12 New Patients on HIV Medications

Today was unusual as I started 12 patients on HIV medications.  That is depressing in the sense that there continue to be so many new cases of HIV.  On the other had it is exciting to be involved in their care as I know the vast majority of them will get better.

This afternoon I saw Peter who was finishing his fourth month of TB treatment and also has HIV.  He was very happy with his progress.  Not only had his cough cleared but he gained 25 pounds in the last month. 

Evelyn, happy with progress

Evelyn, happy with progress

A few minutes later I saw Evelyn who also for follow-up on her HIV and TB.  She too was excited about her progress and was happy that the very swollen lymph nodes in her neck where melting away.  These encounters remind me that we are making a difference at St. Martin de Porres Hospital.

Florence

Florence Happy with Recovery

Florence was admitted last week.  She is 32 and came in with Headache, hearing loss and loss of movement in her foot.  She unfortunately was HIV positive and her Spinal Tap indicated TB.  After 3 days of TB medications and steroids her headache resolved, her hearing returned to normal and her foot movement has recovered by 75 %.

She will get her CD4 count this week which will dictate when we start her ARV's.  She has 2 bad illnesses but is making an unbelievable recovery.

Christmas

Terry and I in Native Garb

Kids enjoying Christmas Treats

Terry and I certainly had a different Christmas from years past but a very comfortable one.  We attended 8 PM Christmas Eve Mass.  It was a full house and Father carried in Baby Jesus in his arms, played by a baby born by C-section that same day.  We wore our new native dresses given to us by Sister Xaveria.
 
Christmas Day we did our normal Hospital rounds and then returned and delivered candy treats to the nearly 200 patients in the hospital and their families.  We spent additional time in our favorite ward with 8 young children all recovering from leg surgery.  They additionally received balloons made from exam gloves and all got special stickers for their casts.
 
Christmas evening we had an enjoyable dinner with the Sisters.  Terry made 2 trays of Christmas treats which they all enjoyed.
 
We remain thankful for your support of MDA and our mission as this year draws to a close.

Blessing

 Terry and I have so many things to be thankful for this Christmas Season.  We feel so blessed to be part of Mission Doctors Association.  This would not be possible without the prayers and financial support directed to MDA.  Your financial support to MDA has allowed us to set up an account here at the hospital to pay for tests and medications when patients can not afford them.  I would like to share with you how your financial support can affect an individual on this end. 

Blessing is a young mother who has been in the hospital the last 6 weeks.  She was found to have HIV and had a series of secondary infections which have kept her from recovering and going home.  During her hospital stay she found out her husband has had HIV for some time and has been on treatment but failed to let her know about his illness and the risk to her and their 1 year old son.  To make matters worse her husband literally walked out on her and their son a month ago.  She has been in the hospital without a care giver and has been getting food from other patients and care givers to survive.  She has had to continue nursing her son even though it poses a risk of passing on her HIV but she has had no resources to buy food for him.

 
We were able to use donor funds to pay her medical bills and provide money for her to travel back to her family which lives hundreds of miles away.  Your generosity allowed Blessing this special Christmas gift and knowledge that there are people in the world who care about the less fortunate and are willing to do something about it.
 

Blessing and Poukline

Terry and I join Blessing and her son to thank you and wish you a Blessed and Merry Christmas.

Still a Killer

Malaria is part of our lives here.  If a patient has fever there is a good chance that there is malaria.  With few exceptions we treat for Malaria whenever fever is present.  Malaria medications is one thing we have not run out since I have been here.  While people may be very ill with Malaria they almost always respond to treatment and usually are much improved by the next day.
 
This weekend we had a reminder that Malaria is still a killer.  A 16 year old girl was admitted over the weekend with a fever of 105 and a decreased level of consciousness.  Despite treatment with  our 2 strongest medications she never regained consciousness and died 3 days later.  

The World Health Organization figures still show over 1 million deaths annually from this disease throughout the world.  We are keeping this girl and her family in our prayers this week.

Christmas Early

Happy with their straight legs

A team of orthopedic surgeons from the Netherlands was here one month ago.  In eight days they operated on 80 children straightening crooked legs.  They have been coming to St. Martin de Porres Hospital for years delivering this wonderful service.  The children remain here for three months and when their cast are removed they go to Bafut, a rehabilitation hospital also run by the Franciscan Sisters.  

Terry and I have enjoyed interacting with the children as they recover.  They all have big smiles admiring the straight plaster casts covering their legs.  

They and their families are enjoying this special Christmas Season!                                                                                                                                                                                                     

Making a Difference

Today, I was walking by the lab and I ran into Anita and a passel of kids.  Anita is from Germany and is working for an NGO in a nearby village.  She was bringing a group of children in for HIV testing.  The children she brought in were from situations where a parent had known HIV or were at high risk for it.  Hopefully, all the tests will be negative. 

I have been fortunate to meet quite a few young people from the US and Europe who are working in this area of Cameroon for several NGOs.  It is evident to me there are many people doing God's work serving the poor here.  Working together we are making a difference.  Keep us in your prayers.