Graded Hearts

Chapter 22: Living

Gabriella's PoV

"Doc! Patient 2 at ward 1 is having a seizure. You are reuqested to check and take charge on him." I stood up immediately after hearing nurse Edna calling me from behind. I was studying for the operation I'll be doing tomorrow and it's so happen that emergency always comes after.

"What happened?"

"He suddenly had an abnormal movements while I was having my rounds. He screamed and cried out loud." I moved abruptly towards his bed,  with a nurse locking the side rails.

"Doc, he's already unconscious." I immediately checked his vital signs and possible symptoms. I reviewed his medical history and I found out that he was having a cognitive and emotional symptoms such as fear,  anxiety and deja vu earlier.

"Ms. Levinson, please prepare the patient for a nuerological exam."

"Noted doc."

"Ms. Barton, kindly prepare the electroencephalogram, it is essential to record the electrical activity of his brain, the seizure might occur again."

"Yes doc."

"Have this patient a blood test , there might be infections, genetic conditions or electrolytic imbalances."

I instructed them to obtain the vital signs after thirty minutes. Good thing Dr. Hayes came at the right time, he'll be able to take care of his patient.

I checked out the time as I sit on my swivel chair, it's already 1 am,  and I have already consumed enough coffee to not feel drowsy. I took my focused on the video I was reviewing earlier for tomorrow's operation. My psyche was telling me to go home and rest, but my subconscious will always tell me that 'awake brain surgery' needs double expertise for it has all the potential risk and complications.

I reviewed the past cases when my phone suddenly rang. "Hello bud?"

"Okay, bababa rin ako after ten minutes, 'just have to finish something. Okay... I'll be quick. Mag-ingat ka." I finished reading the summary. 36-hour work is not a simple thing,  and Jefferson is right, I need a rest. Kailangan kong magpalakas para sa operasyon bukas.

"Oh, you're going home Gabby? " Irene asked as I had my way at the nursing station. Irene is a Filipino nurse, actually,  90% of the nurses here are Filipinos, the reason why I decided to work here, I love working with my co-Filipino citizen.

"Yes, I think I really need a break." She smiled. I continued walking along the hallway with my sight in different directions. Working in hospital for 2 years never made me immuned in any undesirable situations. Children crying in pain, mothers in great anguish,  fathers in total nervousness. I have seen all the painful sights an individual can ever see. Sometimes,  being a doctor is great, you can alleviate suffering, you can save and even touch lives, but when you don't, I tell you, your heart will break in million times. But we aren't allowed to cry, not even shed a single tear when we are in front of them, sad but we have to follow rules, all we can do was to tell them we were sorry.

"Good evenibg doc!" says one of my patient who's in the wheelchair.

"Good evening Thea, going okay?" I smiled.

"Never been better."

Most people would say that studying medicine is hard. It is always hard, but this profession is a great calling. As time goes by, you realize you're not studying medicine anymore, you become a medicine yourself.

"Did I keep you waiting?" I asked him when I entered the car. I tied my hair into bun and leaned my back against the seat.

"Hindi naman, I just came in." He started the engine.  "By the way, I brought you food. Eat first before you rest." Jefferson has always been the supportive buddy ever since we came here 12 years ago. I am thankful with my old self for deciding to go with him and start a new life. From nursing school,  med school and now in becoming a neurosurgeon, he has never left my side,  and he has never failed on driving me to the  hospital and then going back home. He has always been a good and caring best friend. He can even receive an award for that.