Thursday, August 13, 2009

Veterans

It's been a hot minute. My purpose of opening this blog was to jot about DAILY events at work 1. as a stress reliever and 2. so that I might sell a book one day or get a TV script, since America loves medical shows. Anyhow, that is obviously not happening, cos when I get home, I plop on my bed or couch to sleep or veg.

So I have spent the last 1.5 odd weeks at the ICU in the Veterans Hospital and it's been such an eye opener. The hospital itself is beautiful, pretty clean and has a first class computer system where tests, medical records, xrays etc can all be accessed online. Not feeling the cafeteria though. But despite all the amenities, the patients themselves are some of the saddest I have ever seen. In addition to all their regular medical problems, ALL of them that actually served in some war all have some mental illness/substance abuse/alcoholism component which makes treating them harder, yes, but makes it that much sadder.

So I have learnt that no matter how good those army benefits sound, is it really worth it when you can't function in society afterwards? I am definitely grateful to all the young soldiers out there fighting for their country 'cos someone has to do it...but I can't help but feel sad for them too.

5 comments:

  1. Oh, it's a tough one: I'm glad there are men and women who go out there and fight for our country, but I don't think I'd be able to make that decision and take that risk.

    Are you a fan of Grey's Anatomy? I watched half of the first season for the first time today and I'm hooked. Like you know, I had medical school aspirations but watching the show (though it may be 100% different from what internship is really like) I don't know if I could handle it.

    Anyway, I enjoy the updates whenever you have a moment to share them; take care!

    Thanks for responding to my previous comments too.

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  2. Awwww, chei...sounds really depressing. Yes o, it has been a hot minute. Ha Ha.
    I've been learning so much about y'alls rotations and things, thanks to my million friends in Med school. Una dey try o!

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  3. Spending so much time in ICU makes one appreciate the beauty of life and know that we live in bodies that could be hit with the worst of conditions sometimes. The story of the soldiers is sad and I continually admire these guys who go to any length to defend their country. True, the army benefits hardly matter when the worst happens to these guys but then, they fight for a worthy cause. How you doing, sis?

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  4. Welcome to blogging. Wow. Med school is awe-inspiring. Is it true about the sleepless nights????

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