices%2F CNW: Canadian Auto Workers Union Press Release The Canadian Auto Workers Local 2007 has launched a campaign to stop what the union calls “unreasonable rules and practices” for racetrack workers held responsible for the payment of incorrect betting tickets. The most recent example of this occurred on December 1, when a betting clerk at the Greenwood [...] (Source: Gambling Watch Global) Gambling Watch Global blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1131788 Sun, 06 Jan 2008 00:09:36 +0100 1131788 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1097639&cid=t_113305_111_f&fid=34712&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdigitaldoorway.blogspot.com%2F2007%2F12%2Fits-end-of-my-leave-as-i-know-it-and-i.html Well, dear Reader, tonight marks the end of my six-week medical leave of absence from my full-time job, with Monday morning's return to my Nurse Care Manager's desk in approximately 14 hours from the time of this writing. So, what did I accomplish on this leave of absence, you ask? For posterity and my own edification, allow me to enumerate:Resignation: first and foremost, during this period of time for reflection and self-care I came to the earth-shattering conclusion that I can no longer sustain the pace of my position, and I submitted my letter of resignation. While I return to the fray tomorrow at 9am, I enter only briefly, knowing full well that, come January 18th, my tenure at that position will have come to a timely end. Saying goodbye to beloved and respected colleagues will be dif... Digital Doorway blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1097639 Mon, 17 Dec 2007 00:08:00 +0100 1097639 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1073134&cid=t_113305_111_f&fid=34712&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdigitaldoorway.blogspot.com%2F2007%2F12%2Fsavior-syndrome-and-drinking-kool-aid.html Yesterday, I received a call from one of my coworkers. We hadn't spoken since I began my medical leave of absence five weeks ago, so we had a lot of catching up to do. After reviewing our general health, and news of family and the holidays, we got down to the business at hand: the workplace and the vicissitudes therein. In the course of the conversation, I outlined my reasons for considering submitting my resignation, and reviewed my options for further employment, as well as my reservations about saying goodbye to my beloved work family and my patients. We discussed how difficult it is to extricate ones self from a workplace, no matter how stressful it may be, and the comfort inherent in avoiding change. Still, the stress of our particular workplace was the central focus of our conversati... Digital Doorway blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1073134 Thu, 06 Dec 2007 14:04:43 +0100 1073134 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1048706&cid=t_113305_111_f&fid=34712&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdigitaldoorway.blogspot.com%2F2007%2F11%2Fdetoxing-from-work.html Talking with an acquaintance at a cafe this evening, I mentioned that I'm on a leave of absence from work due to stress and overwork. Her response was, "Oh, so you're detoxing from work?" I didn't have to think about it for more than a moment before answering, "Absolutely. By the way, can I use that phrase?" She nodded approvingly.Detoxing from work. How apt. How utterly appropriate. When work becomes toxic, one ultimately becomes ostensibly inebriated with stress. And what, pray tell, are the signs and symptoms of such an inebriation? Impaired mental faculties; poor coordination; impaired coping; altered interpersonal relationships; sub-optimal self-care; emotional lability; impaired decision-making; stress-related illness. So, when one suffers from chronic inebriation, one must detox, w... Digital Doorway blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1048706 Sun, 25 Nov 2007 13:48:38 +0100 1048706 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1047933&cid=t_113305_111_f&fid=34712&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdigitaldoorway.blogspot.com%2F2007%2F11%2Fattachment-anticipatory-grief-and.html Faced with returning to my full-time job in mid-December following my six-week medical leave-of-absence, it has become painfully apparent to me that my days there are numbered. With the prospect of a job-share having fallen through, I face a slew of choices vis-a-vis my employment status, and the possibilities, while exciting in their potential, also open up tender emotional areas of attachment and anticipatory grief.Having worked in my current position for seven years, a great deal of my identity as a nurse has revolved around serving low-income, inner-city populations whose vulnerability to disease and psychosocial dysfunction makes them ripe for our services. An endless well of need and dependence, my group of 80 patients have lived in my brain and heart for all of these years, and my e... Digital Doorway blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1047933 Sat, 24 Nov 2007 05:03:00 +0100 1047933 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1040055&cid=t_113305_111_f&fid=34712&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdigitaldoorway.blogspot.com%2F2007%2F11%2Fback-to-drawing-board.html Back to the subject of my (currently non-existent) work-life, although the job-share position was ostensibly approved by the powers that be, the nurse practitioner with whom I was planning to share said job has accepted another position. Thus, the job-share is now defunct, and a vast blank drawing board appears on my horizon. Yikes.So, when faced with a blank drawing board, what does one do? At first, nothing. The blank space is kind of nice, isn't it? See how the light reflects? Notice how that blank space is one upon which any number of potential futures can be projected? Why don't we enjoy it for a while?But then the Mind in all its glory jumps in, grabs some (thankfully erasable) markers, and goes to town."So," the Mind says. "We have Option 1: return to full-time job as planned, and d... Digital Doorway blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1040055 Tue, 20 Nov 2007 21:03:00 +0100 1040055 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1035575&cid=t_113305_111_f&fid=34712&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdigitaldoorway.blogspot.com%2F2007%2F11%2Frecently-anonymous-commenter-on-digital.html Recently, an anonymous commenter on Digital Doorway responded to a post I wrote about nurses and stress. He or she wrote the following:"One major reason why nurses are stressed is because hospitals are understaffed. Management has been able to get away with this understaffing because they don't have to pay for workload-related chronic stress injuries. "This is discrimination against psychologically injured workers who succumb to excessive WORKLOAD by getting depression or other chronic stress diseases."The hard-working employee who sustains a mental injury due to overwork is left without compensation which means they usually then go through a downward spiral of bankruptcy, loss of home, loss of pension and all the further stress that goes along with poverty."No wonder we have a health care... Digital Doorway blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1035575 Mon, 19 Nov 2007 03:43:00 +0100 1035575 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1034183&cid=t_113305_111_f&fid=34712&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdigitaldoorway.blogspot.com%2F2007%2F11%2Fjob-share-ahoy.html Well, well, well. It looks like my workplace has conditionally approved a job-share for myself and a Nurse Practitioner colleague following the end of my medical leave of absence. Suddenly, the future looks a whole light brighter.What does this new reality mean for the earnest nurse who is ever-so-steadily recovering and recuperating from acute burnout, vicarious traumatization, and compassion fatigue? The true meaning of this new reality is multifaceted. Initially, it means that I will no longer carry the emotional, psychological, and clinical weight of some 80 patients on my own shoulders. Instead of a caseload of 80 for which I am solely responsible, I will share a caseload of patients with a very competent Nurse Practitioner of whom I am exceedingly fond. I will be in the office three ... Digital Doorway blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1034183 Sat, 17 Nov 2007 16:33:00 +0100 1034183 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1022152&cid=t_113305_111_f&fid=34712&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdigitaldoorway.blogspot.com%2F2007%2F11%2Fleave-of-absence-and-its-discontents.html Being on a leave of absence presents a series of challenges, most of which I would deem "problems of luxury", yet their problematic quality is still worthy of my attention. And it is these challenges which occupy my mind most vividly from day to day.First and foremost, during this time of rejuvenation and mental/emotional recovery, I am faced with the question of whether or not to return to my full-time job. Being on a medical leave of absence, I am required by law to return to work for at least 30 calendar days following my leave, yet the future beyond those thirty days is wholly uncertain, professionally speaking. My job---and all of its vicissitudes and benefits---is doubtless waiting for me to return in just under a month, and my desire to embrace that 40-hour challenge once again is w... Digital Doorway blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1022152 Tue, 13 Nov 2007 00:31:00 +0100 1022152 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1013333&cid=t_113305_111_f&fid=34712&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdigitaldoorway.blogspot.com%2F2007%2F11%2Fhome-again.html Home, recovering from travel, adjusting to the relative cold of New England as opposed to the balmy warmth of Central Texas.A hotel in another state is a place where one can let go of agendas and to-do lists, more easily falling into a state of being in the moment. Arriving home, there is nothing standing in the way of me and the weeks without work ahead of me. I have set aside this time in order to take stock of my mental and physical health, remove myself from the workplace, and find a somewhat more objective view of my life, both professionally and personally. That said, even within hours of my arrival home, the lists of potential accomplishments and "things to do" begin to propagate in my head like so much mold.The challenge for the weeks ahead: to allow enough time for simply being, w... Digital Doorway blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1013333 Thu, 08 Nov 2007 02:29:00 +0100 1013333 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1002500&cid=t_113305_111_f&fid=34712&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdigitaldoorway.blogspot.com%2F2007%2F11%2Fpostcard-from-texas.html We are presently here in Temple, Texas, checking in on Mary's mother who is in ICU following carotid artery bypass surgery. Tonight, I will do the midnight to 6am shift (most of which will be spent sleeping in the recliner behind the curtain by the window) so that she can have her needs met if she wakes in the middle of the night. (There's nothing more miserable than having a nasogastric tube down your throat and nobody around to feed you ice chips when you're parched.)Overall, though, this "caregiving visit" is a relative breeze: time by the hotel pool, writing emails and blog posts on the hotel computer, chatting with my father-in-law and the nurses as we sit in the room passing the hours, or wandering this strange Texan town. Plus, it's 80 degrees and sunny all day.Beginning a leave of ... Digital Doorway blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1002500 Sun, 04 Nov 2007 02:22:00 +0100 1002500 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=968455&cid=t_113305_151_f&fid=35819&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.gamblingwatchglobal.com%2Farchives%2Fabsolute-poker-absolute-cheating%2F Online gambling is a gamble in itself. A popular poker site called Absolute Poker may be dealing with criminal charges after players figured out some inside cheating. If you believe online poker is about trust, then perhaps you need to re-evaluate your stance. Freakanomics: Some opponents became suspicious of how a certain player was playing. [...] (Source: Gambling Watch Global) Gambling Watch Global blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=968455 Sun, 21 Oct 2007 23:45:40 +0100 968455 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=888887&cid=t_113305_151_f&fid=35819&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.gamblingwatchglobal.com%2Farchives%2Fall-lime-losing-horse-still-makes-money-puerto-ric0%2F Dona Chepa has lost 125 races. Dona Chepa, a nine-year-old brown mare, finished last in a six-horse field at Camarero Racetrack in eastern Puerto Rico on Wednesday, a 125th consecutive loss that is believed to be the longest in history. Track spokesman Joe Bruno said Wednesday’s loss surpasses an equine losing record of 0-124 set [...] (Source: Gambling Watch Global) Gambling Watch Global blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=888887 Thu, 20 Sep 2007 19:52:34 +0100 888887 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=830191&cid=t_113305_151_f&fid=35819&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.gamblingwatchglobal.com%2Farchives%2Fgovernment-and-gambling%2F Responsible Gaming is an oxymoron How would you respond to the CEO of The Canadian Gaming Association? Bill Rutsey - The Windsor Star To say that governments cannot act in the public interest because they are the recipients of gaming revenues is simply not true. Canada is a world leader with regards to responsible gaming, allocating more than [...] (Source: Gambling Watch Global) Gambling Watch Global blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=830191 Thu, 30 Aug 2007 00:13:22 +0100 830191 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=794294&cid=t_113305_151_f&fid=35819&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.gamblingwatchglobal.com%2Farchives%2Funited-kingdom-gamblers-borrow-to-pay-for-their-habit%2F 1 in 8 gamblers borrow money to gamble, 10% of those use their credit cards. Around 13% of gamblers are fuelling their habit by borrowing money, while 8% are eating into their savings, according to financial website MoneyExpert.com. One in three adults say they gamble at least once a month, although the total amount they stake is [...] (Source: Gambling Watch Global) Gambling Watch Global blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=794294 Sun, 12 Aug 2007 19:55:17 +0100 794294 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=783894&cid=t_113305_87_f&fid=34865&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.thecancerblog.com%2F2007%2F08%2F07%2Ftexas-longhorns-coach-takes-leave-to-treat-prostate-cancer%2F Filed under: Prostate Cancer, Daily news, Sports, SurgeryTexas Longhorns running backs coach Ken Rucker will soon take a leave of absence, following his recent diagnosis of prostate cancer. Rucker will have surgery on August 27. He wll keep coaching until this date.Rucker, a 33-year coaching veteran, fully intends on returning to coaching this season."I plan to be back this season," he says. "No doubt about it; 100 percent."Rucker's prognosis is good -- thanks to early detection.Read | Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments (Source: The Cancer Blog) The Cancer Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=783894 Tue, 07 Aug 2007 04:00:00 +0100 783894 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=563573&cid=t_113305_87_f&fid=34865&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.thecancerblog.com%2F2007%2F04%2F23%2Fcongresswoman-millender-mcdonald-dies-of-cancer%2F Filed under: Politics, Hospice, Daily newsCalifornia Democratic Rep. Juanita Millender-McDonald, subject of an April 20 post, died of cancer early Sunday. She was 68. if(window.yzq_d==null)window.yzq_d=new Object(); window.yzq_d['YlkINtGDJGY-']='&U=13bf48if4%2fN%3dYlkINtGDJGY-%2fC%3d571921.10592332.11211305.1442997%2fD%3dLREC%2fB%3d4495406'; <img width=1 height=1 alt="" src="http://us.bc.yahoo.com/b?P=b4WTcUWTVvr8OjckQD.BAxE.GKrAiEYsAl4ACPHo&T=1dor6uhuu%2fX%3d1177289310%2fE%3d8903239%2fR%3dnews%2fK%3d5%2fV%3d2.1%2fW%3dH%2fY%3dYAHOO%2fF%3d1313552715%2fH%3dY2FjaGVoaW50PSJuZXdzIiBjb250ZW50PSJjYW5jZXI7aG9tZTtIb3VzZTtEZW1vY3JhdGljO0JlYWNoO2l0O1JlcHVibGljYW47bHVuZztlbWVyZ2VuY3k7ZWxlY3Rpb247dGF4ZXM7Y2hpbGRyZW47V2FzaGluZ3RvbjtyZWZ1cmxfdXNfZjUyNl9tYWlsX3lhaG9vX2NvbSIgcmVmdXJsPSJ... The Cancer Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=563573 Mon, 23 Apr 2007 04:00:00 +0100 563573 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=556858&cid=t_113305_87_f&fid=34865&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.thecancerblog.com%2F2007%2F04%2F20%2Fcongresswoman-millender-mcdonald-diagnosed-with-cancer%2F Filed under: Politics, Daily newsCalifornia Democratic Rep. Juanita Millender-McDonald has been diagnosed with cancer and will take a four to six-week leave of absence from the House.Details about the congresswoman's condition have not been revealed but a statement from her office reports, "The congresswoman has been diagnosed with cancer and is recuperating with her family. The congresswoman wishes to thank everyone for their expressions of love, well wishes and prayers. She will maintain a limited schedule in her district and is requesting respect of her privacy at this time."Millender-McDonald, 68, has been representing for seven terms a Southern California district that includes Compton, Long Beach, and parts of Los Angeles. She is also chair of the Committee on House Administration an... The Cancer Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=556858 Fri, 20 Apr 2007 04:00:00 +0100 556858 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=552120&cid=t_113305_140_f&fid=35457&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FBattling-schizophrenia%2F%7E3%2F106317083%2F By Groshan Fabiola It is known that no single symptom is specific to schizophrenia, so, in order to put a diagnosis, there must be some conditions present. We can mention 3 conditions. A condition is about certain symptoms that are present for at least six months even in the absence of active flare-ups, and include symptoms like marked social withdrawal, peculiar behavior, vague and incoherent speech, and other symptoms of disturbed thinking. The second condition is about the presence of at least one active flare-up lasting a month or less, consisting of at least two characteristic symptoms, like hallucinations, delusions, disorganized thinking and other. The third condition is about particularly bizarre delusions or hallucinations that appear in patients even in the absence of other char... Battling-Schizophrenia blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=552120 Tue, 03 Apr 2007 14:03:26 +0100 552120