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 'anecdotes'. Sat, 03 Sep 2011 02:19:50 +0100 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5028454&cid=t_112870_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2011%2F07%2F13%2Fapproaches-to-knowledge-2-interview-with-nathaniel-b-jones%2F This is the second article of a two-part interview with Dr. Brian Jones.  Dr. Jones has a PhD in exercise science and is a full-time professor at the University of Louisville where he teaches both undergrad and graduate courses.  He approaches his classes from a scientific standpoint with an emphasis on critical thinking. In a nutshell, what is science?  Does science really prove anything? Science is a process. It is a system for evaluating information based on formulating a hypothesis, carefully testing that hypothesis through data collection and analysis, and revising the hypothesis. If the hypothesis withstands the researcher’s attempt to falsify it then it tentatively stands supported by the research. Nothing in science is ever truly “proven” correct. Scientific fa... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5028454 Wed, 13 Jul 2011 14:25:51 +0100 5028454 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4300594&cid=t_112870_111_f&fid=34712&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdigitaldoorway.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F12%2Fred-scarf-and-cup-of-tea.html "I know we've met before but I actually don't remember you," she says."That's OK. I remember you, and that's what matters. Nice to see you." I sit down at the table after she shakes my hand."I'm sorry I don't remember you, but you are very tall and handsome. Are you married?" She gives her ubiquitously flirtatious octogenarian smile."Yes, I've been married for 21 years." I take out my notebook and her client folder."Oh, too bad. I was hoping you'd stay with me." She sips some tea and folds her hands neatly in her lap again."Well, I don't think my wife or my boss would approve," I say, winking at her and getting out my blood pressure cuff and stethoscope."Did you have a nice Christmas?" I ask as I wrap the cuff around her arm."Oh, was it just Christmas? Oh, yes! I did," she says tentatively... Digital Doorway blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4300594 Thu, 30 Dec 2010 00:36:00 +0100 4300594 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4197155&cid=t_112870_111_f&fid=34712&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdigitaldoorway.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F11%2Fcielo.html "My, you're tall and handsome. Will you stay with me?"She looks up at me from her seat next to the window."I'm the nurse and I'm just coming by to check on you. Besides, I'm married, and my wife wouldn't like it if I didn't come home." I sit down next to her on the couch.She laughs. "What's your name again, my dear?" she says in Spanish."Keith," I repeat, for the third time in five minutes."Is it Christmas this week?" she asks. "Will you bring me a present?" Again in Spanish."No," I answer in Spanish this time. "This Thursday is Thanksgiving. Christmas is next month.""Oh," she says, and takes my hand in hers. "Are you staying with me?""My dear," I reply, "I'm the nurse, and I'm just here for a few minutes. It's so nice to sit with you here and chat.""What's your name again? You're so hands... Digital Doorway blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4197155 Wed, 24 Nov 2010 05:34:00 +0100 4197155 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4036722&cid=t_112870_109_f&fid=34761&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedblitz.com%2F%7E%2F21198644%2F0%2Fneuromarketing%7EBit-Pickles-amp-Fuzzy-Olives.htm In The Million Dollar Pickle (retitled after a reader suggested the original title When Stories Don’t Sell wasn’t that good), I retold a story about how a single bad customer service experience turned a business author and speaker into a negative PR machine for a local supermarket. What sparked that post was my OWN version [...] CommentsRoger - This reminds me of a discussion with a good friend who ... by Ron WrightDefinitely true, Daniel. If you have heard a lot about an ... by Roger DooleyPlus 3 more...Related StoriesHoly Branding! Religion Gives Brand ImmunityThe Dark Side of AnecdotesWhy Stories Sell (Source: Neuromarketing) Neuromarketing blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4036722 Wed, 06 Oct 2010 11:59:05 +0100 4036722 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3961854&cid=t_112870_111_f&fid=34712&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdigitaldoorway.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F09%2Fold-and-lazy.html "I'm getting old and lazy," she said as she sipped her coffee and nibbled on a chocolate chip cookie."After ninety-five years, I figure I have a right to be lazy.""So," I responded, smiling, "what does old and lazy look like to you, my dear?""Well, I get up in the morning at my leisure, take my time getting washed and dressed, sip on some coffee, look out the window, and eventually make my way to the living room or the patio. Sometimes I eat lunch, sometimes I don't, and then the rest of the day I can do whatever I want, really." She sips some coffee and has another bite of a cookie, offering me one from the plate.Taking a cookie, I bite into it as we look into each other's eyes and smile, sharing the simultaneous experience of the flavor of the cookie, the brilliant New Mexican light, and... Digital Doorway blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3961854 Sun, 12 Sep 2010 16:29:00 +0100 3961854 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3742304&cid=t_112870_111_f&fid=34712&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdigitaldoorway.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F07%2Fkind-of-life.html He stares out the window, fumbling with his belt and drumming his fingers on the arms of his portable wheelchair. Wheeling himself to the table, he leafs through a magazine, the pages worn from days of similar activity, the corners greasy from his fingers. Unwilling to draw, refusing to be read to, staring past the TV towards the empty wall, eschewing the Play-Doh that we thought might be a fun and therapeutic diversion, engaging with him is significantly challenging. Throughout our 12-hour shift, he generally refuses food, readily accepts water or juice, and otherwise chooses to keep to himself with occasional brief conversational interludes.And so the days pass.Recently, he was saved from a deplorable situation where he was taken advantage of by acquaintances looking for money or alcohol... Digital Doorway blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3742304 Sat, 10 Jul 2010 20:02:00 +0100 3742304 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3794856&cid=t_112870_109_f&fid=34761&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedblitz.com%2F%7E%2F15441161%2F1mmjay%2Fneuromarketing%7EThe-Dark-Side-of-Anecdotes.htm The power of anecdotes to persuade (see Why Stories Sell and Your Brain on Stories) is established, but there’s a dark side to that power. Quite simply, an effective story can take over our brains to the point where we disregard more valid information: reliable statistics, the opinions of true experts, and so on. In [...] CommentsBy the way, I used to subscribe to your blog and it somehow got ... by Mike KirkebergThe power of celebrity can be amazing. I used to work with ... by Mike KirkebergPlus 4 more... (Source: Neuromarketing) Neuromarketing blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3794856 Wed, 30 Jun 2010 12:08:40 +0100 3794856 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3787023&cid=t_112870_109_f&fid=34761&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedblitz.com%2F%7E%2F15059553%2F1mddxt%2Fneuromarketing%7EWhy-Stories-Sell.htm We know that anecdotes can be a convincing way to sell a product, particularly if the story is told by someone we trust. (See Your Brain on Stories.) Evolutionary psychology may offer a reason. Human brains evolved when we had just two ways to learn about dangers and rewards in their environment: [...] CommentsContinuing upon what Victor wrote … Facts tell, stories sell ... by Rob ShermanI just think we are connected in a spiritual sense to something ... by Marc MillanPlus 8 more... (Source: Neuromarketing) Neuromarketing blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3787023 Thu, 24 Jun 2010 13:13:55 +0100 3787023 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3370690&cid=t_112870_151_f&fid=35818&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FRecoveryIsSexycom%2F%7E3%2FDzHwfBiCKLU%2F The strength of our recovery is in direct proportion to our ability to laugh at ourselves. Laughter heals, particularly the laughter that comes when we understand the lifesaving difference between “how it was” before recovery and “how it is” living in sobriety. These hearty cartoons and humorous anecdotes reflect with powerful clarity how our drinking or drug-using days contrast with our lives today. Laughter helps us celebrate our recovery and it reminds us how grateful we are for sobriety and for the priceless camaraderie of people in Twelve Step Fellowships. - Order today >> God Grant Me The Laughter - Alcoholism, Addiction & Codependency Recovery Bookstore Hazelden Books, DVD's & Medalions (Source: Recovery Is Sexy.com) Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3370690 Mon, 15 Mar 2010 19:31:00 +0100 3370690 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3346502&cid=t_112870_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2010%2F03%2F08%2Fintroducing-adhd-from-a-to-zoe%2F I know we just launched our first blog devoted to attention deficit disorder (ADHD) and related issues last week. But now I’m pleased to bring you a second one, too. Sometimes fate just works that way. I’m pleased to introduce you today to ADHD: From A to Zoë, a blog about a woman who lives with ADHD with the hyperactivity. (It’s now commonplace to abbreviate attention deficit hyperactivity disorder as ADHD, even though some people who have this disorder don’t experience hyperactivity and it’s often just referred to as attention deficit disorder.) I met Zoë through Pete Quily, an ADHD coach whose regular and consistent tweeting I enjoy. This blog explores ADHD from the unique perspective of a woman who experiences the H — hyperactivity — component of t... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3346502 Mon, 08 Mar 2010 19:30:25 +0100 3346502 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2879464&cid=t_112870_111_f&fid=39044&url=http%3A%2F%2Foctopusmom.wordpress.com%2F2009%2F08%2F13%2Fbaseball-a-5-year-old-and-a-mommys-day-out%2F With baby #4 due in October, I realized that I wanted to spend a little more time with my 2 older children. Aidan is starting Kindergarten next week, so I decided to take him to see the St. Louis Cardinals play baseball. It was his first game and BOY was it memorable. We took the Metro Link to the stadium and for all practical purposes, we took a TRAIN! He was soo excited. When we got to the stadium, I thought he was going to dance out of his shorts he was so excited. He bounced and bopped all the way up to the upper deck where our seats were. We bought peanuts, cracker jacks and lemonade and settled into our seats to watch Chris Carpenter pitch against the Cincinatti Reds. He was yelling and laughing the entire time and even had the people around us singing ” Take me OUt to the Ball... Octopus Mom blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2879464 Thu, 13 Aug 2009 18:31:14 +0100 2879464 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2511337&cid=t_112870_111_f&fid=34712&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdigitaldoorway.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F06%2Fbat-in-basket.html So, there I was this afternoon, innocently playing the part of Public Health Nurse Extraordinaire, when I decided to reach for my laptop and sync it with the town network. But, lo and behold, a furry little bat had decided to make its home on my laptop bag, and as I stood, aghast and dumbstruck, it began to crawl and creep in its inimitably bat-like way around the top of my file cabinet.Closing the door behind me, I calmly made my way to a colleague's office. He's a health inspector and sanitarian, level-headed and pragmatic, and I recruited him in my bat-catching endeavor.Meanwhile, while said colleague ran in search of heavy-duty gloves, my boss and our administrative assistant insisted on seeing the bat, peeking in behind me as I reopened my office door."Don't touch it, Keith. You can't... Digital Doorway blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2511337 Wed, 17 Jun 2009 03:41:00 +0100 2511337 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2879473&cid=t_112870_111_f&fid=39044&url=http%3A%2F%2Foctopusmom.wordpress.com%2F2009%2F03%2F12%2Fthe-trouble-with-boys%2F I am currently reading a book titled ” The Trouble with Boys” and let me be the first to say that it is amazing. If you have a boy, you owe it to yourself to read this book. The author, Peg Tyre, sheds light on a troubling statistic—that our schools are failing our boys. Throughout the last few decades,  the school system has been changing. Different teaching styles, longer hours, less recess and different expectations have morphed schooltime. Boys, who notoriously need more “wiggle room”, find themselves crammed into desks, punished for fidgiting and as a result, begin to slip behind in school. By the time boys enter middle school, the majority of them are not living up to their academic potential and the majority of  “behavioral” problems in sc... Octopus Mom blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2879473 Fri, 13 Mar 2009 00:55:45 +0100 2879473 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1461144&cid=t_112870_88_f&fid=35612&url=http%3A%2F%2Ftheknifeman.blogspot.com%2F2008%2F05%2Fvoila-le-morse.html So, I'm lagging again. About a week behind. Good intentions trailing in my wake.The problem is, the longer you leave it, the blurrier the edges get.Last weekend (10 days ago now) wasn't so bad; along with the pressure of the trial period comes extra staff - which, shock/horror, moves things along a bit quicker - so a bit less for me... Saturday was tough; One of my favourite sisters was on... but she is a wee bit 'black smoke'. Her first words to me were: "It's not looking too bad..."10 minutes later, and resus is humming. Contestant number one has complete heart block, and is not at home to external pacing. Actually, we did get capture very briefly, but then our new all singing, all dancing defibs gave it up.I'm not sure I trust them. They talk to you, in a kind of mid-Atlantic accent, be... The KnifeMan blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1461144 Mon, 19 May 2008 22:27:00 +0100 1461144 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1356270&cid=t_112870_88_f&fid=35612&url=http%3A%2F%2Ftheknifeman.blogspot.com%2F2008%2F04%2Fsimple-things.html Things that keep me happy; best to remember I am a simple man...When we all tell the same gag. Yesterday, we had a patient who shared a name with someone famous. When I heard, I said: "Oh, not the ---? Famous for ---? Surely not? " (Cue deathly silence from staff... ever seen laughter actually curl up and die ?) Then BBP enters, clocks the name, and makes the same gag. Brilliant. Then, I come to refer the fella, tell the Magician his name, and: same gag. Awesome.See also the miming of horse attacks; funny, unless you are a radiologist. (Laughter, death, etc.) (Source: The KnifeMan) The KnifeMan blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1356270 Tue, 08 Apr 2008 12:48:00 +0100 1356270 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1213327&cid=t_112870_88_f&fid=35612&url=http%3A%2F%2Ftheknifeman.blogspot.com%2F2008%2F02%2Flove-in-vain.html Unhappy post.Somedays, it's all just shit. Sometimes, you do everything right, and its still shit; sometimes you make things a bit worse; somedays it's all your fault.I'll have one from the top, and one from the middle, Matthew.We have new SHOs starting today. They're all called something new know. FY2 or ST1 or something. SHOs of varying experience. I worked with a couple of them today, and they seem competent enough. A few of them rubbed one of my colleagues up the wrong way; I find this basically amusing. I will enjoy the soap opera that is the bedding in time.Anyway: number one. A woman found by her son, slumped in her chair, not moving her left side. Several fits later she is at our door. Her blood pressure is high and climbing. She offers us no response, not even with determined teas... The KnifeMan blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1213327 Wed, 06 Feb 2008 22:56:00 +0100 1213327 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1109793&cid=t_112870_111_f&fid=34712&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdigitaldoorway.blogspot.com%2F2007%2F12%2Fphone-conversation-exercise-in.html The phone rings at my desk."So," a voice says through the receiver. "Can I get my oxycodone prescription today?""Your oxycodone prescription?" I respond. "Is this __________ calling?""Yes, it's me. I need my prescription now! You've kept me waiting!""Now wait a second. You spent the whole weekend snorting heroin and I sent you to the ER in an ambulance because you were wandering your building naked and hearing voices," I say. "You also had a machete on the kitchen counter. I thought you were in danger. And now you want your oxycodone just like that?""Yes. I'm in pain and I need it and now you won't give it to me. Jesus Christ!""Listen." I try to be patient. "You were out of control this weekend. Even your son said so.""But I was celebrating! Can't I celebrate like anyone else?""Well," I sa... Digital Doorway blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1109793 Fri, 21 Dec 2007 02:56:00 +0100 1109793 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1058402&cid=t_112870_88_f&fid=35612&url=http%3A%2F%2Ftheknifeman.blogspot.com%2F2007%2F11%2Friver-of-dreams.html In the middle of the night...Doing an extra night tonight for a colleague. Normally this would provoke a great deal of grumblage, but as it's because he's a new daddy, we don't mind. I sure as hell am getting old tho'. I used to be able to do a week of these and not feel it, but here I am after three, tired as a wet kitten, and irritable with it. Like a bulldog with a mouthful of wasp.Anyway...Further evidence, as if it were needed, that people throw off all sense of personal responsibility when they step through our door. Twice tonight I have had people gesticulating wildly at me, alerting me to the fact that they are bleeding.Not unreasonable, I hear you think. Well, no, not usually; but in these cases, the bleeding was from cannulation or venepuncture sites. Not from horrendous trauma, ... The KnifeMan blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1058402 Wed, 28 Nov 2007 05:44:00 +0100 1058402 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1047659&cid=t_112870_88_f&fid=35612&url=http%3A%2F%2Ftheknifeman.blogspot.com%2F2007%2F11%2Fwho-by-fire.html I seem to have caught up to myself, and my intention to manage a post a day (on average). Sadly my mo' hasn't managed a similar spurt.I'm pleased to see I've retained a few of the extra readers generated by mt free press from Scalpel (see the side bar: "Fix Bayonets"; this incidentally is because his blog is called 'Scalpel or Sword' and the British 95th regiment of foot called their bayonets swords. In case you were wondering.)I've also been added to the blogroll of another fave of mine, M.D.O.D. Anyone stumbling here from there, or anywhere is more than welcome. Pull up a chair, help yourselves to the scotch. You might need it, if my especial brand of jaundiced rambling ain't to your taste.Here's an example of what you can expect....I'm feeling extra proud of meself, as it seems I've suc... The KnifeMan blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1047659 Fri, 23 Nov 2007 16:42:00 +0100 1047659 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=817571&cid=t_112870_111_f&fid=34712&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdigitaldoorway.blogspot.com%2F2007%2F08%2Ftry-try-again.html "So, how come you didn't come in for your blood test last week?" I punch at the computer keyboard, checking his lab results."Oh, I forgot. You see, there're these Mexicans I'm helping out---they're farmworkers, they needed a ride." His eyes dart around the room."Uh huh." I poke at the keyboard a little more. I let him squirm a little."So, when you're due for your narcotic prescription, I hear from you like clockwork." Our eyes meet."Well, if I don't have the oxycodone, I know I'll be in pain. But the blood test? It doesn't seem to matter that much." He smiles sheepishly."Yeah," I respond. "Then you end up in the hospital with a huge clot in your leg, and if we don't catch it in time you throw a clot to your heart and you die a sudden death. Not much of a consequence, huh?""I'll be better a... Digital Doorway blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=817571 Thu, 23 Aug 2007 02:26:00 +0100 817571 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=801478&cid=t_112870_88_f&fid=35612&url=http%3A%2F%2Ftheknifeman.blogspot.com%2F2007%2F08%2Ftuesdays-gone.html A little light relief?I thought this was funny, but realise it's non-PC, and I'm kinda the wrong gender to comment. Make of it what you will.First case of the day, an elderly fella, collapsed at the swimming pool. Arrest twice, RoSC twice. Arrived flat, with a suspicious ECG. Great flurries of activity. In the midst of this, one of the Cardiology magicians came down to echo the fella for us, and pronounce on whether a trip to the cath lab would be good for him.My boss was directing affairs, and didn't know this (female) doctor. To remedy this situation he asked her: "Sorry, what's your name, sweetie?"Time froze, and the temperature dropped to absolute zero. Just for a second.Then: "It's Susan, NOT 'sweetie'"'Wang': Normal activity resumed. My boss, for what it's worth calls us all 'sweet... The KnifeMan blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=801478 Wed, 15 Aug 2007 13:06:00 +0100 801478 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=782936&cid=t_112870_111_f&fid=34712&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdigitaldoorway.blogspot.com%2F2007%2F08%2Fsensory-overload.html The apartment must have been at least 90 degrees. Three large cages in the living room held at least eight squawking birds, one of which whistles an old Latino song incessantly. My patient breaks into song and sings along with the bird several times during the visit. Between the heat and the singing, I felt like I might pass out.As I attempted to check orthostatic blood pressures (vital signs taken supine, seated and standing in relatively quick succession) , one of my patient's friends burst into the apartment. Yelling almost at the top of her lungs, gesticulating wildly, the friend pushed a double stroller into the living room which contained two screaming young children. Amidst the tumult, the oldest child---perhaps eight or nine---sat down on the couch in utter silence, watching me tak... Digital Doorway blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=782936 Mon, 06 Aug 2007 20:52:00 +0100 782936 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=773323&cid=t_112870_111_f&fid=34712&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdigitaldoorway.blogspot.com%2F2007%2F08%2Frelapse.html "I relapsed again," she told me. "I could barely bring myself to tell you.""Unfortunately, it happens. But what's the plan now?" I try not to show any discernible emotion when hearing the news so that she doesn't feel judged."Well, I haven't used in two days. I feel like shit, though." She wrings her hands as they rest in her lap."Two days? That's great! every day is a new chance to make a new choice. What do you think?""Yeah, today's a new day, but that doesn't help me feel less like shit.""I know, but you'll feel physically better sooner if you can just forgive yourself and let go of what happened. You can learn from your mistakes without beating yourself up about it.""That's true. I just hope I can do it.""You have choices every day. You made a good choice to come in today and talk to u... Digital Doorway blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=773323 Wed, 01 Aug 2007 10:34:00 +0100 773323 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=767538&cid=t_112870_111_f&fid=34712&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdigitaldoorway.blogspot.com%2F2007%2F07%2Freprieve.html "Were you the one who called the ambulance last week when I was so sick?" she asked, as I prepared her meds and took out my stethoscope and blood pressure cuff."Yes, it was me. You sure didn't argue, that's for sure." I continued to rummage through my things and arrange the tools of my trade."I guess I could have died, huh?" She looks at me sort of dreamily."It was pretty likely, but we weren't about to let that happen, were we?" I respond, looking up from my tasks."I dunno. I barely remember what happened.""You had thrown up before I arrived. Then, as I took your blood pressure, you grabbed the bucket and got down on your hands and knees on the floor and vomited over and over again. Do you remember that?""Yeah, I guess so. The people at the hospital were so nice, especially once the trans... Digital Doorway blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=767538 Mon, 30 Jul 2007 23:50:00 +0100 767538 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=745492&cid=t_112870_111_f&fid=34712&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdigitaldoorway.blogspot.com%2F2007%2F07%2Fgolden-moment.html "I feel like I'm just waking up. I'm sixty years old. I've spent most of my life being afraid of people, of places, of things. I'm only now becoming aware of what I can still do with my life."She sat before me in the exam room for our weekly appointment to prefill her med box, review her meds, discuss symptoms, and basically check in. We've known each other about six years now, and we have a sweet therapeutic relationship."I think about the things that happened to me in the past, and I realize that I don't have to focus on those things. It's like I've been asleep." Her eyes filled with tears."You know," I began, "there are times in many people's lives when they begin to see more clearly, and the things that used to limit them seem to lose their power. It seems like you've arrived at one of... Digital Doorway blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=745492 Fri, 20 Jul 2007 01:12:00 +0100 745492 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=695215&cid=t_112870_111_f&fid=34712&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdigitaldoorway.blogspot.com%2F2007%2F06%2Fsome-questions.html The phone at my desk rings."Keith, how much do you know about babies?"The voice is familiar, but I can't place it. Many of my 85 patients start talking without first saying who is calling, expecting me to recognize their voices."Uh, who am I speaking with, please?""It's __________. Do you know about babies?""Oh, hi! Why do you ask?""Well, does someone have alot of stomach pain when they're pregnant?""Does this have to do with you?" I ask innocently."Yeah. Every time I move from side to side, my stomach hurts and I feel sick. Is that normal?""Do you feel nauseous in the mornings? Have you been vomiting?""No.""Do you think you're pregnant?""Maybe....""Are you peeing alot? Hungry? Gaining weight?""Well, I have gained some weight lately," she says hopefully."I don't think you're pregnant, but ... Digital Doorway blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=695215 Tue, 26 Jun 2007 01:26:00 +0100 695215 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=676972&cid=t_112870_88_f&fid=35612&url=http%3A%2F%2Ftheknifeman.blogspot.com%2F2007%2F06%2Fi-wish-that-for-just-one-time-you-could.html Again, long time no jib...Sorry. If any of my dwindling readership are still trying, I'm sorry.I've been a little distracted of late. Shroom's fallow period has ended.I have a new object of my affection. And it is mutual! I'm not a stalker. My current squeeze, my babyluv may feature here more later, but not for now. I don't want to jinx it, and I'm not sure I have the right to publish her the way I do myself; yet...Anyway; I have a few local interest 'pieces' to blog about, but they will follow. They're mostly me grumping about what's happening at work. What follows, since we were talking of stalkers (sort of) is the tale of Shroom's only stalker - to date.I know I've alluded to this recently, but don't think I've covered the details.The whole sordid affair took place years ago, when I was... The KnifeMan blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=676972 Sat, 16 Jun 2007 00:47:00 +0100 676972 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=659205&cid=t_112870_88_f&fid=35612&url=http%3A%2F%2Ftheknifeman.blogspot.com%2F2007%2F06%2Fthomas-muir-of-huntershill.html Google it.Maudlin again. Too many late nights and whiskey, I guess.A couple of the blogs I like to read have gone invite only. I'm sorry if my side bar links lead you to a dead end. I'm slightly disappointed. I liked reading them - but folks have to do what they have to do, I guess.I'm increasingly anxious about blogging my day to day work life here. Mostly because I'm less and less anonymous, and confidentiality is a huge part of what we do. Still, I'll try, for what it's worth.Recently I've struggled with patients who have different ideas about what their best interests are than I do. Here's an example:Let's suppose you elect to spend the afternoon drinking heavily. A few litres of your chosen spirit should do it, but feel free to wash it down with some beer chasers. I'm ok with that.Nex... The KnifeMan blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=659205 Wed, 06 Jun 2007 01:40:00 +0100 659205 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=624473&cid=t_112870_88_f&fid=35612&url=http%3A%2F%2Ftheknifeman.blogspot.com%2F2007%2F05%2Fsecret-pleasures-number-2.html The grudging respect I earned on Saturday morning for my transformation from 'walking corpse' at woken up +1, to 'functional human being' at woken up +5.Seems like all those nights on call taught me something, after all (Source: The KnifeMan) The KnifeMan blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=624473 Mon, 14 May 2007 20:55:00 +0100 624473 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=624474&cid=t_112870_88_f&fid=35612&url=http%3A%2F%2Ftheknifeman.blogspot.com%2F2007%2F05%2Fshe-comes-in-colours-evrywhere.html Or... "Flail of The Century"No medical gib follows. Be warned and stop now if you have no interest in what I got up to in a field this weekend.Pictures to follow - as usual I took a very expensive camera, and no pics. But plenty of others did, and with luck, thru the magic of digital media...So, it was the wedding of one of greatest friends this weekend. In fairness, of two of my friends, but the Groom I have known for 20 years, and we've been through a lot of 'formative' shit together (I certainly wouldn't have been a doctor without him), and his fiance - now wife! - I have only known a few years, so although I consider her a dear friend, it is perhaps not the same thing. Whatever.Thursday saw me at a dance / drama performance, a first for me. A slightly alien media to me. It was interest... The KnifeMan blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=624474 Sun, 13 May 2007 19:31:00 +0100 624474 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=624479&cid=t_112870_88_f&fid=35612&url=http%3A%2F%2Ftheknifeman.blogspot.com%2F2007%2F04%2Fyou-cant-always-get-what-you-want.html Thus spake the philosopher Jagger.Musing over my previous post, I am reminded of something that occurred when I was a HouseSurgeon at another DGH. The details are less well known to me, as I was just ScutBoy, but it illustrates the same principles well. I'm beginning to think that foremost among them should be "don't believe what you're told", no matter who tells you.In this case, a patient was brought to the A&E (as was) having been 'found down' on a railway track. There was no suggestion that he'd been hit by a train - i.e. he was in one piece - but he was under a bridge. My understanding is that he was first assessed by a rapid response team. Two basic options present themselves:One - he has jumped / fallen from the bridge above. Classification: trauma. Plan: rapid transfer, eager docto... The KnifeMan blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=624479 Sun, 22 Apr 2007 11:30:00 +0100 624479 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=551205&cid=t_112870_111_f&fid=34712&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdigitaldoorway.blogspot.com%2F2007%2F04%2Fsocks.html Just this morning, one of my colleagues (a PhD-level Clinical Psychologist) said, “I think a person’s well-being is generally influenced by whether or not they’re wearing the right socks.”What influences your day and determines its trajectory? (Source: Digital Doorway) Digital Doorway blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=551205 Wed, 18 Apr 2007 14:59:00 +0100 551205