We did two spine surgeries today. Made me think of the proverb of teaching a man to fish... I told Dr Nana I just wanted to stand and assist today...Which for those of you who work with me in the OR you know how very,very, very hard it was to sit there and not do much...I know Ashley my PFCST (private, first class scrub tech) already can't believe I could do it, but I did pretty well. Only a couple of times did I grab the instruments from him and helped a bit. He did really good, especially in light of the fact, it was the worst the power outages have ever been during surgery. Had to call security twice and tell them they really needed to run up and turn on the generator, because we were waiting to finish surgery and needed the electric on so our lights, suction and cautery would work. Pretty hard to do spine surgery without electricity.
I was feeling pretty pleased with what Dr Nana was able to do, and I think that reasonable basic spine care will be achievable here in Mbingo. Today was officially my last spine cases for this trip because next week Mon/Tues I will be filing in doing the general ortho cases and trauma that comes in as Dr Nana is going to be visiting another hospital.
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| Ortho Team David, Oliver, George, Dr Brian, Raymond and Amos |
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| Today's First Spine patient who as you can see, the traditional medicine of "letting the evil spirits out!!" hence, all the cuts on her back, failed to work.. |
We were invited to one of the neighbors house tonight for dinner which was very nice. Comfort, who is one of the chaplains and mother to several of the kids that our kids play with had us all to her house. We had her version of fufu N'jamajama, rice, potatoes, hot slaw, and fruit. To top it all of and make Grandma Roxy super happy, she showed up with puff-corn (popcorn) for dessert, which she apparently has been craving for the last 3 odd weeks.
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| Toby was like a "POWD" pack of wild dogs on the "puff-corn" popcorn. |
The tailor, Belta (one of the surgery residents wives) showed up with our new shirts and Grace's dress. She started on Tuesday... Now 3 matching tailored button down, collared shirts and a fancy dress later.. I'm amazed. Never owned a hand tailored shirt before. The cost, $6.60 plus cost of fabric...all of the above for $22.00. Belta is an amazing seamstress with an incredibly infectious laugh.
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| Belta and her work. |
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| The Boys |
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| Amy's figuring out how to do her African head wrap. |
That's all for today, quick tumor surgery in the morning then off to hike to one of the Volcano lakes that is nearby... Should have some great pics to show..
BI
3 comments:
Dad says he wants to know the name of the lake you are going to so he can look it up on the map. I had to miss work today-have a middle ear infection. If ever your kids say their ears hurt, please believe them and take them to the doctor STAT! My eardrum even ruptured. Of course, it felt some better after that but is still uncomfortable. Other than that we are good. Karen arrived on Wednesday. Her surgery is scheduled for 6/29. Enjoy the next part of your journey and please continue with the pictures. Love to all of you, Mom and Dad
LOVE YOU ALL. Still checking in to see what the Ipsen's are doing. Be safe! Jen
God bless you for all your fantastic work there that I know is sorely needed. That is when "letting the evil spirits out" doesn't work. Looking forward to seeing you back in Missouri. Good luck and stay safe!
Lance
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