A day on the ship

A thoughtful friend in the OR called me up and invited me to see an operation last night. A 14 year boy showed up on the dock in severe pain from a sinus infection. The infection had travelled up into the left frontal sinus space. The pressure was causing pain, since the infection had nowhere to drain. The surgeons cut above the eye, and chiselled into the frontal sinus cavity above the eye, suctioning and cleaning the infected matter (puss) away. Puss has a very bad smell, I'd rather forget about than try to describe it. The cauterizer (hot knife) also gives out a burning flesh aroma. The surgeons were pleased that they were able to get to and clean out the spreading infection. However there is concern that the infection had breeched the brain membrane and that meningitis could take hold. Hopefully in a day his health signs will improve.













Most my work day today, was consumed with organizing and emptying oil drums (with a handy air powered pump) into the ship’s various storage tanks. The best part was that I was working with Derek. He’s a young fellow, upper 60s, from near New Castle, England. Aye, he has a strong accent. He has great stories of years past, and there's always something to learn.