Dirty Coat

Wednesday, October 9

Today has been another fast paced, busy day and I am again thankful for it.  However, I sit here now stinky and very dirty and currently there is no power or water.  I specifically leave my white coat to wash on Thursday because I tend to be a little fluid soaked after clinic on Wednesday morning.  Today was no exception, the babies added some sweat and urine and one mom even sprayed me with breastmilk. I am shower ready but that does not look to be in my near future.

But let me back up.  We had chapel this morning and had lots of new faces both visitors and locals.  Two men from Samaritan’s Purse are visiting and working on how to partner more with Nkhoma Hospital.  One delivered the message at chapel and it was very good. The Malawians really seemed to love his stories.  He and his wife have been missionaries for over 50 years all over Africa. The singing as always was great. I know my singing videos are getting ridiculous but every time I think this is the best ever and I have to record.  Today we sang “It is Well” in Chichewa and so I recorded another clip. The picture is from the Malawian Hymnal of the words.  

After chapel, I headed straight to Peds Clinic.  We had thought that this week would be light after a busy week last week but we had about 40 again and worked until about 1.  I was able to discharge several from the clinic because they had grown well and don’t need the close follow up. Since Dr. Catherine is going home for furlough in 3 weeks, we are trying to decrease the numbers the best we can so those left with this duty are not totally overwhelmed.  

The kids from Nicole’s house are doing pretty well.  Little Daniel has turned into a little butterball and his leg has completely healed.  Deborah is growing, Lysin stays small but has had a gastroenteritis over the last week so it is not a surprise.  Telesa still had not gained weight. Nicole’s mom was near tears just frustrated. She has spent every second with her, keeping her warm and feeding her every 2 hours.  So, it was just hard to hear there was not much progress.  

It was also my last day to see Stephano.  He had excellent blood glucose levels and has not had any problems.  They also had gotten a note of referral from their health district. That means they will no longer get a bill for his supplies and meds.  Most will be paid for by the government, the rest will be done by the hospital. So, i am feeling relieved because I had worried that once I left and was not funding his medication that it would stop and he would have serious issues.  He is well set up now. Praise God!

One mom brought in her baby that we had not seen before.  The outpatient clinic had sent her over for concerns about breast feeding.  It was a lot of talking and confusion until she pulled out her breast and showed us that literally the nipples had fallen off.  Truly, there was nothing but a smooth breast and a red circle where the nipple should be. The baby has nothing to attach to and is crying in hunger.  That is when I asked if she was still making milk. As she squeezed it went everywhere, including all over me. I gave her a cup and she quickly expressed an ounce.  Then I brought in a bottle and in two gulps the infant had consumed it. Both mom and baby were relieved. All it took was a bottle, and yet the problem here could not be solved outside of the hospital and supplies that have been brought.  Sometimes it is just mind blowing!

Lunch was a very quick break today.  In fact, I did a few emails and then had to hurry back to a meeting.  I was early than some for the meeting and Dr. Catherine and I were talking.  There is a snake that usually doesn’t come into villages but they are now seeing because of deforestation.  It is called a boomslang and yesterday they killed one in their yard. She had posted the picture I show here.  It was curled around the kids swing set like it was right out of the garden of Eden. They are very deadly.

The meeting was a Neonatal death audit.  It is important that here at the hospital we review the causes of death for our newborns and review cases that can help us identify areas that need improvement.  The meeting included people from all the related departments from medical officers to nurses. It seemed like a productive although long meeting and there were concrete plans made for improvements.

Afterwards, I went to the wards.  Sam and Pempo had seen all the patients through the day and Pempo was working on another admission.  This little guy had malnutrition, malaria, and cerebral palsy. Not a fabulous combination. I checked on a few of the patients and ensured the nurses felt good for the night.  

I went to the registration office next to buy health passports for several people back at the Inn.  They are needed to show proof of no yellow fever if you are traveling to another country and also needed to get the medication to get rid of schistosomiasis that you can get from the water here.  Everyone takes this as they leave as these parasites are in the water that we wash and bathe in. Another travel perk!

Back at the inn, we got a call from Amelia and the kids.  They all sounded great and the kids were happy and talkative.  That was wonderful to hear. The girls were so excited to see their friends in America and I think it may help them with the transition or at least in understanding it.

Elise cooked us a great meal with some chicken and it was great to get some protein in.  Now I am just typing and looking forward to a little talking and reading. I got to talk to Wayne for a while which always makes my day.  

I have one more workday before I get to go on safari.  I AM SO EXCITED!!!