Undead Astronauts

The continuous influx of those in need continue to bombard the gates of my fortress. The full moon continues to energize the creatures of the night. No rest amongst us. As the moon hints of fading away, the door open to the feared Friday the 13^th. The bizarre, eerie, and disorderly in the midst.

The dream for all to rest in the night, once again shattered. As I ponder, I can not help but we wary of the Ides of March. Dream on…

Arriving to work, we noticed the moon was full and bright. The feeling of a rousing night was imminent. The premonition held to be true. Every dimension of the workplace was bustling. We could only put our heads down, center our own chores, and do it. Winding through the stench of burnt flesh, cries of insanity, on top of the usual commotion, we only hoped for time to pass, for this night the ailing were relentless; not even a chance to sit. The dream of a quiet night, everyone staying home…tonight this dream has been drugged, penetrated with bullets, hit by a car, disseminated with bacteria, to be left for dead….we pray the dream will endure the night and give us hope for a quiet tomorrow.

Finally a night that where it seems the most, not everyone but most, are enjoying their humble abodes. At the least, not infiltrating the doors of my fortress. This is a greatly appreciated detour from the previous nights.

This time has allowed a brief reflection of the journey to my current state. Four years of undergraduate schooling, of which good friends were made. The examination used for entry into the next level was barely sufficient, but allowed me to stumble into the next stage. Slipping through the cracks and into medical school, nothing could have prepared for the hardships of attempting to drink from the fountain of knowledge. Only to discover the fountain was akin to an open fire hydrant, spewing information relentlessly and mightily, unwary of what was in its way. The assessment they call Step 1 was completed. Some comrades were left behind, myself almost victim. By the grace of few, I was permitted to resume my journey. Again, along this journey, another assessment, Step 2. This was a hurdle that I tripped upon many a time, but conquered. Finally scrapping through into the next trial…Residency. Now, once again, another evaluation they call Step 3. Again, I have stumbled, and again I must focus for this is key in completion of my journey, although not the last assessment.

Many have chosen this journey. There are many paths, but one entity is shared-The voyage is long. For such an extended expedition, one must, on occasion, be able to take a breath, relax, and cherish the moment. Thinking of the plight that awaits, sitting tired in an uncomfortable chair, in a room with a peculiar aroma, in a building full of illness, I am…appreciative.

Springing forward in time as daylight savings rolls into effect. I hope that as daylight lingers longer, less people are inclined to fall prey to the perils of the night. Fairly quiet thus far, we have been able to settle down after a little work tonight. Much appreciated.

As I hope to enjoy the extended sunlight, I am reminded of an interesting article I came across last year(MI=myocardial infarction, a.k.a heart attack):

Researchers reporting a link between acute MI and daylight saving time say their findings may also explain why more heart attacks occur on Mondays.

AMI rates among Swedish men and women, recorded in the Swedish AMI registry, increase by 5% during the first three weekdays after daylight saving time begins in the spring but decrease slightly, by 1.5%, for one day after the end of daylight saving time in the fall (as compared with weekdays two weeks before and two weeks after the time changes). The net effect of this time shift is likely negative, they say, since the increased risk in the spring is greater and persists longer than the slight reduction in AMI rates in the autumn.

Their data are published in the October 30, 2008 issue of the New England Journal of Medicine.

http://www.theheart.org/article/914557.do

Sometimes we take for granted the many layers of autoregulation that occur constantly, as well as the abuse that the body endures.  Watch yourself.

It seems that there will never be a time when everyone will be content on enjoying the night in there own quarters, wherever that may be. Tonight starts out as what has become typical…busy. Luckily, another occurrence that has become recurrent is my companionship. Every night it is somebody new, but every night the company is enjoyable.

Everyday I am amazed at the tribulations and triumphs that the body endures. Today to be reminded and humbled by variance and unpredictability. The nonagenarian that appears so frail has triumphed the trials of time; for to remain amongst us today, must be undoubtedly resilient in a manner my youth cannot understand. Yet in the same building, an anxious spirit whom has barely endured one fourth that time has drifted away, now calm.

As an bystander, I can only observe, for trying to make reason for such things will never be accomplished.

I now wonder if the dream I have set forth is achievable. As one man’s garbage is another man’s treasure; the time of the night I have accustomed to peace and quiet, is another’s darkness for upheaval and commotion. I can only hope that the commotion stays away from here.

As daylight draws upon us, the dream fades once more…..

I walk into work as usual. Arriving into the lounge, I see not a soul from the day shift. This could mean one of two things. 1) They are just busy. 2) They are really busy. I take my chance to sit and relax a little, as I feel the night will again be active.

Not five minutes after hitting the chair, the pager erupts. A new night, the same story. Tonight I am working with an old colleague, we decide to knock ‘em out and get done as soon as possible. As we are burning the midnight oil, it seems new arrivals are entering constantly. Poor prognosis for some.

It seems no one is home tonight, no one is sleeping….my dream…definitely not today.

Another night of admissions. The dream of everyone staying home and sleeping well is ongoing. As tonight is another busy one. Ended up with a full house today. But, as with last night, tonight’s company was great, my job made very easy. We were able to get the patients tucked in quickly and be done.

The dream of a night where everyone stays home, and sleeps well…hopefully to be fulfilled sometime this month.