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Deb Chalmers

@viridescentfrog.bsky.social
208 followers 122 following 236 posts

Optimist, philomath, tuneless singer of random frog songs. I am a Physician and an Intensivist with interest in ethics, education & error. I strive for quality & sustainability in my career, and my life. All views are my own. #LearningToBe

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Deb Chalmers @viridescentfrog.bsky.social · 21/09/2026
Case and point - my tomato and cucumber armies
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Deb Chalmers @viridescentfrog.bsky.social · 20/09/2026
And that is why I live on a small island in the pacific and (try to) grow my own food
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Deb Chalmers @viridescentfrog.bsky.social · 19/09/2026
Definitely. Would u suggest a patient works with that level of pain/illness? No. Have the same & also be responsible for (potentially) life altering decisions - sure why not? The culture of medicine runs on the internalised guilt of HCW. If we actually took care of us the system would fall over.
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Deb Chalmers @viridescentfrog.bsky.social · 19/09/2026
I have a strong memory of worrying about a patients oral intake and urine output over the course of the day … and then realising that they were probably still doing better than I was 🫣
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Deb Chalmers @viridescentfrog.bsky.social · 17/09/2026
Ah good point. The repeated disclosures would be horrible. And yes - there are supervisors and then there are supervisors.
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Deb Chalmers @viridescentfrog.bsky.social · 16/09/2026
People are afraid of their own mortality. When they see a colleague affected by illness/ disability it becomes obvious what a house of cards things are. And also just ableism. Also not only trainees - seniors have lack of built in support. Trainees (hopefully) have understanding supervisors.
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Deb Chalmers @viridescentfrog.bsky.social · 15/09/2026
I can’t help posting this …
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Deb Chalmers @viridescentfrog.bsky.social · 15/09/2026
It’s taken me an awfully long time to get to this point And like a pendulum, I’m sure things will swing again. Acceptance isn’t about giving up. It’s about making a conscious choice about how you want to spend your energy. It’s about focusing on what you can do and not what you can not.
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Deb Chalmers @viridescentfrog.bsky.social · 13/09/2026
Yup. It takes some juggling. It took me probably two years before I got them aligned. And even then some things are only dispensed monthly so I still have to fetch from the pharmacy 🤷‍♀️
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Deb Chalmers @viridescentfrog.bsky.social · 12/09/2026
I remember hearing about it working on the computer in that cupboard of an office across from the lab. We thought they meant tiny plane like a 4 seater private turboprop plane. I think we found a radio to listen to? And then I went home and saw the images on my old school box tv. A lifetime ago.
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Deb Chalmers @viridescentfrog.bsky.social · 04/09/2026
THAT IS NOT A DIAGNOSIS
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Deb Chalmers @viridescentfrog.bsky.social · 25/08/2026
I have a CD of my masters thesis. No CD player in my laptop either 🤷‍♀️
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Deb Chalmers @viridescentfrog.bsky.social · 18/08/2026
The world we believe in is the world we live in
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Deb Chalmers @viridescentfrog.bsky.social · 14/08/2026
Oh my! And here I was complaining that the plum blossoms were a month early
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Deb Chalmers @viridescentfrog.bsky.social · 13/08/2026
How do you have tomatoes in your garden ALREADY? I haven’t even started my seedlings yet 😱
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Deb Chalmers @viridescentfrog.bsky.social · 29/07/2026
How is it $638 for an ECG? Did they get their own brand new machine?
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Deb Chalmers @viridescentfrog.bsky.social · 28/07/2026
You should stop doing that - the nearly dying bit. You nearly dying was 10/10 not recommend type situation. The automated bp cuff at home is a great idea. I use one too. It’s really hard to take your own BP with a manual one (I have tried for years 😂).
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Deb Chalmers @viridescentfrog.bsky.social · 28/07/2026
For the most part (95% and more) the automated cuffs are just great.
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Deb Chalmers @viridescentfrog.bsky.social · 28/07/2026
There’s also some benefit for the use of “old style machines” in certain populations. Just saying 🤷‍♀️
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Deb Chalmers @viridescentfrog.bsky.social · 28/07/2026
I probably won’t explain this eloquently enough. Old BP cuffs you measure the SBP and DBP and can calculate the MAP. Automated cuffs measure the MAP and calculate the SBP and DBP using algorithms. So I guess it depends on which value you’d like to be measured or calculated.
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Deb Chalmers @viridescentfrog.bsky.social · 20/06/2026
It’s taken me a long while to get to that point - but I’m not sure I would consider that person a “friend” any longer. They’d be lucky to be considered an acquaintance. Thank you for all your advocacy
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Deb Chalmers @viridescentfrog.bsky.social · 05/06/2026
Did you add anything? Or just nuts in a blender?
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Deb Chalmers @viridescentfrog.bsky.social · 01/06/2026
Don’t let your struggle become your identity … something to ponder as I stare into the flames on this chilly winters night
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Deb Chalmers @viridescentfrog.bsky.social · 24/05/2026
🐷 🐷 Two little piglets …
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Reposted by Deb Chalmers
Create the Ripple @createtheripple.bsky.social · 22/05/2026
“Don’t compromise yourself. You are all you’ve got.” Janis Joplin Looking after ourselves is not selfish. Rest, boundaries, saying no, choosing what matters, all of it counts. You matter too. 🧡 #SelfCare #kindness Art by anxiety.positive
A black background with bold white handwritten style text reading “Be More Selfish It’s Your Life!!” The word “selfish” sits inside a large rainbow coloured heart with bright gradient colours flowing through it. The image has a playful, encouraging feel and shares a message about self care, boundaries, and valuing your own needs. Picture by @anxiety.positive
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Deb Chalmers @viridescentfrog.bsky.social · 22/05/2026
Is it the same arm where you had your angio or recent cardio procedures? I hope you figure it out soon and that it stops being so sore. You need BOTH arms for kitty cuddles
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Deb Chalmers @viridescentfrog.bsky.social · 20/05/2026
There are insufficient boxes! Why are they flat? Do you know nothing, hooman?
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Deb Chalmers @viridescentfrog.bsky.social · 20/05/2026
It’s a full time job - I spend at least half a day a week on medical admin
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Deb Chalmers @viridescentfrog.bsky.social · 20/05/2026
The cynic in me thinks “live well” is code for “accept that it won’t be any better”. Maybe that is the key - have realistic expectations so you won’t be disappointed. “Live well” certainly takes on a different meaning as soon as you have x chronic condition to contend with plus the human condition
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Deb Chalmers @viridescentfrog.bsky.social · 19/05/2026
I’m so tire of the “at least it’s not …” comments or “at least you can …”. Yes, it could be more crap than it currently is … doesn’t change the level of crappiness that it is currently. Thank you for sharing.
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Deb Chalmers @viridescentfrog.bsky.social · 16/05/2026
🤔 What’s the fake chicken?
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Deb Chalmers @viridescentfrog.bsky.social · 09/05/2026
They’re probably doing a deep dive into your recent purchases and online reviews. How many treats recently purchased? What’s your weekly tuna supply like? Do you associated with other neighbourhood kitties and share your pats? Do you have a suitable qualification in ear scratches?
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Deb Chalmers @viridescentfrog.bsky.social · 09/05/2026
When do they move into their new palace with their new hooman slave?
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Deb Chalmers @viridescentfrog.bsky.social · 09/05/2026
Yikes. I’m so sorry x
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Deb Chalmers @viridescentfrog.bsky.social · 05/05/2026
They shouldn’t have to explain their disability to every single person who asks …
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Deb Chalmers @viridescentfrog.bsky.social · 02/05/2026
There would like have been less midnight contemplation though, on a different path. More sleep. More rest. Less trying to manage symptoms I never knew existed before now. Never truely knew. So would I choose- yes. But I would like fair warning & perhaps a few more pillows to prop me up at night
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Deb Chalmers @viridescentfrog.bsky.social · 02/05/2026
Would I choose the same path again, knowing what I know now? Probably. I am trying to live my life in a more intentional way. I am trying to be present. A human being not a human doing. None of these things would’ve happened on a different path. 1of2
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Reposted by Deb Chalmers
Create the Ripple @createtheripple.bsky.social · 02/05/2026
“Life moves pretty fast. If you don’t stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it.” Ferris Bueller’s Day Off It’s May already. Life moves and sometimes we forget to pause. Today is a reminder to choose something that looks after you. 🧡 #kindness #SelfCare Art by positively present
A light, playful illustration titled “May Self Care” by Positively Present. It features colourful doodles and short prompts such as buy the flowers, do something unexpected, don’t lock up your heart, take note of small changes, daydream often, text an old pal, go on an adventure, refresh your mind, make time for fun, enjoy the moment, find home within yourself, keep growing, establish boundaries, spruce up your space, stay hydrated, nourish your body, cheer for yourself, be open to exploration, be in awe, and notice your beauty. Small icons like flowers, a bicycle, cupcake, turtle, and hot air balloon add a warm, uplifting feel. Picture by @positivelypresent
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Deb Chalmers @viridescentfrog.bsky.social · 30/04/2026
It’s not only about owning a physical cell phone. It’s also about money - you might not have the credit to phone people that you need to contact to rearrange your life. This is an equity issue.
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Deb Chalmers @viridescentfrog.bsky.social · 29/04/2026
Sending love and hugs xxx
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Deb Chalmers @viridescentfrog.bsky.social · 29/04/2026
It’s so good to see these every day. Thank you x
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Deb Chalmers @viridescentfrog.bsky.social · 25/04/2026
You don’t realise how ableist the world is until you’re on the other side … #ButYouDontLookSick
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Deb Chalmers @viridescentfrog.bsky.social · 23/04/2026
Surgery - wait, what?? Sending hugs x
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Deb Chalmers @viridescentfrog.bsky.social · 23/04/2026
Another productive day learning new things, reconnecting with old friends, making new ones, and getting on with my #conferenceknitting at ANZICS Regional Scientific Meeting, superbly organised by the team at MMH Critical Care Complex. @anzics.bsky.social
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Deb Chalmers @viridescentfrog.bsky.social · 21/04/2026
Eek. Commiserations from the future. I hope you get to escape today (tomorrow) and that things are onwards and upwards from here!
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Deb Chalmers @viridescentfrog.bsky.social · 17/04/2026
Sometimes you have to just embrace the insomnia and go for a predawn walk at the river. Refreshing for the soul 🥶 and what a gorgeous sunrise
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Deb Chalmers @viridescentfrog.bsky.social · 16/04/2026
Aw honey. Sending loves to you both. She will always exist in your heart and mind x
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Deb Chalmers @viridescentfrog.bsky.social · 15/04/2026
Boundaries don’t cause conflict. They are there to keep you safe. They highlight a conflict that was already brewing under the surface. If you get that uneasy feeling everytime you interact with someone maybe it’s time to start listening to your inner wisdom. Is it time to move on?
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Deb Chalmers @viridescentfrog.bsky.social · 10/04/2026
There will be complaints. In triplicate. And there has better be TREATS tomorrow in recompense
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Deb Chalmers @viridescentfrog.bsky.social · 10/04/2026
No feeding zone?! What outrageous situation is this!!
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