Theatre Week - Part 1

This was during my second week of placement and given the difficulties I've had with theatre in the past it went really well. I surprised myself and I think I might actually like it now! On one of the days it was quiet so absolutely nothing was booked in but the rest of the week was nice and steady. I managed to stay for the whole duration of the procedures I was involved with and not only that but I actually got involved!! Me!! The first time was positioning/imaging for steroid injections, which they were a few of. The radiographer let me watch the first one and then asked me if I wanted to have a go so I said yes and it helped my confidence in theatre so much. I was so proud of myself and the way they explained how to manoeuvre the intensifier made more sense so I pretty much got it after that. They were in charge of the control panel and manipulating the images as I wasn't familiar enough with those but it felt great. So I got to do a few of those that afternoon.

I also saw my first DHS which I was dreading because I didn't know what to expect and thought the mask and gown etc would get to me but to my relief we weren't required to wear a mask which I didn't know. I don't think this is always the case but as we were on the other side of the plastic sheet and away from the sterile area and where they were operating etc it was okay. So I could have jumped for joy. I also managed to get involved with this one but as it's quite a tricky op and it image intensifier is awkward to move to get lateral views of the hip the radiographer did that bit and I focussed on listening o the surgeon and taking images as requested. It really helped keep my mind occupied and I think that's what  stopped me from panicking and having a funny turn this time on theatre.

There were quite a few urology cases as well these week involving placement of stents and the removal of kidney stones so that was good although quite tricky having to move the heavy equipment up and down the  length of the urinary system AND take images and check everyone is gowned up etc without keeping the surgeon waiting. Thankfully the surgeon was lovely and to my surprise they were all fantastic and patient with students and they could obviously see I was learning so they helped me as best they could which I really appreciated.

Other things I was involed with this time was DNP plating of the wrist and a shoulder MUA which was a learning curve for both me and the radiographer on this occasion! So basically this was a good week and I learned a lot. I'm on theatre again first week back next placement so I'll look forward to it.