It was like being in a pressure cooker (even though I have never used one) and well it all got too much. For the first time all semester I had to call home (not for fun, but to be calmed down) and ask everyone for a whole heap of support. I would lay awake for 4 hours during the middle of most nights and study feverishly during the days.
On top of my tiredness and stress my neighbour freaked me out just as I was heading out to my last exam. This led to me crying on the train and having the whole carriage offer me support (I don't remember the last time I've cried in public- except for funerals). A middle eastern guy in my year offered to 'have a chat' with this neighbour and another found a shop that sold pepper spray for me. Numerous others kept checking in with me to make sure I was safe. I love my med family.
To relieve some stress my med housemate and I started eating together and playing 'anatomical charades'. The aim is to contort your body into the shape of an organ or cell until the other can guess what you are. It a very nerdy game that she invented. Play it- it's fun.
For those interested our practical exam was on the following:
cardiac history
respiratory history
psychiatric history
cranial nerve examination
elbow examination
vitals assessment (blood pressure, pulse, BMI)
The written paper focussed on:
asthma
leukaemia
pregnancy
stroke
kidney damage
The cadaver lab paper focussed on:
Lymphatic system
blood sugar regulation- I think
the heart
the liver
the digestive system
the brain and skull
musculoskeletal
microbiology
I can't remember the other few stations!
Well the exams went well I think- phew!!!!!!!!!
Now it's time to head home and try and relax.
:)
