The Diving Bell and the Butterfly

People forget that it's not all just drinking and clubbing when you're a student. As well as prioritising your work, you also have to feed, clothe and organise yourself - the shopping, the washing, the work... As an old hand at this, I do not find it as difficult as some of my housemates; I usually have enough food in the house to make myself a suitable meal, enough money to buy what I need, and enough time to see the important people in my life. However, I seem to have inordinate difficulties in putting myself to bed at a sensible hour. Although I realise its importance in my life in keeping me healthy and happy, sleep seems to be such a waste of time. Although I enjoy it immensely, when bedtime draws near, I become acutely aware of all the more constructive things I could be doing: working, writing this blog, watching Scrubs (am on series 5 now - hurrah!). Come the morning, I invariably regret my folly, and wish I had gone to bed at half past ten... But I never learn. Come the next night, I do it all again. Last night was no different, and this morning I was reluctant to get out of bed. It was also my anatomy class, which I hate. I decided, unusually for me, to skip it, which turned out to be a most fortuitous decision: at 1030, I was awakened from my warm and cosy slumber by the shrill peal of my doorbell. Being our anniversary, Himself had sent me flowers and champagne. Once again I am reminded of how lovely he is - and how good it is to pull a sickie, once in a while!

I read a brilliantly inspirational book today, 'The Diving Bell and the Butterfly,' about a man who suffers 'Locked-In' syndrome after suffering a massive stroke. Paralysed apart from one eyelid, Bauby narrates his memoirs to his speech therapist, by a communication system that involves blinking. Poignant and compelling, Bauby's memoirs remind us of how fortunate we are in our everyday lives, and the indomitable nature of the human sprit. I think it is a good lesson for the treatment of patients who have problems communicating; although it can be frustrating and difficult, we must never forget that they are people inside, with needs and dreams. In the midst of a busy day on the wards, where one is constantly in demand and undersupported, it's amazing how easy it can be to forget that. When I got offered this place, I promised myself that I would always give 100%, and strive to be the best doctor I could be. Only two terms in and, while I do work hard, I often procrastinate, and skip the odd lecture here and there. The Diving Bell and the Butterfly reminds me of why I began this course in the first place, and inspires me to redouble my efforts.