As quick as it came, it is now finished. We put a lot of hard work and effort into the care provided. The people of Paita were very appreciative of us being here. Talking about third world conditions does not serve it justice once you see it first hand. Sometimes I wonder if these missions are more for them or more for us. I saw a saying on Facebook that rang home: God does not give us what we can handle. God helps us to handle what we are given. We will probably come back with a different perspective on life. I am looking forward to getting back to my family. I am sure they miss me as much as I miss them.
It will be hard to forget those patients who came to us in a time of need. There was a mother who brought us her 6 month old daughter. She was in a bad relationship which included physical abuse and the unwanted pregnancy. The baby was born and she knew from day one there was something wrong with the child despite being told the child was fine. She kept the child all bundled and would not let the nurses see her. She explained her situation and allowed Catherine and I to examine the child. It was very obvious the child was not normal and most likely had Down's Syndrome. She had been to a doctor two weeks prior because the baby was not gaining weight. The mom was told to give her baby nutramigen formula, which is a very expensive formula which she can not afford. It was unclear if the doctor told here her child was not normal. She broke down when Charlie conveyed to her the issues. The sisters were going to help her find resources, but there is no birth to three program or much support for mothers and children.
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| Dr. Peggy with Baby Described Above |
A mother of six came in to the clinic with a few of her children and was complaining of stomach pains while she was there. She was pretty healthy otherwise, but was grabbing her stomach. I examined her and felt an enlargement in her abdomen. We asked if she could be pregnant and she said no. We asked when her last period was and she said February. She was agreeable to a pregnancy test which did come back positive. She got teary eyed and broke down as well. Her husband was in jail for molesting her 10 year old child. She was the one who turned him in to the police. She was providing for her family by cooking and selling meals from her home. She wasn't sure what she was going to to to support another child. Again, the sisters stepped in to offer support, but there is not much available in the city or the country. Any sort of major medical issue is handled in Lima. One of the sisters had knee surgery in Lima during our stay. There are no public hospitals in the area.
The environment could best be described as dirty. There was garbage in most streets and areas. Dogs roamed the streets. Most of them with owners, but were not welcome in the home due to limited space. Although they were cute, you did not approach them to pet. Dust and sand was everywhere. Tree leaves, what were there, were coated with dust on a regular basis. People got tap water from a river, but was not considered clean water. We drank soda most of the time because we knew it was safe. We all had water bottles with filters but were still cautious. There was minimal water pressure for showers and barely any hot water from the tap. Daily showers were necessary from the dust and significant sweat. Even though it is winter here, temperatures were still up in the 80's during the day. They got down to the 50's-60's at night. Sundown was 630pm.
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| Signage on School Describing Clinic Hours |
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| Hookworm Given to Dr. Peggy by Patient |
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| Dogs Everywhere! Picture taken at PRONOEI Clinic Location |
The people seemed most appreciative of the vitamins, anti-parasite medications, and the tooth brushes. We ran out of the parasite medication on clinic day 3 of 5. Deb spent a good portion of day 4 running around the numerous pharmacies looking for the medications. We decided for the last day of clinic, we would order additional medications and have the sisters dispense it later. Those who came to the clinic were mainly concerned about having parasites, respiratory issues (asthma and allergies), fungal skin infections, and things that caused them to itch. Most of which we had supplies for some of which we did not. Even when we told them they would have to return for the parasite medication at a later date, no one complained.
This was my first mission. Probably not my last mission. This was a tiring but rewarding experience. I am glad Charlie invited me to participate. I am glad everyone was there. Shelley, Miranda, Ellen, Catherine, Nancy, Deb, and Charlie are a hard working group of women whom should be applauded. A great deal of time and efforts were put into this mission before, during, and after the mission. Bless them all. A special thanks to my prayer sponsor. All of the prayers were needed and appreciated this week.
I would like to extend special thanks to my family and friends who helped out so I could go on this mission trip.
Submitted by Dr. Peggy Stickney
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