January 2011
148 posts
2 tags
Anonymous asked: Do you know why women have to be at least 5'5" and 150 lbs. to donate double red cells?
December 2010
206 posts
2 tags
Happy New Year's (Dr. Cranquis Slacks Again)
So, for those of you (all 8 of you) who have submitted questions to me in the past few days about:
Research articles about marijuana
Cold Sores/Protection against common cold while traveling
Unknown Pregnancy
Boyfriend with tummy pain
Geriatric Medicine
My view of human nature after interacting with patients
And also questions from InadvertentPreMed and IronyAddict — Thank for your...
5 tags
Dr. Trix and the Smoking Ostriches
Dr. Trix: Well, Mr. Tine, your child's throat infections, coughing, wheezing, and repeated head colds are quite likely due to the fact that he always smells like cigarette smoke.
Father: Oh.
Trix: Here's some information about the connections between 2nd/3rd-hand smoke and childhood illnesses, which you might want to share with your wife too. Hopefully you can both quit smoking! It would make an excellent New Year's resolution!
Father: Ok. (leaves clinic with the child, goes home and tells his wife, who calls Dr. Trix immediately...)
Mother: I JUST SPOKE WITH MY HUSBAND NICO, AND I AM NOT HAPPY THAT YOU BLAMED MY BABY'S SICKNESS ON OUR CIGARETTE SMOKING! THERE HAS GOT TO BE SOMETHING MUCH MORE SERIOUS GOING ON HERE, AND IT'S YOUR JOB AS THE DOCTOR TO GET TO THE BOTTOM OF MY BABY'S CONSTANT ILLNESSES AND FIX IT!
Trix: Hmm... well, since my magic wand is broken, my options are limited here -- Perhaps I could help you put the child up for adoption to a non-smoking family?
5 tags
Dr. Trix and the Smoking Ostriches
Dr. Trix: Well, Mr. Tine, your child's throat infections, coughing, wheezing, and repeated head colds are quite likely due to the fact that he always smells like cigarette smoke.
Father: Oh.
Trix: Here's some information about the connections between 2nd/3rd-hand smoke and childhood illnesses, which you might want to share with your wife too. Hopefully you can both quit smoking! It would make an excellent New Year's resolution!
Father: Ok. (leaves clinic with the child, goes home and tells his wife, who calls Dr. Trix immediately...)
Mother: I JUST SPOKE WITH MY HUSBAND NICO, AND I AM NOT HAPPY THAT YOU BLAMED MY BABY'S SICKNESS ON OUR CIGARETTE SMOKING! THERE HAS GOT TO BE SOMETHING MUCH MORE SERIOUS GOING ON HERE, AND IT'S YOUR JOB AS THE DOCTOR TO GET TO THE BOTTOM OF MY BABY'S CONSTANT ILLNESSES AND FIX IT!
Trix: Hmm... well, since my magic wand is broken, my options are limited here -- Perhaps I could help you put the child up for adoption to a non-smoking family?
7 tags
micaelarodriguez asked: Hello, Dr. Canquis!
I'm a senior in high school, and I've been pushing around careers trying to find the one that is right for me. I definitely want to do psychology as one of my majors, and I planned on becoming a clinical psychologist. But now, I've kind of developed an interest in becoming a radiation oncology. Do you think that it would be wise to major in both fields? Is...
I'm a senior in high school, and I've been pushing around careers trying to find the one that is right for me. I definitely want to do psychology as one of my majors, and I planned on becoming a clinical psychologist. But now, I've kind of developed an interest in becoming a radiation oncology. Do you think that it would be wise to major in both fields? Is...
4 tags
Anonymous asked: Would you say being a doctor and after interacting with humans at potentially their worst has made you view the nature of mankind in a more positive, more negative or neutral/less romanticisied/idealised way?
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Anonymous asked: I'm a pre-med with a love for old people. I just have such a great respect for them, and I want to do everything in my power to make their days as happy as possible. It breaks my heart to see an elderly person alone or sad, I spend some of my free time at a nursing home just keeping them company. I've previously been considering other areas of medicine, but a friend suggested that since...
9 tags
Reply: Med School Survivor: 4th Year
thisismehidingfromtheworld asked:
and here’s a real question : how did you survive med school? i’m in my second year and i just want to know how did you survive this thing ;)
Part 4 (finally!) of a 4-year 4-part reply on “Tips for Surviving 4 Years of (American) Med School” — see disclaimer from Part 1, please!
————
Do you remember, WAYYYY back in the day, when...
9 tags
Reply: Med School Survivor: 4th Year
thisismehidingfromtheworld asked:
and here’s a real question : how did you survive med school? i’m in my second year and i just want to know how did you survive this thing ;)
Part 4 (finally!) of a 4-year 4-part reply on “Tips for Surviving 4 Years of (American) Med School” — see disclaimer from Part 1, please!
————
Do you remember, WAYYYY back in the day, when...
4 tags
Anonymous asked: So I was job shadowing today and I found out what I wanna do when I get older but I didn't catch the name of what this guy was. All I know is that he was working in the blood bank section of the lab and he had to handle the blood and different specimens of the patients and I really am interested in that so you think you could help me out by telling me what its called? ^^' Something like...
4 tags
Anonymous asked: So I was job shadowing today and I found out what I wanna do when I get older but I didn't catch the name of what this guy was. All I know is that he was working in the blood bank section of the lab and he had to handle the blood and different specimens of the patients and I really am interested in that so you think you could help me out by telling me what its called? ^^' Something like...
3 tags
Dr. Cranquis and the Case of the Itchy Snowpants
Dr. Cranquis: Well, sir, that itchy pink rash on your lower legs appears to be an allergic reaction.
Elderly Guy Patient: NOPE, I'M TELLING YOU DOC, IT'S GOTTA BE FLEA BITES OR LICE OR SOMETHING, CUZ IT STARTED AFTER I WORE MY SNOWPANTS FOR THE FIRST TIME THIS WINTER, I BET SOME INSECTS CRAWLED IN 'EM WHILE THEY WAS HANGING IN THE CLOSET.
Cranquis: But I don't see any bites!
Patient: OH I CAN SEE 'EM, LOOK -- (pointing at teeny-tiny reddish spots which seem to be scratch marks and varicose veins) -- THEM ARE INSECT BITES, I TELL YA!
Cranquis: Sir, I can treat you with a cream that would kill most skin parasites, if you insist, but this rash really looks like your skin is allergic to something that came in contact with it.
Patient: WELL IT CAN'T BE AN ALLERGY, THE ONLY THING I'M ALLERGIC TO IS FIBERGLASS, AND THERE AIN'T NONE OF THAT IN THAT THERE CLOSET.
Cranquis: Does the closet have an attic opening?
Patient: NOW WAIT JUST A SECOND... BY GEORGE, DOC, THAT'S IT! THE ATTIC DOOR IS RIGHT OVERHEAD FROM WHERE MY SNOWPANTS AND BOOTS WERE SITTING ALL WINTER! I BET SOME FIBERGLASS DRIFTED DOWN WHEN I OPENED THE ATTIC THIS SPRING!
Cranquis: Case closed. Book 'em, Danno: Aggravated Contact Dermatitis with Fiberglass, with intent to itch.
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Anonymous asked: Hey, I LOVE your blog! I just have a quick question, how important is volunteering in a medical setting for getting accepted to med. school? I hear two sides, those that say you have to go to Africa and volunteer with something like HIV/AIDs, or log hundreds of hours in a clinic/hospital, and those that say as long as you volunteer your time with anything, like arts or sports, then it shows that...
4 tags
Anonymous asked: Hey, I LOVE your blog! I just have a quick question, how important is volunteering in a medical setting for getting accepted to med. school? I hear two sides, those that say you have to go to Africa and volunteer with something like HIV/AIDs, or log hundreds of hours in a clinic/hospital, and those that say as long as you volunteer your time with anything, like arts or sports, then it shows that...
7 tags
Anonymous asked: Hello Dr. Cranquis,
I'm writing for my boyfriend to see if you have any idea about whats going on with his tummy. For about 6 months or so he's been having a burning senstation [on and off] in his stomach. He said that the burning is only in his stomach, and doesn't venture elsewhere to the chest or esophagus area. He also said at times, if he puts pressure on his...
I'm writing for my boyfriend to see if you have any idea about whats going on with his tummy. For about 6 months or so he's been having a burning senstation [on and off] in his stomach. He said that the burning is only in his stomach, and doesn't venture elsewhere to the chest or esophagus area. He also said at times, if he puts pressure on his...
6 tags
Anonymous asked: How would you treat a wart approximately 3 mm in diameter that is located near the base of the nail?
5 tags
Anonymous asked: I take Citalopram and was wondering why when I forget to take my medication I will get lightheaded and dizzy. I must admit it is a good reminder to take my meds but is rather annoying when walking around without my meds in my pocket. Once I take my meds about an hour later the dizziness and lightheadedness go away.
6 tags
Anonymous asked: You post a lot of your patients looking like idiots, I'm curious to know if YOU have ever made a fool of yourself in medschool or even infront of a patient!
So c'mon Cranquis, 'fess up ;)
So c'mon Cranquis, 'fess up ;)
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Anonymous asked: You post a lot of your patients looking like idiots, I'm curious to know if YOU have ever made a fool of yourself in medschool or even infront of a patient!
So c'mon Cranquis, 'fess up ;)
So c'mon Cranquis, 'fess up ;)
3 tags
Anonymous asked: is Mrs. Cranquis a doctor too?
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Anonymous asked: What do you know about steroid-induced myopathy, specifically when induced by methylprednisolone?
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mattucf-deactivated20110617 asked: Cranquis thanks a lot :)
~Big ask ahead~ (not really an ask.)
Ok so i want your advise seeing as you know first hand what it takes to become an MD and I'm so interested in hearing back from you since you are one!!
You see, I'm currently a student at the University of Central Florida and i dream of becoming a Cosmetic/Reconstructive Surgeon...
~Big ask ahead~ (not really an ask.)
Ok so i want your advise seeing as you know first hand what it takes to become an MD and I'm so interested in hearing back from you since you are one!!
You see, I'm currently a student at the University of Central Florida and i dream of becoming a Cosmetic/Reconstructive Surgeon...
8 tags
Anonymous asked: Hi, Cranquis! Love your blog.
So, I get cold sores maybe once or twice a year. It's not a huge problem for me-- expect for when they pop up, of course. As of late, I've been reading that Abreva doesn't actually work and can sometimes make a cold sore worse. Your thoughts?
I'm home on the east coast for Christmas and-- hooray!-- one just popped...
So, I get cold sores maybe once or twice a year. It's not a huge problem for me-- expect for when they pop up, of course. As of late, I've been reading that Abreva doesn't actually work and can sometimes make a cold sore worse. Your thoughts?
I'm home on the east coast for Christmas and-- hooray!-- one just popped...
4 tags
inadvertentpa asked: Hey Dr. Cranquis!
I love your perspective on medicine and your willingness to make life as a physician (and med student) so accessible... it has definitely taken a lot of the uncertainty out of my decision to go back to school and pursue an MD. As my name suggests, I never had any intention of becoming a doctor... I spent a lot of time in hospitals (from my mother's...
I love your perspective on medicine and your willingness to make life as a physician (and med student) so accessible... it has definitely taken a lot of the uncertainty out of my decision to go back to school and pursue an MD. As my name suggests, I never had any intention of becoming a doctor... I spent a lot of time in hospitals (from my mother's...
7 tags
TSK: Mommy Nose Best
Patient's Mom: JIMMY WAS COUGHING UP BLOOD THIS MORNING, DOC, SO I RUSHED HIM OVER HERE -- WHAT'S WRONG WITH HIM?!
Cranquis: Jimmy, have you ever coughed and seen blood before?
Jimmy the Healthy-Appearing Non-Coughing Teenager: no but i think...
Mom: DOESN'T COUGHING UP BLOOD MEAN THAT HE HAS LUNG CANCER??
Cranquis: Jimmy, had you been coughing the past few days already?
Jimmy: no i just had to cough this morning after...
Mom: (pulling out cell phone) LET ME CALL MY MOTHER AND ASK IF ANYONE IN THE FAMILY HAS LUNG CANCER!
Cranquis: Jimmy, you were saying, "You had to cough after" what?
Jimmy: well i had a nosebleed this morning and i couldn't find any tissue so i just kept snorting the blood back and swallowing it and that made me cough.
Cranquis: You're gonna be just fine, Jimmy.
Mom: JIMMY'S GRANDMA WANTS TO KNOW IF IT'S TUBERCULOSIS?!?
igotitrightthistime asked: Hey Dr. C! My name is John. I was casually perusing through your blog and liked what I saw! I am currently graduated from undergrad and have been through the whole MCAT, interview process, and getting accepted ordeal. I'm just waiting to start classes next fall. I was looking at a few archived posts of yours and saw that you were home schooled!….I was too! I saw you had a 3.89 GPA in...
6 tags
Anonymous asked: Hi, it's SO. Thanks for the reply!
I was just thinking, if a person got married in second year of med school, they would be about 23 or 24 right? (If they took the path of med school right after undergrad).
So they would be engaged around 22 or 23. Wouldn't people think that is kind of young? To me, it feels a bit young to be engaged/marrying.
I was just thinking, if a person got married in second year of med school, they would be about 23 or 24 right? (If they took the path of med school right after undergrad).
So they would be engaged around 22 or 23. Wouldn't people think that is kind of young? To me, it feels a bit young to be engaged/marrying.
3 tags
Anonymous asked: is Mrs. Cranquis a doctor too?
1 tag
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Anonymous asked: What do you know about steroid-induced myopathy, specifically when induced by methylprednisolone?
6 tags
Anonymous asked: How would you treat a wart approximately 3 mm in diameter that is located near the base of the nail?
mattucf-deactivated20110617 asked: MERRY CHRISTMAS CRANQUIS! :) hope it's as relaxing as possible.
5 tags
Anonymous asked: I take Citalopram and was wondering why when I forget to take my medication I will get lightheaded and dizzy. I must admit it is a good reminder to take my meds but is rather annoying when walking around without my meds in my pocket. Once I take my meds about an hour later the dizziness and lightheadedness go away.
mattucf-deactivated20110617 asked: MERRY CHRISTMAS CRANQUIS! :) hope it's as relaxing as possible.
8 tags
Anonymous asked: @your "Poop Hoarding" post: I know you doctors (especially ER docs) have the STRANGEST medical jargon. Care to share some of your favorites?
8 tags
Anonymous asked: @your "Poop Hoarding" post: I know you doctors (especially ER docs) have the STRANGEST medical jargon. Care to share some of your favorites?
5 tags
Anonymous asked: What would your response be to the misconception that only wealthy or privileged individuals become doctors?
My family is considered lower class in terms of income. However, I have a dream. That dream is to become a physician. However, my parents constantly discourage me from this dream because of the costs involved.
Sir, what would your response to this mentality...
My family is considered lower class in terms of income. However, I have a dream. That dream is to become a physician. However, my parents constantly discourage me from this dream because of the costs involved.
Sir, what would your response to this mentality...
4 tags
whitmanchronicles asked: Hey Dr. Cranquis! Just started following you and I really appreciate all the advice you give. I got a question that pertains to the predicament I find myself in. I'm a Post-baccalaureate premed student going into my final semester. I will NOT be taking the MCAT this summer as I - like you did - have no research/direct patient care/publishings to go along with my name. I plan on getting a job...
2 tags
Anonymous asked: Hey Dr. Cranquis, Bum Rush reporting back.
I decided to head to the ER. The Doctor basically said it was thrombosed, and that though surgery is an option, it's not really necessary with a few adjustments. Basically told me to keep on doing what I'm doing, drinking loads of fluids and suggested I get some benefibre and sprinkle it on everything I eat. He also suggested I...
I decided to head to the ER. The Doctor basically said it was thrombosed, and that though surgery is an option, it's not really necessary with a few adjustments. Basically told me to keep on doing what I'm doing, drinking loads of fluids and suggested I get some benefibre and sprinkle it on everything I eat. He also suggested I...
2 tags
Anonymous asked: Hey Dr. Cranquis, Bum Rush reporting back.
I decided to head to the ER. The Doctor basically said it was thrombosed, and that though surgery is an option, it's not really necessary with a few adjustments. Basically told me to keep on doing what I'm doing, drinking loads of fluids and suggested I get some benefibre and sprinkle it on everything I eat. He also suggested I...
I decided to head to the ER. The Doctor basically said it was thrombosed, and that though surgery is an option, it's not really necessary with a few adjustments. Basically told me to keep on doing what I'm doing, drinking loads of fluids and suggested I get some benefibre and sprinkle it on everything I eat. He also suggested I...
2 tags
Anonymous asked: ★Merry★* 。 • ˚ ˚ ˛ ˚ ˛ •
•。★Christmas★ 。* 。
° 。 ° ˛˚˛ * _Π_____*。*˚
˚ ˛ •˛•˚ */______/~＼。˚ ˚ ˛
˚ ˛ •˛• ˚ ｜ 田田 ｜門｜ ˚
•。★Christmas★ 。* 。
° 。 ° ˛˚˛ * _Π_____*。*˚
˚ ˛ •˛•˚ */______/~＼。˚ ˚ ˛
˚ ˛ •˛• ˚ ｜ 田田 ｜門｜ ˚
Anonymous asked: ★Merry★* 。 • ˚ ˚ ˛ ˚ ˛ •
•。★Christmas★ 。* 。
° 。 ° ˛˚˛ * _Π_____*。*˚
˚ ˛ •˛•˚ */______/~＼。˚ ˚ ˛
˚ ˛ •˛• ˚ ｜ 田田 ｜門｜ ˚
•。★Christmas★ 。* 。
° 。 ° ˛˚˛ * _Π_____*。*˚
˚ ˛ •˛•˚ */______/~＼。˚ ˚ ˛
˚ ˛ •˛• ˚ ｜ 田田 ｜門｜ ˚
2 tags
Anonymous asked: So I have what I think is a perianal hematoma/thrombosed external hemorrhoid. As far as I can tell it is completely external and not a prolapsed internal as it seems to only be connected to the exterior tissue and not 'popping out' from the inside. From what I can see it is mostly skin coloured, but near the base on one side I can see a blueish/purpleish hue. It is currently the size...
2 tags
Anonymous asked: So I have what I think is a perianal hematoma/thrombosed external hemorrhoid. As far as I can tell it is completely external and not a prolapsed internal as it seems to only be connected to the exterior tissue and not 'popping out' from the inside. From what I can see it is mostly skin coloured, but near the base on one side I can see a blueish/purpleish hue. It is currently the size...
igotitrightthistime asked: Hey Dr. C! My name is John. I was casually perusing through your blog and liked what I saw! I am currently graduated from undergrad and have been through the whole MCAT, interview process, and getting accepted ordeal. I'm just waiting to start classes next fall. I was looking at a few archived posts of yours and saw that you were home schooled!….I was too! I saw you had a 3.89 GPA in...
7 tags
Dr. Cranquis' "Hypochondriac's Guide to a Paranoid...
No kissing under the mistletoe! That spreads swine flu and mouth herpes! Tentative fistbumps are ok, followed by immediate hand sanitizer from the pump-bottle hanging around your neck.
Take a thermometer to Christmas dinner, to confirm proper serving temps for meat products.
When standing in line to let your kid sit on Santa’s lap, use your time wisely — observe Santa for signs of...
3 tags
Anonymous asked: Hello Doctor, Banzai Butterfly here, thank you for your answer! I was so relieved to read it and will forward it to her. :-) The thing is, she was also diagnosed with an averted uterus, not sure how that factors in, but she keeps saying she cannot have children and "which guy wants to marry someone who isn't fertile?" Thank you for your help!
3 tags
Anonymous asked: Hello Doctor, Banzai Butterfly here, thank you for your answer! I was so relieved to read it and will forward it to her. :-) The thing is, she was also diagnosed with an averted uterus, not sure how that factors in, but she keeps saying she cannot have children and "which guy wants to marry someone who isn't fertile?" Thank you for your help!
Anonymous asked: Do you have any tattoos?
Anonymous asked: Do you have any tattoos?