surgery and storms!

http://www.wheelessonline.com/image5/wrst1.jpg

Tonight my classmates and I had the opportunity to stay after lab and watch a mock surgery of the DRUJ (distal radioulnar joint) that this awesome surgeon, Dr. Fernando Levaro, is going to perform on one of his patients with RA (rheumatoid arthritis). It was on a fresh cadaver arm, so we got to see tissue as it really is in a living person versus in a preserved cadaver. Seeing a real, fresh arm, and having a surgeon explain all of the anatomy and physiology to you, is an awesome experience that I'm SO glad I didn't miss out on.

On top of having this great opportunity, I was his surgery assistant! (I now have another idea for a backup plan in case PT school doesn't work out... haha.) I put on a sterile gown and gloves (just like we learned in Basic Skills class... it really IS applicable!). Then I held the FREEZING arm and some instruments and worked with Dr. Levaro. Granted, it was just an arm, and not a living person, but it was still AWESOME. I even got to hammer in part of the ulnar prosthesis. I don't think one can truly understand my excitement unless they have a background in this stuff. In fact, I've probably grossed most of you out by now. Sorry! Anyway, it was AWESOME!

I've been commuting home with Howard, one of my classmates. A front was coming through tonight, so it was pouring down rain. As we were leaving, one... then 2 more... then 2 more of our classmates asked if he could give them a ride to one of their apartments. We crammed 7 people in an Accord, baby. Now that's talent. Anyway, I can't really explain the humor and funniness of the ride home because you had to be there, and it wouldn't be funny to you. I am just excited that I am bonding with my classmates and that we have fun, family-like moments.

I am starting to enjoy school more. I had my doubts about this whole PT thing, but today was a nice little confirmation from my Lord that this is where I am supposed to be for now.