by Professor » Tue Apr 02, 2013 11:50 am
Perhaps it's because I worked in an OR for a while, but I really don't see what the fuss is about. I mean, yeah - it looks like it hurts like hell. But, it's not my leg. So, why should I react to it?
So far, the only medical procedure that has had an effect on me was an amputation (because of diabetes). Even then, it wasn't the "procedure", but more the fact that an amputation is so permanent, and there is no hope of "recovery". It's just meant to prevent further bad, but you'll never recover from it.
The coolest one I ever saw was brain surgery. I wasn't allowed in the room, but the patient was semi-awake in a seated position while the neurosurgeon removed the back half of his skull. Then, to exactly pinpoint the area of the brain to be operated upon, the neuro would poke part of the brain with a stick and ask the patient what he felt. The patient would respond, "My elbow is hot" or "It's making my thumb move". Crazy stuff.
I also got to hold a man's heart in my hands as they stopped it from beating in order to do open heart surgery. I have never felt more humble than at that moment.