Day 29, On Call

Day 29, I’ve now just finished my first proper 24 hour on call and I’m really beginning to feel it. As I have mentioned previously I have been on a few calls already but this was the first that I was actually pretty much up all night.

This time I was covering the wards, usually the quieter of the nightly responsibilities, or so I thought. As a result of being ward cover, I ventured into the unknown when I was called by labour ward. I’ve been far more comfortable at the other end of the bed with the baby already detached, trying to figure out whether a baby had a heart beat whilst sill in the old girl was another matter. Thankfully I used a book which is tantamount to Obstetrics for Dummies and the OPD ultrasound scanner to reassure that something viable was still in there.

Just as I go t back to get a little rest, I was summoned by paediatrics this time. I thought it’s safer territory, I’ll be out here real quick. Of course when I got there it was a baby with massive hydrocephalus and severe stridor. Looking at it the prognosis was not good and I discussed him with the local specialist unit, they suggested sticking a needle in his head and draining fluid off at 1am if I was worried.

When I eventually managed to come up with a plan did not involve me foraying into neurosurgery I managed to get into bed. Lo and behold within 45 minutes I was back on labour ward, this time prepping a woman for a caesarean, again with book in hand. It did however mean that I succeeded my first ever spinal anaesthesia. Her previous sections made for a difficult operation and it was 5am before I got back to the bed. Only to be woken again to be told my hydrocephalic baby was deteriorating.

Once the day staff arrived and I continued on with my day jobs I did not feel the sleep deprivation. However as the day progressed I become more and more dazed. Added to the fact that the following morning I was getting up at 4am to head to Durban my sentiments about sleep and South Africa have only been reaffirmed. But the 24 hour on call is only an appetiser to the weekends on call, may have to get a better look at the Dummies Guide.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L_fCqg92qks