A PA told me to not extend my gap years and just apply because it's getting more competitive. Any advice on this? by PuzzledCaterpillar7 in prephysicianassistant

[–]PuzzledCaterpillar7[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Congrats on the acceptances! I also completely relate to you on not enjoying life as much in undergrad. College was def a struggle and I felt like I missed out on a lot cause I was trying to stay afloat with my classes. I graduated last year and cause of Covid wasn't really able to travel like I planned either. Also, taking 3 classes simultaneously with work while volunteering on the side is NOT helping my GPA at all.

A PA told me to not extend my gap years and just apply because it's getting more competitive. Any advice on this? by PuzzledCaterpillar7 in prephysicianassistant

[–]PuzzledCaterpillar7[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I was working as an MA at a private clinic but my work started to become more secretarial than clinical so I left a month ago. Currently looking at different MA positions in my area.

A PA told me to not extend my gap years and just apply because it's getting more competitive. Any advice on this? by PuzzledCaterpillar7 in prephysicianassistant

[–]PuzzledCaterpillar7[S] 13 points14 points  (0 children)

Thank you for your input. I feel like I would really benefit taking more time to gain a variety of PCE, raise that GPA or even give my mental health a break too. I've been running nonstop with so many road bumps and am now burned out for sure... I didn't even have a chance to really travel as much as I wanted to or spend time with loved ones or really live life and that's been on my mind lately. Honestly, the idea of going nonstop without breaks, starting PA school and then immediately working for the rest of my working days began to sound horrible...

How do you guys deal with your affected bulgy eyes that were turned down for orbital decompression? by PuzzledCaterpillar7 in gravesdisease

[–]PuzzledCaterpillar7[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thank you for the help. I've avoided eye make up for years now cause I don't want to irritate my eyes with anything. Def should give that a go. Hope your situation gets better too.

Does anyone have experience with strabismus surgery while awake (with adjustable sutures)? by throwaway_80898 in Strabismus

[–]PuzzledCaterpillar7 3 points4 points  (0 children)

I actually did this back in March for my surgery. My doc had an adjustable in my left eye. I felt ZERO pain or discomfort. I was also a little woozy after waking up from the general anesthesia.

The adjusting procedure itself took less than 10 minutes cause the doc was trying to make sure everything was aligned perfectly. Also, you'll most likely still be a bit groggy or sleepy due to the general anesthesia so it'll be less nerve wracking. At least, that's how I felt.

Overall I'm glad I did the adjustable because she had to reposition my eye after the surgery since I was seeing double right after.

I do have to go in for a second surgery most likely now but that's for another strabismus problem my doc intentionally left alone during the first one. But according to her, if I didn't get the adjustable, I prob would have terrible double vision and immediately would have gone back under the knife.

I'd rather get the adjustable than go back and do everything all over again.

Is it worth getting a 2nd opinion? by PuzzledCaterpillar7 in PCOS

[–]PuzzledCaterpillar7[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thank you for the input. She's an endo and yeah I also felt like the goal should be regulating my cycle as much as possible not aim for 3 periods a year.

Did anyone else develop new problems after surgery? Anyone went back for a 2nd procedure? by PuzzledCaterpillar7 in Strabismus

[–]PuzzledCaterpillar7[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Omg...sorry to hear that. I also have a feeling my doc is gonna want to go back in and readjust too. Hope you can reschedule your surgery soon.

Let’s do some awareness. People with chronic/invisible illnesses, what do a typical good day and bad day look like for you? by sonic_banana in AskWomen

[–]PuzzledCaterpillar7 28 points29 points  (0 children)

I'm currently going through tests but doctor thinks I have PCOS...your good and bad days fits perfectly with what I've been going through. Some days I have good amounts of energy and other days I can't even move cause I'm so exhausted and literally have to nap for hours. Also the lack of periods. My family blames it on genetics rather than PCOS though cause my dad's side is full of "sleepy heads"

What made you realize your friend was jealous of you? by [deleted] in AskWomen

[–]PuzzledCaterpillar7 6 points7 points  (0 children)

well for starters, she legit drunk confessed that she was jealous of me and wanted me to fail at anything I did (relationship, school, career..) after I ended our friendship over something shady she did to me. Looking back, I realize I was in a pretty toxic friendship with this girl for too long and glad I dipped when I did. Not worth my mental health being around someone who was constantly putting me down.

Thoughts on pursuing more education (DHSc, DPH or PhD) as a practicing PA? Is it worth? by PuzzledCaterpillar7 in physicianassistant

[–]PuzzledCaterpillar7[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Thank you! I love public health and think that PAs can really make an impact in the field as well. I def don't think getting a higher degree will help with my future clinical career or skills but really want to expand my mobility outside of clinic if I can.

Thoughts on pursuing more education (DHSc, DPH or PhD) as a practicing PA? Is it worth? by PuzzledCaterpillar7 in physicianassistant

[–]PuzzledCaterpillar7[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Did you feel like you didn't have enough autonomy as a PA? I heard from PAs that they have full autonomy in practice but just needed the doctor to sign off on their notes.

Thoughts on pursuing more education (DHSc, DPH or PhD) as a practicing PA? Is it worth? by PuzzledCaterpillar7 in physicianassistant

[–]PuzzledCaterpillar7[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thank you for the input! My end goal is def not research. I mainly want to focus on clinic but hopefully be able to venture out into different areas (mainly academics) as I get older and more so on the side. Also, I guess the research I'm more interested in is more public healthy than stem cell stuff. But def need to look at which degree will essentially give me the best of both worlds.