I have lost interest in techy gadgets but since my cell phone is giving up on me, I am considering getting a replacement. I always loved Sony Ericsson Walkman series as it gives me a boost whenever I play music on it. I have my eye on the model that costs about P20,000 and I can also see that an ipod touch is waving at me but in this tough economic times, I may reconsider getting a low end type.

In the midst of the summer heat, I went out and braved the sun to run some errands. Had to get money from Western Union, went to pick up my professional license from PRC (Professional Regulations Commision) and renew my driver’s license at LTO (Land Trasportation Office). I was also able to buy a cell phone and ship it to Switzerland.
I was able to finish them by 4:00 pm. I just grabbed myself a grande iced caramel macchiato and headed home.
I changed into my uniform and hit the road again for my night duty.
It was the usualy shift for me. My co-staff nurse just recognize the my left eye was red and I just dismissed the comment by telling him that it’s just irritated by the contact lense.
At 4:00 am while I was dressing the wound of the patient who has undergone coronary artery bypass graft. When I was about to drain the syringe in the comfort room, I took a glance at the mirror and was shocked to see that my left eye was bloodshot.
I hurriely went to the nurse’s bathroom and flushed it with sterile water. I even asked the help of a fellow nurse to flush it but the bleeding won’t stop so we decided to head for the ER. There, they did not do anything. They just asked me to rest. It’s useless. I decided to go back to the ward to finish my task instead.
After my shift, I went to the infirmary to see a doctor. He ordered to run some tests on me: CBC or complete blood count, PTPA and aPTT (both will check on my bleeding parameters). They all turned out tobe normal. Thank God!
I was told that it was a subconjunctival hemorrhage that will resolve on its own.
According to wrongdiagnosis.com:

Bleeding from one of the tiny, almost invisible blood vessel under the conjunctiva (the clear lining covering the eyeball and the inside of the eyelid). The condition can cause the whites of the eye to develop red patches from the blood trapped under the conjunctiva. Although the condition looks serious, it is painless, doesn’t impair vision and requires no treatment as the blood will usually disappear within a few weeks. The condition may occur for no apparent reason or may result from such things as an injury, coughing and heavy lifting

Since I am not hypertensive and diabetic, I know that it was caused by straining too much lifting a patient.

In the hospital, continuing education is one of the requirements for the performance appraisal. I was really surprised learning about this. For one, I really have plans of taking up my master’s degree but I did not think that it has a huge bearing in the performance appraisal. With the busy sked I have in the hospital that demands physical and mental stamina, I do not think going to school for the continuing education is feasible.
Some education institutions has already spotted on this problem that is why online university has become a huge industry today. Now that options are here, the question that faces me and the rest of busy people like me is which is the best school?
I for one does not just want to get master’s degree just to have a title or additional MAN or MS at the end of my name. I surely want to further my knowledge. That is why I also did my homework.
I came across the website of Western Governos University that offers online degree programs including Masters in Science in health professions. This school holds up its reputation as an educational institution founded by 19 US governors. It promises an outstanding quality education through the guidance of dedicated mentors.

A day after my birthday, I am still required to go to the hospital for our unit meeting. To avoid being penalized, I came in early and when I arrived I was told that a patient gave me a cake as a birthday present. I was trying to dish out the idea until I opened up that box and saw this:

That patient was the one who underwent Bentall procedure for his triple A and will be discharged today. I hurriedly went to this room to thank him. He barely recognized me because I was not in my uniform and I was wearing eyeglasses. After a few seconds of recalling who I was, he told me: You’re the one with the sad eye.. The one who almost cried with me when I was at te lowet part of my life.
Seriously, I cannot remember being emotional when I was his bedside nurse although I was told during the tran-in admission from the surgical ICU that he has had episodes of depressions there reaching the point of being combative.
I am glad that he’s okay and I also found out that he lives a few blocks from home.

It is my birthday and I am supposed to be chillin’ but since I was given the most difficult task of my life, as yet, I ended up having a pick me up at Figaro. AT 7:00 am I was already there rehearsing my lines while sipping their version of caramel macchiato. Caffeine always gives me a kick as it calms me down.
At 6:30, I received a text from my headnurse reminding me of my hosting duty. I told her that I was already within the hospital premises and that I am already freaking out. I started to calm down when she said that she believed in me that is why she chose me for the job.
The lecture started at 9:00 am with my invocation. At first, I felt like my chest is about to explode as my heart is pounding so hard. I started to take deep breaths and reasonable amount of pauses. I was able to finish the prayer. Next thing I know, everything went smoothly.
I got to seat with the division head and had some chitchats. It really helped me to relax and pull it through the entire program.
Another experience that can be added to my accomplishments…personally

It only about three days before my birthday but I am not really excited about it. I am actually feeling like I am sitting on the edge of my seat because that day is the day that I will be having my first ever hosting gig. It is a half-day lecture and asks for a smart-casual attire not a tuxedo event really but seriously, it still gives my nerves a chilling sensation every time I think of it. And guess what, I was told that it is going to be the start of everything… or the end depending on whether or not I peed in my pants.

My birthday is about to come and I promised by apprentice batchmates that we will be going out to celebrate it. They want some karaoke-type bar where they could belt out while enjoying the food and drinks. I want them to enjoy the day as much as I do for myself that is why I am scouting for the best entertainment centers to give my day a blast without draining my pocket.

I had a patient prepped for Bentall procedure. He is diagnosed to have abdominal aortic aneurysm.
He works for the World Health Organization and although he is regarded VIP, he never made us feel that he is a VIP, He and his brother are so grounded and loves to communicate with people.
What I love about my job is that every is an opportunity to learn. I am being rpesented with interesting situations that challenges me to think critically.
I have learned that I should not contain myself in the information that is being placed on the table. I should make my way out to discover information for my own good.
It was my first time to come across this situation and the outgoing nurse who made the endorsement is also at a loss when I asked what is Bentall procedure.
This is the question I had in mind until I got home and googled for some information.
Below are some of the details that made me understand the whole thing:

What is an aneurysm?
An aneurysm is an area of a localized widening (dilation) of a blood vessel. It came from the Greek “aneurysma” meaning “a widening”.

What is an aortic aneurysm?

It involves the aorta, one of the large arteries through which blood passes from the heart to the rest of the body. The aorta bulges at the site of the aneurysm like a weak spot on an old worn tire.
Rupture of an abdominal aneurysm causes profuse bleeding and leads to shock. Death may rapidly follow. Half of all persons with untreated abdominal aortic aneurysms die of rupture within five years.(medicinenet.com)

What is a Bentall procedure?
Bentall procedure is a type of open heart surgery in which the ascending aorta and aortic valve are replaced. It is performed for patients who have aneurysms. The aorta sometimes needs to be replaced to prevent the aorta from dissecting (splitting open).
Traditional AAA Repair is an open-abdomen surgery. The bulging aneurysm part of the aorta is removed, an artificial graft is put in its place, and the remaining aortic end-pieces are reattached to the graft. Alternatively, a less invasive surgery involves placing a stent graft to cover the aneurysm. Blood flows through the stent, entirely bypassing the aneurysm, thus preventing rupture, excluding the aneurysm from the circulation. This less invasive procedure can decrease length of stay and recovery time significantly. (meriter.com)
I am still trying to wrap my mind around this thing but then again, I have so much on my plate. Icould only pick one at time to digest.

My bestfriend’s dad has asked me to help me sell his Rolex. I am not good at appraising jewellery and accessories but I know that when Rolex comes to a topic, you will be talking serious money. I am not surprised that it is on sale at P250 grand. It is like buying Ferrari parts and the only difference if that the said time piece appreciates over time. I hope that I could help them dispatch the stuff as they are in serious need of cash.

My former patient who is now in Switzerland is planning to be back in Manila for his follow up check up. For his one month of stay, he plans to go on scuba diving. He’s been asking for my opinion if he’s going to take again the condo that he once rented during his stay in Manila. I suggested that for a change this time, she should try some Outer Banks vacation homes