The day started off crazy. Neil, the other anesthesiologist, seemed to be stuck close to his bathroom and said he would be unable to start cases. By now we were all on our game so I was pretty sure it would be possible to get going in good time. As I was starting the 4th room, Neil swept in having recovered miraculously, and he continued with the case.
Carolina and I went to see the post operative patients again. We adjusted some pain medication and listened to requests to go home although we have no power to discharge patients. It’s a surgical decision.
We came back to the OR. I walked into one of my rooms just as it was determined that the breathing tube was no longer in the patient’s airway. We pulled off the sterile drapes and gave the patient ventilation by mask until we were able to reestablish and secure the airway. It was a few tense moments but nothing critical. I have dealt with much worse airway problems. At least in this instance we had full access to the patient.
The rest of the day was pretty routine except for the fact that the surgeon was on edge. Luckily I have worked with him many times over the years and he trusts my expertise.
I was able to leave early today. So I planned a little outing to a speakeasy. There are several fun spots here that have secret entrances. Ulew is inside a brewery. The entrance is through a telephone booth. The bartender creates a drink for you based on your choice of liquor and fruits or other additives. They bring the special drink on a fun tray that has figures or pictures on it. Mine had the Statue of Liberty and a large rat. Hmmm. I didn’t tell them I was from NYC.
We walked around the corner to find a place for dinner since the bar serves no food; not even nibbles. We decided on a restaurant menu that looked interesting and went inside. I guess the tourist season is pretty much over because we were completely alone. Dinner was a nice grilled fish with what may have been mashed potatoes or some other puree. We had passion fruit sorbet for dessert. Time to go to bed to get ready for another busy day.
The Adventures of Anne 