Hello,
Well this was my second week going into San Jose and I must say it went WAY better than my last trip there since it felt like I was going to roll over and die last time. My trips to the clinic have thus far been pretty... well... eventful. Today when I got there in the morning the power was out. Random I know, but there was no lights, the patients were all waiting in the dark, and the alarm was going off. So for the first about 30 minutes, it was just a lot of waiting since we weren't allowed to have patients in the clinic area. Once the power came back on, the charting system was still down so everything had to be done the old-school way... that's right, good 'ol fashion handwritten charting and prescription writing. Everyone seemed pretty bothered by this so I guess we really take for granted how easy computers have made our life. Anyways, I was able to go in with Dr. Bellows to see 4 patients before I had to leave. This is the doctor I will be translating for on a regular basis. He works a little slow on the computer since as he put it, they are not things of his time, but he is very knowledgeable and takes the time to explain to me what he is doing, what he is looking for, possible diagnosis, and possible treatment and future direction which I appreciate since I am learning a ton of new information. Today, 2 of the 4 patients had diabetes. I am especially interested in this since I have lost a large portion of my family to this disease. Hopefully I can learn more specifically about this disease. Oh, and during one of the consultations, the doctor told one of the patients that if their blood sugar drops too low then excessive sweating, weakness and shaking could occur. I then remembered what happened to me the last time I was there. We later spoke of it and he said that that is what probably happened to me and to carry around candy with me in case it happened again. No arguing with the Dr. on that advice :) Until next time..
