My day did not go according to schedule, but it went. Instead of doing a laminectomy, we had an emergency aneurysm repair come in that I was shifted to. With aneurysms, time is of the essence, so they wanted their best surgeon on the case. Luckily I was able to save the elderly patient, and they should make a full recovery. Unfortunately the surgery took about five hours and put our day behind.
The patient from the laminectomy opted to reschedule for Monday morning instead of switch surgeons. I can't say I blame them since they know me, and not the other doctors. Monday may very well be a long day, but when an emergency comes in, it takes precedence.
"Hey Wam," Yank said as he slapped me on the shoulder, "nice job in there."
"Thanks man," I replied. "It was a little hairy there for a bit, but once we got the slow bleed clamped, we were good to go. If they hadn't come in when they did, they wouldn't have made it to tomorrow."
Dr. Yankton nodded in my direction, "hey, if you ever take on students or residents, I'd love to work with you in the Operating Room. I want to gain all the skills I can."
I couldn't help but smile at his comment. "I thought you were more into Neurology than surgery?"
"I'm interested in both, and the more skills I can acquire the better right?" He asked me with a cheeky grin.
"That's a good attitude, but do you really want to shift your focus back to learning? You're almost done with your Residency." I asked in surprise. Most cannot wait to finish their Residency and begin practicing medicine without being monitored and second guessed all the time.
"I'd do it if it meant I could learn from you. I wouldn't extend my Residency to work with just anyone though," Yank's smile widened.
"I'll give it some thought Dr. Yankton. I've got a pretty full plate right now with sitting on the Board of Directors, but if things change, I may consider it. Okay?"
I shook Dr. Yankton's hand as he said, "thank you Dr. Teton," and he walked out of my office.
Yank no doubt showed promise as a young Neurologist, and the world certainly needed more Neurosurgeons. This was a very interesting prospect indeed. Lord knows I likely won't stay on the board forever. If the time ever comes that I meet the right woman, (Kynlee's face pops into my head and I smile), I'd try to back off on some of my work responsibilities. I've always pictured myself with a wife and kids someday, but maybe that day was drawing near? I've met most of my work goals already, so maybe it was time to start focusing on my personal life a little more.
I rounded one last time on my patients and sent an update to the hospitalist for the weekend. I always tried to communicate so they had the knowledge they needed to take over my patients. Of course if there were questions, I was usually available by phone.
I visited Hal's room last. I was pleased to find out his PT was going okay. Mom was sitting with him today, so I gave her a proper greeting with a hug and kiss on the cheek. I then greeted Hal. His eyes looked brighter today. Dr. Yankton had written in his chart that if the weekend goes well, Hal may he able to go home on Monday and do outpatient physical therapy. "Good afternoon young man. How are you this fine day?"
Hal smiled slightly as he answered, "they let me get up and walk this morning. She told me not to get up by myself though."
"Yeah buddy, if you were to fall now and hurt yourself, it could lengthen your hospital stay. I know you want to get home, so let's remember to ask for help okay?" I reminded him gently.
"I won't Uncle Wam. Grandma already reminded me, so don't worry," Hal said with a very serious expression.
Mom spoke up, "and Hal is such a good boy, he doesn't want to cause any trouble, so he'll use his call light right my sweet grandson?" Mom smiled at Hal and he nodded at first her and then me too for good measure.
Halian's hand went up and he tried to scratch his head underneath where the white bandage covered his sutures. I slid my hand on top of Hal's to still his scratching. "You can't be scratching or you could reopen your sutures Hal," I explained.
Hall pulled his hand free and put both his hands, balled up in fists in his lap. In a slightly whiny voice, Hal said, "it itches so bad though. I just want to make it stop."
"How about I see what we have that might help the itching okay?" I offer. I don't have to wait long for Hal to nod his head gently. Halian was improving quickly but watching him move his head gingerly was a good reminder that he was still improving.
In the long run, I ended up ordering Benadryl and okayed for Hal to use ice packs to help numb the itching sensation from the healing wound. I also changed the orders to allow for a different type of dressing that contained lidocaine to help take away the sensation. If one of these didn't help, they had other options to try.
I spent about another thirty minutes with Mom and Hal before I took my leave. As much as I wanted to hurry to the cabin, I knew it was in my best interest to run and shower before I left the hospital. I was often fighting my libido when in Lee's presence, so running would help take the edge off so I wasn't as on edge.
I warmed up and then spent thirty minutes running at a good pace on the treadmill. It had been thunderstorming here today, so running outside wasn't an option. It seems most employees exercise during the week when they work, and like to get home on Fridays. The result, very few people here.
I am an extroverted introvert. What does that mean? It means I am able to act like an extrovert when the need arises, but it drains me. A true extrovert actually becomes energized by being with others. Most people I spend time with on a regular basis, drain my energy. Being alone or with less than a handful of particular individuals or beings, reenergizes me. So far, Kynlee is on that short list with Sammy, Winona had been, and most of the time my mother.
Once showered and dressed, I drove home to pack. I hoped Kynlee would like the surprise I'm bringing with. I considered it multiple times since the night she stayed with me. Hopefully she wouldn't be upset I didn't talk to her first. Of course what kind of surprise is it if I ask or warn her ahead of time? Nope, if she doesn't like it, I'll just take my punishment like a big boy.
I packed, threw everything into the car, and took off for Rochester. I know the drive well as many times as I've made this trip. About an hour later, I was pulling up in front of the cabin and couldn't wait to see Lee.
Leaving my bag in the car, I grabbed the small crate that contained my surprise and hurried carefully up the steps. Upon opening the door, I heard loud pop music playing and a feminine voice singing along. Good to know she can carry a tune. She must not have heard me come in the door because she jumped when she turned and saw me there. The next second, she practically flew from the kitchen to the dining room and entryway and into my arms. As I held Kynlee in my arms, the most genuine smile I've had since last time I saw her spread across my face. She just felt so right in my arms.
"I missed you Wam," Lee squealed as she squeezed me tight.
I couldn't help but pull back and kiss her with all the emotions I was feeling just from seeing her again. By the time we came up for air, both our chests were heaving with our attempts to get air as I rested my forehead against hers. "I missed you too beautiful," I admired in a low, husky voice.
Lee's eyes drifted to the crate I had set down while she ran toward me and she squealed again when she saw what was inside, "thank you Wam!"
In that moment, I knew I'd made the right choice to surprise her. She was more in need than I was.
"You're very welcome. I'm going to grab the rest of my stuff okay?"
As she opened the crate, I got a simple "ah huh," but her eyes never left the crate. I smiled and walked back out to the SUV.