Today has been interesting, and it's only noon.
I was able to witness the birth of a beautiful Haitian boy by C-Section. His 19 year old mother was helped into the OR by our nurse, Deena. They walked, well one waddled a bit, arm in arm toward the operating table. I was given the privilege of observing the entire procedure. I was captivated watching how well the surgeons and nurses worked together in spite of the language barrier.
At precisely 9:13 a.m. ET they brought "precious boy" into the world. He didn't make a sound. Sometimes silence is alarming and this was one of those times. Dr. Diane explained that some of the infant mortality occurs within 10 minutes of birth because the babies are born and are not stimulated immediately. They fail to cry and clear their lungs thereby suffocating and dying. This is one of the techniques that is being taught to nurses here at the hospital. This baby was well attended and placed into the hands of Dr Diane. We quickly took the baby to the next room and Diane explained to me the need to get him crying. I was able vigorously rub his little back while he wailed. It was glorious.
Little "precious boy" was cleaned off and weighed 3.08 kilos or 6.7 pounds. A pretty good size for a Haitian child. I helped him get dressed and wrapped him up while his Aunt looked on. I was told that they won't name him for a few days as is the custom here due to infant mortality. A great start to the morning.
I then joined with Kristin who is a physical therapist in seeing post op patients from yesterday's surgeries and several other people who needed PT at the hospital. While walking through the very crowded hospital I noticed a lady who was laying on a gurney in the hall. She was in great pain due to her hysterectomy yesterday afternoon. The family of a patient is responsible for all the food, bedding and care of their loved one while in the hospital. This lady had no one around her. I smiled at her and she gently smiled back. The universal empathy sign had been exchanged. I reached for her frail hand and we held hands and gazes for several moments. She nodded as though to say, "I am okay" and I nodded my return "good, I'll check on you later" -no words were uttered. I can only say "good morning", "good afternoon" and "how are you" in Creole yet I was somehow able to connect with her and I had a new friend. She was in very much pain, having had no meds yet this morning and I prayed over her but then was off to see another patient.
Kristin was assigned a translator named Bee, short for Wisembee, who is a fantastic man with great empathy and great English, all qualities of a terrific translator. He is a very intelligent man who proudly tells us of his sons at University in America. There is only so much that can be communicated with pointing and mimicking and a good translator is essential to help patients understand the choices of their medical care, as well as the instructions of their after care.
Kristin, Bee and I saw patients for the duration of the morning:
- the 14 year old girl who had neck, back and leg injuries from a motor vehicle accident yesterday.
- the mother who delivered twins by C-Section yesterday morning
-3 ladies who were recovering from hysterectomies
-2 stroke victims Mr. Andrews and Maurice. Both men appear to be in their early 80's and both have had obvious strokes. They have balance and strength issues with weakness on one side. I actually felt comfortable dealing with the stroke victims as I have some experience with that. I think I may have found my stride this morning....we shall see what the afternoon brings.
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