Aneurysm Clips

The Real Doctor Will See You Shortly by Matt McCarthy had me messaging my cardiologist. It was the description of "flashing" wherein the heart suddenly, as with a flash flood, can't pump enough. The lungs fill with blood and the patient feels as if they're drowning. If not treated, they do.

Having brought a morbid curiosity to boiling, I eagerly embarqued into Do No Harm by Henry Marsh.

Both books portray the psychological & physical endurance courses that are the daily fare of practicing medicine. And both do a great job of giving credence to the term "practicing' where though confidence may be accrued, it can quickly evaporate.

Whats interesting is how both Marsh & McCarthy wrangle the anguish of telling people they're going to die. Marsh, angry at "the gods," feels shame at losing his professional distance, whereas McCarthy, almost gagging from anxiety, works steadily at embracing the emotional pain. 

I'm combining them withThe Grace in Dying by Kathleen Singh for a bit of metaphorical jumping up & down on the end of the diving board.

The internet, in all its magical glory, was by my side when I queried "aneurysm clips."

Smallest of the small roach clips, this German company touts itself as "the most trusted name....."

But, of course!

On p. 321, McCarthy has just been voted best in Cardiac Arrest. The other finalist was his fav teacher, Dr. Baio. He'd admired Baio's calm as he, Baio, supervised cardiac arrest procedures and now thought maybe... Could it be possible he'd surpassed him?

As these thoughts flooded up he realized, once again, how much he owed to many of the others. And as he stood there feeling grateful, he sensed someone come come up behind him and as a hand gently squeezed his neck, Baio whispered, "You're welcome."

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Helping each other is what we're meant to do. It's true we can't help everyone, but every little bit helps. 

It's not always obvious what another person needs, but one of the easiest ways to know is by listening to their complaints. Though we're taught not to (complain), it's the first order of a patient's duty.

We're all patients in one way or another, and we all have the ability to, if nothing else, offer sympathy.