tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30499448.post9180568114192905809..comments2024-02-18T13:53:30.168-08:00Comments on Surgeonsblog: Taking TrustSid Schwabhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14182853083503404098noreply@blogger.comBlogger48125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30499448.post-3099992181097906842015-11-03T07:37:32.573-08:002015-11-03T07:37:32.573-08:00Thanks. As the blog lays fallow, I greatly appreci...Thanks. As the blog lays fallow, I greatly appreciate that people still find it, and find it worthy of their time.Sid Schwabhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14182853083503404098noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30499448.post-79875007540248823702015-11-03T00:29:19.913-08:002015-11-03T00:29:19.913-08:00Fascinating. Probably said before but written in s...Fascinating. Probably said before but written in such a way as to take you through such intimate procedure as to place the reader there, with you; that first cut, such bravery, poignant, a love of the human beneath. I thank you for sharing these moments. <br />Chris Devismes.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30499448.post-72365987186544898512011-09-06T17:30:18.375-07:002011-09-06T17:30:18.375-07:00Thanks, DD!Thanks, DD!Sid Schwabhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14182853083503404098noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30499448.post-50887486466415793022011-09-06T17:02:41.100-07:002011-09-06T17:02:41.100-07:00OK-- now I might have to buy your book! Your ongoi...OK-- now I might have to buy your book! Your ongoing sense of awe, each time you "entered" the patient's inner realm--is wonderful. Thank you for sharing your thoughts. As a RN I loved the OR though I did not make a career of it (in nursing) I did have a brief stint. It is my opinion that general surgeons are extraordinary in many ways--I have been privileged to work with several(good ones)and their 'grace under pressure' and tireless work ethic inspired. But not many of them can write!<br />DDAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30499448.post-41832277531723813462010-07-16T18:47:48.911-07:002010-07-16T18:47:48.911-07:00I love this post. Your writing brings light to all...I love this post. Your writing brings light to all the things I love, that I feel privileged to do, in the OR. I hope I never lose this sense of wonder and awe. Thanks for writing!Chaoticalmhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15942709861806384892noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30499448.post-39421876449686928302009-11-17T08:25:00.023-08:002009-11-17T08:25:00.023-08:00Thanks, JJ. Glad you found the blog.Thanks, JJ. Glad you found the blog.Sid Schwabhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14182853083503404098noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30499448.post-84063824878782231682009-11-16T21:46:58.443-08:002009-11-16T21:46:58.443-08:00As a 27-year-old chick who's had nine surgerie...As a 27-year-old chick who's had nine surgeries for a plethora of medical issues (only two of which were deemed "delicate operations"), it's incredibly comforting to see the philosophical, virtually spiritual experience for the person on the other end of the scalpel that slices into my prone body. My first surgery was at age 3, so I never correlated fear with medical procedures. Thankfully, I've only had one surgical experience that was negative- and I have a feeling it's because most of the doctors I've chosen (after being thoroughly vetted) shared your same passion and respect for the human aspect of your particular niche in the health industry.<br /><br />Thank you for your blog. Not only is it a great resource for patients who wish to supplement their education for an impending specific operation, but also introduces a certain element that's so often missing in a clinical setting: heart and soul.Jordanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02637218867421310609noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30499448.post-15744825341640029612009-01-19T12:38:00.000-08:002009-01-19T12:38:00.000-08:00oooops - PATIENTS instead of patience.... LOLOLoooops - PATIENTS instead of patience.... LOLOLRebecca.Boardmanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13524760111243320851noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30499448.post-58995745411214903702009-01-18T15:11:00.000-08:002009-01-18T15:11:00.000-08:00Dr. Scwab, what mixed emotions I have had reading ...Dr. Scwab, what mixed emotions I have had reading this post and its comments. Your own personal experience was beautiful. Intimate, personal, like you said - almost sexual. After all, the intercourse we experience with procreation is not nearly as invasive as what a surgeon does when they come into our bodies.<BR/><BR/>However, having experienced the "rape" type surgery as well as the "lover" type surgery... it leaves me with a sadness that the brilliant surgeon who probably saved my knee function and gave me the last 20 years of a relatively normal life, was also the kind of surgeon that did not consider the mental welfare of the patient, but rather saw the successful result of his surgery as the end all of whatever means he used to an end.<BR/><BR/>It also makes me wonder how my current surgeon rates on this scale. I do not know if he holds the reverence of the body that you have held for your patience, but I think he might - at least to an extent... when consulting for this last surgery, he told me he had been thinking of this surgery (mine) literally for months, which would indicate to me that he has proper reverence and concern for me (or at least my knee). He also had another experienced surgeon who he works with come in and work with him during the procedure. This also would give me reason to trust him.<BR/><BR/>I wonder if I will ever get over my sense of paranoia concerning my surgeons. It makes a stressful situation much worse when you feel a lack of trust. How I wish I could be certain he felt as you do!Rebecca.Boardmanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13524760111243320851noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30499448.post-18561561796586168142008-07-21T23:34:00.000-07:002008-07-21T23:34:00.000-07:00As a new surgeon, I find that my job is filled wit...As a new surgeon, I find that my job is filled with hassles and intrusions that I never anticipated. Insurance companies calling, discharge planning to set up, paperwork always looming, the phone endlessly ringing. The OR always was a haven, even during residency, but now even more so. The few times a week that I get to settle into a case, focus in on the few square centimeters in front of me, and just operate....they are the moments that keep me going. Medicine is special, but surgery is phenomenal. Surgeons are different, thank goodness for that.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30499448.post-24670611219662643702008-05-15T05:46:00.000-07:002008-05-15T05:46:00.000-07:00I found this post exhilarating. My breath hitched....I found this post exhilarating. My breath hitched. I've never second guessed my decision to pursue surgery. It's given me the drive I need to finish this game with everything I have.The Caffeine Ladyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17662215834511548631noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30499448.post-57212298760454384542008-05-03T08:41:00.000-07:002008-05-03T08:41:00.000-07:00What more can I say than WOW! I thoroughly enjoy ...What more can I say than WOW! I thoroughly enjoy your blog posts! I am a med/surg RN and I take care of a lot of abdominal surgeries. Your posts always hit home, enlighten me, as well as remind me that the surgeons I work with are truely artists. You write with such poetic yet precise steps- it reminds me of how I talk my patients thorugh procedures such as NG placement- Keep up the great work- both the caring and the writing you are very gifted!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30499448.post-67604344410244064132008-04-12T15:21:00.000-07:002008-04-12T15:21:00.000-07:00STILL my favorite! :)STILL my favorite! :)SeaSprayhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07906503090688697222noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30499448.post-67348015570422044182008-01-18T21:21:00.000-08:002008-01-18T21:21:00.000-08:00"Wow" indeed. I hope this is how my surgeon felt. ..."Wow" indeed. I hope this is how my surgeon felt. Thanks for this memorable and revealing post.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30499448.post-84382379320087792492006-12-11T17:21:00.000-08:002006-12-11T17:21:00.000-08:00I wanted to tell you how much I liked your post ab...I wanted to tell you how much I liked your post about the intimacy of a surgeon-patient relationship. 16 years ago (I was a young adult) I sustained a severe brain injury in a car accident and was in a coma. I had a ventriculostomy, and my husband says a feeding tube was put into my stomach some time later. When I woke up everyone thought I would be paralyzed. My trauma surgeon took me for a walk (I remember how sleepy I felt so I didn't want to get out of bed for anyone but him), and now its as if I was never injured. I still get a bit dizzy once and a while if I turn fast, but I've returned to college and am earning a 3.8 GPA and I'm always running after my six children. I dedicate every class I take in college to my trauma surgeon and I write him about once every week or two to give him an update on my grades. I'm so grateful for his kindness as well as his skill. I know how busy he is with the work he does that I hold in such awe, and the last thing I would want to do is bother him with so many letters. However, after reading about how much honor you give your patients I feel less bothersome. Thank you so much.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30499448.post-36044358137397877792006-12-02T20:25:00.000-08:002006-12-02T20:25:00.000-08:00I just reread this and will read it again and will...I just reread this and will read it again and will be recommending it on my blog. I AM STILL in awe of this post. So eloquently written. Intimate,sacred and amazing! When I get a little more blog savey I am definitely linking to you!SeaSprayhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07906503090688697222noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30499448.post-14619109277071854842006-11-26T06:04:00.000-08:002006-11-26T06:04:00.000-08:00hullo! i'm a medical student but all i've seen of ...hullo! i'm a medical student but all i've seen of surgeries nowadays is the diathermy. quite sad really, to think about it. no one seems to use a scalpel anymore!<br /><br />i've had a huge op done as a kid (which might explain why i'm in medicine now) but being a kid, i only knew fear. thank you =Dditzydoctorhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03008315483151243641noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30499448.post-68562159075527215132006-11-17T18:43:00.000-08:002006-11-17T18:43:00.000-08:00Wow, you've put into words what I was unable to de...Wow, you've put into words what I was unable to describe. I've always thought surgery had a romantic side to it. A surgeon gets to go where even the individuals themselves won't ever get to. Cut into a sealed envelope that is the person. I had to observe surgeries in college as part of my degree requirements and was always hugely jealous.<br /><br />I'm glad to know I'm not the only one that think surgery is a beautiful thing, blood, guts and all.outrehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00919839946949339497noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30499448.post-72004167226901622582006-11-08T07:05:00.000-08:002006-11-08T07:05:00.000-08:00some of the comments expressed hope that surgery i...some of the comments expressed hope that surgery is taught like this. i have fairly recently qualified as a general surgeon and in my experience surgery is most definitely not taught like this. in fact the brutal way that surgery is taught inspired me to attempt to be an exception to the rule and rather try to impart my love for surgery to the juniors that work with me. i always chant my mantra,'love surgery, not the surgeon.' this is because the surgeon is more often than not such a megalomaniac prick that it would not be possible to like, nevermind love him. this is the first time i've seen someone express humble appreciation to his patients. it is after all they that afford us the priveledge of practicing our proffession. thank you for sharing this post.Bongihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12918640034313468627noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30499448.post-8064188986839547612006-10-22T04:08:00.000-07:002006-10-22T04:08:00.000-07:00Great post! Wish I could find an Orthopedic surgeo...Great post! Wish I could find an Orthopedic surgeon that I liked- actually like the current one, he's nice but I don't know if I trust him with my elbow.rdlhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04062856086277201874noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30499448.post-19455252730885716242006-10-22T02:12:00.000-07:002006-10-22T02:12:00.000-07:00it was simply awesome hope surgery is taught like ...it was simply awesome hope surgery is taught like thisAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30499448.post-22006180788189139552006-10-22T02:10:00.000-07:002006-10-22T02:10:00.000-07:00it was simply awesome hope my teachers teach surge...it was simply awesome hope my teachers teach surgery like thisKiranhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15433508635821421682noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30499448.post-28214537815649775992006-10-19T16:00:00.000-07:002006-10-19T16:00:00.000-07:00Your post is stunningly beautiful and most importa...Your post is stunningly beautiful and most importantly, respectful of the care required to embark on the enormous task of cutting into a living human being, doing your work, closing up in a way that minimizes the evidence you were ever there, and see the patient through recovery.<br /><br />I sympathize with those who have been victims of medical malpractice or who feel violated in some way from those in whom they placed their trust. Especially disturbing is the story posted here which bordered on a violation of informed consent; whether or not that was the case is not as much the point as living with the aftermath. But those who think this post accurately describes a violation probably are keying into out-of-context descriptions of holding a uterus or ovary; I seriously doubt you'd get the same reaction from a post describing the slick, spongy feel of a healthy liver, for example. In that sense, this is more of a problem of psychology than bad wordsmithing. <br /><br />Just as not everyone is able to handle working in medicine, be it a doctor, nurse--anyone on the front lines of health care who come face to face with death, disease, abscesses shooting pus across your shoulder during an I&D, shit and piss on the sheets, bilious, green vomit (yes, I'm being intentionally graphic)--not everyone will be able to read a post such as this and see the beauty, awe and respect. They will never understand. I could have a lenghy conversation of how incredible various molecular mechanisms of cancers can be, the way they evade the body's defenses, using normal, benign processes as hideous tools of destruction. I'd never think to have that conversation with a patient, because without the context, it sounds as though I'd enjoy seeing another cancer, whereas the real motivation would be fearful awe and respect. <br /><br />The difference is that you write for yourself with your audience in mind, not modulate/second guess your writings with what people might think. If they don't like it or understand it in spite of your best efforts, the loss is theirs. Bring things with honesty from your perspective of such a long history of service to medicine, surgery and humanity, and you'll find there will be just as many people willing to read as there will ever be.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30499448.post-42131860026899666802006-10-17T17:12:00.000-07:002006-10-17T17:12:00.000-07:00I too was wowed by this, especially the ending. S...I too was wowed by this, especially the ending. Sid Schwab, you have touched my emotions, even more so than as Anysurgeon you may have touched my organs. I have entrusted you, whom I may have met only once or twice before, with my life, and in that moment of the first cut there are just the two of us, even though I have no awareness of it. You are right - what could be more intimate? and yes, maybe sacrament is not too strong a word to use.<br />I like to think that you have spoken for the many compassionate surgeons who, even if they share your gift of words, may not have the time to use it.<br />Thank you.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30499448.post-88566788086904625852006-10-16T20:24:00.000-07:002006-10-16T20:24:00.000-07:00A beautifully written post Dr S, but I too can see...A beautifully written post Dr S, but I too can see why anyone with a traumatic surgical experience would find it disturbing, unsettling. Exactly because surgery is an intimate experience - and requires trust. The violation of the initmacy of surgery on the core of one's body is horrific, and my condolances to those who do go through this... and who wake up every morning reminded of it. As Docs, we need, nay, we must be ever concious of the sensitivity of the risks attached to any surgery, and of fully informing the patient about everything, all along the way.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com