help... i almost passed out!

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i work as a MA for a dermatologist and was assisting in my first surgery today. the doc did the removal of the skin, and as she was cauterizing, i got this weird wave over me. i figured it would go away, so i just dealt- i figured the smell was getting to me. she finished cauterizing and i thought i was in the clear. well i handed her the needle driver and got another wave but this one was 10 times worse. i got very hot, my hearing got all weird and my stomach turned over and over. i said "doctor johnston..." and she looked at me and said "step out and send sadie in." i walked out and sat down, drank some water, ate a pretzel stick and felt better after a few minutes. i had this strange buzzing in my ears for about 10 minutes after and felt weak for several hours after.

i generally dont have a weak stomach. is this a normal reaction to seeing a surgery for the first time. should i look for new work lol. it was so weird and not at all like me. i've witnessed an autopsy and a lady partsl birth and had no problems at all.

has anyone else had this problem? were you able to do it again without feeling bad?

btw- i plan on bringing some vick's with me to work tomorrow.

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Yes, it happens.

The cautery in particular sends people over the edge. And your doc took one look at you and knew it.

Surgery isn;t for everyone.

:)

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I don't think you passed out from what you saw. You are like me...blood and gore just doesn't bother me...it may make me whence, but it doesn't make me pass out.

However, my first surgery, I gowned, gloved and MASKED...I had never worn a surgical mask before.

When I was in the room...we were watching them set up and prep the patient and the circulating nurse saw me touch my hand to my forehead and she said, "You going to be ok?"

I said, "I don't understand why I'm feeling light headed all the sudden."

She pulled the bottom of my mask and said, "Take some deep breaths." I did...and then felt better.

She said, "You have to do that every once in awhile until you get used to masks...or you'll take in so much CO 2 that you'll pass clean out!"

oh....the words of wisdom!

She was right!

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Specializes in CDI Supervisor; Formerly NICU.
Yes, it happens.

The cautery in particular sends people over the edge. And your doc took one look at you and knew it.

Surgery isn;t for everyone.

:)

I spent a day in OR this semester, and the smell of the cautery was hideous. While I didn't come close to passing out, it did make me feel kind of woozy, and everything I ate that day tasted like crap. :chuckle

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