The Week in Review

This week has been fairly uneventful.  We have just been doing surgery and trying to stay healthy.  This week we did do a case on a man with a condition similar to Elephantitis.  He had huge bony outgrowths all over his face causing it to be hugely misshapen.  They were able to scrape the excess bone off and make him pretty normal looking.  These are the kind of cases you only read about in textbooks.  Sometimes you even need a textbook to help you on your way.

This is the typical view from the anesthesia side of things.

We had an IDF attack during the week.  Everyone has to report in their gear.  We were told that there had been one person injured and we reported to the ER to await the patient.  These are the windows outside the trauma bay.  The crowds of people inside each have a specific job to do so that things get done very quickly and nothing is overlooked.  We did not actually get a patient from the rocket attack.  It turned out to be someone that hurt themselves running around after the rocket hit and injuries were minimal.

When we get American soldiers that have been wounded they are brought from the small hospitals all over the country to us after they have been initially stabilized.  We evaluate them and take them back to surgery if indicated and then get them ready to ship out to Germany.  These are the cots for the wounded warriors that are to be transported today.  They get loaded on to buses and then put on huge med-evac planes.  

This is an injury I sustained during a wild throw in Ninja Wars.  No Purple Heart for me though.

We got a package from a pre-school and they sent a picture along with it.  I thought it was so awesome I took a picture of it and am passing it along.  I couldn't get it to turn so you'll have to turn your monitor or your head.  I have received several packages from good souls at home that were meant for those that wouldn't get anything for Christmas.  I just wanted to let those people know how appreciated these items have been to those wounded warriors that have received them.  

Lastly,  The weather has gotten cold and everyone is coming down with a cold/flu bug.  So far I have dodged the bullet but it is likely a matter of time considering how closely we all work.  As they say what doesn't kill you makes you stronger.  Have a great week.  I promise to let you know what Christmas in Afghanistan is like.