General Medical issues thread

[Quickstatus]

brilliant anaesthetist but mad

There were two

One was Michael Bookallil. He told me that he passed the Anaesthetic exams (fellowship) without studying and anyone who found it hard were stupid.

The other was Bruce Clifton. Clifton thought that the Anaesthetic fellowship exams was beneath him. The story about the practice on the dead patient is famous at RPAH and formed part of his obituary screenshot below. He was also famous for demonstrating the effectiveness of mouth to mouth on anaesthetised volunteers to lifesaving societies. This led to the widespread use in resuscitation in Australia and around the world.. I don't know who would volunteer to be anaesthetised, paralysed and then let Clifton do mouth to mouth on them.

He also demonstrated that paraplegia and wheelchair was not an impediment to an anaesthetic career at RPAH and his wheelchair trial, because his colleague Tom Fraser became a paraplegic, led to some changes in the building to facilitate that. This was before the Disabilities Act.

One could say that mouth to mouth resuscitation along with the Black box is an Australian invention, because while first demonstrated hundreds of years prior, it was scientifically validated at RPAH

After retirement Clifton became a prolific gardener

Both were mad ( I think more than just eccentric)) and both never married but both medical pioneers.

When I did my anaesthetic term, Clifton had just retired, but Bookallil was there reminding the juniors like me of our unsalvageable incompetence. Tom Fraser (the wheelchair Anaesthetist mentioned in the obituary) was still there. Fraser was definitely the Sane one in that department.

 

[drron]

Yes it was Bruce Clifton that I watched on that occasion and it was the O
Professor that had his veneer pricked.
I had several other unforgettable moments with Bruce. He set me up beautifully on a couple of occasions Once in the O&G theatre. There was an elderly female gynaecologist who had her own chair in the doctors lounge . Bruce said at the end of a case let’s have a coffee in the lounge.
Once in Bruce told me where to sit Yes it was here seat and she arrived soon after I have never forgotten that look. On top of that the rest of the medicos were in on the set up.
But he was an excellent anaesthetist His students learnt a lot His favourite trick turning off the oxygen supply and leaving the theatre I was quick in working out the problem but he persisted with the whole act bursting into the theatre yelling- Never fear Mafeking has been relieved
But on a brighter note Mrsdrron has been discharged today

 

[drron]

Well this is certainly our annus horribilis.
Last Thursday Mrsdrron was admitted to SCU hospital with severe backpain.An stable fracture of T8.
I told the resident that she has really no memory due to a post traumatic amnesia. However due to her confusion they thought she might have had a stroke so gave her a loading dose of Aspirin. A CT scan the next d ay was normal apart from a small subarachnoid haemorrhage.. The next day even smaller so allowed home.
The discharge report was pathetic. No record of what was used for pain control or a plan to control it after discharge so again.she spent a night in severe pain. I wish I could forget that night. Se officer tho Sunday morning I rang the hospital and talked to a different house officer than the one who was looking after her. Turns out she was having regular endone So sh was released late Saturday with no supply and no script. Fortunately I had a supply. I had gone off opioids 10 hours before her admission and waited another 20 hours before driving to see her.

Off Endone I have significantly more pain but can still do my exercise well.
The last 2 mornings have been hell with significant diarrhea.
But That means my Weight has dropped to 69Kg. A BMI of 29.6. For the first time in my life I am thin and I don't like it.

 

[Seat0B]

Sorry to hear that your troubles and those of mrsdrron continue. I am thinking of you both.

 

[ellen10]

Oh dear, @drron and @mrs.dr.ron so sorry to hear that your health problems are continuing. Such a trialling time you both are going through.
Thinking of you both.

 

[Quickstatus]

An stable fracture of T8.

Minimally invasive Cement vertebroplasty (done in radiology) can sometimes reduce pain

 

[andye]

Minimally invasive Cement vertebroplasty (done in radiology) can sometimes reduce pain

Evidence pretty mixed though

 

[MelMel]

I’ve just learned what “bed block” is in a hospital. Sitting here with my elderly mother since 9.30pm last night. Can’t go home, need to see someone