General Surgery

yesterday one of my appointment notes from the surgery clinic included the phrase, "Anus was clean."

I am so glad it's the weekend,



P.S. If your foot was rotting from GANGRENE because you smoke, wouldn't you be motivated to quit?  If you're about half of my patients, apparently not.

Autumn colors

3.5 weeks in...

I so need a mental health day.

Lessons from my Surgery Rotation at the VA:

#1) Don't get old.

#2) If you must get old, please, along the way, keep down your blood
pressure, eat a lot of fiber, get some damn exercise, and, for
heaven's sake, Don't Smoke. If you fail to follow this advice, a team
of people dressed in funny gowns and head gear will one day remove
your lung / colon / foot whilst listening to the Rocky theme.

#3) Hug your nearest veteran. He probably has PTSD.

good quotes from today:

"she's so pretty, I just want to kiss her!" - 70-something year old vet as my partner looked deep into his eyes (ie did the pupillary light reflex test on him)
Awkwardness ensued.

"Granted, it is hard to read after a full day in the OR. For a change, go to sleep right and wake up a few hours early the next day and read before going to the hospital." - Surgical Recall textbook
Hahahaahahahaaaaahaha.

"it's so beautiful outside!" - 2nd yr resident as she arrived for the day (from outside lectures) during hour 7 of 12 hours inside the hospital.
I already mentioned this one, but it's still good.

"We'll be back in the morning." - resident, on evening rounds, third rounds of the day
"What time?" - funny Vietnam Vet patient in hospital bed
"Early." - resident
"I'll make breakfast." - patient (with open oozing abdominal incision)

Goodnight.

Afternoon break

I just heard that it's really nice out today.