Yes, i did! I mean, how many times in one's life, does one get to assist in a surgical procedure? (Vasectomy). I never knew i wanted to assist in a surgical procedure, but the set of circumstances that presented themselves last august when i started working part time, couldn't just be passed by... kwim?For me, it's like being high. Not the high one gets from doing something dangerous and accomplishing it.... (the evil knievel's, the flagpole sitters, etc... that's not for me... i am a chicken shit)... but the chance/opportunity to do something i havent done before and to do it well... and the doing it well part is really important to me.
When i was younger i was accused of being 'spoiled'. I always took great umbrage at this. 'Spoiled' meant that i always got what i wanted and i knew that wasnt the case... not by a long shot. What DID occur was that when i really wanted something, i went and got it.... no if's, and's or but's about it. One of the readers of my blog has known me since i was about 17, i'll never forget her saying to me "jeez rachel, when you want something, you just go get it!". i always took this as a very great compliment. granted, some of the things i have wanted haven't always been in the best interest of myself (or of others)... but it was/is a most definite part of my personality.
so... the accomplishment of being able to assist, hands-on in a vasectomy was something that i had aimed for and succeeded at and got the "good job" pat-on-the-back from the doctor afterwards. i walked into the situation after some deep breaths, assuming the persona that i had done this a million times, my hands didn't shake, there was a smile on my face and i read the doctors signals as if i had been working with him for years! a goal reached... and now i will continue with this until i can't go any further.
i've already cut my teeth (my vampiric eye teeth) drawing blood... (just a bit out of practice).... the next procedure i will assist with is a Prostate Biopsy.
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FAN-tastic! serious congratulations are in order! you are amazing!
ReplyDeletenow, take two aspirins, get some rest, and if the condition persists, call me in the morning.
heh! I seem to recall you were younger than that.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations. I had no doubt you would be cool and professional.
LMAO jonna... you are prolly right... i was giving myself the benefit of the doubt i think!
ReplyDeleteand as far as 'cool and professional'.... it helps that we load up most of the patients with valium :)
Congrats on doing such a professional job... I'm sure that a position a man feels awkward to be in and having comforting, friendly people around helps!
ReplyDeleteafter having been through an experience like this i imagine you are seeing the world - human fragility etc.- differently. our whole lives should include such milestones...
ReplyDeletethank you helen. the comforting part is important to me.... i find it very interesting that even the most 'macho' of men become equals when they have no pants on.
ReplyDeleteisland sweet.....the 'human fraility' factor is very important to me. each day that i am there, it forces me to remember how frail we all are... and that i DO HAVE the time to listen and communicate with someone that maybe no one really wants to listen to anymore....
ReplyDeleteSo, that's it? No gruesome descriptions, no bonding with the patient, no wondering about all the unborn children this man will no longer have? Hmmmm.... I thought this was going to be juicier!
ReplyDeleteJust kidding! I don't even know you but am proud of you and know exactly what you mean about excelling at something you didn't know about before. Kudos!
Rachel (with a capital R)... i was really thinking of going the gory route and then thought i'd take the higher road.....mwahhhhhhhh... higher road.........lololololol... i was trying to be serious, couldntcha tell?
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