After lunch I got to scribe for Deena. Lest you be at all impressed by that, it really means sitting in a chair writing down everything she says. She is an RN and has been doing ultrasounds on women here this week. A portable ultrasound machine was carried down with us. The room is small, barely big enough to fit 3 people and an exam table, certainly not big enough for 3 people, an exam table and a fan. The door must remain closed for privacy so the room is like a sauna. That's where we spent the first part of the afternoon. We saw 4 women who were experiencing a range of problems.
The first patient we saw was a quiet, shy lady who was not feeling well for unexplained reasons. She watched Deena's face carefully as the ultrasound was being done. Deena spoke out information to me to write in the lady's chart in English which is, of course, the only language either of us speak. The lady's brow grew increasingly furrowed as we talked and transcribed. After the exam was over, she got up and dressed quickly. Ezner, a bi-lingual Haitian nurse came into the room. Ezner is a kind, strong man who speaks very good English. The Patient listened intently to Ezner's every word. The smile that broke out on her face when she was told that she was approximately 7 weeks pregnant was priceless. Her delighted husband smiled an equally brilliant smile from the doorway. That was a good start to the afternoon. We completed 3 more ultrasounds, only one that resulted in the need for future surgery.
After that I worked again with some PT patients with Kristen. It was amazing to witness the difference in the strength of the post op ladies in the course of one day. Kristen assures me that the strength and balance that they have is due to the PT and getting them up walking quickly after surgery.
Yesterday a premature baby was brought into the hospital. The birth had occurred at the Mother's house and the baby and Mom brought in soon after. Today the baby went to heaven. The family members are devastated, the Father informing a team member that this is the third baby they have lost. Twenty seven months spent anticipating babies that would not live but a few days.
And so Tuesday began with birth, continued with the announcement of a life to come and ended with a death. I am beginning to see that the Haitians have an understanding of this circle of life. They accept with peace when we must admit our limitations and confess our inability to do anything more medically. They grieve, of course, but they also accept the sovereignty of God.
We could learn something from that.
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