PAMPin' Ain't Easy

 

There are a few people that I have referred to numerous times throughout my postings, therefore I am officially assigning them blog names.

Meet PAMP. 


The med school version of a P-I-M-P.

In scientific terms, a PAMP is a pathogen-associated molecular pattern that is recognized by the body's immune system, triggering an immune response and, hopefully, enabling the body to clear the pathogen (anything infectious, like a virus or bacterium, germs!).

No worries, PAMP did not earn his nickname due to a lack of hygiene... although, there was one time last year where I'm pretty sure he didn't shave for a couple of months and I was starting to get concerned.

PAMP approaching finals week.

PAMP earns his nickname due to his legit dance moves, chill approach to life, general awesomeness, and the fact that last year when we were all suggesting trivia team names, his suggestion was "PAMPin' Ain't Easy." Genius.

Meet HSIL. 

HSIL stands for Hot, Sexy, Intelligent Lady.

One of HSIL's favorite quotes, with one of her favorite ladies.

In medicine, HSIL, aka HGSIL, stands for "high grade squamous intraepithelial lesion."

HSIL earns her nickname due to her love of ob/gyn and my love of acronyms. Works out nicely!










Anyway, one could argue that PAMP and I both held our own on the party scene most Fridays throughout our M1 year. To be honest, I never stayed in on a Friday, excluding finals week. My approach to med school is more of the "Have no life during the week, then refuse to study on Friday, Saturday....and if I can pull it off.... Sunday."

Yes, M1 year was challenging. But, partying on Friday, and occasionally Saturday, was totally feasible. Unfortunately, I'm quickly learning that my "no studying on the weekends" philosophy may not cut it for M2 year.

Last Friday, something unheard of happened.

I did not go out.

I know. I can hardly believe it myself.

I got home from my exam around 5pm. Immediately crashed for 3 hours. Woke up at 8 and caught up on Grey's Anatomy. Essential part of my Friday routine. Then, around 9pm, the texts started rolling in about going out. And you know what? I was in PJs, in my warm bed, probably (definitely) in dire need of a shower,  tuned in to Netflix. I weighed my options and chose to go to sleep at 10pm. On a Friday. I had to check my temperature to make sure I wasn't ill. When I woke up the next day at 11am... yes, I slept for 13 hours... I realized I definitely wasn't sick. I was just an M2, which requires much more time and effort than M1 year. Fortunately, the material is much more interesting and actually relevant.

Then, something else unheard of happened.

I studied.

Hard.

On a Saturday.

I'm cringing.

I was so confusd by my actions, that I had to go out on Saturday night. So I went out. And I had one drink. And then, something unheard of happened.

I stopped drinking after one drink.

Why?

Because I wanted to get up early on Sunday.

To study.

WHAT IS GOING ON!?!?!?? The answer, as we know, is simply "M2".

Yesterday, after our pathology exam, I came home and crashed. Again, I woke up at 9pm, and my friend texted me to go out. I was in PJs, bed, and in need of a shower... but, I sucked it up and showered and forced myself to go out. Never thought it would come to that. As I was getting ready, I texted PAMP.

Me: I know you're probably studying or chillin with ur gf, but we're heading DT around 11 if you want to join!

PAMP: Ha. I am doing neither. I was actually thinking about sleeping soon. Because I am 47 years old. (PAMP is 24.)

Me: If it makes you feel better, I slept from 5-9. And it was awesome. This M2 thing is really crampin our styles! I am forcing myself to go out. Meaning I should probably change out of sweatpants. You know something is wrong when I don't feel like drinking at all. Usually that feeling is constitutively active.

PAMP: I've been down-regulated for awhile. 

Me: Too much stress and med school damage. Hoping we haven't hit the irreversible stages yet.

PAMP: Too late for me. I'm fibrosed.

Me: NO! This is bad. I want you to regain normal function, but I'm almost afraid to have you party, for fear of reperfusion injury.


Nerdy Me was really pumped about how patholigized that conversation was... just another example of  med-school-can't-turn-it-off-syndrome.

Still looking for the Med School Off Switch.