Just a quick note so people know we're alive since we've not been near a phone or computer since Monday!
We had a great trip to Mhingo lodge, it was quite a brief R&R, but well needed. We are all exhausted beyond words, but all in the same, we're so happy with the results of our week of surgery. Three kids are left in the ward at Mulago, one to go home tomorrow and the other two should go home after the weekend. Every year this trip gets more rewarding.
So we're scrambling around right now sorting and repacking our luggage getting ready to head over to the Samaritin's Purse Offices to get the kids we're bringing back to the US. There are 17 kids plus Mom's plus the translators. It will be quite a trip home!!
Off we go, arrival in the US in a few (24-30) hrs!
-Sister Lynda
(thanks Laura!)
Sunday, May 10, 2009
A few pictures
Saturday, May 2, 2009
Bitter Sweet Ending
So today was the final OR day in the "theater". All of us are excited and exhausted in the same breath. We were all saying that it is "last call for the theater" and "standing room only" in a hot, mosquito buzzing OR (a real realization of the state of medicine here in Africa and why we are here). All of the team members have hit the wall with fatigue and look forward to a celebration to finishing the last 2 cases. Dr.Sable proudly announces that we will be doing a pericardial tap on a child that will be going to Germany for a complex repair to bring the total to 12. Shortly after the start of the first case, the realization that another long day was before us with the discovery of unexpected defects in our first case. The past days have morphed into us all asking "what day of the week is it?" All of the patients have done well and are transitioning into the ward where they will have to transition from “muzanga” care to the familiar ward of nurses. Surprisingly the last OR case turned out to be the most complex post op care for the Uganda nurses and a reflection of our goal. Dr.Darren challenged the Uganda nurses with patience and a smile as dopamine and a pacemaker were utilized for the post op course. Although we are all experiencing fatigue, the Uganda nurses are being challenged both physically and mentally with all that we are teaching them. We are all are looking forward to getting a little free time off and our planned excursions. Regretfully several members of the team will be returning to their loved ones in the states both human and furry…(Dwayne) and we wish them a safe flight along with the benefits of KLM airlines. Special shouts to every team member that is a piece to this complex puzzle of care. Loud shouts to Dr.Starr and her skilled hands along with Dr.Sable aka “JaJa” and his vision for this program for without we would not have a mission. Special thanks to all of those that contributed man hours, supplies, and money for all of us to be here today. The final OR day and recovery for 12 Uganda kids not to mention the healing process for 17 kids that will be flying back with various team members throughout the world. We all hope that immigration doesn't question the large drain from her heart. All of the team members have been a blast and hopefully we will have a chance to work together again. The trip does not end here, but some well deserved rest and many celebrations along with fascinating stories about gorillas, 4 wheelers, the Nile…..not the drink, and safaris....... Mostly Amy and a bit Krista
Close call
So, Craig Dobson, Steph, and I thought we were the luckiest people yesterday because we got to take off in the late afternoon yesterday on Labor Day. We actually saw sunshine. We got down to the Craft Market by the National Theatre. The woodwork was amazing. Steph bought a "masterpiece" (we think he meant "one-of-a kind") for a total steal.
We even got to take a nap before heading to Le Chateau for dinner. The food was great. The ambiance was better, except for the obnoxious European man sitting across from us who would signal to the servers by clapping his hands or beckon them with one finger.
Doreka, our Good Samaritan representative, had called a cab for us, and told us that a man named Dennis was coming in a bit to pick us up. We waited for a while and a car finally pulls up in front of the restaurant. Each of us thought it odd that the windows were all tinted black. We asked if he was Dennis and he said yes. So we all got in.
We drove for a bit but something felt odd. Maybe it seemed we were going in circles. Anyways, Doreka calls to tell us that Dennis was waiting at the restaurant for us. Steph told her ta ht we were already in the car with Dennis. And soon it dawned on us that the driver was not sent by Doreka, but somehow he knew where we were to pick us up and he knew that we were working at Mulago Hospital. He finally dropped us off at home intact to our relief.
Steph and I think he intended to kidnap us. Craig D thinks he may have overheard that we needed a ride and came before Dennis to earn some extra cash. Either way, it was scary to think how vulnerable we are.
But alls well that ends well. We were in our PJs for some time before the poor OR team came home from the hospital at 11:30 PM.
Uyen
We even got to take a nap before heading to Le Chateau for dinner. The food was great. The ambiance was better, except for the obnoxious European man sitting across from us who would signal to the servers by clapping his hands or beckon them with one finger.
Doreka, our Good Samaritan representative, had called a cab for us, and told us that a man named Dennis was coming in a bit to pick us up. We waited for a while and a car finally pulls up in front of the restaurant. Each of us thought it odd that the windows were all tinted black. We asked if he was Dennis and he said yes. So we all got in.
We drove for a bit but something felt odd. Maybe it seemed we were going in circles. Anyways, Doreka calls to tell us that Dennis was waiting at the restaurant for us. Steph told her ta ht we were already in the car with Dennis. And soon it dawned on us that the driver was not sent by Doreka, but somehow he knew where we were to pick us up and he knew that we were working at Mulago Hospital. He finally dropped us off at home intact to our relief.
Steph and I think he intended to kidnap us. Craig D thinks he may have overheard that we needed a ride and came before Dennis to earn some extra cash. Either way, it was scary to think how vulnerable we are.
But alls well that ends well. We were in our PJs for some time before the poor OR team came home from the hospital at 11:30 PM.
Uyen
You don't know tough
Obviously this experience has shown and taught me a whole lot. One of the most notable is the strength and resiliency of people who do not have much. While the care we give is certainly somewhat different than we are used to in the U.S., one marked difference is the kids. They are tough, sweet, and incredibly eager to listen to instructions...the same goes for the families.
The most notable story is the 1 1/2 year old with a terrible cleft lip and palate who was extubated day 1 following a VSD repair and soon thereafter eating toast, porridge and milk - all with a massive cleft lip/palate. No special nipples, no gentle feeding - take the toast, and eat it. Darwin's law...the strong survive.
I clearly am not so strong. I am exhausted - days start at 7:30, and we are not home until nearly midnight....day after day. Resources limited, culture different, and we are all beat...not so tough, sweet, or eager as the patients we are treating...but we already knew that.
Klugs
The most notable story is the 1 1/2 year old with a terrible cleft lip and palate who was extubated day 1 following a VSD repair and soon thereafter eating toast, porridge and milk - all with a massive cleft lip/palate. No special nipples, no gentle feeding - take the toast, and eat it. Darwin's law...the strong survive.
I clearly am not so strong. I am exhausted - days start at 7:30, and we are not home until nearly midnight....day after day. Resources limited, culture different, and we are all beat...not so tough, sweet, or eager as the patients we are treating...but we already knew that.
Klugs
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