I learned how to read chest x-rays this week.....

In the PA view, there is neither over or under penetration with no evidence of rotation as the clavicle symmetry and posterior processes of the vertebral processes are noted. There is no evidence of soft tissue or bony abnormalities. The trachea is deviated to the right. The mediastinum is not widened and the aortic knob is not clearly visualized due to a large infilrate/mass in that area. However there is a large amount of infiltrate, possibly a mass surrounding the R hilum. The cardiothoracic ratio is increased (greater than 1:2). The costophrenic angles are sharp with blunted cardiophrenic angles. The right side of the diaphragm is situated about 2 cm higher than the left with a bubble of free air found in the stomach. The lung markings extend into the periphery.

In the lateral view, there is neither over or under penetration with no evidence of rotation as both plates of the sternum are clearly visible. The retrosternal space contains infiltrate while the retrocardiac space is clear. The costophrenic angles are sharp and the right side of the diaphragm is clearly visible above the left. The infiltrate located in the PA view is shown to be located anteriorly. Degenerative changes are found in the vertebrae. The aorta is not clearly visible.

Neighbors Helping Neighbors

I spent last Saturday morning in the rain trimming and gardening lawns for the elderly of the city of West Linn. You can read the article here. It's miserable to be in the rain getting soaking wet, but nice to get out and do something for someone else and not have to think about school or studying. The tricky part was knowing which plants were fine and which to pull. They all look beautiful to me! I'm not used to all of this vegetation. It requires a lot of up keep.

Ready for Where's Waldo, aka Kristina? Let's see if you can find me in the photo above........

The Woes of School

I REALLY wish that I pass my current class. Dermatology lumped with HEENT (head, eyes, ear, nose, and throat) seemed very exciting at first, but don't be deceived. It's extremely overwhelming. Especially because I only have 2 WEEKS to learn all of this:

Not only learn what all of these diseases/disorders are, BUT also their characteristics, etiology (what causes them), signs & symptoms, labs to perform for diagnosis, other similar diseases (differential diagnosis), the treatment & management, and be familiar with what they look like. PLUS I get to learn all of the associated anatomy and pathophysiology. PLUS the pharmacology: all of the drugs given for treatment, INCLUDING the class they pertain to, other uses, side effects, and contraindications (when you should not use them). PLUS be familiar with dental conditions - teeth and gums. There's a lot more than you know about. PLUS learn the physical exam in checking the head, eyes, ears, nose, throat, thyroid, sinuses, and lymph nodes. That INCLUDES learning how to use an ophthalmoscope and otoscope properly. The eye exam has got to be the hardest exam ever. Trying to find the optic disc (where the nerve and blood vessels come into the eye) is nearly impossible. Not to mention you're 2 mm from your patient's face. Sigh.

Oh and did I mention I had TWO WEEKS to learn all of this? My physical exam test is on Thursday and written exam on Friday. It will be a miracle if I pass.

So why I'm on my blog right now is beyond me.....

Beach? YES, PLEASE!!

I definitely took Labor Day to a whole new meaning today. When I think opposite of "labor" I think "beach bum." And that's exactly what I was today. I was at the coast for the whole afternoon just soaking up the rays. Although I did do some labor.....got a jump start on my next class and learned 50 new drugs and what class they belong to, as well as brush up on my anatomy for the head (bones, muscles, nerves, blood supply, etc.).

Every time I go to the coast, though, I am extremely disappointed. I'm always expecting sunshine and warmth. Instead I get sporadic sun, chilly wind, and lots of fog. That's how it was today anyway. It was pleasant enough to still enjoy though. I guess I just keep hoping it will be different the next time I go, but I should know better by know. Sitting on the beach made me really start missing Almeria, Spain today......

And what better end to a day at the beach than sitting some more in a movie theater watching Harry Potter? Harry Potter, Harry Potter, Harry Potter! (that's for you, Allison) Such a good movie. It ended nicely. Except all the excitement to see it had died off since it's been out for like, what? 2 months now? I was not disappointed however. I literally sat there shaking with anxiety the whole movie, even though I already knew what was coming. In fact, I swear I had already seen the movie........

Finally! Mtn. Biking!

Imagine biking through a lush, thick green forest such as that to the left (thank you Google). The forests here in Oregon are incredible and have so much vegetation. I finally got out on my mountain bike for the first time since I've been here to bike a real trail. I went with some friends and we had a grand time, especially when we stopped to pick fresh blackberries along the way. However, the scratches those suckers leave on you don't feel too great. But it wouldn't be mtn. biking without a few scratches or bruises!