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 'frustration'. Sat, 03 Sep 2011 01:50:14 +0100 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5140198&cid=t_100147_136_f&fid=39027&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.cancerlifeandme.com%2F2011%2F08%2Fsquare-one%2F That surgery I’m so freaked out about? Not happening. The plan was derailed put on hold. In July, The Spine surgeon had referred me to a General surgeon (his job would be to go through my ribs and remove scar tissue/move lung over so Spine guy can then get to work on my vertebrae). General surgeon said although difficult and risky, he would be able to assist. Okay, one step closer. Next, I had an Echocardiogram  (like an ultrasound, but aimed at the heart) to evaluate my heart health. The results were good: everything seemed within normal to above-average range and although my pulse is fast, the heart seems to work well. Okay, another step closer to surgery. Then I met back with Spine surgeon to review those referrals. He seemed positive that the General surgeon was on board but als... Cancer, life, and me blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5140198 Wed, 17 Aug 2011 20:03:28 +0100 5140198 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4968841&cid=t_100147_136_f&fid=39027&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.cancerlifeandme.com%2F2011%2F06%2Fstream-of-consciousness%2F Surgery. What a word. Spooks the hell out of me. I really, really, really wish I didn’t have such vivid memories of my past surgical recoveries. The smell of alcohol, iodine, blood, and saline. The way every whisper of a breath feels like a sledgehammer to the chest and ribs. Feeling the searing, white hot, blast Continue reading Stream of consciousness (Source: Cancer, life, and me) Cancer, life, and me blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4968841 Thu, 23 Jun 2011 18:21:07 +0100 4968841 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4797801&cid=t_100147_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2011%2F05%2F07%2Fa-stress-relieving-article-for-professionals%2F I was trying to do it all on my own: I know how to meditate. I know how to do my job. I am an addictions counselor. I arrived at the UVA mindfulness meditation meeting because something inside me told me that I wasn’t OK. I was in a lot of internal pain — otherwise known as being extremely stressed. I take my life experiences very seriously. I try not to let them get by without noticing. I don’t always know how to ask for help, or know if I even need help at times. I didn’t consciously know what I was asking for that night, I just showed up, along with a few others, both meditation teachers showed up… and Help showed up. Lessons learned while sitting… Letting go. I listened as the lady across from me explained her work as walking in deep water wearing cloak upon c... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4797801 Sat, 07 May 2011 13:18:43 +0100 4797801 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4517323&cid=t_100147_136_f&fid=39026&url=http%3A%2F%2Fcarolinemfr.blogspot.com%2F2011%2F02%2Frock-paper-scissors.html Rock is for the granite curb I hit yesterday and removed the hubcap on the car (but the tire does not seem flat) and sooner or later the hubcap will be reattached to the car.Paper is for the paper the insurance company insists on drowning us in. I know lots is done electronically now. My doctor never gives me written prescriptions any more. They are sent electronically to the pharmacy which goes on line is linked to the insurance company regarding coverage and payment. Now they have invented this evil system of preapprovals. THAT MUST BE DONE ON PAPER.On Feb 4, I saw my doctor and asked for a refill on one of my prescriptions. I called the pharmacy last week to see if they had it and could fill it so I could pick it. Apparently on Feb 4 when the doctor sent it over, it was too early to be ... Caroline's Breast Cancer Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4517323 Thu, 24 Feb 2011 11:15:00 +0100 4517323 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4377570&cid=t_100147_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fwhos-more-pessimistic-about-healthcare-reform-physicians-or-patients%2F2011.01.20 While public opposition to healthcare reform has diminished since its passage, physician opinions are still negative, especially among specialists who see their value to the healthcare system decreasing as reform emphasizes primary care. A survey reports that 65 percent of nearly 3,000 physicians in all specialties said the quality of healthcare in the country will deteriorate in the next five years. Seventeen percent of respondents believe the quality of healthcare will stay the same and 18 percent believe it will improve. Meanwhile, 30 percent of healthcare consumers believe that the quality of healthcare will improve. Physicians cited as reasons for their pessimism personal political beliefs, anger at insurance companies and a lack of accurate planning in the reform act. Other reas... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4377570 Thu, 20 Jan 2011 18:00:00 +0100 4377570 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4355744&cid=t_100147_101_f&fid=38969&url=http%3A%2F%2Ftheemtspot.com%2F2011%2F01%2F16%2Fyou-bet-your-life%2F What would you bet your life on? In 1996 I took a job about 40 minutes south of San Jose, California with a small mom-and-pop ambulance company. The service was named after the owner and had been serving a mostly rural area of northern California for a couple of decades before I arrived in town. They were, without a doubt, the worst ambulance company I ever served under. The owner ran the place like a dictator. I started work the day after my interview on a dirty ambulance wearing an old uniform that was two sizes too large. My partner was the grumpy silent type. The station conditions were deplorable and the policies and procedures were down-right unethical. (As an example, the owner would frequently order crews to respond to scenes, after they had been canceled enroute, so that they coul... The EMT Spot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4355744 Sun, 16 Jan 2011 18:05:51 +0100 4355744 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4377615&cid=t_100147_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2011%2F01%2F14%2Fbest-of-our-blogs-january-14-2011%2F The first month of a new year is often filled with fear, anticipation and sometimes frustration. There’s a whole lot of things we didn’t yet accomplish that we often feel pressured to do this year (lose weight, make more money, find our true love). And there’s often a sense of grief associated with that as we slowly say good-bye to 2010 and reflect on what we’re proud of what what we regret. Speaking of regrets, a lot of you had very different views about this statement told to me by a relative: “You haven’t really lived, if you haven’t had regrets.” (You can read their opinions here and contribute your own on our Facebook page.) If you feel regretful and frustrated about last year, there are still lots of things you can do to remedy that. In... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4377615 Fri, 14 Jan 2011 12:38:52 +0100 4377615 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4349544&cid=t_100147_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2011%2F01%2F14%2Fbest-of-our-blogs-january-14-2010%2F The first month of a new year is often filled with fear, anticipation and sometimes frustration. There’s a whole lot of things we didn’t yet accomplish that we often feel pressured to do this year (lose weight, make more money, find our true love). And there’s often a sense of grief associated with that as we slowly say good-bye to 2010 and reflect on what we’re proud of what what we regret. Speaking of regrets, a lot of you had very different views about this statement told to me by a relative: “You haven’t really lived, if you haven’t had regrets.” (You can read their opinions here and contribute your own on our Facebook page.) If you feel regretful and frustrated about last year, there are still lots of things you can do to remedy that. In... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4349544 Fri, 14 Jan 2011 12:38:52 +0100 4349544 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4183342&cid=t_100147_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2010%2F11%2F19%2Fbest-of-our-blogs-november-19-2010%2F Every moment, we have an opportunity for self-growth. In fact, I was having one of those just yesterday. It was about five in the evening and I was stuck in traffic. As cars attempted to race past me, getting just a mere two cars ahead, I started to think about the frustration and impatience we all seemed to be feeling in the moment. Would I choose to give into the overwhelming negativity all around me? Or would I drown out the sounds of car engines and frustration with the radio and the TV I could see in the van directly in front of me? I decided to use this unpleasant situation for my benefit by fully being in the moment. I saw the dark clouds looming overhead, the lights from cars shining through it and the feeling of impatience that was slowly taking over me. It was an hour of sitting ... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4183342 Fri, 19 Nov 2010 11:52:33 +0100 4183342 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4105985&cid=t_100147_140_f&fid=35443&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FTheSplinteredMind%2F%7E3%2Ft10gSvfZPMg%2Fin-which-i-write-and-then-make.html I completed Chapter 5 of #snkrz on Saturday night. I ended up sitting in a Smith's grocery store in their closed cafe area because family and ticking had taken up every waking moment of my two work days. When I was finally free to write there was no place other then my own apartment to go write in. Since that sounded boring, my wife helpfully suggested I write at Smith's. There was a moment where I stood there simply blinking as I contemplated her suggestion, but eventually I decided I had no better ideas. I ended up tucked away in a corner next to a cleaning cart while the store speakers pumped out 70s music. Thank heavens for headphones. Obviously, I'm always on call for full-time Dad duty, but technically I'm supposed to have Friday and Saturday to get my personal work done—work li... The Splintered Mind by Douglas Cootey blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4105985 Sun, 24 Oct 2010 23:56:58 +0100 4105985 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4023117&cid=t_100147_140_f&fid=35443&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FTheSplinteredMind%2F%7E3%2Fe3OuUcUcKk0%2F25-words-day-is-child-play.html A year and a half ago, David Wolverton wrote in his "Daily Kick in the Pants" about mental health issues and writing. He had many insights that were interesting, but when discussing ADHD he wrote, "Being ADHD makes it almost impossible to write—period." Was the writing on the wall for me, or was there a way I could beat ADHD and meet my goals? You can imagine I wasn't thrilled to see that in my inbox. I didn't get angry at him, however. I simply couldn't accept his comment as the definitive sentence passed upon my struggle.  I wrote back, "I'm not published yet, so writing may indeed be impossible with ADHD, but one day soon I hope to be able to say ADHD just makes things difficult."  I meant what I wrote, and determined to defy the odds. He later wrote me, "Thank you for the feedba... The Splintered Mind by Douglas Cootey blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4023117 Fri, 01 Oct 2010 14:48:08 +0100 4023117 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3999266&cid=t_100147_140_f&fid=35443&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FTheSplinteredMind%2F%7E3%2FwZ6BtE2x_u0%2Fdang-it-depression-has-hold-of-me-again.html Last week I went through a bit of a funk after a negative review came in. I did this last January as well. Now, I have to ask myself: Why on earth am I pursuing a process filled with a steep learning curve, a tall unscalable wall of rejection, and more disappointments than a new TV season, if I suffer from Depression? Am I going to have to call the Samaritans Hotline every time I get a rejection in the mail? Am I made of tasty but frangible pizzelle cookies? (Is that reference too abstruse? I just learned the name of my favorite Italian cookie, and I had to work it in somewhere (Is "abstruse" too obscure? I just discovered that word, and I had to work it in somewhere as well.)) I shouldn't need to surround myself with family members and gaze upon unicorns and rainbows for buoyancy before... The Splintered Mind by Douglas Cootey blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3999266 Thu, 23 Sep 2010 20:00:02 +0100 3999266 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3938485&cid=t_100147_140_f&fid=35443&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FTheSplinteredMind%2F%7E3%2F-ltplOkWdK0%2Fsordid-details.html If you've been following my escapades over at ADDaboy!, you'll know that I recently quit blogging over there so that I could focus on my book writing. I promised more details later, and now is later. I started off the year with a big goal. I wanted to write a picture book, a chapter book, and a novel by the time I turned 44 in December. I figured this would be a good way to determine which format suited me best. This seemed a fool hearty goal to some, but I knew I would learn important things about myself if I undertook a massive goal. Since being the first 43 year old to travel around the world in an inflatable raft seemed an unlikely goal to achieve, due in no small part to not owning a raft, I opted to pursue the former goal. Then I was given the opportunity to work for HealthyPlace.c... The Splintered Mind by Douglas Cootey blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3938485 Mon, 06 Sep 2010 13:00:01 +0100 3938485 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3858342&cid=t_100147_136_f&fid=39016&url=http%3A%2F%2Fturquoisegates.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F08%2Finevitable-let-down.html Apparently, there still exists a very disturbing paragraph in the legislative code of the great State of Wisconsin, chapter N1 in the Board of Nursing code for accreditation of "professional programs of study":(c) A nurse faculty member who teaches nursing courses in a professional nursing program shall hold a current license to practice as a registered nurse in Wisconsin, have at least 2 years of full−time or equivalent direct care experience as a practicing nurse, be employed in nursing within the last 5 years and hold a master’s degree with a major in nursing.Somehow, I am apparently supposed to:Study for a doctorate degreeKeep working as a nurseAND obtain a master's degree...regardless of the fact that I've already shown that I've mastered doctoral content and e... Turquoise Gates blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3858342 Wed, 11 Aug 2010 15:42:00 +0100 3858342 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3764284&cid=t_100147_140_f&fid=35443&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FTheSplinteredMind%2F%7E3%2FfmYq09DZ3Us%2Fwriting-wall-that-moves.html I am trying to not be discouraged, but I have run into a wall. The wall is rather hedge-like in its height, just perfect for tripping over, and made up of good intentions with a clueless hue that gives it an almost blushed appearance. Since I've tripped over it so often this past week, I've had quite a bit of time to think about it. @jamesscottbell wrote the other day: "Evan Hunter/Ed McBain wrote through heart attacks and cancer. He never stopped. True grit." I have mixed feelings about statements like that. On the surface, it is inspiring as it points out the unstoppable creativity of others in the face of adversity. On the other hand, it frustrates me because many of my obstacles are a bit beyond my control. No matter how much pluck, grit, and will I apply, I can't stop being disabled.... The Splintered Mind by Douglas Cootey blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3764284 Mon, 19 Jul 2010 04:26:32 +0100 3764284 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3743511&cid=t_100147_87_f&fid=36050&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblisstree.com%2Flive%2Ftop-10-posts-from-the-gloss%2F Did you know that there’s a store in China where you can go vent your anger (just you, an old TV, and a baseball bat)? Or that hooking up with your ex may not be your fault? Well, now you do. And you have our sister site, TheGloss, to thank. 1. There Is a Frustration Venting Store For Women in China 2. Study Says Ex-Sex Is Totally Not Your Fault 3. Do Recent Chick-Flick Movies All Just Suck? 4. A Very Important New Anti-Photoshopping Campaign 5. What’s On Your Anti-Bucket List? 6. 3 Reasons ‘Toy Story 3′ Does Not Need a High-End T-Shirt Line 7. Fashion 101: 9 Reasons Why Belts Are the Best Accessory Ever Invented 8. Dr. Oz Is Apparently a Beauty Expert Now 9. A Dating Site For People Who Don’t Even Know They’re On A Dating Site 10. 10 Male Fashion Design... Breastfeeding 1-2-3 blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3743511 Sun, 11 Jul 2010 16:00:43 +0100 3743511 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3691087&cid=t_100147_140_f&fid=35443&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FTheSplinteredMind%2F%7E3%2FC7YtPd-4YFo%2Fgetting-back-up-in-saddle.html As I sit here typing, the sun is setting—leaving golden hues on the tallest buildings. The sky is a gorgeous blue with streaks of white and purple-gray clouds. Two contrails leave a white scar in the air like a badly formed, backwards "Y". I notice all this and still my brain has not returned to me. First, the StormYesterday was a neurological nightmare, made worse by my ogre-like personality which was stoked by the electrical storm in my mind. I fell asleep around 11:30pm, early for me these days, and slept for four hours. Later I napped for two. Somehow this was enough to recharge my mind and give me enough presence to zip around town like a hummingbird on wheels. Even with the AC on full blast my brain still cooked due to our right passenger window being stuck open. My mind doesn't f... The Splintered Mind by Douglas Cootey blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3691087 Thu, 24 Jun 2010 08:06:57 +0100 3691087 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3655790&cid=t_100147_140_f&fid=35443&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FTheSplinteredMind%2F%7E3%2Fk2Q2XN9Rldo%2Fwatching-angelic-goblin-sleep.html The Goblin has had seizures all her life, but none like today's. Most of hers only last for 15 minutes, but tonight's dragged on for what felt like a century. Two hours. Very traumatic; very unusual. Every time she wakes she becomes panicked and disorientated, also unlike any postictal state she's ever been in. Now she sleeps, deeply and soundly, while EEG leads stream away from her head, monitoring her quietly and preparing a story for the doctors to tell to us later this morning. I came prepared to read to her while we waited for doctors to tend her. I came prepared to kill time as we waited to be released. The Goblin always recovers quickly. She is not supposed to require IVs and EEG leads and sedatives and anti-seizure medication. She's supposed to wake from her postictal slumber... The Splintered Mind by Douglas Cootey blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3655790 Sat, 12 Jun 2010 09:22:47 +0100 3655790 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3629847&cid=t_100147_140_f&fid=35443&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FTheSplinteredMind%2F%7E3%2FQLa88tQb5NE%2Fand-so-began-my-day.html Today was supposed to be my big "writer's escape". We can't afford to send me away to a workshop this year, not with the costs of computers and sudden car repairs being what they are. I can't even afford a weekend retreat locked away in a motel somewhere. But I could, theoretically, get away for a few days as long as I didn't actually go anywhere.The theory was that I would leave in the morning, hide away at Barnes & Noble or the library, and write my fingers off. The kids, the oldest being 15, would fend for themselves and my wife would take over at night more so than she usually does. I'd do it for three days and work exclusively on my work in progress—currently "Sneakers' Secret" (#snkrz). By isolating myself I would be able to immerse into the work. Immersion would allow my ADHD hype... The Splintered Mind by Douglas Cootey blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3629847 Fri, 04 Jun 2010 07:49:47 +0100 3629847 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3607789&cid=t_100147_140_f&fid=35443&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FTheSplinteredMind%2F%7E3%2F7afwSxSispg%2Fno-show-at-art-show.html You know that part where the hero is battered, torn, and left for dead, when everyone has given up on him except his childhood sweetheart, and then buoyed by her love he finds the strength within himself to climb to his feet, glibly state, "Stand back, doll. This is gonna get ugly," then lurch stoically forward to stand against the bad guy one last time before ultimately winning because he's just too manly to lose? This is nothing like that. All month long I have known that Conduit was coming up, and a dear friend, whose unquestioning faith in me beings tears to my eyes, bought me a panel to display my art at the art show. I haven't shown at a con in a very, very long time. I haven't produced con art in an even longer amount of time. I had hoped to reward my friend's faith in me by havi... The Splintered Mind by Douglas Cootey blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3607789 Fri, 28 May 2010 13:00:10 +0100 3607789 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3569807&cid=t_100147_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fsedating-yourself-with-food-why%2F2010.05.16 Dr. Whoo and I seem to be in the same place at the same time — we both struggle with our weight because we’re using food for something other than sustenance. We use it to manage stress. Overeating is, after all, a wonderful sedative. It soothes the savage beast and all that. And it really works. I’ve probably saved my marriage and my job and kept from killing my kids and my husband by sedating myself with food. (more…) *This blog post was originally published at The Blog that Ate Manhattan* (Source: Better Health) Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3569807 Sun, 16 May 2010 16:00:00 +0100 3569807 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3515606&cid=t_100147_140_f&fid=35443&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FTheSplinteredMind%2F%7E3%2FuVFbuDmFy1c%2Fadhd-insomnia-my-colorful-life.html It is Wensday. I will be writing soon. On a book and everything. Maybe even my current book. The question is what delayed me? After all, the week began three days ago. And Wensday's such an awkward day to begin. The week's half gone & it's not even spelled correctly. Friday, my ADDaboy! writing day, is right around the corner. That means I have to park my novel for another spell of blogging. The more I think about it, the more I realize that I am not happy about this. Wait, wasn't there a question? Right. What delayed me? I think I have the answer. This is a TweetStats chart of my Twitter activity for @SplinteredMind. @DouglasCootey shares similar stats, but is less active. The chart is a great visual record of when I’m awake. In short, I’m working at the ... The Splintered Mind by Douglas Cootey blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3515606 Thu, 29 Apr 2010 13:00:02 +0100 3515606 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3476055&cid=t_100147_137_f&fid=39091&url=http%3A%2F%2Falzheimmers.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F04%2Fthey-say-phsycs-know-what-they-are.html Hello,My name is Joseph Potocny, you see Dr. Joe and I have known each other for sometime now. But let us question his sanity, he is a MD I am an AD (Alhziemers person) and have FTD as well. Now who knows more him on the far left or me on the gentle right.I thank Doc for asking me to blog here, I guess he is ready to be punished for the well shall we say less than upstanding life he has led. Not true, he is a good guy. I have had the disease for over 3 yrs confirmed, by the time you know whose professsion would listen to me. So today like many days has been filled with times of where the hell am i and what am i doing.  I was going to do this as a video, but he told me creatures were not allowed to appear in person.  I read docs' blog daily as he makes posts, some I just do n... Caregiver Survival: I Hate Alzheimers blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3476055 Fri, 16 Apr 2010 02:54:00 +0100 3476055 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3463725&cid=t_100147_129_f&fid=36035&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Flife-with-chronic-pain%2Fchronic-pain-blog-to-change%2F After much contemplation, I have decided to write a new blog only once a week instead of the two fresh entries I have been writing since August 2006. Those of you who read this blog frequently know I fight an uphill battle each day with my health which is the source of inspiration for this. I’m trying to decide what to share with all of you. The bad news is that I’m running out of steam with all the current problems I’m having and the blog has become more and more popular and demands more responses from me. I’m thrilled at the popularity of this blog and stubbornly try to answer each entry from all of you. I will continue to do so. As many of you know, there are many days your energy only goes so far and then, that’s it. I thought about shortening the blogs or making them less su... Life with Chronic Pain blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3463725 Mon, 12 Apr 2010 22:25:51 +0100 3463725 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3429433&cid=t_100147_140_f&fid=35443&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FTheSplinteredMind%2F%7E3%2FeA-o5-f2f24%2Fit-been-that-kinda-day.html I'm not going to complain. It was a productive day considering the chaos that went on in my kitchen.The problem is the toll it had on me. Let me explain.I'm not a creature of habit as much as I wish, but I have trained myself to write at the kitchen table. When I sit there to work, I don't wander off to watch TV or traipse into the living room to find a good book. I work. I write blogs, articles, and novels on my MacBook at the kitchen table. I do design and coding on my Mac mini in the studio. I even have different apps installed on each machine. It works for me.Sometimes I succumb to the siren call of HTML and click on certain links. You know the kind. Hot, steamy, sticky news links. The more revealing & controversial the better. As entertaining as that can be, it doesn't help me get any... The Splintered Mind by Douglas Cootey blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3429433 Thu, 01 Apr 2010 03:15:51 +0100 3429433 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3420504&cid=t_100147_101_f&fid=38969&url=http%3A%2F%2Ftheemtspot.com%2F2010%2F03%2F30%2Fits-not-my-emergency%2F Part one of a two part series on scene presence. A regular reader of The EMT Spot asked a great question recently. (Thanks Timothy.) “How do I keep my cool and not loose my head in stressful situations?” I want to give you a tip that has worked well for me in the past. It’s a phrase I learned as an EMT and it’s helped me on countless occasions. “It’s not my emergency.” I know. I know what you’re thinking. On the surface, “It’s not my emergency.” sounds like a very callous and uncaring thing to say. But give me a chance to explain. I was taught the phrase, “It’s not my emergency.” by a talented young paramedic who was a mentor in my early years in EMS. Since I first learned it, I’ve heard it used in a ... The EMT Spot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3420504 Tue, 30 Mar 2010 12:00:29 +0100 3420504 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3339803&cid=t_100147_140_f&fid=35443&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FTheSplinteredMind%2F%7E3%2FolVpXSD7Xs8%2Faddaboy-it-was-good-idea-anyway.html Remember that time I sold my minivan and left my spare keys in it and snuck into the car lot after hours to try and get them back because I had locked myself out of the house at 3am? Ah, such nostalgia. Never fear, though. There is no more perfect way to celebrate a smartypants article about how to prevent losing things like locking yourself outside AND the minivan because you left your keys in the other jacket. Head on over to ADDaboy! where I wrote about My Life as an ADHD Sitcom. It's OK. Go ahead and laugh. I did.I'm wrapping things up here and heading on over to the library to work on next week's ADDaboy! articles or to write in my novel, which is more likely to happen. I had a very bad neurological day yesterday and achieved nothing of import except to get into arguments with half of... The Splintered Mind by Douglas Cootey blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3339803 Sat, 06 Mar 2010 19:41:05 +0100 3339803 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3416283&cid=t_100147_137_f&fid=39091&url=http%3A%2F%2Falzheimmers.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F02%2Fcaregiver-emotions.html Generally they run the gamut. first of all depending on what stage your family member is in, this will dictate some of the feelings. They tend to vary and have a significant range, sometimes for no apparent reason and sometimes for a very good reason. At the two opposite ends of the spectrum are HOPE and UTTER DESPAIR. They are intense and strong, it is unusual to have a mundane day. There is the psychological issue of coming to terms early on after the diagnosis, and knowing and accepting there is no cure-that can be mentally exhausting as is any grief process. Mental overload and exhaustion leads to anger, sadness, anxious feelings and sometimes physical symptoms and problems, more headaches, irritable bowel, aches and pains, back problems, neck problems, lots of signs of mental stress, ... Caregiver Survival: I Hate Alzheimer's blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3416283 Tue, 23 Feb 2010 21:58:00 +0100 3416283 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3283856&cid=t_100147_180_f&fid=38610&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.productivity501.com%2Fthe-difficult-things%2F6555%2F When I’m working on something very, very difficult, I often find myself bumping up against an invisible wall. It is as if my mind just isn’t clear enough to break through. For example, when trying to learn a new, complex mathematical concept, I seem to spend a lot of time teetering just on the verge of a full understanding with no real idea of what is holding me back.  It is like looking through a fog. The feeling is similar to running at your top speed and trying to go just a little bit faster. Obviously, this is very frustrating.  You can almost taste success, but it just isn’t happening. When I find myself in this situation, I can sometimes get past it by focusing more.  This may mean getting rid of distractions, re-reading everything in an empty room where I know... Productivity501 blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3283856 Wed, 17 Feb 2010 18:00:36 +0100 3283856 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3271185&cid=t_100147_140_f&fid=35443&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FTheSplinteredMind%2F%7E3%2FCL4H_0nDyjs%2Farose-by-any-other-name-would-still-be.html Clearer and clearer I am seeing my sleep difficulties as my greatest obstacle towards reaching my writing goals. Although I accomplished much last night, I am paying the cost today.I missed attending Life, the Universe, and Everything this year. I missed seeing friends, old and new. I missed great discussions and fascinating presentations. I may even miss the date tonight with my wife. Beyond just being upside down from the rest of the world, I am fatigued and listless—ill equipped to fight off illness, both physical & mental.I sit here absolutely loopy, unable to do much more than interact with family as they buzz around me while I pour thoughts out into my Twitter timeline. How did I get to this pitiful state?In brief, I was up until 6am because I watched Groundhog Day, Smallville, rea... The Splintered Mind by Douglas Cootey blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3271185 Sun, 14 Feb 2010 01:29:57 +0100 3271185 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3236096&cid=t_100147_151_f&fid=35818&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FRecoveryIsSexycom%2F%7E3%2FMzMBpat_IXU%2F Anger feeds on itself What Are Anger Myths And How They Affect Us? All myths of anger give good reasons excuses for anger and aggressive behavior. Anger is an unavoidable part of being human. Anger is especially based on myths. Self-help Zone lists 5 myths that affect how we deal with anger. These are; Myth 1: Anger and aggression are natural for humans Myth 2: Frustration always leads to aggression Myth 3: Venting your anger is healthy Myth 4: Anger is always beneficial Myth 5: A person’s anger is caused by others Full story at; Self-help Zone Related Reading: (Source: Recovery Is Sexy.com) Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3236096 Wed, 03 Feb 2010 02:04:32 +0100 3236096 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3171922&cid=t_100147_101_f&fid=38969&url=http%3A%2F%2Ftheemtspot.com%2F2010%2F01%2F14%2Fthe-e-book-is-coming%2F OK, I can’t keep this to myself any longer. It’s time for the big announcement. With the final draft still in the mail from my editorial team and the final design still lacking a few details, it would probably be best to just keep this under wraps for a few more weeks, but I can’t wait. My first E-book is scheduled for release on January 21st, one week from today. The e-book will be free and it will be available right here at The Spot. The Book is called The Non-Conformists Guide to EMS Success. This book is the culmination of two decades of EMS experiences, mistakes, failures, trials, and errors that lead to my ultimate success. My goal was to write something that would be useful to EMTs at any stage in their career. And I didn’t hold anything back. This is my r... The EMT Spot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3171922 Thu, 14 Jan 2010 12:00:39 +0100 3171922 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3153513&cid=t_100147_129_f&fid=36035&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Flife-with-chronic-pain%2Fwhat-secrets-lie-in-a-life-of-chronic-pain%2F This whole business of online sharing is very public. Those of us who share on this blog often hold back a bit because of the glaring nature of our words staying here forever. We hide behind first names, try to watch our language, although that isn’t always easy to do, and often hold onto our emotions to be civil. In short, we make a noble attempt to behave like ladies and gents. All the while, we know, within each of us we are so much more than just our pain. We all have homes to run, many have jobs to hold down just to survive and many have children with needs, tears, laughter and love to share. We worry about money, family problems and mortgages, just like everyone else. The difference is that we have this “albatross” to carry, each and every day on top of the usual stresses of li... Life with Chronic Pain blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3153513 Thu, 07 Jan 2010 22:16:06 +0100 3153513 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3048173&cid=t_100147_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2009%2F12%2F02%2Fbelieve-in-you%2F What do you see when you look at yourself in the mirror? Do you feel confident or do you shrink away from it as soon as you can? Do you experience positive or neutral self-talk or do you start to notice doubt whispering or screaming at you? How you answer those questions helps to determine how you feel about yourself. The key to confidence is believing in you. So what exactly is doubt? Doubt is thinking about yourself in a negative, vulnerable way or thinking you’re not equipped to handle things when the facts show otherwise. Doubt causes you to stop actively participating in life and enjoying the world around you because you get stuck in your own head. You get bogged down internally by self-criticism, second-guessing, and analyzing the unlikely less than favorable outcomes of situa... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3048173 Wed, 02 Dec 2009 16:33:02 +0100 3048173 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2970257&cid=t_100147_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2009%2F11%2F07%2F5-clues-you-should-be-letting-go-of-something-an-interview-with-eileen-flanagan%2F Awhile back I discussed Eileen Flanagan’s book, The Wisdom to Know the Difference. If you’d like to learn more about her, visit her website at www.EileenFlanagan.com. Therese: What are five clues you should be letting go of something? Eileen: 1. You find yourself repeating the same complaint to different people. We all get frustrated from time to time, but it’s not good for our mental or spiritual health to wallow in frustration. I remember once I got irritated with another mother at my kid’s nursery school after she did something that inconvenienced me. I complained to the first mother I ran into, and then the second. When I heard myself repeating the story for the third time, it hit me that I was making myself more agitated, not less. I was also putting poison in ... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2970257 Sat, 07 Nov 2009 10:41:13 +0100 2970257 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2859059&cid=t_100147_136_f&fid=39025&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2Feverythingchangesbook%2F%7E3%2FbZuM_He_e4Y%2Fhealthcare-frustration My hospital is around the corner from Gucci, Coach, and the Apple Store.  (Sw. huh?)  I’m sure sneaky shoppers try to park in the hospital garage at patient rates.  It’s the front desk staff’s job to make sure they don’t. A few years back, I had a particularly horrible post-surgery appointment: The doctor was great but the news was bad.  It took three hours and involved an unexpected and painful biopsy of newly found tumors.  The doc explained why the samples looked extremely suspicious of cancerous. Shannon and I were crushed, our minds fried, our bodies exhausted.  We waited in line for the elevators, made it down to the lobby, and waited in another line for parking validation.  “I can’t do your ticket.  I need to see that you were at a doctor’s office.  Go upstair... Everything Changes blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2859059 Tue, 29 Sep 2009 13:10:12 +0100 2859059 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2859105&cid=t_100147_136_f&fid=39027&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.lrdlc.dreamhosters.com%2F2009%2F09%2Fmy-foundation-dads-response%2F Not too long ago, I wrote about my father. He called me yesterday and asked if I was ready to hear his response yet. I said, “Sure.” I was curious. He actually read this to me over the phone. Can you say emotional? Between him choking up and me reaching for tissues…well, I’ll let you read it. He left this as a comment on the blog yesterday, but I’m elevating it to full-on blog post, baby! My comments are in GREEN. His reply: Hi mi hijo, After I read “My Foundation” I was crying for awhile, and so many memories to to my mind and heart. I remember how many of my plans (as a dad) for you suddenly collapsed right before my eyes. I figured maybe you would be a great soccer player. But, most of all, a martial artist that I could be teaching and coaching. (My Dad... Cancer, life, and me blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2859105 Thu, 17 Sep 2009 20:12:51 +0100 2859105 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2858880&cid=t_100147_136_f&fid=39016&url=http%3A%2F%2Fturquoisegates.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F09%2Fdancing-in-rain.html As I watched them walk out the door ahead of me, waiting for the perfect shaft of light to illuminate girlhood and infancy lilting through the sunset and out of the cavernous old barn, a million old emotions flooded back. That moment...watching someone I love dearly walk off with my son, facing forward toward the beauty and possibility that is life outside the cavern...I remember the moments I spent watching my kids dance in a lamp lit living room in November. Isolated, shivering, standing in the dark, surrounded by the eerie loneliness of the sounds of city nightlife. Feeling my life slip like so many grains of sand through an open palm. The glass shut me out, just like the length of that barn floor did. Being an outsider is never pleasant, especially when your heart is heavy with worry.T... Turquoise Gates blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2858880 Thu, 10 Sep 2009 03:28:00 +0100 2858880 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2725243&cid=t_100147_140_f&fid=35443&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FTheSplinteredMind%2F%7E3%2FCeBnQmNC0Ms%2Fdear-adhd-why-is-making-friends-so.html Dear ADHD,I've been reflecting on the last Writers & Illustrators for Young Readers conference I attended and realized I didn't really make lasting friendships. In fact, I haven't made any long lasting friends with any of the people in this or last year's classes. As a rule, I seem to get along better with the published authors than the unpublished ones. I'm wondering if you have any insights into that. You've been to a lot of conferences, I'm sure, and seen people like me hit the social fan—ego all bespattered. Perhaps I'm doing something wrong. I know there's no magic formula for making friends. Certainly my classmates receive me warmly when seeing me. I just didn't click with any of them. Somehow, I'm missing that crucial last step to get on the IN list. Do you think I'm exaggerating?... The Splintered Mind by Douglas Cootey blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2725243 Fri, 21 Aug 2009 22:45:55 +0100 2725243 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2688886&cid=t_100147_140_f&fid=35443&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FTheSplinteredMind%2F%7E3%2FQlwqI4TvpE4%2Fdaddys-music-helpers.html This article was originally published at dadomatic.com.It’s that time of year again. It’s time to sort the CDs.Oh, I’m sure you’re thinking “Why don’t you just keep them in order as you use them?” and normally I would agree with you. After all, that’s how I use them.But I live with children. Four of them to be exact. And I foolishly managed to teach them to appreciate and even love my music, so from the first one all the way to the last they help themselves to my CDs.It started with my oldest who liked to help reorganize them. Obviously, I knew 17 years ago that my tidy little world was going to become a whole heckuvva lot more cluttered when we started having children. However, I never realized that this clutter would come in such cute packages. How can you get upset at a ... The Splintered Mind by Douglas Cootey blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2688886 Mon, 10 Aug 2009 13:00:05 +0100 2688886 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2598478&cid=t_100147_149_f&fid=35784&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FTheChemBlog%2F%7E3%2FlPKHW7XL9Qw%2F For the last few days I have been trying to figure out how I can do a simple Monte Carlo simulation on my computer without much success. In the last few months I have become convinced that by doing my own computer modeling I could probably avoid making a lot of unnecessary molecules.  Indeed, I see no reason why the notion hasn’t struck me in the same way the concept of checking a sample after a reaction for purity why should I check the reaction before I do it to see how well it might work? Firstly, it’s become pretty obvious that computational chemistry is a giant f.ing black box.  There are lots of force fields and data sets and letters followed by ** and shit and not a goddamn easy way to deal with ANY of it.  Let’s say I want to model a transition state, what do I... The Chem Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2598478 Tue, 14 Jul 2009 04:04:56 +0100 2598478 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2859126&cid=t_100147_136_f&fid=39027&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.lrdlc.dreamhosters.com%2Fpodpress_trac%2Ffeed%2F17%2F0%2Fprepaw.flv This little video clip does a decent job of expressing the type of frustration I feel.  This is from the TV show Battlestar Galactica. I know what you’re thinking (”Uh oh, nerd alert!”).  But trust me, this show (it ended earlier this year) is nothing like some Star Trek crap. There were no rubber-masked aliens or cheesy plots. Just great acting, intense situations, and the fact that it takes place in the far future is just the setting. Anyway, before you hit play, you need to know that the old guy is a robot. He is talking to one of his makers (the blonde lady). Even though the man is a machine, he has been created to be biologically human. You can ignore the Asian chick. Now watch the scene: The dialogue: John (old guy): In all your travels, have you ever seen a star... Cancer, life, and me blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2859126 Mon, 06 Jul 2009 19:35:45 +0100 2859126 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2859127&cid=t_100147_136_f&fid=39027&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.lrdlc.dreamhosters.com%2F2009%2F07%2Fthe-god-complex%2F Since I just wrote about the cancer demon fantasy, it reminded me why there is so much anger in me. It is all frustration. Mostly, I hate that I don’t have something concrete to blame for all this crap. So I make up things to blame. As a kid and teen, it was mainly that demon thing. As I’ve grown older, I mostly blame God. The invisible guy that almost everyone says is there. Are you there, God (it’s me, Chris)? I don’t know. In fact I killed you too.  You know when that happened? It wasn’t when I was diagnosed with cancer. It wasn’t when I had to recover from surgery. It wasn’t when I was being poked, prodded, and bugged every hour. It wasn’t even when I found myself puking almost every day. No, I killed you the day I found out Manuelita (g... Cancer, life, and me blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2859127 Mon, 06 Jul 2009 18:30:54 +0100 2859127 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2859130&cid=t_100147_136_f&fid=39027&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.lrdlc.dreamhosters.com%2F2009%2F07%2Flife-is-beautiful%2F I think it’s important to begin this writing experiment by saying just how much I love life. The sky, the grass, the sea, cities, people, even f.ing junkyards.  It is amazing. I know with every breath in my being that I want to be here as long as I can. What I hope to accomplish with this website is one very simple thing: a release. Of what, you ask?  My darkness. I’m sure you know I like to smile alot. You’ve seen me laugh. You’ve seen me have fun. You’ve seen me brush things off. But you have only seen or heard the tiniest glimpses of my anger, fear, frustration, and despair. I plan on writing about the sad and hard times. You will read about much of the pain and darkness I have felt throughout the years. Please know that I do not intend to hold back. I wi... Cancer, life, and me blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2859130 Mon, 06 Jul 2009 01:47:22 +0100 2859130 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2469908&cid=t_100147_137_f&fid=35426&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FTheAlzheimersReadingRoom%2F%7E3%2FvGIP_mt5AqA%2Finside-bin_09.html I caught this on a blog named My Demented Mom. I am offering the article here with the permission of the author, Kathy Ritchie. Please feel free to comment or react.My mom is slowly destroying me. I don’t sleep well. I am getting a talking to at work about expectations next week. I am tired. I can’t focus. I can’t think. I moved out her to make things better. I could not fully participate in or heal my relationship with my ex-fiance. My demented mother is taking down the entire ship. How do you care for someone who you don’t even recognize? How do you show love or compassion to this woman who is really a stranger. I vaguely recall what she was like before becoming demented. How do you willingly walk into a psych unit when you know she is draining you of energy? She has the power to... Alzheimer's Reading Room, The blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2469908 Tue, 09 Jun 2009 18:02:59 +0100 2469908 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2382549&cid=t_100147_109_f&fid=34795&url=http%3A%2F%2Fsoloshrink.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F05%2Fapartment-inspection-part-iiv.html Inspection day at the apartment complex came around again last Friday. It is really more of a regular maintenance routine, but there is usually a suspicious looking assistant manager who accompanies the crew to make certain that I am not running an unapproved meth lab or have not burned down the kitchen without notifying the office in advance. I was fine with the first inspection here because I knew the manager loved cats and I handed her one while the others replaced filters, changed batteries, checked the fire extinguisher, and did the other necessary things. I got a notice six months ago that I was due for an inspection, but none ever happened. I was therefore not terribly surprised when I got the current notice to see that a single word had been added for this (yearly) inspection. I ha... Solo Shrink blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2382549 Sun, 03 May 2009 02:00:00 +0100 2382549 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2258166&cid=t_100147_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2009%2F03%2F11%2Fwhat-is-the-payoff-for-your-emotional-choices%2F Yes, you read the title correctly. There really is a payoff for every emotionally-driven behavior and thought. And to a certain extent, these are controllable elements of your life. So when you behave or think in a way that is directed chiefly by emotion, what actually happens in your favor? Pouting, giving in, refusing to give in, self-pity, yelling - they all have payoffs. Let me explain and you may find a little bit of yourself by the end of this post. How Do You React Internally And Externally? When you are faced with a challenge or conflict, you are likely to have an emotional response. You are also likely to have thoughts that reflect your beliefs and life priorities. From those elements, you will officially have some kind of reaction. It may be shock, disgust, anger, despair, confus... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2258166 Wed, 11 Mar 2009 21:09:46 +0100 2258166 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2258167&cid=t_100147_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2009%2F03%2F11%2Fspruce-up-your-mental-health-bring-the-green-indoors%2F Midweek Mental Greening I read an interesting article over at the Seattle Post-Intelligencer a few weeks ago about the mental health benefits of all things green (we’re talking actual living plants this time, folks – not recycling and cutting down on carbon footprints). In the article, Mike Roizen and Mehmet Oz (or, the You Docs – the guys behind RealAge.com), outline some of the benefits of being surrounded by leafy green plant life and why city dwellers (or anyone who lives in a not-so-green area, really) should consider welcoming a new green addition or two to the family. Such benefits included lowered blood pressure, reduced stress, lung protection, and fewer sick days. I’ve never been big on houseplants. Don’t get me wrong – I love them and would have them in every room... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2258167 Wed, 11 Mar 2009 13:37:00 +0100 2258167 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2113404&cid=t_100147_109_f&fid=34795&url=http%3A%2F%2Fsoloshrink.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F01%2Fcoming-to-you-live-writer-from.html I seem to be back after an unintentional absence. Thank you to those who sent a private message or email for your concern. Despite the tone of some of my recent “poetry,” it was my laptop that was self-destructive, not me. At this point comes the decision between the long version or the short version. I’ll choose the short story for now, but don’t be surprised if there are further elaborations in future posts.Nearly three weeks ago the laptop decided, for no apparent reason, not to boot up past a few of the drivers. I poked, tricked, and swore at everything I could think of, but none of my vast store of computer knowledge, foul language, or behavioral psychology produced a desirable result. A few days later the “Rent-a-Geek” I called did the same, but more thoroughly and knowle... Solo Shrink blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2113404 Sun, 18 Jan 2009 21:25:00 +0100 2113404 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1892067&cid=t_100147_140_f&fid=35443&url=http%3A%2F%2Fthesplinteredmind.blogspot.com%2F2008%2F10%2Ftruth-may-set-us-free-but-it-sure-is.html Last Thursday I had the worst ticking episode this year, or past few years for that matter. I twitched like I had been lobotomized with a cattle prod. My insomnia had me up around the clock, sagebrush had been trying to colonize my nose for three long weeks, and I had to run my girls all over the Western United States. Well, it felt like it at any rate. Take a look for yourself. It was an unusually busy day. Load the map up into Google Earth to get a better idea of how many miles I drove. It pushed me beyond phycical limits on only 4½ hours of sleep. And that's life, right? We all work hard. By the end of this day, however, my brain was a puddle of quivering goo. I had done too much. Despite all the work I needed to do, despite my deadlines such as my client's website awaiting completion ... The Splintered Mind by Douglas Cootey blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1892067 Mon, 20 Oct 2008 12:52:00 +0100 1892067 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1833350&cid=t_100147_151_f&fid=36047&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FADozenSteps%2F%7E3%2FwwHj1xugU3w%2F “Then would come oblivion and the awful awakening to face the hideous Four Horsemen” Terror - Extreme or intense fear. Bewilderment - Confused or perplexed. Despair - To give up all hope or expectation. Frustration - Dissatisfied, agitated, and/or discontent because one is unable to perform an action or fulfill a desire. It’s no coincidence that they follow directly the seeking out of “sordid places, hoping to find understanding companionship and approval.” It is also no coincidence that shortly thereafter we find; “He cannot picture life without alcohol. Some day he will be unable to imagine life either with alcohol or without it. Then he will know loneliness such as few do. He will be at the jumping-off place. He will wish for the end.” Pleas... A Dozen Steps blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1833350 Sat, 27 Sep 2008 03:12:39 +0100 1833350 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1825871&cid=t_100147_134_f&fid=35187&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FDiabetesDaily%2F%7E3%2F401842096%2Fthought-of-the-day-insane-diabetics.php "Doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results." - Albert EinsteinThis classic definition of insanity is also a daily frustration for many of those with diabetes. You can do the exact same thing every day and... (Source: Diabetes Daily) Diabetes Daily blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1825871 Wed, 24 Sep 2008 15:14:00 +0100 1825871 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1739552&cid=t_100147_129_f&fid=36036&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblog.healthtalk.com%2Flife-with-crohns%2Fkelly%2Ffrustrations-and-feelings-about-my-crohns-disease%2F I guess that I still have not completely accepted my Crohn’s disease because I spent last weekend feeling completely frustrated about everything. It started out with a huge fight between me and my husband Friday night. We always fight when I start feeling bad. I say he doesn’t care and is not sympathetic enough and he says that I am whiny and in a bad mood. I was in bad shape on Friday (I think now that maybe it was bad tuna fish or the mayo) and had a horrible day at work. I was really tired when I came home and was not looking forward to the evening of packing for our trip to Washington DC. I was really just not looking forward to the trip at all and then we have a fight, which makes everything worse. It seems that we fight when we are stressed. I wanted to just get my stuff ... Life with Crohn's blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1739552 Thu, 28 Aug 2008 16:30:50 +0100 1739552 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1368771&cid=t_100147_109_f&fid=34795&url=http%3A%2F%2Fsoloshrink.blogspot.com%2F2008%2F04%2Fnew-blogging-danger-discovered.html A new warning may soon be issued by all laptop computer manufacturers and the moguls of the recliner chair industry. We are already warned of the perils of using plastic bags as toys, not using the computer in the bathtub or near water, and the possibilities of the chair tipping over if one stands on it, or relaxes too hard or too quickly. I have discovered yet another legitimate cause for concern and shall report it to anyone who will attend to my natterings. The basic danger stems from the design of the recliner chair itself. In order for the footrest action of the chair to work properly, a mechanical system of thin, moveable steel bars and pivot points is required. When the back of the chair is pushed toward a reclining position, the footrest rises into position to support the user's l... Solo Shrink blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1368771 Sun, 13 Apr 2008 00:37:00 +0100 1368771 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1173436&cid=t_100147_109_f&fid=35677&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FBrainBasedBusiness%2F%7E3%2F221667752%2Fchrysler_sebrings_panic_button.html  I pushed the remote control panic button on the Chrysler Sebring I was driving and everybody in the rent-a-car parking lot stopped and stared. Expressions of surprise, angst, and alarm reminded me that I’d just triggered cortisol to myself and others. Have you seen it happen where you work? Sadly, workers daily push panic buttons and trigger cortisol, through: 1. Anxiety - about changes coming at them fast and without many benefits. 2. Fear – from growing financial losses all around them. 3. Panic – about increasing health issues and decreasing insurance.4. Threat – from younger or smarter competition replacing them.5. Fluster– from faster, more current people in their field reducing their value.Each factor above impacts people and many erode t... BrainBasedBusiness blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1173436 Wed, 23 Jan 2008 14:05:42 +0100 1173436 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1119315&cid=t_100147_140_f&fid=35443&url=http%3A%2F%2Fthesplinteredmind.blogspot.com%2F2007%2F12%2Ffinding-humor-in-adhd.html My forty first birthday has come and gone and I survived. A few more of my hairs have grayed, my eyes are a bit more wizened, but otherwise I am no different than I was when I was forty. Or thirty, to be honest. For all my talk about managing Depression with Cognitive Behavior Therapy, Positive Thinking, and a spicy stick of gum, my attempts to manage AD/HD have not been as impressive. I won't bore you with the details. Just peruse through any book on Adult ADD and you'll see me written all over the pages. People with AD/HD make so many mistakes they tend to have self-esteem that droops and drags. The trick to my sparkling self-image is that I learned to laugh at myself years ago. I make so many mistakes I keep myself in stitches all day.If you weren't already aware, people with AD/HD ten... The Splintered Mind by Douglas Cootey blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1119315 Thu, 27 Dec 2007 22:24:00 +0100 1119315 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1055690&cid=t_100147_134_f&fid=35216&url=http%3A%2F%2Forsaaetas.blogspot.com%2F2007%2F11%2Fpost-number-eighty.html I changed my site today; 5pm to be exact.Site just ripped out; 6 hours later.Hurt a lot. Bled some.I'm not cool with putting another site in. I miss NPH and syringes. I'm temped to call my doctor and switch. She'd probably kill me and not know what to do. I've never been on anything but the pump with her and as far as I know I have an allergy to Lantus.Maybe I should try Levemir.I really don't care to be thinking about these things. I want to go to bed without another poke in the @$$. I'm afraid of it hurting; of it bleeding; of it coming out again. Two years and two months is a long time to stick with something. Twenty years is a long time to wait for a cure.I hate you, diabetes; more. than. anything. even onions (Source: orsa aetas) orsa aetas blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1055690 Wed, 28 Nov 2007 04:07:00 +0100 1055690 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=864413&cid=t_100147_151_f&fid=35793&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.thejunkyswife.com%2F2007%2F09%2Ffaster.html It's not happening fast enough.We're better. We seem to be on an upswing. He's attending meetings. He's saying things like, "I'm excited about NA because I've realized that I don't only have a drug problem...I have a life problem."This is what I want...it's what I've been hoping for. It's the place I want him to be in, the place I want me to be in. And the best part is, he's coming up with these things by himself. He's become interested in meetings because he knows he needs help, that he can't do it on his own, that fixing the mess his life has become is going to take more than just quitting drugs. Kicking heroin was quite a feat, but heroin was a symptom of something much deeper.I know this. I know he's doing the best he can at the best pace he can handle...but I want it more, and now. I ... Heroin Addiction Codependence blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=864413 Tue, 11 Sep 2007 17:02:00 +0100 864413 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=838792&cid=t_100147_109_f&fid=34795&url=http%3A%2F%2Fsoloshrink.blogspot.com%2F2007%2F09%2Fnanoscan-and-totalscan.html There are a few good, free, web based applications out there amidst all the crapware. I used Panda Software's computer-based anti-virus program for a year some while back and found it to be satisfactory. Not perfect, but good. That was at a time when many of the viruses, trojans, and worms were coming from the area of the world in which Panda Software is located. My assumption at the time was that they would therefore be the first AV company to encounter many of the new threats "in the wild" and the first to develop new countermeasures. It seemed to be a good assumption. The only drawbacks I encountered at that time were a somewhat unappealing user interface and a very aggressive advertising program. Panda was one of the "other good commercial AV programs" to which I referred in a previous... Solo Shrink blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=838792 Tue, 04 Sep 2007 10:42:00 +0100 838792 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=704662&cid=t_100147_109_f&fid=35677&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FBrainBasedBusiness%2F%7E3%2F128947222%2F5_tip_to_live_beyond_brooding.html It’s not the emotional thump that comes when least expected - that takes people out - but worrying about it will. Worry-warts who mentally rerun every little problem - often  admit that brooding comes at a high cost. Yet, new studies place the price tag far higher than once thought.  Daniel Mroczek, of Purdue University  studied people that brood more and who roll worries off their backs less, and discovered they do so at far greater disadvantage than most realize. How does it happen?Many people sit and brood – as a way to solve traumas that hit. Unfortunately, we've only becoming aware lately - of the pound of flesh lost due to this pattern.What's the asking price of your  overthinking? It may well be worth a ... BrainBasedBusiness blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=704662 Fri, 29 Jun 2007 12:57:45 +0100 704662 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=676606&cid=t_100147_140_f&fid=35443&url=http%3A%2F%2Fthesplinteredmind.blogspot.com%2F2007%2F06%2Ftrying-too-hard-to-be-understood.html Last Saturday we visited old friends for dinner and entertainment. Aside from eating and visiting, the evening was spent performing as well. My friend has a parlor Grand Piano and he played on it for us beautifully. My wife, Robyn, thrilled to play music on it, as well. We had just given our little spinet away that morning because Robyn couldn't play at night without disturbing the neighbors. So Robyn played the Grand with delight. And loudly. My 15 year old played her guitar and sang, then I accompanied my 12 and 8 year olds on the pennywhistle while they performed some Irish Step Dancing. What an idyllic evening.Unfortunately, I was neurologically off as detailed here. Consequently, I was not really at my top skill when I stood there with pennywhistle in hand. I was particularly concerne... The Splintered Mind by Douglas Cootey blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=676606 Fri, 08 Jun 2007 11:47:00 +0100 676606 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=464775&cid=t_100147_111_f&fid=34709&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdustitwind.blogspot.com%2F2007%2F01%2Fcode-quiz.html Imagine for a moment that you are at the end of a line of people waiting to pay for parking, and that this line is completely blocking the hallway to the outpatient clinic areas of the hospital. ...Then imagine that you see three people running towards you - one of whom is pushing a big cart with a defibrillator on it. ...Would you:a) Stay where you are, open your mouth wide and stare continuously at the three running people?b) Take a step to the side, still completely blocking the hallway, open your mouth wide, and stare at the three running people?c) Stay where you are and turn your back on the running people?If you said that NONE of these was the appropriate answer, you are entirely correct. The correct answer is:MOVE OUT OF THE WAY!!!!Duh!This was exactly the scenario I faced today whi... ~ Dust in the Wind ~ blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=464775 Fri, 26 Jan 2007 02:03:00 +0100 464775 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=464774&cid=t_100147_111_f&fid=34709&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdustitwind.blogspot.com%2F2007%2F01%2Frules-for-holidays-and-round-of.html Some behaviors would always give pause for thought, but when seen during the holidays seem particularly senseless. Based on some of my experiences this year I would like to share the following 'Rules for the Holidays': 1. Don't dump Grandma on Christmas Eve. She hasn't known who you are for the past six months and has needed assistance with toileting for two months so why is she suddenly too much to care for tonight? To quote Captain Hook: "Bad form, Peter. Bad form." 2. Don't drug the baby with Gravol just so you can have a party without her waking. That said, if you should decide to drug the baby it is rather pointless to become concerned when the child does indeed sleep soundly, and then bring her to the hospital for assessment of her 'lethargy'. 3. When you do have a party, put a... ~ Dust in the Wind ~ blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=464774 Tue, 02 Jan 2007 03:35:00 +0100 464774 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=464773&cid=t_100147_111_f&fid=34709&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdustitwind.blogspot.com%2F2006%2F12%2Fwhat-to-do.html What do you do for fun with your family during the holidays? For one family's answer, just put yourself into a generic living room and listen to the following conversation:Scenario:Paw: "What should we do with the kids today? They're bored with school out so long and they're already tired of all their new piles of Christmas loot."Maw: "Why don't we go shopping? There should be some good sales on!"Paw: "Naw, too crowded."Maw: "Well how about going to the playground? The kids could use their new sleds!"Paw: "Naw, too cold."Maw: "Well, Little Johnny has had that cough since September, and Billy has had that rash on his neck since Halloween. Oh, and the baby was pulling on her ears today. I bet it's quiet in the Outpatients today - lets take the kids down and get them checked out proper before... ~ Dust in the Wind ~ blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=464773 Thu, 28 Dec 2006 21:46:00 +0100 464773 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=551988&cid=t_100147_140_f&fid=35443&url=http%3A%2F%2Fthesplinteredmind.blogspot.com%2F2006%2F11%2Ffrustration-mingled-with-apathy-equals.html I stayed up late last night to work out final details on a logo for a client. I've been very excited to work on this assignment. The client, Mindy, is my daughter's former singing instructor. What a busy lady she is. She has a dance studio in her basement with over a hundred students. Has over 30 students for singing instruction, she's involved with local productions, and she just picked up a gig as the Cheetah Girls vocal coach. Somewhere in there she finds time to raise her son. Frankly, I don't know how she does it, but I aimed to find out. That's why this assignment is so important to me. I want a peek into her busy world to see how she juggles it all.The problem is that Home Schooling has taken a greater toll on my time than I had anticipated. I've also had bout after bout with viruse... The Splintered Mind by Douglas Cootey blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=551988 Tue, 14 Nov 2006 22:58:00 +0100 551988 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=464784&cid=t_100147_111_f&fid=34709&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdustitwind.blogspot.com%2F2006%2F11%2Fsometimes.html And sometimes it is better to stand up for what is right.That was the choice I made yesterday. The decision had been brewing for a while and when push came to shove I held my ground and resigned from my primary place of employment.So for the next month or so the work stories may be a little scarce. Hang tight. (Source: ~ Dust in the Wind ~) ~ Dust in the Wind ~ blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=464784 Sat, 11 Nov 2006 14:39:00 +0100 464784 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=464783&cid=t_100147_111_f&fid=34709&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdustitwind.blogspot.com%2F2006%2F11%2Fsay-what.html Best quote of the week:Scene: in emerg on a busy Saturday night - multiple ambulances and concerning chest pain patients have presented within minutes of each other. Everyone is moving quickly - nurses with EKG machines and tubes of blood dance in and out of rooms, dodging paramedics with monitors and stretchers, and other nurses with backboards.A woman approaches the RN, physically blocking her path (while she is wheeling a fully immobilized patient on a stretcher). A well-looking child dances down the hall beside the woman, singing the ABCs loudly.The woman states: "How much longer till my daughter gets seen by the doctor? We need to get to Wal-Mart before it closes." (Source: ~ Dust in the Wind ~) ~ Dust in the Wind ~ blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=464783 Sun, 05 Nov 2006 03:18:00 +0100 464783 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=551992&cid=t_100147_140_f&fid=35443&url=http%3A%2F%2Fthesplinteredmind.blogspot.com%2F2006%2F11%2Fsome-thoughts-on-november.html I don't want to go into what a harrowing day was to-day. I really have other things to write. Not here, but in my novel.Let's just say that my girls have kept me busy. So busy that my mother worried if something had happened to us because we were gone so long. B was on a movie set all day as an extra. C had dance classes to teach, L had dance lessons to receive, and A just ran around like the five year old whirlwind she is. Of course, I was their chauffeur driving from Bountiful to Draper to Midvale and back. They've been so busy these past two days that not one of them has thought to ask me how my novel is coming. Not even my wife. She's busy working hard — two jobs — and training for a test with the Post Office this Saturday. I don't want you to think that I'm complaining, but it is ... The Splintered Mind by Douglas Cootey blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=551992 Fri, 03 Nov 2006 09:39:00 +0100 551992 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=464781&cid=t_100147_111_f&fid=34709&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdustitwind.blogspot.com%2F2006%2F10%2Fother-side-of-bed.html The Chiropractor says “It’s a disc. No question. Here are exercises that will help. I need to see you again tomorrow.” as he twists me into a pretzel and leans in for that pain relieving crack. I take a deep breath and try to relax so he can do his work. The GP says “I don’t think it’s a disc, your symptoms aren’t severe enough. Does this hurt?” as she wacks on my low back with her closed fist. I grit my teeth and attempt to remain standing as I suppress the tears that have sprung to my eyes.The Physiotherapist says “I can see that you aren’t feeling very good yet, but I know you nurses and you’ll push on through anyway.” as she slides acupuncture needles into my low back, creating waves of muscle contractions and pain. I take a deep breath and try to stay still whi... ~ Dust in the Wind ~ blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=464781 Fri, 13 Oct 2006 02:11:00 +0100 464781 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=464779&cid=t_100147_111_f&fid=34709&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdustitwind.blogspot.com%2F2006%2F09%2F100-things.html This is my 100th post. The fact that there are any posts at all is amazing in and of itself, as I only started blogging because my husband showed me a couple blogs and I got hooked. That I have made it to my 100th post surprises me. I often go days without posting because it feels like I have nothing to say. Then at other times the stories just write themselves. Odd. I certainly could never do this for money or under a deadline. At any rate, in honour of my 100th post, here is a list, (in no particular order of importance) of 100 things… Things that make me happy: 1. My husband (most of the time) 2. My eldest child 3. My second child 4. My elder twin 5. My younger twin 6. My youngest child 7. Sitting in the sun on my lunch break 8... ~ Dust in the Wind ~ blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=464779 Sat, 30 Sep 2006 10:48:00 +0100 464779 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=464777&cid=t_100147_111_f&fid=34709&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdustitwind.blogspot.com%2F2006%2F09%2Fand-walls-come-tumbling-down.html So a short while ago I turned old, and despite fearing for the future, I dared the world: "Bring it on!" Well it's been brung and now I'm falling apart. Like a rusty old car, I'm shedding bits behind me everywhere I go.My hair is graying rapidly, my eyes dimming and fading so that I cannot read the instructions for reconstituting medications, and now this week I'm here, at home, nursing a slipped disk that is finally paying the price for years of nursing fatigue. I've spent days standing only because both sitting and reclining are excruciating, and doing more "MacKenzie's exercises" than I can count. I'm eroding my stomach lining rapidly with a 6-8 hourly cocktail of ibuprofen, methylcarbonol, acetaminophen and codeine, but not really affecting the discomfort much. My career depends on my ... ~ Dust in the Wind ~ blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=464777 Tue, 26 Sep 2006 23:57:00 +0100 464777 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=464776&cid=t_100147_111_f&fid=34709&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdustitwind.blogspot.com%2F2006%2F09%2Fsay-what.html Overheard on the paramedic's radio, as they were getting report on an outgoing patient:"#123, please proceed code 1 to XXX non-nursing home for a witnessed cardiac arrest. Staff on site state that they know how to do CPR but are not permitted by their employer to begin it. Patient has full code status."Now, since when is someone not permitted to begin a potentially lifesaving procedure on a patient with a full code status?? And what nurse would stand there and watch a patient die in front of her eyes and not use her skills and education to help, when any bystander who happened by could and would start CPR?The mind boggles... (Source: ~ Dust in the Wind ~) ~ Dust in the Wind ~ blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=464776 Mon, 25 Sep 2006 02:21:00 +0100 464776 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=464770&cid=t_100147_111_f&fid=34709&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdustitwind.blogspot.com%2F2006%2F07%2Fnot-sharpest-knives-in-drawer.html It's been one of those days. Significantly more patients arrived today with concerns that would seem to the average person to be somewhat less than emergent. In fact, most of the concerns fall easily into the realm of stupid. Let me elaborate:* A 66 year old man who presented to us with 'constipation'. States he gets constipated a lot. Last bowel movement was 48 hours ago. He had not tried any over the counter relief measures (ex-lax or other similiar preparations). He was concerned today because there was a bit of blood on his tissue after his last bowel movement. Yes, that was 48 hours ago. Yes, he was straining. Yes, he has hemorrhoids. Yes, he has had them for years. Yes, they have bled before. No, it never occured to him that they were related.* A 34 year old man who came to hospital ... ~ Dust in the Wind ~ blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=464770 Mon, 31 Jul 2006 23:25:00 +0100 464770