Additional Hazards

Last evening I was called to the hospital to evaluate a snakebite.  There was a large crowd of people outside of the ward.  They had accompanied 2 children. 

Earlier in the evening Grandma had prepared a meal for her grandchildren, 2 year old twins and a 5 year old girl.  A black cobra had apparently entered the house and one of the twins sat down on it.  She was bitten along with her 5 year old sister.  The 2 year old died on the way to the hospital and the 5 year old was vomiting.  The older sister is doing well this morning while the family mourns the loss of her sister. 

There are so many additional hazards to life in a developing country that take their toll.

Update on Oliver

Last month I wrote about Oliver who arrived confused after having severe headaches for 1 month. 

He was diagnosed with Cryptococcal Meningitis and HIV.  He responded nicely to medications and was able to go home after 2 weeks. 

He returned for follow-up feeling well and looking great.

These success stories are wonderful to witness.

Christine

Christine and her daughter

Christine is a 52 year old lady admitted this week.  While we see many interesting cases her's is more unusual than most.  

4 months ago a banana tree fell and hit her in the head causing complete paralysis.  After spending 1 week in the hospital the family took her to a Traditional Doctor.  Over the last 4 months she slowly regained movement, first in the arms and then in the legs.  She began walking with assistance just a few days before coming in. 
 
She came to the hospital because of persistent shock like paraesthesias shooting from the base of her neck into her arms and legs.  Her x-rays suggest a fracture of T-1(just below the neck).   I have begun a seizure medication which will hopefully reduce her pains.

Victorine's Checkup

Yesterday found Victorine coming in for her monthly followup visit.  She is  the lady with HIV and TB who had the hemoglobin of 2.5. 

Victorine 3 months ago to weak to get out of bed

Her prognosis 3 months ago was grim.  She has gained 30 pounds since her discharge 2 months ago and has now completed her 6 months of TB treatment.

She feels great and is planning on returning to Yoaunde next month to resume her work doing clothing design and running a retail business.  She is a wonderful reminder that HIV treatment is working to extend people's lives and allowing them to be productive members of their community.

Victorine today

Ahijo

This week Terry and I ran into Ahijo on the road to the hospital.  Ahijo is a Moslem man who registered the Out Patient Department patients when we were here in 2004.  He no longer works at the hospital but I have seen him on a couple occasions the last 4 months.  We had heard that his 4 year old child had recently died so we expressed our condolences to him.  When I asked him what happened he responded, "Incompetence, pure incompetence".  

The child developed fever and he was away from home so he told his family to bring the child to the clinic the next day.  Instead the family took him to a traditional doctor and 2 days later he died.  You could feel and hear the anger in his voice but he quickly settled down and said everything was OK now.  The people here seem to accept bad fortune quickly and then move on with their lives.  

Our prayers this week are with Ahijo and his family.

Jacqueline's Story

Sunday

Terry and the Babes

Friday evening I got called to do a C-section for a lady with 34 week gestation twins and failure to progress. 

I had not done a C-section in 2 months so it was exciting to do one. 

All went well and healthy 5 pound girl and 4 pound boy are now with mom who is recovering nicely.

Today, while doing rounds Terry had to temporarily adopt the babies!