A new definition for Visiting hours
Good Evening,
The last couple of days have gone by very quickly having been working 13 plus hours a day on the women’s surgery unit. Many of the patients thus far have been limb amputations r/t diabetes, car accidents, *** cancer, and women with over stimulation of their ovaries from in vitro fertilization. A side effect from the increased hormones can cause liver problems leading to ascites, pulmonary edema and other very serious outcomes. IVF is a very popular option here I have learned. Most couples are expected to get pregnant within the first year of marriage and if they are unsuccessful the country pays for them to get IVF treatment. I have really enjoyed my experience on the unit thus far, partly due to the staff, they are all very nice and I am finding my education paying off!
I was somewhat surprised to see a man carrying a large carpet into the elevator next to me followed by several women with their arms full of tea pots, and baskets of food. Yes, when a family member is admitted the entire family seems to set up camp in their room, often pushing the patients bed out of the way to make room for their elaborate carpets. The smells from their food waft into the halls and is pretty powerful! I leave most rooms with my pockets full of gifts, cookies, fruit, juice boxes. No need for bringing lunch really, its quite nice:) I guess the hospital just got strict with their visiting policy and stopped allowing stoves to be brought into the rooms for families to cook on! If I wasn't here experiencing this I would hardly believe that.
I also learned my first Arabic word, "Marga". It means watery soup. Not one that I can use too often except it is also my preceptors name and so easy to remember. We are constantly reminded of her names true meaning in Arabic as all the patients love telling us if they speak any English.
Well, it appears the rec center is closely up already. Thanks for the comments. To answer my mom, Al Ain is more conservative than Dubai, but as a foreigner I have the liberty of not wearing the traditional dress. It is respectful to wear conservative clothing and beneficial as you get less attention from the men, although sometimes I wonder.
Until the next time!
All the best,
Emily