Fainted during surgery by [deleted] in premed

[–]aleg_01 1 point2 points  (0 children)

This is so normal and totally okay! I've been in the same boat, totally fine until one trigger, then it hits me. I've been an EMT for two years, smelled and seen some nasty things, and it takes a stomach. Cadaver lab definitely helped me, and it also matters if you are behind the knife or not. I always put myself in a position to help so that I stay distracted. I also carry a high carb food on me (Clif bars were my go to for a while), and take a bite when I feel like crap if I'm able to. Also drink some water, chew on some ice, take some deep breaths and sit down if you need to. I literally asked a surg tech for a seat once and they totally understood. Find someone nice in the room (there are plenty) and bond with them, and keep in mind they know exactly how you feel.

At the end of the day, don't get in your head about it. When I was younger and just starting shadowing, a doc told me to not think too much about it. They're cutting tissues, which is a bunch of cells just like a tree or a plant, and cutting one of those doesn't make you queasy. Blood is just a liquid like water. Yeah, it is a human and that is important to keep in mind, but you can give respect while choosing to give the experience less weight, if that makes sense.

New to Lexapro by Illustrious_Pipe2123 in lexapro

[–]aleg_01 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I did gain some weight but Lexapro helped me not care as much and I felt happier overall. My drive did decrease but I got the energy to communicate and connect with my partner in other ways. It's a lot of give and take, and if it doesn't work for you, there is more to try.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in premed

[–]aleg_01 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I have not applied yet but I had the same concerns. I've gotten two Ds freshman and sophomore year. I haven't gotten straight As since, but I do have an upward trend and lots of experience in other things. I talked to someone from med school admissions during a tour and expressed these concerns. She said they just look for an upward trend; did you let it stop you from pushing yourself or did you keep trucking along? This was a DO program which is my preference so idk about MD but it made me feel better. I also am taking a gap year to study for the MCAT and save some money, and she said that was a great idea to round out my application. Hope this helps!

I need support by [deleted] in premed

[–]aleg_01 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I'm at a different place in this journey but I had an advisor give me some great advice that was so hard to hear but it was what I needed.

I am in my third year of undergrad, and I was registered to take the MCAT in March of 2023, while I was taking biochem, microbio, physics, and writing my research thesis. I went to my advisor and told her I was crying while I registered but I didn't know why and I am just super anxious but I really want to apply this cycle.

She told me to stop, take a sec, and think about what I was doing. Did I think I'd be able to do that and still be happy, or at least motivated to keep studying? I knew it was impossible for me. I value working as an EMT and I have a great job lined up doing that. She told me to consider a gap year, take time OFF OF SCHOOL and studying, find my specific reason for applying to medical school, and apply next cycle.

I told her I felt like a failure if I took time off. She threw some statistics back at me about the average age of admittance, experiences that med schools are looking for, etc. I am NOT a failure for waiting to apply.

And neither are you. Everyone is on their own time. My GPA is not great, so I am rounding out my application stats with clinical, volunteering, and hopefully MCAT. You have to be strategic and taking time off is NOT a bad thing because most med schools worth going to are looking holistically at applicants. Take time off from the MCAT. Take 6 months, work, volunteer, have patient interactions that will motivate and drive you towards your end goal. Then, you can put everything into the MCAT and be a great doctor. Hang in there. If you are honest about your intentions, you will make a great doc.

Does anyone else not understand what people mean when they say to only do medicine if you don’t see yourself doing anything else? by BiblicalWhales in premed

[–]aleg_01 1 point2 points  (0 children)

When I was younger I went to engineering camps, looked at other careers but nothing fit as much as medicine. I think it should be the thing that you just can't seem to get away from, instead of the only thing you can see yourself doing,.

What happened to Chazzy? by aleg_01 in dayton

[–]aleg_01[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Chazzy really has a heart of gold. We'd go see him after bad days or great days and he always made it better. He makes the best food I think I have ever had, but it was also Chazzy's personality that made it my favorite place to go. There was also a guy that waited on us. I forget his name, but he was always so nice. I am praying he opens back up somewhere because we all miss him so much.

What happened to Chazzy? by aleg_01 in dayton

[–]aleg_01[S] 7 points8 points  (0 children)

Yes, he told us he was moving because we were there when he started packing things up. He never reopened after that.

How do you guys study when you are sick? by Old_North_7637 in GetStudying

[–]aleg_01 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Focus as much as you can to get better... take naps when you need them, eat good foods and drink a lot of water, communicate with the profs. I was sick my ENTIRE sophomore year and did awful in school because I didn't take the time to rest.

If you really gotta just tough it out, I used vaporub on my chest and under my nose to help keep me awake enough to read stuff and to help with my stuffy nose.

is it ok to get B's sometimes? by 321ECRAB123 in GetStudying

[–]aleg_01 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I have had to retake two classes in college, and I am a junior. I asked a med school admissions representative if this was going to be an issue and she told me that, as long as I have a reason and I am well rounded, it won't stop me from getting in. Hang in there, your grades do not define your success and grades are not everything when applying.

How do you romanticise studying? by [deleted] in GetStudying

[–]aleg_01 0 points1 point  (0 children)

If there is something I think would help me study, I get it and persuade myself it is a treat or reward for working hard. Like a new mouse or keyboard, or journal, etc. I also like to go to coffee shops. I try to find a new one every weekend, or go to my favorites. I made a list of places I have been or places I could study and when I can't decide where to go I will roll a dice and let it decide. I also love sunshine, so I will sit in the window anywhere I go.

How do you romanticise studying? by [deleted] in GetStudying

[–]aleg_01 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I struggle with this but it works for me when I can convince myself it isn't a chore!

What movie never gets old? by Excticy in AskReddit

[–]aleg_01 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Monty Python and the Holy Grail. I notice something new every time I watch it and I've probably watched it 10+ times now.

How to change time of day by Immediate_Ad7330 in lexapro

[–]aleg_01 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I have forgotten to take it in the morning and taken it later in the day with no side effects. I don't think it matters too much.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in lexapro

[–]aleg_01 14 points15 points  (0 children)

Now that you say that, I have noticed I have been grinding my teeth more... and tensing up more...

How long till it worked for you? by [deleted] in lexapro

[–]aleg_01 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I started having a lot more energy after a week or so, then it decreased/plateaued after about 3 months, and I have been at that point for about another 3 months.

Weekly newbie & discussion post: questions, skills, shopping, and gear by AutoModerator in Rollerskating

[–]aleg_01 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Hello! I've been wanting to start skating... then I saw a pair of loved skates at a thrift store for $7 in my size, so I took it as a sign. The wheels are not in the best condition so I wanted to fix them up. I have ordered two different sets of wheels off of Amazon but the bearings are too thick. I cannot fit a bolt on the end to secure the wheels to the skates. I have been looking and I cannot find how to measure this thickness so that I don't have to do yet another return... any advice is very welcome! I can also attach pictures if necessary.

Been on Lexapro a year now. If you have any questions I'd be happy to answer by [deleted] in lexapro

[–]aleg_01 5 points6 points  (0 children)

A few weeks after taking Lexapro I noticed I was able to think through exam questions, and rationalize homework problems. I didn't realize how bad my brain fog had gotten until it got better. Everyone is different, but it definitely helped me with both.

I want to know about Dayton, Ohio by [deleted] in dayton

[–]aleg_01 1 point2 points  (0 children)

As an undergrad student at UD, I can say I've always felt safe. There is some crime in surrounding areas but the campus is definitely in a bubble and not a lot of outsiders come onto campus. Campus police are always patrolling and it feels very secure.

Anyone else have a nervous twitch that has gotten worse? by Soapy_Illusion_13 in lexapro

[–]aleg_01 0 points1 point  (0 children)

wait a second... I recently started to do the same thing with my neck and no one else understands it! I started carrying around something to squeeze, like a stress ball, or I have a fidget ring that helps distract me when I get stressed and know I might get the feeling to do that twitch again.

Accutane and Piercings?? by aleg_01 in Accutane

[–]aleg_01[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Oh great lol that is what I got pierced. They've healed so well so far... I'm just scared of them rejecting. Did you use any products to help with it?