Stories from the Clinic

There are so many stories from the clinic, that I'm sure a book could be written.

The nurses are finding that babies born after the earthquake are not being looked after very well. Moms seem to be quite apathetic and depressed, likely suffering from post traumatic stress. Some lost their husbands in the earthquake (who would have supported the family) and now find themselves destitute. Most have other children as well, and another baby at this particular time is the last thing they want. Some moms have been sending their babies to the clinic with a friend or relative as they see this a having a break, or they just simply could not be bothered. When this happens, the nurse is telling this person that mom needs to come to the clinic with the baby the next day. They usually do come and one of the nusrses will sit down with them and try to encourage them and make sure they are able to feed their babies. They will be sent home with some clothes and hygiene items, they will give the babies some vitamins and sometimes will send some formula. These babies are more hungry than sick.

On the first day of clinic, a 22 year old woman walked here alone. She had a sore above her ankle and it had apparently been there for many months. It was so infected that the few inches above and below the sore had turned black and Dr. Bob said that the infection was starting to affect her heart. She weighs 88 lbs. and when she became too sick to help out at home, her family kicked her out as she had become a burden to them. We are unclear where she lives now, but she says she walks about 15 minutes to get here. She is coming everyday for IV antibiotics and to have the dressing changed on the sore. We feed her something each time she comes as well. The first day she came, she was so scared and timid. Now after a week, she comes with a smile and many of us have befriended her. She likely needs more treatment than this team can give her, but they are going to do all they can while they are here. The day after this team leaves, two doctors are coming for a week to do follow up's, so this young lady will likely keep coming back.

This team is so caring. They are quite tired, but they are doing a great job. Monday is the last day for the clinic and then Tuesday they will finish up here and leave early Wednesday morning.