I recently treated two college freshman who had concocted this homemade brew of nutmeg and poppy seeds. The reason for the poppy seeds is fairly obvious, but the addition of the nutmeg puzzled me a little. Until I called Poison Control and found out that nutmeg has fairly potent anticholinergic properties--tachycardia, dry mouth, vomiting, hallucinations---aaahhh...that's it--hallucinations. Our two little scientists had come up with a brand new concoction that was totally legal and available at your local grocery store.
Well, since the safety of this brew hasn't been as well established as some of the more commonly used drugs we see all the time (crack, meth, marijuana, etc), we were obligated to give these guys charcoal, which they inevitably vomited all over the place (why didn't I put in an NG tube???) For non-medical folks, charcoal vomiting creates a mess that no commercial stain remover is designed to clean up. This mess then tied up not one, but both of our night nurses for a good hour. We then had to call the social worker to come see them in the middle of the night and arrange for their ICU admission.
The thing that makes this story unique (besides the novel use of nutmeg) is that towards the end of this, one of them tells me "I'm really sorry about all of this." Huh? You're sorry? I was speechless. Sure, patients have said this before, but it's usually the little old lady who's so sorry to be bugging everyone about this, but she's concerned about this tearing sensation in her chest that turns out to be an aortic dissection. It's never the people that really should be sorry.
But you know what? The two words "I'm sorry" made everything--the charcoal mess, the tired social worker, the ICU admission--a little better for everyone. I guess it's because we've all done really stupid things in our lives, things that create bigger problems than a little mess on the floor. Thank goodness for the words, "I'm sorry."
Tuesday, January 29, 2008
Sunday, January 27, 2008
Tired
Just finishing a week of 12's--2 nights followed by three days. As any ER doctor knows, a 12-hour is really a 13-hour shift by the time things get all wrapped up. So, it's a 65-hour week. I used to pull those all the time in residency--I'm getting soft.
I'm not so much tired as I am annoyed. For me, annoyance with patients is my first sign of burnout, a sign that I need a break. I caught myself several times getting bored as the patient is talking to me, wondering in my head, "why in the world are they telling me this? Do they really think I care? Why on earth is this relevant?" Which is sort of dangerous, because on more than one occasion, a patient has volunteered a detail I never would have asked about that's been the key to their diagnosis. The problem is, for every one of those facts that saves your butt, you have to wade through 20 ramblings about a patient's tingling sensation in their left pinky.
It's flu season, which adds to the fatigue. Besides having to listen to the same constellation of symptoms over and over (and over...), I end up having to tell them that despite the fact that they're absolutely miserable, there's really nothing I can do that they can't do for themselves by a quick walk through the pharmacy. And even after my lengthy explanation that their illness is due to a virus, they inevitably ask, "Are you going to write me for something?" Yes, "something" means an antibiotic.
Did you hear a word of what I just said? YOU DON'T NEED AN ANTIBIOTIC. I don't care if your doctor gives you a Z-pack whenever you get this. You could take a pack of jelly beans and get better just as quickly. Here...I'll even put them in a pill bottle for you.
As you can tell, I'm not very good at the kind doctor comforting thing. It's actually much more tiring to me telling 20 people they're fine (without ticking them off) than treating 20 MI's. Wow...it's really a good thing I switched residencies.
Good news, I have a good week ahead. Only two shifts. I love 12's.
I'm not so much tired as I am annoyed. For me, annoyance with patients is my first sign of burnout, a sign that I need a break. I caught myself several times getting bored as the patient is talking to me, wondering in my head, "why in the world are they telling me this? Do they really think I care? Why on earth is this relevant?" Which is sort of dangerous, because on more than one occasion, a patient has volunteered a detail I never would have asked about that's been the key to their diagnosis. The problem is, for every one of those facts that saves your butt, you have to wade through 20 ramblings about a patient's tingling sensation in their left pinky.
It's flu season, which adds to the fatigue. Besides having to listen to the same constellation of symptoms over and over (and over...), I end up having to tell them that despite the fact that they're absolutely miserable, there's really nothing I can do that they can't do for themselves by a quick walk through the pharmacy. And even after my lengthy explanation that their illness is due to a virus, they inevitably ask, "Are you going to write me for something?" Yes, "something" means an antibiotic.
Did you hear a word of what I just said? YOU DON'T NEED AN ANTIBIOTIC. I don't care if your doctor gives you a Z-pack whenever you get this. You could take a pack of jelly beans and get better just as quickly. Here...I'll even put them in a pill bottle for you.
As you can tell, I'm not very good at the kind doctor comforting thing. It's actually much more tiring to me telling 20 people they're fine (without ticking them off) than treating 20 MI's. Wow...it's really a good thing I switched residencies.
Good news, I have a good week ahead. Only two shifts. I love 12's.
I am a cowgirl, yes I am!
So, here's a funny little thing I've gotten myself into... A friendly fellow in our ward asked me if I would be interested in learning cowboy music. I thought it sounded interesting, it is a musical genre that is so specific to the region and culture I live in, so I said "sure". Next thing I know, I am singing lyrics like"and when your all steak and stewed together, I'll still be pounding leather, move on, you cattle move along", and "I'm a riding, roping, ranching kind of cowboy, I'm at home with a fence tool, a rope, or a medicine kit, and no other kind of life would suit me now boys, I'm a hackamore man who'll never the the bit" while wearing a black cowboy hat and a red bandanna with a group of 60 year old men. I am not sure how this happened, but I'll tell you, I felt like I was dressing up for Halloween last night as I was getting ready for our first "gig". And, by the way, did you know you can spend $170 on a cowboy hat! I bought the cheapest one I could find, and it was a mere $50! Dressing cowboy is expensive! So, this is my latest little adventure. I am now an official member of the "Red Hill Rangers"! I'm practicing up for our big gig at the Lion's Club meeting tomorrow. It should be a barrel of fun, a hoot and a holler, a nice li'l gatherin, ...
Sunday, January 20, 2008
More pics...
Isn't this picture of Britton and Emily as Mary and Joseph sweet? (plus Kennedy the sheep.)
Okay, so here is another try. Hopefully, this will be some more Christmas pictures and some pictures from our hiking excursion in Red Cliffs last weekend. We will see how this goes.
All right! It worked this time! So on to this week. I could have titled this post SICK. We have had a barrage of viruses running through our house. Both Britton and Emily threw up at some time or another, Brock has a fever of 101.4 tonight, I have a sore throat, and Emily told me this morning that her "nose didn't have any air in it and the boogers in her throat were making her voice sound funny." She was right, when she tried to blow her nose, no air, or boogers moved.
Tonight, my mind is on house plans. As of today, Jeff has decided that for tax reasons, we should try to be into a new house a year from March. I know that is 14 months away, but I guess we have to start meeting with contractors and getting our plans together this week. I know lots of you have recently built homes. I would love to know what your favorite features are or things you wish you would have done differently. It scares me to think we will be building the house we may live in forever! Anyway, let the fun begin!
Okay, so here is another try. Hopefully, this will be some more Christmas pictures and some pictures from our hiking excursion in Red Cliffs last weekend. We will see how this goes.
All right! It worked this time! So on to this week. I could have titled this post SICK. We have had a barrage of viruses running through our house. Both Britton and Emily threw up at some time or another, Brock has a fever of 101.4 tonight, I have a sore throat, and Emily told me this morning that her "nose didn't have any air in it and the boogers in her throat were making her voice sound funny." She was right, when she tried to blow her nose, no air, or boogers moved.
Tonight, my mind is on house plans. As of today, Jeff has decided that for tax reasons, we should try to be into a new house a year from March. I know that is 14 months away, but I guess we have to start meeting with contractors and getting our plans together this week. I know lots of you have recently built homes. I would love to know what your favorite features are or things you wish you would have done differently. It scares me to think we will be building the house we may live in forever! Anyway, let the fun begin!
Some Old Pics
I am new to blogging and even newer to downloading my pictures on to the computer, so here is my first attempt. This was Emily as Mary on Christmas Eve. I know it is sideways, but I haven't figured out how to flip it yet, so turn your head. She took this role very seriously even though all her teenage cousins weren't so serious. It was very precious.
Thursday, January 17, 2008
The strike must end!
My favorite shows:
1) The Office
2) (a very close second) Scrubs
3) 30 Rock
4) My Name is Earl
5) A bunch of others - Pushing Up Daisies and Big Bang Theory are recent finds that are pretty good.
Guilty pleasures - So You Think You Can Dance, Biggest Loser
Show that must die soon...
American Idol. How does this show get 4-5 hours every week?
The writers' strike needs to end. If I miss the final season of Scrubs, I'll be ticked.
1) The Office
2) (a very close second) Scrubs
3) 30 Rock
4) My Name is Earl
5) A bunch of others - Pushing Up Daisies and Big Bang Theory are recent finds that are pretty good.
Guilty pleasures - So You Think You Can Dance, Biggest Loser
Show that must die soon...
American Idol. How does this show get 4-5 hours every week?
The writers' strike needs to end. If I miss the final season of Scrubs, I'll be ticked.
Wednesday, January 16, 2008
Mitt wins Michigan...pandering
So Mitt Romney won Michigan last night. I'm glad--I like Mitt and I think his abilities and accomplishments outshine anyone from either party. I also think he hasn't been treated very fairly by the media, and it's always nice to see them eat their words. It's funny--this victory was treated as a resuscitation to his campaign, despite the fact that he was leading in delegates going into Michigan.
BUT...he has this nasty habit of pandering. The media has picked up on this and run with it, and he hasn't done much to discourage it. Joining the NRA, claiming he's a lifelong hunter, reminiscing about watching his dad march with MLK, denying that he called McCain's immigration policy "amnesty", "changing [his] mind" on abortion...the list goes on and on. Now he's telling Michigan voters that he'll fight to get their auto manufacturing jobs back.
Uh...they're not coming back. And Mitt knows it. You can't pay a high school graduate 100K+ to bend a piece of sheet metal all day and expect to compete. So, exactly how is he going to fight for those jobs? Did he change his mind about unions too?
The irony is that he didn't really need to do any of this. He's smart, charismatic, well-spoken, and has a great record. Why open himself up like this? It'd be really nice if the Mormon candidate was the one known for being straightforward and honest, and not the guy that'll say or do anything for a vote.
Interesting quiz online to help you decide who to vote for: http://www.gotoquiz.com/candidates/2008-quiz.html
Chelsea's top candidate? Hillary Clinton.
Hehehe.
BUT...he has this nasty habit of pandering. The media has picked up on this and run with it, and he hasn't done much to discourage it. Joining the NRA, claiming he's a lifelong hunter, reminiscing about watching his dad march with MLK, denying that he called McCain's immigration policy "amnesty", "changing [his] mind" on abortion...the list goes on and on. Now he's telling Michigan voters that he'll fight to get their auto manufacturing jobs back.
Uh...they're not coming back. And Mitt knows it. You can't pay a high school graduate 100K+ to bend a piece of sheet metal all day and expect to compete. So, exactly how is he going to fight for those jobs? Did he change his mind about unions too?
The irony is that he didn't really need to do any of this. He's smart, charismatic, well-spoken, and has a great record. Why open himself up like this? It'd be really nice if the Mormon candidate was the one known for being straightforward and honest, and not the guy that'll say or do anything for a vote.
Interesting quiz online to help you decide who to vote for: http://www.gotoquiz.com/candidates/2008-quiz.html
Chelsea's top candidate? Hillary Clinton.
Hehehe.
Tuesday, January 15, 2008
My first post...
I recently finished a book by Patricia Grimes called "Just Trying to Save A Few Lives", or something like that (it's funny...I remember the author's name but not the title of the book--maybe she should have just titled it "Grimy stories"), and it gave me the idea that I need to start keeping track of these encounters for....something (posterity? book deal? sanity?). So, at risk of becoming the third wheel at Chelsea's female blogging club, I'm going to interject here and there.
But now that I'm typing, I'm sort of at a loss as to where to begin. I get the request for a story all the time when I tell someone what I do, and I seem to always be at this same loss. The problem is that nearly all of the stories that come to mind either are either really morbid/tragic or involve objects inserted into bodily orifices where they shouldn't (and you would often think--couldn't) fit.
Well, there's the Thanksgiving that I spent in the "thumb" of Michigan where I sent home a little girl who had a cold with her mom and older brother, only to see her come back by ambulance with her mother 45 minutes later, brother decapitated in a car accident, mother with a displaced elbow fracture and screaming "Where is my son? What happened to my son?" (do I tell her? or do I just sedate her so she doesn't permanently wreck her arm?) , and little girl trying to act brave through it all, and then having to contact the divorced father across the state to tell him his son is dead, all this with one nurse and six other patients wondering why I'm taking so long to get to them...
Sort of a conversation killer.
I don't want to have the reputation of "the weird doctor who works at night all the time and pssst...I think it's gotten to him." So, while I'm sure I'll hit the "slipped in the shower and happened to land right on this hairdryer" stories, I would like to record some of the everyday entertaining encounters that make me love my job.
But I really don't know where to begin. The story I really want to tell, the one that's timely and hilariously funny (as opposed to just funny), falls into that second category and will probably make everyone wonder just what kind of guy Chelsea is now stuck with forever. I'm sure I'll get around to it in a few weeks when everyone has learned to skip my posts, but it's really not a good icebreaker. So for now, it's a slow Tuesday morning shift (the kind I rarely get as the low guy on the totem pole) and maybe something will walk through the door and give me something to talk about.
But now that I'm typing, I'm sort of at a loss as to where to begin. I get the request for a story all the time when I tell someone what I do, and I seem to always be at this same loss. The problem is that nearly all of the stories that come to mind either are either really morbid/tragic or involve objects inserted into bodily orifices where they shouldn't (and you would often think--couldn't) fit.
Well, there's the Thanksgiving that I spent in the "thumb" of Michigan where I sent home a little girl who had a cold with her mom and older brother, only to see her come back by ambulance with her mother 45 minutes later, brother decapitated in a car accident, mother with a displaced elbow fracture and screaming "Where is my son? What happened to my son?" (do I tell her? or do I just sedate her so she doesn't permanently wreck her arm?) , and little girl trying to act brave through it all, and then having to contact the divorced father across the state to tell him his son is dead, all this with one nurse and six other patients wondering why I'm taking so long to get to them...
Sort of a conversation killer.
I don't want to have the reputation of "the weird doctor who works at night all the time and pssst...I think it's gotten to him." So, while I'm sure I'll hit the "slipped in the shower and happened to land right on this hairdryer" stories, I would like to record some of the everyday entertaining encounters that make me love my job.
But I really don't know where to begin. The story I really want to tell, the one that's timely and hilariously funny (as opposed to just funny), falls into that second category and will probably make everyone wonder just what kind of guy Chelsea is now stuck with forever. I'm sure I'll get around to it in a few weeks when everyone has learned to skip my posts, but it's really not a good icebreaker. So for now, it's a slow Tuesday morning shift (the kind I rarely get as the low guy on the totem pole) and maybe something will walk through the door and give me something to talk about.
Sunday, January 13, 2008
Another Week!
Well, this week was filled with - what our life is usually filled with. Britton goes to school, Jeff goes to work, and Brock, Emily and I stay home and try to manage ourselves. There are a few exciting things that happened.
First, Britton began cello group lessons. He has been taking private lessons since October, but got to start playing with a group this week. He did a solo for the other kids and was so proud of himself. It is wonderful to watch him make progress and feel the joy that comes from playing an instrument. I hope he continues.
Second, after a busy week, we were able to go hiking on Saturday. One of the absuloutely wonderful things about living in Southern Utah is that even in January, we can drive for half an hour and be in warm weather! We left six inches of snow and drove to Red Cliffs to hike and play. it was 55 degrees with blue skies and signs of spring everywhere! The scenery is breathtaking. The rich red cliffs are astounding, but even more so in contrast to the blue, snow-covered Pine Valley Mountains right behind them. The kids were able to hike and climb and run. Everyone was excited to be outside, but none more then Brock. He is a boy who loves to move, and he had no trouble keeping up with us on the trail with a rock in each hand, each pocket, and usually one in the mouth. He just kept squealing with delight and was filled with "oohs and aahs". We were able to hike in short sleeves and feel the sunshine. It was so rejuvinating. I couldn't help but to feel so happy - so at home. It was a great day.
First, Britton began cello group lessons. He has been taking private lessons since October, but got to start playing with a group this week. He did a solo for the other kids and was so proud of himself. It is wonderful to watch him make progress and feel the joy that comes from playing an instrument. I hope he continues.
Second, after a busy week, we were able to go hiking on Saturday. One of the absuloutely wonderful things about living in Southern Utah is that even in January, we can drive for half an hour and be in warm weather! We left six inches of snow and drove to Red Cliffs to hike and play. it was 55 degrees with blue skies and signs of spring everywhere! The scenery is breathtaking. The rich red cliffs are astounding, but even more so in contrast to the blue, snow-covered Pine Valley Mountains right behind them. The kids were able to hike and climb and run. Everyone was excited to be outside, but none more then Brock. He is a boy who loves to move, and he had no trouble keeping up with us on the trail with a rock in each hand, each pocket, and usually one in the mouth. He just kept squealing with delight and was filled with "oohs and aahs". We were able to hike in short sleeves and feel the sunshine. It was so rejuvinating. I couldn't help but to feel so happy - so at home. It was a great day.
Monday, January 7, 2008
Here Goes...
Well, Here we are in a new city with a new job, a new home, a new school and new life experiences that I know will pass away quickly and possibly unremembered, so I have finally committed myself to writing down what comes and goes. When I was sending out Christmas cards, I realized we had friends and family in a dozen states and twice as many cities. I also realized how much I enjoyed hearing a little slice of their lives, so here goes... a little slice of Gardner family life, if for no one else, for me, so I can recall the many experiences that make up my life story.
I will start with a funny little story that happened recently. Emily(3) recently came into my room heartbroken. Through her sobs, she finally explained that Britton(6) had told her that "There is no such thing as girls." Emily looks up to Britton and hangs on his every word as truth, so this statement was devastating. She could not be consoled until Britton recanted his statement. I love that she adores her big brother so much. I don't love as much how Britton revels in the power it gives him, but for the most part he adores her right back and mostly enjoys her too. In fact, Britton sleeps on Emily's floor every night because he enjoys her company. He has his own room, but prefers to share with his little sister. Pretty sweet!
I will start with a funny little story that happened recently. Emily(3) recently came into my room heartbroken. Through her sobs, she finally explained that Britton(6) had told her that "There is no such thing as girls." Emily looks up to Britton and hangs on his every word as truth, so this statement was devastating. She could not be consoled until Britton recanted his statement. I love that she adores her big brother so much. I don't love as much how Britton revels in the power it gives him, but for the most part he adores her right back and mostly enjoys her too. In fact, Britton sleeps on Emily's floor every night because he enjoys her company. He has his own room, but prefers to share with his little sister. Pretty sweet!
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