Sqad, I’d Be Very Interested

[Vagus]

To hear about some of your experiences as a surgeon.
I’ve just watched Surgeons at the edge of Life, on catch-up. It was about a live kidney donor, and a reversal of an ileostomy. I was glued to the TV and wished I was in theatre as one of the theatre nurses, really think I missed my vocation :/
Anyhow, it made me think about you and your life as a surgeon.
Which was your favourite type of op? And the worst? Did you ever consider any other type of surgery, and if so, why choose ENT? How far down the throat does an ENT surgeon go? How do you operate on someone’s inner ear, bit of a tight squeeze I’d have thought?
Obviously, if you’re not happy to answer, or uninterested in answering, that’s ok. I’m just very curious (or nosey).
Hope you’re doing ok today x

[pixie374]

I agree, barsel... don't stop now, sqad! :-) xx

[choux]

From Euston Station to Eustachian Tube - could that be a title for your memoirs, Sqad?

I am not taking the mickey, Sqad, I could read your anecdotes for hours. Indeed, if you did publish your memoirs I would be among the first to buy. x

[Sqad]

Tilly...yes, one could apply to the local education authority for a grant based on parent's income, I received a full grant for tuition fees and living allowance in London....it was £500 a term (tuition fees payed separately)

anne...quite and then a drink in the Fountain.

To become a surgeon in the 60's incurred expenses which I couldn't afford, having a wife and 2 kids so my only option was to go into GP which was well paid. I did this for 4 years, but was bored to tears, I was yearning for the atmosphere of the operating theatre and the daily challenges which one faced in becoming a surgeon.

In those days the ENT surgeon did everything, head and neck cancer surgery, microscopic ear surgery and base of brain neurosurgery.
That gave me the opportunity for a varied surgical life, which doesn't apply today and I started from the bottom rung and trained as an ENT surgeon.........I have woken up every morning,looking forward to my day.

[zylaphone]

Do tell us more Sqad

[choux]

What do you think inspired your child aspiration to be a doctor?

[Sqad]

choux........I really cannot say, all I remember is wanting, needing time in a medical environment....A&E, doctors surgery,......anything medical.
School holidays gave me the chance to get a job as a nurse helping in the ward....sort of porter.
I remember on one occasion working in the hospital during school holidays being asked to take a patient to the operating theatre for a kidney removal. The surgeon came into the anaesthetic room and in conversation, I told him that i was a first year medical student. He invited me in to watch the kidney being removed and asked me various questions. I loved every second.
When I got back to the ward, the sister "b.llocked" me.....but it was worth it.

[windywillow]

Sqad, did you meet your wife in a medical environment?

[Sqad]

First wife.....no
Second wife and present wife.......yes.....I was her "boss".....LOL
Now she has been the boss for nearly 40 years.

[Vagus]

Oh sqad, many thanks for your story so far, it’s really interesting. Maybe, if you wanted to, you could post a bit each day or so, about the various aspects of your medical life? I know I’d be fascinated to read anything and everything you’d be happy to tell.
As you can see from the responses, people are very interested to know more about life as a medical person. You might think some things aren’t worth telling but I bet we’d all love to hear about anything you’d want to post.
Thank you very much for what you’ve told us so far, I’m guessing there’s a lot more, so please don’t stop here xx

[Barsel]

Sqad, write a book.

[Sqad]

The rantings of an old man with happy memories.
I have great difficulties in the introduction of the internet into the Art and practice of medicine, but that is progress I find.

[choux]

I am so glad you were "guided" by what ever means, Sqad.
You are an asset to AB and I know many have reason to thank you.
(Just realise how lucky you are that I have never asked for your professional opinion) lol

[jourdain2]

I echo Barsel, Sqad - write it all down - please!

By the way - the mark on OH's lip exploded and is now a huge tumour, we're off to Scarborough on Monday. Just to keep you up to date - you must be about OH's age.

[Smowball]

Wow, I’m just dying to hear more!! Especially as I’m being seeing by an ENT consultant currently lol.

[choux]

jourdain, so sorry to read that and hope that your OH gets on ok.

[Smowball]

Yes, Jourdain I don’t know the back story of OH’s lip but I really really hope that all is ok x

[jourdain2]

Thank you both very much. I'm just back from York Hospital (up at 6 a.m.) bringing him home after having his leg veins sealed - poor lad, he's under the cosh.
I'm sorry to invade vagus' post, but a couple of months ago sqad advised me to 'monitor the situation' of the dark mark and act if it bled, grew etc. I've done that and I hope that all will be well. It is a very aggressive tumour. It's not just this that I have to thank sqad for. I really, really hope that he writes his memoires - they'd top the comedy book list I'm sure. :)

[choux]

I am sure Vagus won't mind. You both must be tired, jourdain so take it easy x

[anneasquith]

Squad a very personal question, are your children from your first marriage ?

[Sqad]

anne.....yes.