Wound healing

Almost 2 years ago in the spring semester of 2008, I took anatomy and physiology II at AACC. I took it with Larsen as my instructor who, with the exception of Dr. Dean, has been my favorite teacher of all times.

I remember very vividly learning about wounds and wound healing on the second day of class that January week. I normally have a very good memory, but I especially remember this because I was attempting to stop cutting around this time. I remember sitting there trying not to cry when we were learning about the immune response that went along with wound healing, and how many factors go into this process. I saw pictures of what was going on under the layers of skin and imagined it happening right at that moment under the skin of my arms. I found out that it was the collagen fibers that were responsible for the scars on my arms that were visible to everybody’s eyes.

I don't know exactly if learning that was to blame, or if it just added to the package of everything piling up [I am pretty sure it was the latter] but the last week in that January, the 28^th to be exact, was the last time I purposely cut myself. And oh, what a long road it has been since then.

And as I sit here, in the library at the School of Business at Stevenson University, working on a case study that is due tomorrow for Pathophysiology, I am revisiting that subject of wound healing and the process behind it. I am revisiting the memories of that last week in that particular January, and thinking how I will not go back. I have been cut free since that January 28^th, 594 days ago, and the only plan I have is to add to that number.

So, if you will excuse me, I am going to finish writing about wound care, glance at my own collagen fibers that have made their way onto my arm, [wonder if they will ever completely fade away], and continue to count the days that have gone by.