The patients who present to the clinic are grateful we have come. We have treated a number of people for malnutrition and parasites. A few people have been newly diagnosed with diabetes and high blood pressure. Even providing a small supply of Tylenol has been met with much gratitude.
Charlie and I spent this afternoon at a child screening clinic. They were tested for a number of parasites and anemia (low red blood cell counts and usually iron deficiency). There is a lot of it down here.
We met Fabiana and her mother this afternoon. She is a typical child with a medical condition, but lives in a less than ideal environment. She likes recess, and likes to read--mainly fantasy books. She has thinning hair and a number of lesions on her skin. The vitamins we are bringing to her should help, but are probably not enough for the demand her medical condition places on her body. Despite her condition, she is happy and go lucky. And very polite! :)
The roads and neighborhoods are dusty and dirty. Despite the clouds, it does not rain much here. Last winter, it rained seven times. Not too many times this year, so far. They have garbage collection, but the streets and open area are riddled with litter. The housing here is very modest. There are no water treatment plants, so we filter our drinking water and even use our water bottles for brushing our teeth. The laundry is done in buckets and rinsed the same way and hung to dry. Usually, the clothing is dry by the evening.
The work is hard. The company is great. Having fun and making light of moments when possible. The sisters are awesome. Another group of fun loving women who can solve problems and bust down walls with little to no effort.
I would have to say we have all worked very hard so far. Despite fatigue, we show no signs of letting up. Kudos to Catherine for putting up with my lack of Spanish. She has been my right hand for communicating with our patients.
Need to get food and start getting ready for tomorrow. More to come!
Peggy Stickney, MD
