Everyone gathered in the lobby after an early breakfast to catch a ride to the hospital. Hien and Thao had already started walking (and beat us all there). The rest of us got to the hospital early and began final checks and set up. It is almost like a Space Shuttle launch - Houston was buzzing!
We had a run through of the emergency scenarios, just to remind everyone who may not have thought of each possible need: where the fire extinguisher is and who to call if blood is needed. Then the first patients were brought down to be readied for surgery.
Since all the patients had been admitted to the hospital the day before, we did not have the typical problems that plague us in the states when patients come from home. No one was late, no one had eaten, and we knew where they were.
The anesthesia team was ready. We pounced on the first patient and without a hitch, we got to work. He was an adorable toddler, with a beautiful and very concerned mother. Children can be so enchanting!
Thao induced, I held, and Hien got the IV. Then I started my case, Hien did the IV, and away we went! It was only by working side by side with this incredible team that I learned how lucky I am to be here with them.
I don't know what my camera did here, but this sweet young man is not photoshopped! He needed a revision and had a beautiful result from our local associate, Dr. Nyuong. Dr. Hien got to use the Glidescope.
Our team is held up on the shoulders of some amazing people. One of our translators and support persons is Phi. Here she is, having set up a table of snacks, fresh coffee, and tea for us. She also provides wonderful hugs and a sunny smile throughout the day. How can success not happen with people like this in the process!
We had two teenage girls toward the end of the day, with the same teen energy and issues seen anywhere around the world. This girl was very anxious and had trouble letting herself trust our care. But you can see, a few doses of medication later, she was like a warm puppy. I love my job!
One thing that always hits us in the face is how good care can be delivered with so little fuss and mandates. Without the extreme encombrances of JCHAO, unions, Medicare mandates, and litigations, things flow and we can just do what we do without computers, paperwork, and arbitrary policies. We get to see another system at work each place we travel, and with how little the locals can do so much. The recovery room that we share here has about 18 beds, the patients are monitored with very large font displays, and a few nurses watch from a side station. They simply cannot provide 1 nurse per patient in this busy place. It is fascinating to watch from our end of the room.
No one walked home today; the weary legs were ready to rest. We took our bus to the hotel, showered off the dust and fatigue from the day, and stepped next door to a restaurant for dinner. The table next to me reminded me how fortunate we are in California to have no-smoking laws - there were about six men smoking during their dinner, which was not only strange to see, but a nuisance to have to smell during our dinner. Smoking while eating seems to be a regular hobby here.
Back to the rooms - horizontal position - next stop, Wednesday!
