That's exactly what it is! Since I've been working night shift (which went by very smoothly, I might add), I got to sleep for quite a while today, got some errands taken care of, checking email, working on a monster pile of laundry that I've been putting off, waiting for our weekly firedrill,.... . All in all, a very relaxing, lazy day! I'll probably go up on deck for a while, maybe go for a walk later with friends.
I'm back on the maxillo-facial (max-fac) surgery ward and had several patients over the last three nights. Last night, I was observing one or two of our patients that were having trouble sleeping. For one, today's surgery will be her second extensive surgery on her face. For the other, it will be her third surgery, putting the finishing touches on a series of repairs to her mouth, lips, and nose. Oohh!....Fire drill....be back shortly...
Okay. I'm back. Only out on dock about an hour and it is a beautiful, warm day...good drill. Anyway...
Max-fac...Another man, spent most of the night sitting in bed, rocking back and forth, praying; then laying down for a little while; then up again a few minutes later, rocking and praying. I wondered what they might be thinking? Are they nervous about surgery and being on the ship because they've never done either before? Are they scared because they have had surgery before and know what's coming? Or are they more comfortable this time because they do know what's coming? Are they thinking about things needing done at home, or about their families and wondering how long they will be staying this time? Do they actually have a personal relationship with God or are they simply repeating meaningless names of saints? What are they thinking?
Occasionally, their facial expressions give away the thoughts circling in their minds. Monday, they brought back one of our max-fac patients from OR. She looked a mess--white gauze wrapped all around her head, blood oozing from the lower part of the dressing and from the inside of her mouth, oxygen on, face a little swollen, two IV's going, monitors on, etc. The man in the next bed over was to have a simple biopsy of a mass done the next day. He had already been looking a little nervous, but when they brought her in, his eyes grew about 3 sizes and the fear on his face was clear! Seeing this, the nurses quickly reassured him that he would NOT be looking anything like this after his surgery, that his was much, much simpler and less bloody! Poor man! He calmed down fairly quickly after this, however, and actually did seem to sleep fairly well that night! (There are some disadvantages to having all of the patients in the same room and this is definitely one of them!)
As busy as we get, we often don't think about what our patients might be going through, what they might be thinking about and, just as often, don't think to ask. Something to consider next time I step into the ward.
Anyhow,...I'm going to finish my laundry and head to dinner. My stomach's telling me it's time! Hope your day is as beautiful as mine's been!
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