Irony

I was at RPH today for my Hospital in the Home (HITH) placement, where I was meant to follow nurses around while they took care of the different patients.

Had the opportunity to see two diabetic feet - one was ulcerated, the other, 3 toes had just been taken off. The sight might make you retch, but I was fine. It was rather interesting actually, compared to normal mediocre toenail cases.

Then I saw a pilonidal cyst. I remember feeling abit sick, because there was a little bit of a yukky smell as well. Felt really light-headed, so I left the room for a breather. Next thing I know, I was on the floor, and the nurse was asking me repeatedly if I was alright.

I had fainted, for a few seconds.

I have no recollection of re-entering the room, but according to the nurse, I'd followed her in and just collapsed.

As a result, I ended up being a patient at the RPH Emergency Dept instead of being the Podiatric student observing patients. Lol. Funny how life throws you around sometimes hey? Had some blood taken, had an oxygen mask strapped onto my face, had my pulse taken, had an ECG done. Apparently my pulse was really low when I lost consciousness - 80/40?

But all vital signs improved after being taken to the ED. It was quite an experience, I must say. Looking at the ceiling while being wheeled to ED, it was just like in the movies. I see flashes upon flashes of light, and I hear the nurse asking me how I am every few minutes.

There was a bit of a conduction delay from my atria to the ventricles, the nurses told me, but I was otherwise fine. I just have to go see a GP now. Also Pastor and Auntie Kim came - I must've filled up a form and entered their details where it'd said 'In case of emergency, please ring:'. Thank God :) What would I do without them?

All that time, I didn't feel scared or worried - I know God's in control. It wasn't anything like a near-death experience, and it wasn't like I was struggling to stay awake. It felt pretty normal. Lol. Crazy as it sounds.

And one other thing: I couldn't think of anything else but the sandwich I was going to have for lunch (I didn't end up eating it, because the patient arrived, and I fainted) because my brother made it for me. That made me sad. :(

This will probably be one of the most interesting hospital placements I will ever have, I think.