Tuesday, August 24, 2010

Why aren't you writing about your job?

Because no one really wants to know what happens while they're asleep.

That's why they asked me to put them to sleep. There are many surgeries for which they could probably be wide awake and numb from the (insert surgical site here) down. But, they'd really rather not be. As it turns out, ignorance is, in fact, bliss.

I'd really rather they be asleep, too. I still like to talk to people...before and after. But during, I prefer them in peaceful slumber. Trust me when I say, I'm awake enough for the both of us.

4 comments:

Susanlee said...

I would always opt for conscious sedation or a spinal/epidural if they'd give it to me. But they never will. I totally want to see what's going on while they're doing it.

Maria said...

I worked with a guy who used to whisper uplifting comments into patient's ears when they were out. He'd whisper things like, "You are going to be amazed at how quickly you heal!" or "You are a person of great value."

I loved that fucker.

Eric said...

I think you're right about it being better if the patient is out, even for smaller stuff.
I had a minor surgical procedure...um...down there...several years ago and was given a local and a bunch of laughing gas. I kept trying to sit up and watch and was amazed by the little wisps of smoke as the Dr. was cauterizing.
Then, while my then-wife was getting my paperwork sorted, I went into great detail about the experience to an old man in the waiting room.
I'm pretty sure everyone involved wished that I had been knocked out for the whole thing. I love laughing gas though.

Maria said...

I miss you. Come back, little Sheba.