03/03/2024
"What is and isn't, what should and shouldn't be & what will and will not be, the questions on reality, morality, existence and possibilities, all breathe out of that little over-a-kg of mushy mass confined in a cage of cranium, the same little mass that bestowed upon us, out of all the other species on this planet, the unique ability to reflect back and write about itself while sipping chai.
Fascination dies a slow death if not breathed through,
so I wanted to see if it stands the test or not.
Here's a rough breakdown of the two weeks of my neurosurgery rotation :
🎗️ Out Patient Department (OPDs)
I entered OPD on my first day with a huge crush on aphasias and behavioural biology, less-retained-much-forgotten knowledge of neuroanatomy (which I confirmed by giving Dr Aziz a funny blank stare when he asked me a simple question on brachial plexus), and as always, a little late and sleepy.
Before I proceed, I would like to introduce two important characters from the story, Hamza and Meriam, juniors in college but seniors in curiosity.
What I liked about Dr Sajjad was that he gave us that necessary bout of push to perform and learn,
saw me perform the physical exam? Now do it yourself.
saw me do the ventricular tap? Now do it yourself.
The same goes for radiology, DDx and prescriptions.
We saw the bread and butter of everyday neuro OPD in KTH, cervical and lumbar pain, Carpel Tunnel, Headache, Hydrocephalus every now and then, degenerated discs, muscle spasms, sciatica, and possibly some very interesting cases.
OPDs on alternate days gave me that necessary dose of doctor-patient interaction, the subtle lessons of patient psychology and the art of dealing, communication, breaking a bad news and giving the necessary but cautious amount of hope to the patient. This was the part I loved the most about my rotation and I started to look forward to OPDs more than OTs.
Much more to write but let's try to keep it short.
🎗️ Operation Theatre (OTs)
"Fascination", yes, that's the word you were looking for in this part, and yes I was fascinated.
The adrenaline of scrubbing in for a surgery and feeling as if you are Derek Shepherd to the soreness of standing for 4-5 hours straight thinking you are going to publish something on surgeons getting DVTs. The beeps, cuts, stealth, intensity and nerves, all worth it.
From feeling a vulnerable spinal cord, an open brain and feeling that warmth and pulsations, to realizing how fragile a human life is, and how vulnerable a human being on an OT table is.
Did some assistance, made some stitches, learned some stuff, but my five start review goes to Hamza and Meriam assisting on a burr hole. That was some real talk."
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