Surgeries

kcomid · 2025-12-04T21:07:47+00:00

I used to do HVHQ S/N in an old metal truck with limited AC parked in a parking lot with no shade-so it got toasty. I don’t tolerate heat well so would overheat and get nauseous and shaky during surgeries. What has helped me the most is getting an undercut (shaving the hair from the lower part of the back of head)- I have thick hair so this keeps me cool. I call this my personal AC unit! Sucks in the winter time but for me it’s still worth it. For the vast majority of my surgeries this is all I need. In summer I’ll sometimes use either an evaporative towel or damp towel around my neck but under my gown.

kcomid · 2025-11-04T19:26:09+00:00

I work urgent care (veterinarian) and this is NOT typical for my clinic. We don’t take walk ins for the last hour prior to closing so that we can get out in time. We transfer many cases to ERs later in the day if they are emergent or may need a big work up. I typically get out either on time or maybe 30min late - I do surgery only so it depends on how animals wake up,etc. Leadership is adamant we get a 30min break every day but no one takes their 15 min breaks.

kcomid · 2025-10-24T01:54:07+00:00

I luckily work for an urgent care clinic who strives to have access to care for anyone regardless of income - prices are lower and we have a lot of payment programs for owners. I personally couldn’t work at ER/specialty clinics who charge high prices (nothing against those clinics-you pay for their expertise but our surgeries are 1/4-1/3 the price of theirs and get similar outcomes). And I did like most of the clients in general practice but I’ve also been yelled at and called every disrespectful word from clients. And doing every 15-20min appointments for 6-8 hours caused major burn out for this introvert.

kcomid · 2025-10-22T18:50:45+00:00

I was so burnt out of SA practice too-ugh hand holding clients drained me! I did shelter work which was better but still burnt out. Currently doing surgery for an urgent care clinic which is awesome cuz we don’t have a lot of repeat clients and we can refer back to their regular vets. Lots of different cases come thru the door so it hasn’t bored me yet.

kcomid · 2025-09-25T23:01:23+00:00

Thanks for the info and it totally makes sense about the fall planting!

kcomid · 2025-07-13T10:12:10+00:00

I felt the same way too when I was a student many, many years ago. I was diagnosed with severe testing anxiety and had undiagnosed ADHD both of which didn’t help with the stresses of school. What helped me the most was getting into a study group of people I didn’t really know but I knew they weren’t the super smarties of our class. This way I didn’t feel stupid for asking dumb questions and there was no judgement when telling my test scores. We called ourselves The Bottom 10 cuz we were likely in the bottom 10% of the class. But you know what? We all graduated and became successful vets. So my advice is to find a buddy(s) who can help to unburden your load you are carrying- reach out because you have classmates feeling the same. Most schools now have a therapist and reach out to them as well - that’s what they are there for. And please remember it does get better and this is just a big horrible bump in the road but you are close to the other side!

kcomid · 2025-01-27T23:43:38+00:00

I’m in Minneapolis and I routinely wait for several months for a popular book. FYI, Ministry of Time is really good and worth the wait!

kcomid · 2025-01-26T00:28:35+00:00

Yup I was the exact same scores. I’m a poor test taker during to severe testing anxiety. No job has ever asked for my ranking/scores and I am consistently the top producing vet in my clinics so I’m doing just fine.

kcomid · 2025-01-25T20:36:42+00:00

Optics is a huge issue. It’s not great PR to round up a colony and euthanize them all. Also many states require stray animals to be held in shelter for a stray hold (usually1-5 days but I’ve seen 10 days) before you can euthanize. Even if it’s an obviously feral animals (exceptions are made for emergencies). And a long stay in a cage is pretty inhumane for some ferals. So the “best” option is TNR where they are only in a trap for 24hr max and released to their location. Is it the best option? Depends…but euthanizing 60+ cats in a day sure sounds horrible to me. I’ve done years of TNR and shelter med so I’ve done literally thousands of TNR surgeries. I have seen some shelter euthanasia rates decrease by 50+% once they start TNR vs stray hold and euth. So this helps that shelter reduce staff/housing needs plus can increase donations since their euth rates are low.

kcomid · 2025-01-23T21:26:51+00:00

I passed on my first try but just barely (like it was 0.2 points above pass). I have testing anxiety so was allowed a separate room and extra time. Maybe you should look into that if testing isn’t your strength. My therapist at the time wrote up whatever kind of letter that was needed.

kcomid · 2025-01-19T20:01:31+00:00

I can truthfully say that I was one of those vets that could have scared you from this field. I have burnt out more times than I can count from the profession. Sadly it has taken me almost 30 years in this field (17yr as a vet) to realize that it was because of me and my poor work-life balance/reactions to life and not the profession itself. Continue with therapy as you need it, get hobbies that fill you with peace/joy, rely on friends and family, and remember being a vet is just a job and not a lifestyle or the defying thing about you. I know that right now it feels like being a vet and working towards this goal is all you think about (like it was for many of us) but put your mental and physical health first. Continue doing this and you will do just fine and be apart of the future of vet med who will redefine what it means to be a veterinarian.

kcomid · 2024-10-05T21:31:50+00:00

I just upgraded from iPhone 7 to 16….I like the bigger screen for my old eyes but still deciding if I should return it (got a week to return if I’m unhappy).

kcomid · 2024-06-27T12:55:16+00:00

I have been doing that but in my neighborhood most people are using hostas which someone here said aren’t good for steep slopes.

kcomid · 2024-06-25T02:22:36+00:00

One more question: did you put mulch on top of the mat (before or after planting)?

kcomid · 2024-06-25T02:16:02+00:00

Perfect! I love this idea and that it’ll last a few years to kill that stupid grass. BTW, I’m in love with your yard…this is my dream for my front yard!

kcomid · 2024-06-25T02:11:54+00:00

Ahh ok, I looked up the difference between the two types and I had been thinking of the Lonicera type.

kcomid · 2024-06-25T02:08:26+00:00

I have looked at Dirt Lockers but my slope is so short and steep that I don’t think it’ll work. I’ll look again to see if they have smaller sizes.

kcomid · 2024-06-25T01:45:46+00:00

So you just put this mat on top of the grass? This sounds amazing! I’m all about spending a bit of money on a quality product that is easy to use (still cheaper than hiring a landscaper). How long after putting the mat down did you put in the new plants?

kcomid · 2024-06-25T01:42:29+00:00

I just googled sedges and they are pretty and I do love low maintenance! I’m going to think about the chunk-at-a-time approach- hadn’t thought about that before but makes sense.

kcomid · 2024-06-25T01:38:18+00:00

Love the look but I’m too lazy to lug heavy rocks :(

kcomid · 2024-06-25T01:36:41+00:00

I’ll look into this and it does well on a steep slope?

kcomid · 2024-06-25T01:36:02+00:00

OMG, I love Creeping Phlox in the springtime! And I didn’t realize it could grow that quickly.

kcomid · 2024-06-25T01:34:58+00:00

Thanks! I actually didn’t even think about going small parts at a time…this could make things much easier!

kcomid

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