The TENS
Posted 05-25-2010 at 05:24 PM by EmmyNoether
So, I rolled out of bed and went straight to physical therapy. It was my second appointment and even though I had some remaining back pain from yesterday, it wasn't anywhere close to the worst I've ever felt. Still, I got a magical device nicknamed the TENS unit. It's a set of 4 electrodes hooked up to a mini remote control that allows you to adjust the electrical surges that get placed throughout painful muscles to relax them. Even though I have a 30 day trial period, my expectation is that I might just see if my insurance will cover the unit. I could already feel relief. It may just become my new best friend.
Actually, I find these appointments rather weird because everything is new to me. As I tried the device I noticed faintness coming on. After passing out at a math grad student party less than a month ago, I wasn't about to have another repeat in the doctors office (though, that would be the best place to do so). Being forthright got me a can of Sprite and some crackers with cheese. For a grad student living like a pauper, this is like an early Christmas. Free food is always welcome.
After my appointment, I returned home and suffered through yet another paper. I got what I think I need out of it, and in the process became reassured that I didn't need to read another paper to do so. I emailed my adviser yet again this week (Sunday night also), and haven't yet heard from him. This is always a bit nerve-racking. I'm terribly afraid that my previous absence has caused him to feel frustrated with me. My biggest fear right now is that my taking a vacation has put me in jeopardy of my adviser changing his mind about working with me. In reality, I don't think this will happen (or at least I'm really hoping), but if it did it just means that I have to either kick down his door and demand a second chance, or I go to someone else and accept yet another set-back. Both these options are dreadful, but they would both be important parts of defending myself and my work. Let's just hope it doesn't come down to that.
Actually, I find these appointments rather weird because everything is new to me. As I tried the device I noticed faintness coming on. After passing out at a math grad student party less than a month ago, I wasn't about to have another repeat in the doctors office (though, that would be the best place to do so). Being forthright got me a can of Sprite and some crackers with cheese. For a grad student living like a pauper, this is like an early Christmas. Free food is always welcome.
After my appointment, I returned home and suffered through yet another paper. I got what I think I need out of it, and in the process became reassured that I didn't need to read another paper to do so. I emailed my adviser yet again this week (Sunday night also), and haven't yet heard from him. This is always a bit nerve-racking. I'm terribly afraid that my previous absence has caused him to feel frustrated with me. My biggest fear right now is that my taking a vacation has put me in jeopardy of my adviser changing his mind about working with me. In reality, I don't think this will happen (or at least I'm really hoping), but if it did it just means that I have to either kick down his door and demand a second chance, or I go to someone else and accept yet another set-back. Both these options are dreadful, but they would both be important parts of defending myself and my work. Let's just hope it doesn't come down to that.
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