Today was a good day in the clinic and orphanage. Milan got Camerika to smile a few times and he helped to feed Louis, although today I heard he was quite distractable and so this made it a very messy encounter.
I discharged a few from the hospital and followed up on some patients with Tim. One young lady consulted a “chemist” (one that sells drugs on the streets) for the herpes zoster pain on her right back. He gave her 3 shots in each anterior thigh which rendered her unable to ambulate, or even stand. Worst part is that we don’t know what she was injected with. We started her on acyclovir for the shingles. As for the thighs, these were now another source of pain. Sensation was intact but movement was initially minimal. Over time with some watchful waiting, she is beginning to regain strength in her thigh muscles. Not standing or walking yet, but improving.
I discharged a few from the hospital and followed up on some patients with Tim. One young lady consulted a “chemist” (one that sells drugs on the streets) for the herpes zoster pain on her right back. He gave her 3 shots in each anterior thigh which rendered her unable to ambulate, or even stand. Worst part is that we don’t know what she was injected with. We started her on acyclovir for the shingles. As for the thighs, these were now another source of pain. Sensation was intact but movement was initially minimal. Over time with some watchful waiting, she is beginning to regain strength in her thigh muscles. Not standing or walking yet, but improving.
Another lady came in with “dizziness for 9 months” and inability to walk. Her neuro and HEENT exam was essentially negative with a conjugate gaze and no nystagmus, however her eyes could not follow our finger on the vertical and horizontal gaze. Over the past few days, her extra-ocular eye movements have improved but not completely and she still cannot walk without assistance. We are wondering about a supranuclear lesion and have sent her to see the opthamalogist. Other patients have been admitted for issues such as uncontrolled hypertension, fever of unknown etiology (sometimes accompanied by nausea, vomitting, and/or diarrhea), stroke, esophageal candida, typhoid, meningitis, and malaria.
This evening was completed with a “Welcome” dinner hosted by the Sisters in their convent. It was lovely and the food was delicious. I think Milan had 3 helpings of their mashed potatoes!! Their hospitality was warm and affectionate. They shared pictures with us and told us stories of themselves. Father Dominic joined us as well and spoke of his hopes to start some sports groups within the congregation to help inspire the youth. He is so full of energy. This Sunday there is a futbol game from 2-4. Milan is planning to play… I am excited. But I didn’t bring him sneakers. L We’ll see if this will still be doable.
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