1/27/2017 (Pole sana! Late entry due to internet problems)
The week came to a close with a mix of emotions… spent the last few days in
the inpatient wards. Yesterday saw a
patient admitted with worsening respiratory distress, clinically with a pleural
effusion on exam and on treatment for suspected pulmonary TB vs pneumonia. The patient had been recommended to be
transferred to Iringa, the regional hospital where a Chest Xray could be
obtained, oxygen would be available and doctors there could … but unfortunately
the family could not afford it. Luckily
an ultrasound machine is available and I was able to teach one of the doctors
here how to confirm a pleural effusion using the ultrasound machine. A bedside thoracentesis was successful
removing almost 1.5 L of fluid... seeing the smile on his face was priceless. Eventually, I had to force him to rest and
stop hugging me in thanks. Not only was
it heartwarming to be able to help that patient specifically with a procedure
he wouldn’t have received otherwise, hopefully Dr Sovelo will be able to use
the increased ultrasound knowledge and education on thoracentesis going forward
for many more.
Although that case had a positive turn and hopefully he continues to improve…
the day was a hard one, having a young patient pass away from complications of
burns from a cooking fire. They had been
improving but suddenly worsened overnight and could not be revived. Their empty hospital bed in the corner a
reminder of one of so many examples of simple things that are so easily taken
for granted… a safe place for parents to cook food.
The days are flying by and can’t believe we’ve been here two weeks already. Excited to see what we learn from each other
and hopefully can provide to our hosting friends to better this wonderful
community.
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