Finger Folly

Clinical Skills labs this semester have been much more interesting, as they've been dedicated to more hands-on experiences. Today, we spent time at each of three stations - stomach pump tubing, removing fishing hooks from pigs feet and rings from fingers, and placing someone on a backboard - all of which we will likely encounter in the ER someday.
The demonstrations by the doctors are extremely helpful and I always enjoy watching them, until today. Because today, I became the demonstration. At the pig feet/ring station, I became a little overzealous in practicing removing a ring on myself. I repeated the wrapping technique one too many times (word to the wise: do NOT repeat), and my finger become so swollen that I could not remove my wedding ring - for real.

After placing it in a cup of ice for several minutes and being asked to stay for the next group's demonstration, Dr. Lamberson performed the technique on me, twice, to get the ring off. It's actually a pretty painful experience, and today my husband switched lab groups and wasn't there for support. Instead, Matt Wood was kind enough to be his proxy and hold my hand through the ordeal. I do not have a high pain tolerance and felt a bit like I was in labor and delivery, squeezing Matt's hand as the ring was twisted and Matt telling me I was fine and doing good. The only thing that kept me from outwardly expressing how much of a baby I am was the crowd of my peers watching the process.
After the ring popped off and the onlookers applauded, Dr. Lamberson breathed a sigh of relief. He would have been really embarrassed if he would've had to send a student to the emergency room from today's clinic.

Thanks, Dr. Lamberson!

I learned two things today: I prefer to be the (student) doctor rather than the patient, and that when I'm pregnant I will not be postponing taking my ring off.
Well, maybe three things. Practice lab techniques on someone else.