Boston man removes wisdom in the name of science!

Hello all,

I realize that the blog is brand new and that nobody even knows it exists, but I had an urge to actually create and write a little about the MISHAP-X experiences thus far.

That last couple months have been a battle to become PQ'd. For those of you unfamiliar with working through government or government grants, these people are huge fans of acronyms or at least turning phrases into their initialed components. PQ'd really means physically qualified. Now at first, this may seem like a boot camp of sorts: dire conditions require tip top physical condition! You must be able to withstand 10 minute sprints without feeling fatigued!!!

Not at all really... All you really need to do is make sure you have no major disabilities and all your immunizations are in order. This may be different for those staying on the actual continent of Antarctica, but since we are on a boat for almost the entire six week duration, we can skip the syphilis testing. Yep, that's right: syphilis. You also need an HIV test if you're staying overwinter. I guess people get a little stir-crazy during 24 hr darkness.

As a person who has had numerous bad needle experiences (small, rolling veins + caffeine allergy + inexperienced nurses as a child = bad experiences), the blood testing could have gone better. After being poked once, thinking I had given all the blood that I needed for the huge panel of tests, I found out later that I needed more taken. The second time around, my veins weren't as cooperative and I needed to different vein entries. Needless to say, I almost passed out and was wheeled into the pediatrics room on a big blue recliner. It would have been a kicker to receive a lollipop. But alas, no lolli.

So blood drawn, tests done, one down. Physical exam next. Oh, the normal exam process which is always uncomfortable for everyone. No details needed, I'm sure - but it is nice to know my doctor keeps his hands warm. You can tell a good doctor by the warmth of his hands, in my opinion.

Wisdom teeth removal is next. As part of a complete evaluation and filling of any suspect areas, wisdom teeth must be removed unless they are uncannily healthy. Almost nobody has acceptable wisdom teeth it seems. I had mine removed Tuesday. One impacted lower left tooth has left the left side of my face rather large. Luckily no signs of infection yet. That was an interesting experience since I was only under local anesthetic. Yes, all of my wisdom is now in the garbage somewhere.

Our cruise has been delayed 5 days out of Punta Arenas due to the earthquake in Chile as well. So our official day for leaving Boston will be May 2nd, 2010. Wish us good look!