The Slums Near the Sea!

I'm still here - don't despair, just haven't been able to bully anyone into using a computer for the last 2 days. (Afraid no pictures today!)

Day 10 - Wednesday 23rd Jan 08

Went out with the 'Mission' Team to a place called 'Teshie-Mona', a slum area quite near to the sea (drove through it at the weekend). Played with the children and gave out toys and shoes to them. We set up tables for those consulting, we also had a pharmacy, a triage, a glasses/optician's table and a vitals table - all outside under canopies. News spread quickly and we started clinic. The queue just got longer and longer. To keep everyone in line (we only had so many medicines) we drew a number on their finger or thumb nail and gave them a piece of paper that corresponded.

It was one of the most amazing experiences of my life!

It was so busy and we were obviously treating just on symptoms and clinical signs. If we wanted to examine properly we used a bench behind a screen. We had children with terrible infections and adults with chronically raised high blood pressure to name but a few.
They had a formulary with them of the American drugs they brought out, so I'm going to be getting all confused when I'm in England and asking for 'Acetaminophen' instead of 'Paracetamol'!

When we stopped for something to eat - I felt so bad eating in front of them, and them all watching me - so gave some of my food away.

I didn't realise but the clinic had come to a close and people still kept coming to the tables, mine especially. People brought their children to me and said 'I'm begging you, I'm begging you'. I couldn't say no. We then handed out bags of paracetamol and ibuprofen out like they were sweets.

Went back to the Hospital and popped into the Hospital, a lady was 6cm dilated and another due for a C-section. So scrubbed up and went into theatre. The lady had a beautiful baby girl. However, as my first time in theatre over here it was quite an experience! The lights weren't working properly (it was now evening and dark) and the doctors were laughing and joking like you wouldn't believe and answering their mobile phones. The lady who delievered had the hugest fibroids, which I obviously got to hold when they stitched her back up. They brought her husband into theatre (and bearing in mind the women was conscious) they were joking with him about not having sex with her or tying up her tubes. The husband nearly leaned over and touched her fibroid uterus, which was quite funny! At least they got his consent, I guess. Went to the delivery room and had just missed the other lady by a few seconds, she had a beautiful baby boy.

By this time - absolutely shattered! So headed back to the house and had something to eat and a shower eventually! Showering in the dark (apart from a flashing strip light) due to the electricity overload. I also hung my trusty torch up. Felt like I was in cheap budget horror film!


Thursday (yesterday) went to a clinic in a village which was fun - will have to tell you all about it when I next get to a computer - which could be after the weekend!

Have to go now as the lady wants to lock up and is afraid he boyfriend's going to 'bounce' her (i.e. dump her) if she's late.

Love lucy x

miss you all