Gross anatomy

[AggiePA]

Howdy everyone! I'm a first year PA student at the UT Southwestern Medical center in Dallas. So far it's been a really great experience. This coming Monday, however, we start our gross anatomy dissections and I'm really nervous about this. The most I ever did as an undergrad was a cat! Does anyone out there have any suggestions or ideas for getting through lab without passing out especially during the first week (we'll be working on the thorax and back)?
Any help at all is welcome!
Gig 'em!
Aggie PA.
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[deleted6669]

bring a complete change of clothes with you to every anatomy lab, including shoes and socks, so that you don't go around smelling like the anatomy lab for the next day or 2. scrubs are ideal.if the smell really bothers you, bring vicks vapor rub to lab and put a bit on your upper lip to keep the nasty smells at bay. good luck-e

 

[CVPA]

Aggie:

If you are truly someone who passes out easily and are concerned about this happening during gross, aside from medications the best thing to do is hydrate yourself very well to help increase your intravascular volume. The other things is to wear support hose which can help prevent venous pooling of your lower extremities which contributes to passing out. What you describe is a process called "vasovagal syncope". You'll learn about that in school. Don't worry, after a few days, you'll get used to it and it won't bother you much. Its all part of the process and something that everyone goes through.

Good luck.

 

[MrBob]

Think of yourself as a body mechanic and it's just a machine you are working on...you'll do OK.

 

[AggiePA]

Howdy and thanks to all that replied. I'm happy to say that my first experience with human gross anatomy today was successful. The anxiety leading up to lab was the worst part. Once we got in there, we were chopping away. My tank mates and I got along great and we all cut some and pulled some and cleaned some. Overall, a really neat experience. Our cadaver had a heart condition and had a pacemaker which quickly had everyone coming over to check out. I think it helped to alleviate some of the tension. Thanks for all the advice. From now on I'm no longer worried about lab itself--only about the practicals!
Gig 'em!
Aggie PA