Henry Jay Przybylo

This review originally appeared on my blog at www.gimmethatbook.com.

Thanks to NetGalley for this ARC!

There is nothing as fascinating as anesthesia. The very idea of being in a state where your insides could be cut, manipulated, and sewn back together is mind-blowing; yet this happens on a daily basis all over the world. COUNTING BACKWARDS is the personal account of a person with intimate knowledge and respect for this phenomenon.

He shares stories of the good, the bad, and the ugly surgeries that he has overseen. From babies to gorillas, he has seen more than his share. The book is not just medical jargon; he recounts his interactions with patients and shares some of his most intimate thoughts with us. We learn what his routine is when setting up for a surgery – and why it never varies. We learn the history and development of anesthesia drugs – and why he creates a new plan for each patient. Dr Przybylo is a caring and meticulous man, one that I would want in the surgery suite with me.

This memoir came about when he enrolled in the MFA program at Goucher College; a step that is admirable and daunting. His professors must have loved encouraging and developing his writing style, as the story flows as smoothly as isoflurane into the lungs. The good doctor draws from his years of experience as he discusses patients, medicine, and humanity. Each story has a moral of sorts – they don’t always have a happy ending – but there is always a lesson to be learned.

It takes a special person to have the intelligence to understand the workings of anesthesia, while also possessing the compassion to care for people. The human race can be a frustrating and ugly bunch while sick and/or scared – I’ve been one of those people a few times. Dr Przybylo is kind enough, as well as strong enough, and that is what made this book stand out for me. There was just enough anesthetic detail and gore to keep me interested, while keeping the human condition firmly front and center. This book would be a wonderful addition to someone’s medical library.… (plus d'informations)

Doctor Henry Jay Przybylo's book "Counting Backwards" provides a look into what it's like to be an Anesthesiologist, as told by a doctor with decades of experience. His story is personal, detailing examples and experiences from his practice.
While there may be people with stories of unsatisfactory experiences with anesthesia, the feeling one gets from Dr. Przybylo's book is that when administered by a professional, anesthesia is safe and satisfying.
The book could be interesting for nervous patients facing surgery, or for students considering a career in the profession. It also educates the reader, and encourages patients to engage with not just the surgeon and hospital prior to surgery, but also with the anesthesiologist. He/she should be willing and able to answer any questions you may have, and ensure that the medication selected is the best for your situation. ​… (plus d'informations)