I have a bad habit of paranoia when it comes to events of a medical nature. I (or my sub-conscience) greets needles, tubes, and other doctoral implements with fear and loathing.

So now that I’ve got some minor levels of pain flaring up in my arm, I am no doubt unpleased, a bit fearful, a bit angry at various doctors, and full of trepidation. Normally, I wouldn’t care. I can take a bit of pain. But it’s in the same part of my arm that managed to develop an abscess the last time around and resulted in the doctor cutting a hole in my arm. I had to stuff it with gauze for three weeks.

I don’t want to go through that again. But the cyst on the surface and the redness and the pain aren’t inspiring me with any sort of confidence in my ability to avoid it.

Categories: Life
Tags: medical, pain, paranoia

Grandma is back in the hospital. Tomorrow she will get a shiny new pacemaker. I’d rather she didn’t need it, but if it will help, I won’t complain.

I wish I had vacation time. The downfall of changing jobs is a complete drainage of time off. I wasn’t planning on returning Home until spring, but now visiting grandma seems like a fantastic idea.

Categories: Life
Tags: grandma, medical

I want to roadtrip to Canada tonight to see The Weakerthans whose show in Seattle I missed last night due to checking their myspace concert schedule and finding out they were playing downtown right that moment. I’m being good though and not going due to lack of financial resources.

I’ve been here almost a year and haven’t seen a show yet. I hope to make up for that. New Found Glory is coming up and, in November, Motion City Soundtrack, Anberlin, and Mae are all playing at the same show.

I went to the eye doctor today and got my vision checked. My prescription is out-of-date so I need new lenses. Than God for vision insurance. It would’ve cost me $578, but for the exam, exam materials, new lenses, new frames, and anti-reflective coating will only cost me $146. I have no complaints and only wish I’d gone sooner.

I’ve got a doctor, I’ve got an eye doctor; now all I need is a new dentist.

Categories: Life
Tags: concerts, medical, Seattle, The Weakerthans

Yesterday I experienced one of the most intense bursts of pain I’ve ever felt. I mean awful — it blinded me of all other emotions and senses and feelings for the duration of the moment. Pain controlled me.

I thought I might fall over and pass out. This would’ve been somewhat awkward. Nobody wants to be found passed out in a toilet stall in a restroom on the ground floor of a skyscraper while waiting for the work day to begin. At least not in the third week of work — I’m not a rock star in the building yet. (And I’m no swinging Senator.)

Fortunately, I kept my wits about me during the five dragging seconds and remained conscious.

I’ve since spent the last two days constantly barraging ever potential enemy in site with water. I’d try little white pills, but I’m not sure any of them would work. And I recently fired my therapist for being too stringent on the dosages, and have yet to find a suitable replacement. Who knew Walgreens doesn’t sell candy to just anybody?

The good news is the water seems to help. I saw the doctor today and he told me this: “yeah, that’s probably it, drink a lot of water. If you start writhing in pain and can’t take it anymore, come back to the hospital and we’ll scan you.”

Here’s to hoping water does the trick. Bottoms up!

Categories: Life
Tags: medical

One of the positions I’d been looking at elsewhere in this jungle won’t be happening. It pays slightly more, but has no benefits. Not that I’ve been to a doctor or dentist in the last eight months, but having the ability is something important. I’m not about to work 10 months without any form of medical benefits or some kind of IRA/401k.

I’ve heard from at least one of my references for the Seattle job who has been contacted. I’m starting to lean heavily toward taking the job if I’m offered it. The opportunity and the money both make sense.

Categories: Life
Tags: medical, Seattle