Angioedema and other experiences

I write this piece after suffering (or recovering) from an acute attack of angioedema. Angioedema is an acute allergic episode following ingestion or inhalation of some substance to which the person is allergic. In my case, I got it after I popped in a drug combination containing ibuprofen (an anti inflammatory drug). In angioedema, there is a rapid swelling of the face and other structures, with rashes, which appear within seconds, throughout the body. Severe cases can even have swelling of the respiratory tract, so air cannot move in and out of the lungs, leading to death!

This is not me, if you were wondering.

And I should say, my angioedema was a nice experience. It was the first time in my life I've had it. The acute nature of the episode created quite a bit of panic in my family, but I maintained my composure. We went to a nearby hospital immediately (The ER staff were shocked when I walked casually to them and asked "Where can I see the doctor?") and they gave me IV Avil and steroids.  The symptoms subsided as rapidly as it arose and all is well now. But the sleepiness produced by Avil was legendary! On a more serious note, the knowledge I had about angioedema, howsoever limited, helped me cope with the symptoms, even while my family panicked. Goes to show the importance of health awareness in improving the lives of people, preventing unwanted deaths or freak accidents, giving proper first aid to the needy or avoiding any potentially harmful activity which could worsen the condition of the already diseased person.

Speaking about experiences, I should talk about another event which happened on august 22. It was on that day that we organised Genesis - an intercollegiate medical quiz program. My friend once told me that being the organizer of an event is not very productive to the individual. Collectively an event is conducted, but the individual derives very little benefit from it. I won't disagree. With a cost benefit analysis, we can say that it is less productive when compared to the numerous other avenues by which we can use our time. But there are a few long term benefits which are difficult to accrue through more efficient means. 

One of the several discussions we had before Genesis

One important thing among them, I think, is the awareness we get about people, relationships, trust and responsibility. 

I've become richer by a few friends, friends whom I can trust completely...

Life in general and organizing Genesis in particular, requires a lot of compromise in one's ideals. The final picture will be far from what one has imagined, but that indeed is how life is!! 

Money is as important in life as all other good things put together. Genesis has traditionally been known to be cash-strapped and this year was no different. We had to run from the famed MMC pillar to multiple posts just to make ends meet.

I've also learnt that a group of like minded individuals can work like crazy towards the goal if need arises. The other day we had a Genesis related project that we decided we would finish no matter what. We started working at around eleven in the noon. When we did finish, it was at 6.00 AM the next day. We had worked 19 hours straight! 

Important life lesson - When there is a strong will, nothing is impossible.