Recently in school we practiced a procedure on each other known as dilation and irrigation. (Note: We always practice procedures on each other before performing them on patients.) A lacrimal dilator is used (a piece of metal that is pointy at both ends) and inserted into the punctum (where the tears drain). Initially the smaller of the two ends is used. It is then rotated back and forth between ones fingers and then moved around in a stirring fashion (similar to how one would stir cake batter). This continues until the normally flesh colored punctum turns white. Then the larger end of the lacrimal dilator is inserted and the same procedure is followed. Next a needle is inserted. The punctum needs to be dilated in order for the needle to fit. In our proficiency test, sterile saline solution was squirted in. It actually isn't as bad as it seems.
I went to the Chinese New Year Parade this past Sunday. Though this is my third year in Chicago, this was my first time attending the parade in Chinatown. It was a lot of fun. Instead of attempting to dine in the very crowded Chinatown either before or after the parade, we chose to eat an Asian-inspired lunch in the comforts of our home. We did however, make the mistake of attempting shop in the stores following the parade. HUGE mistake. You could barely manuver through the tightly packed isles. I spied a pair of shoes that I really liked, but I went back this Wednesday with one of my friends (Nicole) and purchased them then. Check out the pics of the parade. Since it is the year of the dog, I thought that I would add a pic of my two dogs, Elsa and Clara.