Last Sunday evening, I was in my own consultation room handling Priority 3 patients. So, according to the emergency department triage system, a patient can be quickly classified as Priority 1/2/3 based on symptoms and vital signs. So Priority 1 refers to patients whose life/limb/vision maybe in danger - These include patients presenting with heart attack (acute myocardial infarction in the medical lingo), acute stroke, severe trauma/accident, etc. who need immediate action to actually save their lives. Priority 2 may be sick yet stable patients, a good percentage of whom would likely need to be admitted in the hospital for further management - these could be to medical/surgical specialities. Priority 3, are supposed to be the not so sick, stable patients, who could be potentially discharged from ED itself - but honestly, these might be the toughest of the lot. In P3, it depends on a doctor's clinical skill and acumen, some intuition as well, to guide him/her to pick up the not-so-not-so-sick patients - so from P3, we'd still have some patients we identify who cannot be safely discharged.We've had people with normal ECG, having not so typical chest pain, having a Non-ST-Elevation-MI (heart attack); we've had people with oral bleed post dental cleaning procedure, requiring admission for blood transfusion thanks to severe blood loss; we've had people with non-specific abdominal pain, with X-rays showing definite intestinal obstruction; we've had psychotic patients with an element of depression, near-suicidal, requiring admission. So, now P3 doesn't seem all that simple does it?
My last patient that night shift was a European lady, teaching German. When I wished her "Guten Morgan!" she was pleasantly surprised :) It's always relieving when the shift is nearing it's end. It's like a heavy load lifted off one's chest. Thus, soon it was "Guten nacht to me!"
Good sleep - #Priority!
Later on Monday evening, I headed out with Maa. We decided to pay little Kabir a visit. At one and a half years, he's an adorable little boy, whose first word was "Jai", in praise of the Lord, who dances "Balle Balle" with a raised finger :D, loves swimming and as all other babies, loves attention :D So, that evening we spent enjoying his sweet little acts - right from "When you're happy and you know it..." to "Ringa Ringa Roses" where he'd just watch his mum, Prerna and me "fall down" but he'd keep standing, as if to show, he's the hero :D So damn cute - I could eat him up! :P
Time with kids - young and old - #Priority!
We then headed to the Happy Marketer office, down the road. Located at a traffic junction, the old shophouse architecture on the exterior, with cool, modern interiors; I really like how it's a reflection of the team themselves. Strong foundation values, knowledge and skill set with an enviable attitude and passion towards their work :) Hoping, they keep at it and stay awesome, stay happy.
Work of course, bread-winning :D - #Priority!
We walked across the street and Pran had some Thai dinner while we enjoyed chilled sugarcane juice. Then, we headed to our favourite waffles stop - R.O.D., to introduce Maa. Yaay, so I've officially introduced 5 people to these heavenly, fluffly, snow-flaked waffles. Now, I'm at peace :D
Walking, exercising and having a balanced diet, in moderation - #Priority!
The shift post a night shift is like starting a new game on Angry Birds/Candy Crush :D A new day, new opportunity to push yourself and give it your best - kick some arse :D Had a night shift mid-week as well - Entered the ER with "Tonight's gonna be a good night" playing on loop in my head!
Games and Music - Entertainment - #Priority!
Being Doctors' Day back in India, it was overwhelming to receive much love and blessings from near and dear ones. It's touching to be valued and appreciated in such a manner. Pran put up a rather sweet picture captioned - "Happy Doctors' Day to the most beautiful Doc I know". Amma and Maa followed suit with kind words and gestures. I woke up to find pretty purple flowers and cherries with a hand-written cute little card from Maa-Baba. I must have done something good in my life, to deserve such love and affection. Deep within, I earnestly hope, I can reciprocate at least a quarter of such compassion, in this lifetime...
Compassion and service - #Priority!
I was reading "What Doctors Feel..." by Danielle Ofri that evening. Bits of it made me feel nostalgic as well. I've been working in Emergency for just about a year and a half. But days as a medical student and then an intern, are memories for life. Of course, I'm learning new things each day and loving my work, but no one would deny, those days were the "Best Days of my life...". What I wouldn't give to go back to those days, and just let go and dance and jump together as a bunch of crazy, care-free teenagers :D
Me-time reading, dancing or meditating - #Priority!
Anyways... back to the present! Soon enough, it was Friday. And after a morning shift, I got home, freshened up, wore a dress, which was 10yrs old :D and headed out with Maa to meet Prantik for dinner and dessert, thereafter, to celebrate 7 months since our wedding. Maa very sweetly knitted us a sky blue basket of sorts, which hangs in our kitchen now :) She treated us to Baskin Robbins ice-cream as well. This month anniversary was indeed special with Maa around :)
Family time - #Priority!
I finally had a day off over the weekend - but as luck would have it, Prantik had a cricket game all day! So, Maa and I headed out. Our first stop was at our friends' 3 year old's birthday party at Indian Curry House, Expo. It was endearing to meet so many people from the Dayal khaandaan, who knew me thanks to #SocialShaadi, though I hadn't met them ever. It was exciting and fun - almost felt like a celebrity :D:D:D
Later that evening, post Prantik's victorious game, we headed to one of their long lost Pune friend's home. Tanushree, was quite the warm host and their home was adorned by self-made paintings and sketches which were truly mind-blowing. It was good fun, discussing politics and work cultures with her architect husband, Arun; Their little girl, Ananya was watching Wizard of Oz animation movie while we were just chilling and chatting over tortilla chips and some red wine to go with it :)
A relaxed Sunday with the family - for us in the healthcare system, it is indeed much looked forward to :)
Social time - #Priority!
For the thing about "priorities", like in ED, is that, often we may be wrong.
For the truth is our days on this beautiful planet, are numbered. Working in ED works as a constant reminder! But as one rightly put it, what matters is not the number of days in your life, but the life in those days...
So, dear reader, the question really is, do you have your priorities right?
And if you aren't sure, I'll tell you just one thing - you'll never regret time spent with family.
Learn to strike the right balance between work and family; but if you are ever forced to choose, never think twice, choose family. Walk under the moonlight, exercise together under the sun, laugh out loud and warm your hearts. Take a break, go on a holiday and create memories, to last a lifetime. :)
Travel holiday - #Priority!
A week of good fun at work and then getting back to more fun at home :)
A week of celebrating and being celebrated as a "Doctor".
A week with the Sunday off. Period :D
T-14wks
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