Counting Backwards: A Doctor's Notes on Anesthesia

Was nice to just flip through and get idea of how a life in peds goes, but I felt like it ended so quickly and there wasn't enough leading up to the end, so it just felt a bit forced. Would have liked a more clear cut story line or journey.

I have been under anesthesia more times than I care to remember for surgeries of various types. This is one of the most critical parts of any surgery, and knowing what to expect is very liberating to the mind.The author has written about his experiences and his life as an anesthesiologist. As he works with pediatric cases, his experiences and most like somewhat different from what someone doing anesthesia for adults experience, but the concept is the same.I wish the doctor had written ore about the various drugs used and how they affect the way you go under and why. For instance, for the heart surgery I have undergone several times, they use what is called deep anesthesia…but I don't really know what that means. Because I have been through it, I now know the effects on the mind and body, but it would have been nice had he explained the different types of drugs used and how deep people are put under.I found the book interesting, however it was not quite what I expected. It is still a good read, but don't expect to find very detailed information on the process of anesthesia.

In Counting Backwards, the author, an anesthesiologist, relates his first-hand experiences. This short book includes unusual lesson-based stories, detailed descriptions of the environment, and reflections on the profession.An anesthesiologist, as the “General Practitioner of the operating room,” needs to know something about almost every part of the human body. For a surgery, an anesthesiologist must exercise his capabilities to:• Relieve stress• Prevent memory formation• Relieve pain during surgery• Prevent a patient’s movement, and• Prevent surges in blood pressure and heart rateWith these powers come great responsibilities. The reader can appreciate the author’s references to his almost compulsive attention to detail.At first digressions, such as for a detailed description of the author’s workplace arrangement, or for the history of anesthesia, seem disruptive. But, as further episodes reveal the author’s humanity, the stories become more compelling.These stories were the high points. The author combines practical situations and medical explanations, to help the reader understand the medical implications of everyday events. If the book contained more stories, I would have kept on reading.

Phenomenal book by one who has been in the trenches of anesthesia care. He does an excellent job explaining his work and organizational skills required to perform work such as his then he addresses various cases he’s seen in his career. Overall an exceptional read by someone I’d most definitely allow to be my anesthesiologist if ever needed.

“Things will never be the same, that’s just the way it is” These words, lyrically masterminded by Tupac Amaru Shakur in “Changes”, are thought by many to be referring to changes needing to be made to the treatment of those facing poverty and racism on a daily basis. However, after reading “Counting Backwards” by Dr. Jay Przybylo I would argue that after likely being blown away by the author’s captivating stories and writing ability that Tupac also meant that the future of anesthesia books “will never be the same, that’s just the way it is”. Some of you may say that since this book came out in 2017 this would be a posthumous endorsement by Tupac...but that’s a debate for an entirely different thread.Overall a phenomenal, endorphin releasing and reuptake inhibiting, blue colored novel. I literally read the entire book.

I enjoyed the patient stories most. Some of the book is quite technical. I have knowledge of medical processes so not bad for me. I think some people might not be as interested. I am aware how complicated anesthesia is and amazed how well it goes. It’s a short book and moves along well. It was good to read how dedicated this Dr is to patients.

My daughter is an anesthesiogy resident. She will begin a fellowship in pedestric anesthesiology in a few months. This book gave me a helpful overview of the procedure involved in pediatric anesthesia Although pediatric anesthesiologists may not benefit as much as a lay person, this book provides insight not only on the procedural differences in pediatric and adult anesthesia but also the very different approach needed to communicate with children and parents Would have been 5 stars but the author mentioned "stomach flu". Flu is respiratory. A pet peeve

I loved this book and the way it was written. Dr. Jay teaches us some of the history of anesthesia and how he incorporates it into his practice today. His stories were informative, at times funny, and humble. Every chapter kept me interested and I couldn't put the book down. He is able to give his perspective from both sides of the sliding doors (how hard it is to be in the waiting room) and why he has his plan always in place, ready for any emergency that might arise. This book is excellent for both lay people and professionals. (Wish I had been there for Tabibu.)Thank you for always being there for us.

筆者は、米国ノースウエスタン大学麻酔科准教授で３万回以上の臨床経験を持つベテランの麻酔科医です。、主に小児麻酔を専門とする医師として、自身の実戦経験を失敗も含めて具体的に麻酔科医はどのような仕事をしているのか？を、麻酔技術の発達の歴史とともに説明した本です。エーテルを吸入することによる麻酔方法が発見されてから、約１.５世紀。いまだにその作用機作が完全に解明されていない。また麻酔科は、医学部で学んだ全ての基礎医学と臨床科目の内容を忘れることが許されない分野。と冒頭から記載されて居り、興味をそそります。麻酔医は、手術を行う外科医の裏方として控えめな存在と思いがちですが、患者のバイタルサインを常にモニターしつつ処置を行い、手術の工程管理するのみならず、患者のメンタルケアーも担って、幅広い責任を負っていることが理解できました。同僚に頼まれて、動物園から持ち込まれた類人猿（Tabibuと記載されていますが、辞書に載っていません。文章の流れから類人猿と推定しました。）の腸閉塞の手術を行った際に、生後18か月の人間の幼児の薬量で対処したことが書かれていたり、あの懐かしい1960年代のTV人気ドラマ“ベン・ケーシー”に関する記載があったり、読者を飽きさせません。全体の手術過程を展望してプロアクティブに対応するのが、優れた麻酔医という記述と、麻酔の働き要素５つのA。Anxiolysis（抗不安）Amnesia（記憶をなくす）Analgesia（鎮痛）Akinesia（動かさない）Areflexia（反応消失）が読後、印象に残ります。