So today a bunch of the cases we were going to do were cancelled, but I got to do a myelomeningocele repair on a 1-day-old little girl. For those of you who don't know what that is, google it... or just accept my explanation that it's surgery on/very near the spinal cord. Effectively, I was doing pediatric neurosurgery, which is definitely a bit out of my field. Dr. Ardill was a great teacher and I really enjoyed the case.
This nice case was followed by me having to do CPR on a man with a very, very, very infected, necrotic leg after it was torn off in an "RTA," or "Road Traffic Accident," which is the Nigerian equivalent of our "MVA/Motor Vehicle Accident." So I was forced to pronounce a man dead on my second day here. I guess that's what happens in hospitals, no matter what country. Still, it was a bit of an unsettling way for me to begin my day.
I've moved housing situations and am now living with the Mitchells, sharing a bedroom with 13-year-old Camille. Dr. Mitchell is a Head and Neck surgeon from Oregon who is spending a year here with his family. Camille has been very gracious in letting me invade her privacy.
Tomorrow I'm going to spend the Saturday morning playing Ultimate Frisbee (the official sport of San Diego) with some other SIM people.
I'm a bit stressed about a decision I have to make about my research options for next year, so any prayer would be much appreciated. I just want to make sure I know what God wants for me before I make my decision.
Have a good Friday and a good weekend!!
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2 comments:
Hi Shannon...glad to see that you arrived safely...I see that you are thoroughly immersed and moving at the speed of light (whats new?)....I just thought I'd say hi and let you know that I'm following along...Take care...........Love ya Dad
Whoot! Looks like you are getting some great experience already.
Stay safe!
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