Senior Project Blog Post Three

 This week, most of the focus has been preparing for two surgeries that I am going to observe later today (Friday). This entailed lots of research and some tests that I had to take to confirm I don't have any diseases that would prohibit me from spectating. One such test, the TB test, was particularly interesting. When I arrived for the test, I was expecting a shot, a blood sample, anything that you would usually see in movies, shows, or hear about. However, the nurse immediately pulled out the smallest needle I have ever seen. The diameter was probably smaller than that of a piece of paper, and when she stuck the needle into my arm, I hardly felt anything. That was because she barely pierced my skin, just getting under the first layer.  That all was odd to me, but I was most surprised when she injected the fluid that was in the syringe. Instead of going into my bloodstream, a chemical was inserted into that layer of skin, creating a bubble of sorts on my arm. The bump looked like a bug bite that you had just discovered after scratching it a bit. A little inflamed, round, protruding from the skin, but nothing more. 

This week I have learned much more than I have over the past couple of weeks. Prepping for the surgeries (there are two different ones and there is another which I will watch next Thursday) was a lot of work with a lot of information. All of it cool and relevant, though. 

I have been getting lots of first-hand, professional experience and it has been a lot of fun. I've spent lots of time with my parents and siblings which has also been very meaningful. I think I am well on track to complete my goals. 

Online image of what a TB test looks like.

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