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Show 97 "It goes just under the skin, here," she was saying, indicating with her right hand that it would go just below my collarbone, "and its tiny tube stays permanently placed in a good vein for IV access." She was educating me. "Anyone trained can access it for a very long period - as long as you seem to stay here - or for just a quick blood draw, either way with one easy stick." One "stick" is a good thing. It was taking those skilled helicopter medics at least several sticks for each of the several required daily blood tests. It was my agreeing to install a port-a-cath that brought that intern into my room this evening before the surgery. Lisa is coming into my room at his exit. She has dealt with all sorts of interns. As I explain this one to her, her smile fades and her face grows quiet. "I can't imagine what will happen if someone drops something and I go into major spasms at the moment his scalpel is poised over some major blood vessel," I am saying. "Only someone very stupid or very ignorant would attempt this without general anesthesia now." I am very, very tight, receiving probably no medication from what I am certain must be yet another broken catheter. I am constantly one tiny moment from major spasming. And I have no desire to be an aspiring doctor's first humbling experience. |