Category Archives: All in a days work

as a medical officer

Posted in All in a days work, Everyday Life by

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… tapi sekarang…most people seems to think that they know better.

A patient for an elective operation drank before his scheduled time. It was not a large amount but fluids in an elective op is still fluids. I had a choice to just cancel the case or reschedule his time, after a discussion with the operating surgeon of course.

The agreed time to call the patient was 11AM, after other cases are done – to allow enough NBM hours. In a way, I was taking full responsibility of any inevitable things that would happen – if any. After all, as part of the anaesthesia team – we have taken every single measure the best that we could to minimise risk. Advice, preop assessment consultation and all sorts.

Frustratingly, my 11am instructions to call the patient was over ruled. BY SOMEONE WHO THINKS HE/SHE KNOWS BETTER. There are reasons why I called for 11AM. kalau tak faham, jgn buat2 pandai. Kalau patient ada morbidity bila induce awal, yang jawab aku tau!! 

I felt like saying,” hah.. dah panggil tuh induce lah sendiri “

But of course – since patients outcome and best interest gains the upper hand – Minci did whats best.

  • kept her mouth shut
  • did not vent on facebook
  • controlled her emotions because innocent personnel should not suffer and we don’t want to give the wrong medications, right?
  • shifted my focus elsewhere

Alhamdulilah, the op went fine.

Meet ‘harle Quin’

Posted in All in a days work, Hobby/Interest, Medicine/Health by

It was one of those moments when I felt blessed to be able to witness a rare miracle in life. I had a choice to initially go for another teaching session but I opted to stay because casualty looked busy.

Then she came for a runny nose. She survived her neonatal period. It was an interesting life encounter. And to see her mother being this unwavering pillar of strength kept me in awe. I hope this little ‘Harle Quin’ would get to live a long life. Amin.

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Uncle Pek

Posted in All in a days work, Everyday Life by

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There was time for a story in between patients. A man brought his 7 year old daughter for treatment in Casualty. It was quite obvious that this child was not his biological offspring. But they shared the same speaking language. I did not probe much – the conversation just flowed from him.

Perhaps he needed to just talk about his daughter. His hopes, his reasonable fear. That this temporary daughter will leave him one day. His dedication and undivided love. It was a session to just let his guard down and share his feelings. I think he felt good and reassured after that. That he is doing a wonderful job.

He may not be a muslim but I pray that Allah will help him and protect him and his family. And that this father will be granted the best of health so he could be there for this child. Always.

 

Postcall moments – those extra hours ..

Posted in All in a days work, Everyday Life by

I was late to leave for home that day. My patient collapsed in the early hours of the morning. Usually I’d try to tie up loose ends by 7AM and clear as many trivial green cases before the next shift comes in – just so they’d start fresh and less stressful. The cases will never stop coming in. It’s a fact we’ve gotten used to because people fall sick the whole time. So I thought it’ll be a normal routine. Alas, Allah has better plans.

The patient was a ‘regular customer’ to our centre. We could almost memorize his medical history. He was one of those patients we fear the Grim Reaper would visit when he steps onto hospital grounds. Indeed – the patient briefly walked towards the light during resuscitation.

His airway was difficult to manipulate and intubate. I had to escort him to the tertiary centre with a laryngeal mask airway. It was already past my hours of working but seeing the cases already piling up and the ward rounds my colleagues has to do – I decided to hop on the ambulance. They need all the help they can get. Plus, Mr Husband is around this weekend – I texted him saying that I’m still at work and that I’ll be late. Just so he won’t be worried. Driving 45 mins back home post call was never a good idea – but a job is a job.

We arrived at the tertiary centre uneventfully. Allah was kind to give me the learning opportunity to witness how a glidescope was used. My extra hours of working was not in vain. It was beneficial. Alhamdulilah. 

On the way back to the hospital, I had a quick nap in the ambulance. Afterwards,  I grabbed a coffee from the vending machine before I started my commute back home. My son was already beaming with joy as my car parked into the driveway. It was already near lunchtime. Mr Husband was doing his work on his laptop as I narrated the events that happened early morning. I took a long hot shower and suddenly The Important Knock came to the door,

“Cepat mandi Mummy, makanan dah siap”

(hurry up mummy, food is ready)

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Mr Husband was already preparing steamboat for our early lunch. Air tangan suami – obviously nyaman.  I then took my postcall nap as I couldn’t talk and think straight anymore.

Thank you for everything Allah – for reviving my patient, for giving me this wonderful family.