This is clearly one week when things don't go according to plan.
No matter how hard I try to find time (which, unfortunately, I've been lacking of lately) so I could do something useful, there will ALWAYS be some event which comes along the way and completely mess my schedules up.
Take my unexpected visit to the Student Union dentist yesterday, for example. Just two days prior I was flossing my teeth, and before I knew it I chipped a chunk of my dental filling off! So I hastily booked an appointment....and at 11.15am (after plastics GWR), I was seated at the dental office. The refill went smoothly, apart from the fact that the LA used was a bit strong for me, so I ended up with:
1. A "partial lower motor neuron weakness" of my lower jaw and tongue (ie: I spoke funny, had a sign akin to L. hypoglossal nerve palsy and I couldn't smile properly!!),
2. A really anaesthetic L. mandible, L. lower lip and left portion of the tongue
3. Nausea
Those symptoms lasted for about 3 hours. So yes, I felt crappy.....particularly during the first half of the fracture clinic which I attended from 1.30pm (YES, I KNOW I SHOULD TAKE LEAVE IF I'M FEELING SICK BUT I DON'T WANT TO AT THAT TIME!!!).
[A good thing I didn't in the end, as I learnt a great deal at clinic with Mr. Bucknill (consultant) and Jike (ortho registrar).]
Other things that did not turn out well:
1. Did not go into OT this week. A shame, especially when there WAS a TOTAL HIP REPLACEMENT just this afternoon, which I was DYING to go but I cannot as we had PBL discussion and a radiology tute, which lasted till almost 4.30pm. The operation started at 1pm and was expected to finish at 5....so it was rather pointless for me attending after tute. sigh. I could try my luck tomorrow, provided there is a good surgical case medics can go to.
2. Long case presentations. I initially planned to clerk and examine at least 3 patients this week, so I could pick one out of three and present that case for next week's "D-day". I've managed to complete one case only so far, no thanks to many upheavals in my timetable (which meant I had to prioritise). Tomorrow's Friday already.....and from the look of my schedule, I think I could squeeze in a slot for a long-case. However, that would mean I have to skip OT (again).....
3. Catching patients (for aforementioned long-case presentation). With my now jam-packed schedule, I could only look for them either in the morning (between 8 - 8.30am, provided I don't have WRs or early tutes) or in the evening (ie: after 4.30pm). At the moment, I do not have much luck finding good medical/surgical cases.
4. Revision. Again, another problem area for me (and other medics) =P Notes pilling up high now. [Major exam's in 7 1/2 weeks, for your information. DAMMIT!!!!]
5. Keeping up with others' expectations. A tough call when one (with exceedingly small brainpower) has to juggle with five specialties, and I think I've disappointed a few people along the way.... *bows head in shame*
