My first surgical experience

Pre-warning for reading this post: There will be pictures that for some will be hard to watch, and it is therefor recommended to read with caution. 

Surgery
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Okay...


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No wait, give me a second to gather myself...


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There we go. Okay, so last week I was in the surgical department. This is the first time I have ever been in an OR...not being under...and it was awesome!!! Together with the CEO, Dr.Patrick, and one of the other general surgeons, Dr. Julia, I was allowed to observe some really interesting operations; including the repair of two hernias, an above the knee amputation, and a case of bilateral elephantiasis.Weeeeee...

And that was only some of what I was allowed to watch...

But what amazed me even more was the fact that the CEO said it was no problem if I wished to take pictures or video the procedures. What did I do? D'uh, course I documented my first ever surgical experience!

As some people do not enjoy seeing blood I now warn you: beyond this point there might be some pictures your abdominal area will not be pleased with witnessing.
 

 Here you can see me watching the final part of an amputation of a leg. Yum much?

And here is a little close up...

Awesomeness if you ask me. About the actual procedure, it was really different from what I had expected. I am not sure whether or not it was due to all the blood floating around, or the fact that the surgeons were rather rough, but watching a leg getting sawed off with a wire was definitely a first time. I do also have some videos, but I will spare you from those for now.

But yeah, as I mentioned earlier (okay, I didn't, but what ever), the doctors and interns are a great bunch of people! They talk me through all of what they do, they explain to me why they do things, when on ward-rounds they try to bring me up-to-date on patient history etc., and really include me in the diagnostics and interaction. Time of my life.

And for those who wanted to know what Elephantiasis is, here you go! It is a disease where the skin and underlying tissue, in this case - the lower legs, is thickened. It is often misheard as Elephantisis, though this only refers to inflammation of the area of disease. The pictures from this operation were quite gross and I therefor choose to leave them out. If you wish to see them you can always just message me, the operation was quite interesting to watch!


A little side-note 
A quick funny thing to mention, as Dr. Patrick (sorry Patrick, I wasn't sure how you spell your surname so I thought I better leave it unwritten) is amputating a leg he asks me whether or not I have a girlfriend.

- No, I do not. I respond

- Well, you know Dr. Waigumo (an intern at the surgical department) is a very nice and happy woman. She is only a few years older than you and you should definitely check that out.

- ... Uhm...  huh?

Later that day, while in surgery with Dr. Julia (sorry to you too Julia, these Kenyan surnames are difficult to catch when thrown five of them at you with a quick pace) she bursts out while repairing a hernia:

- So, I hear you are single, Nick.

- Yup, that is true ma'm.

- So is Dr. Waigumo in fact. You should go out clubbing with her. We'll take you out. 

- ?

 
Yeah... well, at least they sound friendly!

And to maintain awesomeness, this week I am in the orthopaedic and paediatric department where I also will be allowed to join in on the diagnostics and surgeries. I have been allowed to observe some really interesting cases, and it seems like there are more to come!!! Worth every penny...


When I'm not working
Oh well, work aside - the weather here is horrible. It rains EVERY SINGLE DAY, and I'm not talking about some drizzle now and then, I am talking about hard-core thunder and lightning that strikes as if Thor has some bad ass flatulence going on. The power goes several times a day, and we are left in the darkness of our living room and in the presence of bugs and creatures unknown to mankind.

Amusement?

Luckily I live with some cool people though. Recently, I have been living with a bunch of girls, which comes in hand when hungry or the house is in need of cleaning (I am joking -.- I'll leave my sexist comments), together with the only other guy in the house - my German, awesome friend, Andi.

Sadly, both him and several of the other people have left for now, as I am the unusual one - staying there for 6 weeks, whilst the rest of the bunch I have lived with, with one exception, only booked a two week stay. But I guess this has its pros and cons; I will get to meet a lot more people and get a lot more friends, though it would be nice to develop a bit deeper of a friendship rather than of that you obtain from sharing a house for only two weeks. Oh well, I will visit some of the English people when I get home from Africa, so that's at least something - stop worrying Nick.

It is rather strange to think about the fact that I have been away for a month already. Being away from wherever "home" would be, only having to pay 3DKK for 0,5 l of soda (don't worry, I am eating really healthily! Drinking almost only water every day, solid meals with chicken or beef... bla bla bla - have to satisfy people who worry about my diet as well, you know) being stared at as if  I have a mole with the size of my left butt-cheek on my nose. I am on a foreign continent I have never set foot on before, all alone - no family, relatives or old friends from school. No Facebook, yup - I tell you, no Facebook (I am really trying to distance myself from this consumerism - being a bi-product of a lifestyle obsession) Hm.

Two weeks more and I am leaving Kenya. Namibia here I come! Soon.

Well, I think I should call it a day, I am really dragging this out with way too long sentences. Hope to hear feedback from people soon, though I cannot expect many people will read all the way to the bottom of such a long post. I do miss you guys though. This really makes one appreciate what one has. FYI.

Until next time,

//Nick