Wednesday, 7-1-09

January 7th, 2009 Posted in Uncategorized

Today was another clinic day, but not as busy as Monday.  Yesterday I did my first LP (lumbar puncture), a procedure where you put a needle into the spinal cord and collect fluid for analysis to determine if the patient has Meningitis or not.  Scott, a pharmacy student volunteering here with INMED, took a picture so my first LP is well documented, lol!!! :)  I’ll get that pic up on here when I can.  If you look around on the site, you might find his blog which consists of mostly pictures that you can look at as well.  Sarah, my friend/student from KCOM also has a blog if you want to check out some of her stories too!

Today was clinic and I saw several pts with HTN (high blood pressure) to refill their medications, also saw a pt with back pain and did some manipulation (OMT) to help re-align his hips and lower back.; go K-VILLE!!!  Also saw a pt with severe jaundice today, his eyes were sooo yellow.

This afternoon I did a couple of paracentesis (putting a needle into a swollen belly to remove the excess fluid) on an older woman with ovarian tumor and metastasis and on another patient with liver problems.  We took off 5-6 liters in both cases, now they will be able to breathe easier and maybe eat!

Mendi wrote a post and mentioned how her recent hospital room probably wasn’t quite like the ones here.  I just realized that I haven’t described them to you yet and need to take a picture for you all as well.  The hospital “rooms” are numbered 1-5 and are the wards.  Ward 1 &2 women’s wards and each room holds 10 or more beds.  Ward 3 is surgical pts, and wards 4 & 5 are the men’s wards.  There is also a large room for the Peds ward which holds over 30 kids.  Another area of the hospital is the isolation wards.  One is for TB patients, currently is empty.  Most TB pt are in a TB village nearby but I’m not sure where.  The next isolation ward is for Meningitis pts which we have about 5 pt in at this time, but there is room for a couple more if needed.  The last isolation ward is for infected wounds which can be anything from a motor vehicle accident, burns, or bad skin/abscess infections; this ward has about 10-12 pt right now.  If we run out of room in the wards then I think they start putting pt on the floor; but haven’t got to that point yet.

Tomorrow is Market day, which comes every 3rd day to Nilerigu.  I think its a traveling market thing that goes to a several different towns on a rotating basis.  I’m excited to check it out tomorrow and hope to buy an African skirt or dress before my time here is done.

I can’t believe we’ve been here for 6 days already!  My prayer has been for the patients and for the staff for good health and also for an opportunity to share Jesus with someone!  Sarah, my friend from KCOM, has been ill for the past couple of days with a GI (tummy) bug but is feeling better today; please keep her in your prayers!  Three other of the volunteers had the same/similar illness when we first got here, so I’m hoping it will pass me by!

Well I’m getting sleepy now and my brain can’t think of what else to write tonight!  Thank you so much for all of your comments and encouragement, its so refreshing and encouraging to read your notes to me! :)  Thank you again for all your love, support, and especially prayers!!! :)

  1. 2 Responses to “Wednesday, 7-1-09”

  2. By Mendi on Jan 7, 2009

    Hey Kristin! What a blessing it was to read your blog this evening and hear about all of the amazing opportunities the Lord is allowing you to experience! First off, I would rather die than throw-up so the minute I saw that those you have been traveling with had been sick, I started fervently interceding on your behalf. When I told MaKayla she said, “Ooh! Having that when you are home is horrible but having it that far away would be terrible!?!” She too is praying for the Lord to keep you well, strong and supernaturally immunized from anything that comes near your being. We are believing the Lord to keep you healthy and strong!!! I praise God for servants/vessels such as yourself who are willing to take big risks in order to care for those less fortunate. His hands are touching those whom you care for as He works through you! :o) You are being a Jesus in the flesh to a lost world. We will specifically pray that doors are opened for you to share His love with at least one soul who needs life, hope and peace. Just remember that His presence accompanies each step you take! :o)

    Much love~
    Kyle, Mendi, MaKayla and Mal

  3. By Dad on Jan 8, 2009

    Hi Sis,

    So proud of you. Enjoyed reading your comments. Pastor Bob asked me to teach a class on A.W. Tozers book The Pursuit of God.
    Wow, what a convicting book. I read, I cry, I pray, hopefully I grow closer to the relationship God intended for all of us to have with Him. Putting all other THINGS and people aside and giving Him my whole heart. Worshiping him and not the things of this earth. Kristin I see this in you, stay strong in your faith. You are an inspiration to me. Be careful, safe, and healthy. I’m praying for all of you as you know. I love you sis.

    Dad

You must be logged in to post a comment.