Wednesday, January 21, 2009

Internship and Update

Well, I started my internship today..finally!! It went really well (I think). The instructor was running late, so another sweet lady gave me a tour of the department and then some busy work until the director arrived. Once she arrived, it was basically a day full of meetings. I basically just shadowed her all day, which was fine with me! She was very sweet, and I think I'm going to learn a lot. My intention was to work 5 days a week for 6 weeks. Well, after talking with her, I don't think she wants me there that much...bummer. She doesn't want me to come back til next Wednesday. I will shadow her once again next Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday. I'm supposed to email her what I want my schedule to be. I'm going to suggest no less than 3 days a week (it will take me 2.5 months to complete 240 hrs if I do 3 days a week). I REALLY REALLY want all of April and May free to concentrate on graduating, and my licensing exam and finals! So we'll see!

The upside to this, is, I really need some rest this week. After Monday's events, I feel exhausted (still), and my body could use a few more low-key days. I'm gonna make sure I study really hard for my other 2 classes in the meantime!

For those of you that are new to my blog and don't know what my major is or what it involves, I have a post that is scheduled for later this week that will inform you of that! But for starters, my major is HIM (Health Information Management) and basically involves everything to do with Medical Records. I am doing my internship at our local Children's Hospital (which is recognized world wide and my former pediatric CF center). They are in the process of implementing an electronic medical record...which if your hospital hasn't yet, it will be in the VERY NEAR FUTURE!! (and on a side note: I saw one of my former CF docs today...so very nice. I knew I would see people I knew, since I basically spent 19 yrs of my life at this hospital. I plan on visiting people while I'm here too).

So...update from Monday: I talked with the GI nurse yesterday afternoon. I really didn't get much info. All she did was call in the 3 medications for the H-Pylori bacteria. So we are hoping and praying that this will take care of whatever is going on. I'm on a bacterial abx, an intestinal abx, and Pepto-Bismol (already taking Nexium). The ER doctor also started me on Potassium and Priolsec. So I just went from taking 8 pills a day to 16 pills a day (and that doesn't include vitamins/minerals like: ADEK, calcium, mag, and iron AND my PRN meds (like sleep meds, and pain meds). It's sad that my stomach is bothering me....and taking all these medications doesn't quite please it :) Oh well. I am also taking some Zofran twice a day to help prevent the nausea! So far so good...not too much nausea today! But I'm still tired and weak feeling.

I did not call my coordinator like I was supposed to....remember me saying I needed time and distance...well, if transplant is not going to deal with GI issues, then I'm not sure if I'm going to call them with every little thing??? Haven't decided yet.

Despite the frustration of all that's gone on the last few weeks....I know God is in control. He's trying to show us or teach us something here...just not sure what quite yet. Monday it felt like Satan was interfering with everything. Last week I finally motivated myself to exercise...i did my exercise bike 3 days (last day being Sunday). Unfortunately, I can't just jump back on it, because my body doesn't work that way. But I've gotta have faith and trust GOD to do his work!

I've read all of your blog updates (most of them)...but are headed to rest for the remainder of the evening!

Wait...one question: Do any of you know (I need facts or experience here...not just thoughts) if Prilosec and Nexium are the same (or basically have the same job)? My Mom was going to call the pharmacist today, but didn't get around to it. And frankly, neither the GI clinic or transplant team are working with me here.

4 comments:

Unknown said...

Good to hear things are going better for ya! I know you are excited to get the internship started...thats great!

Christy said...

Hoping and praying those meds work for your belly issues!

Nexium actually has some healing properties in it. It helps heal the esophagus if it's suffered damage from the acid reflux. Prilosec doesn't do that. Hope that helps.

Lil' Chris' Mom said...

Glad to hear you are feeling better:)
M

Marcus said...

Hey, thank you for the nice comment you left at my blog. I am trying to get the word out and raise money for CF but it's a slow process. It's the least I can do. I do plan on trying to do more as an RT when I graduate.