30 July 2012
22 July 2012
Surprises and faces
I'm still a young sapling when it comes to the world of physicians, let alone residents. As a result, I expect to be challenged, tested, surprised and humbled almost every day. Yesterday was no exception.
I was doing a shift in an emergency department the other day where I came across my next patient's chart. She was middle-aged but had a number of chronic genetic conditions, and was here for a possible localized infection. Seemed simple enough. I saw her, and talked to her next of kin who was also asking for some pain killers for the patient to use in case some pain she was having previously returned. It got me sort of annoyed. I'm not sure if it was the way she had rolled her eyes or made snide comments about the wait, or the way she demanded pain medication. Maybe both. Anyways, I proceeded to remove the blankets to examine the patient, I was shocked. She was not only small in stature but looked markedly frail. There was no way she weighed more than 75 lbs. A good portion of the outline of her pelvis was visible, even moreso her ribs. You could even see the outline of her descending aorta because she had no fat and almost no muscle mass. Upon further questioning, it turns out she is also completely deaf, difficult to communicate with and bound to wheelchair. I felt a number of emotions.
I then informed my supervising doctor of the case. I should mention he's normally quite the joker and there wasn't much he didn't joke about. He entered the room, and I noticed he connected almost immediately with the caregiver. I've seen it on a number of occasions where he's able to put on the face, the tone, and even the cadence of his speech that connects with patients and their families. It's no wonder all his patients in his family clinic love him.
This story had a number of things come to mind. First, I need to expect to be surprised by patients I see, and the diseases that manifest for a long long time. There's still so much out there I haven't seen. Second, I admired my preceptor in this scenario not because he's a joker, or he's able to empathize genuinely that lets patients and families feel safe, looked after and provided for... but that he can change these faces, know when it is appropriate to use them, and be genuine and comfortable in each one.
I was doing a shift in an emergency department the other day where I came across my next patient's chart. She was middle-aged but had a number of chronic genetic conditions, and was here for a possible localized infection. Seemed simple enough. I saw her, and talked to her next of kin who was also asking for some pain killers for the patient to use in case some pain she was having previously returned. It got me sort of annoyed. I'm not sure if it was the way she had rolled her eyes or made snide comments about the wait, or the way she demanded pain medication. Maybe both. Anyways, I proceeded to remove the blankets to examine the patient, I was shocked. She was not only small in stature but looked markedly frail. There was no way she weighed more than 75 lbs. A good portion of the outline of her pelvis was visible, even moreso her ribs. You could even see the outline of her descending aorta because she had no fat and almost no muscle mass. Upon further questioning, it turns out she is also completely deaf, difficult to communicate with and bound to wheelchair. I felt a number of emotions.
I then informed my supervising doctor of the case. I should mention he's normally quite the joker and there wasn't much he didn't joke about. He entered the room, and I noticed he connected almost immediately with the caregiver. I've seen it on a number of occasions where he's able to put on the face, the tone, and even the cadence of his speech that connects with patients and their families. It's no wonder all his patients in his family clinic love him.
This story had a number of things come to mind. First, I need to expect to be surprised by patients I see, and the diseases that manifest for a long long time. There's still so much out there I haven't seen. Second, I admired my preceptor in this scenario not because he's a joker, or he's able to empathize genuinely that lets patients and families feel safe, looked after and provided for... but that he can change these faces, know when it is appropriate to use them, and be genuine and comfortable in each one.
17 July 2012
Apartment sneak peek
Phase 1: Moving in the basics - couch, bed, toilet paper. You know, things that you would expect to have in a barebones place and not feel like you were squatting in a spare lot.
Phase 2: Making things more liveable. Desk, coffee table, all kitchen items, dining set.
Phase 3: Nesting. Adding a personal touch through art, the way things are arranged. Feng shui and all that jazz.
Phase 4: Nothing left.
I'd say I'm sort in a grey zone between phase 2 and 3. I've got some decor going, but am still waiting for my dining table to come in. I'd also like to put up some more framed items and add more storage space to make things more organized. Phase 4 will be complete once I decide to get a TV for the fall sports season.
Much to the chagrin of my family and friends, I'm omitting the majority of photos for now because I want to capture the transition into the place all at once in a series of photos. I will concede a couple for now.
Above is looking into my kitchen.
Here is what may seem like an unremarkable photo of a kitchen sink. What is not shown was some ugly plastic paneling that used to be behind the faucet and above the wood that served no purpose other than to hurt your eyes. I took it down, repainted the area, and put up a metallic bar that can serve a number of functions like hanging some tablecloths and a dishrack, and just plain looking fancy.
That's all for now! Check out the albums I have on repeat to the right! I'll update that area periodically
in the spirit of Osheaga #2
If you read my blog regularly (ha!), you'll know I posted about Woodkid a bit earlier. Well now he's back. This is the title track off his new EP, Run Boy Run... accompanied by another pretty cool video.
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