We were slated to be picked up at 6:30 this morning. People straggled into breakfast before 6. The bus arrived at 6:15. We sent out a text telling everyone that the bus had arrived and the group was finally all together at 6:40. We arrived at the hospital at 7:30, a minor triumph.
The surgeons went to see yesterday’s patients as the OR staff dressed and prepared for the day. We called for our first patients, gave them IVs and brought them into the ORs. Cases were all started by about 8:15 which was an hour earlier than yesterday. Since each room has 2 six hour cases, it was important to start early.
Around 11 am we began to hear very loud thunder rumbling. Then it began to rain, or so we thought. Once people started going downstairs to the cafeteria, they reported back that there had been a hail storm and it was raining into the cafeteria. Each afternoon has had a thunderstorm here but this was definitely a surprise. Being inside a windowless area, it’s impossible to know exactly what’s happening outside.
Second cases in each room started between 1 and 2 pm. It was my turn to stay late until everything was finished and all patients were taken to their rooms. That was a bit after 9 pm. The 3 of us who were there got an Uber to the hotel arriving at 10:10. My team and 2 surgeons were eating in the restaurant. So I joined them for a quick meal and a drink. Tomorrow starts again at 6:30 for the bus. Time to sleep.
The Adventures of Anne 