Recap...

This week:

* I was part of a failed resuscitation for a full arrest on my first day in ED. It was my first "Jane Doe". It was really sad, as we couldn't even contact her family members to let them know of her passing.

* I totally embarassed myself at the morgue. Had to certify a death in front of police officers, and funeral directors who have come for the body - AND MY PEN TORCH DIDN'T WORK. In the end, the police officer lent me his "big ass torch". Needless to say, everyone had a good laugh.

* Glued a little bub's forehead up, after her falling and hitting her head. Mom was totally entirely freaked out, of course.. But was very appreciative. Bub loved me, which made me really happy. *Yes, I'm good with kids*

* Intubated a patient in ED to be flown down to Melbourne.

* Sutured a man's face who got cut by a chainsaw - under local anaesthetics, in ED~! The local GP didn't want to do it, as he was concerned he had fractured his skull bones and thought he needed a surgeon.

* I had my fair dose of appendicitis that needed urgent theatre. Both my appendices were really nasty. Apparently, now I'm known to be the resident that attracts all the appendix! Right... (O.o)

* Bludged in ED, drinking tea and writing discharge summaries when it was quiet. Joked around and counted the leaks in our new Emergency Department the day it rained cats and dogs.

* Had heaps of fun plastering each other in the plaster room in ED. Was squealing and giggling when they sawed my plaster off. I absolutely couldn't tolerate the vibrating saw on my hand. Made Vlad rip the plaster cast off instead! It was hilariously anxiety provoking.

* Epistaxis on Monday, Wednesday and Friday - I'm known as the packing expert now. Hahaha.

* Sent a "constipation" home only to come back two days later as "perforated diverticulitis". Felt really crap, apologized to her. The worst part was, she was not angry, but instead, said to me "That's the way the cookie crumbles, love". I held her hand, and wished her good luck. Came home, cried, and felt like slapping myself hard on the face!

My deepest appreciation to my friends, colleagues, senior doctors who have been superbly supportive this week. Telling me that I did well, and could not have known, given her atypical presentation. I still feel bad, but at least I know it's not my fault. ( I did consult a senior doctor, I did not just send her home )

--------

My share of the good, the bad, and the ugly...

Yet, I had a great week, and am looking forward to my next week of work. Meanwhile, I'm going to be off for 6 days, and will be driving back to Melbourne tomorrow morning... :)