My day went quickly with three separate surgeries scheduled and then an emergency surgery thrown into the mix. By the time I was finished, it was already getting dark outside and I was more tired than I'd felt in a while.
I was frustrated and upset at not being able to save the leg of a four year old girl that had come in with a crushing injury to the limb. I was able to save the knee and leave a decent stub for a prosthetic, but there was simply no repairing the lower leg. We did however stop the bleeding and saved her life. I became her surgeon because they were hoping I could repair the vessels, but even I wasn't a miracle worker, simply an extension of what God allows.
As in Hal's case, the fact the child was young would be a bonus in her recovery. Children often times were more resilient than adults. They would learn and take things in stride as they continued to grow and learn. I sincerely hoped this was the case with this situation.
I ran my hand down my face and sighed. I was accustomed to delivering bad news, but this case was difficult. I had led with the good news that their child was alive, but in order to save her, we had to remove her lower leg just below the knee. Her mother went from relief to complete anguish in seconds. The father embraced the mother and attempted to remain stoic, but I could see his eyes glisten in the light of the consultation room. I pushed a box of facial tissues their way, gave them my card, and told them, "if you have any questions, I'll be back in the morning, or leave me a message at this number," I explained as I pointed to the card. "I wish your daughter and your family the best."
The father looked up as he continued to comfort the mother and said, "thank you Dr. Teton, for.." he paused to take a deep breath"for saving our Lilly." He attempted a smile that looked more like a grimace.
"I'll check on Lilly in the morning before my surgeries. You all take care tonight. You need to eat, sleep, and keep your strength up. Lilly will need you in the days and months to come to help her deal with this loss." I moved to stand but then thought better of it and said, "Please try to keep in mind that a lower leg is a small price to pay to save her life. I've prescribed a broad spectrum antibiotic to hopefully help prevent an infection since she had an open injury. We gave two pints of blood, so the infection and the possibility of blood clots are our biggest concerns right now. We will do our best to keep her pain under control as she heals."
"Okay, thank you Doctor," this time the mother spoke and nodded as I talked. I hoped I got through to them that Lilly could have died and we needed to be grateful she only lost a leg.
I left the consult room and went to the nurse's station where Hal's room was. I was happy to look at the board and see it said "discharged". Just then, Dr. Yankton walked up and greeted me, "good afternoon Dr. Teton. What are you still doing here? It's supper time."
I turn and look in his direction, "yeah, it's been a long day. I was just checking to see if Halian was released. I see it says he was, so that's good."
"Yeah, Mona picked him up shortly after lunch. Hal seemed pretty stoked to go home. He is a good kid. I hope he recovers well," Dr. Yankton answers.
"Did you ask Mona out yet?" I teased.
Dr. Yankton gave me an uncomfortable look and put his hands in his pants pockets. After an awkward silence he finally answered, "I told you it would be inappropriate while she had family here. We will see now that Hal has gone home. As you know, I don't have a lot of extra time in my residency. Besides, I don't kiss and tell."
I put my hands up with palms out and smiled an innocent, apologetic smile. "Okay, message received. I won't bring it up again. I'm gonna head home and try to rest up for tomorrow. I had four surgeries today. I can't remember the last time I was this tired."
"That is a lot. Go hydrate and put your feet up. I'll still be here in the morning. Have a great night Wam."
"Thanks Yank," I replied, "you as well." I turned and walked down to the staff locker room. I peeled off my scrubs and took a nice hot shower before slipping back into my office clothes. I had follow-up charting to finish, but it could wait until tomorrow. I was just too exhausted.
I don't really remember the drive home, a testament to my exhaustion. I walked into the house and was greeted by Sammy's, "puuurrtt."
I slipped off my shoes, hung my jacket, and sat my laptop on the table. "Good evening Sammy. Yes I'll get your food," I stated as she rubbed against my legs, before I walked into the kitchen. I scooped up her food and placed it in her dish, scratched her head, and rinsed her water dish before putting in fresh water. "It's been a long time since I've been this tired. Don't think I'm gonna accomplish too much tonight Sammy. Guess I better find some food for myself now huh?"
I rummaged through the fridge and decided on cold turkey sandwiches with Mayo, lettuce, and tomato. For dessert, I had a cup of fruit cocktail in natural juice. I finished one bottle of water and placed my dishes in the dishwasher before going to my bedroom to change into more comfortable sweatpants and a tee shirt. I took a second water bottle and seated myself on the couch to watch the news. I started a group text between me, Wanda, and Mona and typed up a quick message.
Wam: good evening dear sisters. Did Hal get home okay?
Mona: Yep, I took him home after Yank discharged him. Hal seemed very happy to get home.
Wanda: Thank you both for your help. He is settled on the couch eating popcorn and watching a movie. I think the hardest part will be limiting his activity until he can safely run and play again.
Wam: I simply did my job and checked on him when I could. I'm so glad he is doing better. Please call Wanda if you or Alec have concerns or need help.
Wanda: Thanks Wam. Both Mom and Mona have offered to help too. If I have concerns about his health though, I will certainly call you.
With that done, I remained on the couch, watching television, cuddling with Sammy, and drinking my other bottle of water. She purred as I stroked her fur. When I couldn't keep my eyes open anymore, I completed my bedtime routine and went to bed. Once under the covers, I sent a quick text to Lee to tell her good night.
Dr. Wam Teton: Good night beautiful. Was a long day so I'm heading to bed early. Sweet dreams. (Hug emoji)
Kynlee: I hope you get rested up. I'm sure I'll have dreams of you. (Kiss emoji)
I read Kynlee's text with a smile and rolled over with the covers to my chin. I think I was asleep when my head hit the pillow because that's all I remember.
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