I've come to realize that I had the best of intentions to write an amazing update. I planned out how I wanted to do it, even picked the photos I thought were the best. I really actually believed I would complete this task.
Then the reality of the weeks ticking away hit me. I never completed said post. School starts tomorrow and a big part of me knows I never will- not the one I wanted to, not the well-thought out, beautifully detailed post. It's just not going to happen.
So in an effort to update the people I love in spite of med school, I've giving the abbreviated version instead.
My last post talked a little about my extra-curriculars. Needless to say, I'm having fun while having my rear handed to me in a hand basket. My first year went well. I enjoyed myself, performed well, accomplished much, and learned even more. So, check that off the bucket list.
My summer was almost more hectic than med school. It involved a lot of driving, with me living like a gypsy out of grocery bags from the back of my car. I was able to see many friends, most of my family (although not all, unfortunately), and go out of the country. Overall, a great time.
Let's start with Nicaragua.
I've been trying to formulate my... emotional response to this trip for some time (I'll have to write more about that later). It was very mixed. I've always known that I would love it (and I did) and that I'd be passionate about continuing to practice internationally (which is still true). In our first week in Nicaragua, we provided care for over 1500 people. Fifteen hundred. This idea simply blows my mind. Our team was absolutely perfect. Things flowed smoothly. From set-up to break-down the two teams of doctors, nurses, PTs, students, volunteers, pharmacists, and translators were able to organize hundreds of people - getting them in and out of a doctors care and the medication and vitamins they need in hand within 15 minutes (usually less). This of course did not include their multiple hours of waiting in line.
The people of Nicaragua were quite wonderful. Even after waiting for hours out in the heat, having started waiting before 4 and 5 am - they were kind, patient, and respectful. Some were funny. Most were reserved. The kids are darling- absolutely beautiful. And to top it off, they were a great inspiration for me- these are people who have to - HAVE TO - be healthy to live. They work through diabetic ulcerations, sciatica, headaches, arthritis, heart defects, etc- just push through and keep going. Resilience is a good word for a lot of what we saw. There was also desperation, apathy, and acceptance. But the stories that meant the most to the whole crew were the ones of resilience.
A few stories especially stick out.
-With Dra. Edwards in Yali, I met an 86 year old woman who had walked 5 hours to get to the clinic. She had arthritis and headaches and was worried because she was the only caretaker for her now deceased son's child who had significant mental retardation and physical hindrances. This 86 year old woman had to help the now young adult get around, go to the bathroom, etc. Anyone who has been a caretaker can understand the difficulties this poses. She brought us pictures - of her son's funeral, of the daughter, of herself years ago. She was stressed, crying, and to top it off sick and getting older. It's a story you can hear anywhere - but this was the first time I'd been on the side of the potential care giver. It was the first time I'd been in a position where people were coming to me with desperation. Dont get me wrong- I've worked with child abuse victims and in nursing homes. I've seen sadness and anger and pain before. But it was the sheer desperation that got to me. This woman came to us thinking that we were her only chance for some sort of relief (and she may have been right, depending on if there would be another medical group coming through or not). Here- I think people know there's always somewhere they can go to get help- even if it's just to the emergency room/liquor store/advil in the bathroom/etc. But I haven't seen that extent of emotional need for relief from stress/life/etc. And it was in almost every person we saw. As you can imagine, it's motivating and draining (but more motivating).
- With Dr. Weiss in Las Quebradas, we met a man who had brought in 5 of his children- the 6th was still an infant and was at home with a relative. He wanted them all checked out and had a few complaints of arthritis/headaches. Maybe even something else- I'm having trouble remembering. The reason this story sticks in my head was the very reason we were challenged to teach in Nicaragua - maternal mortality. His wife had passed away giving birth to the infant who was still at home. He had some family but they had families of their own to care for - and he works all the time to provide for them. Food was scarce, healthcare scarcer. Not to mention the man's sadness over his wife's death. It was a story that touched everyone- in part because the kids were wonderful- playful, funny, and smart- and in part because the man was very clearly still saddened. We did what we can- for those who aren't familiar with the set up- this means we checked them each out medically, provided medication and vitamins, dehydrated food to make soups, and we even gave the family our snacks for the day. Overall, a fantastic little family that we were able to encounter.
-Another story- in Dorado with Dra. Patterson: it was the end of the day, it was starting to get dark and we were starting to feel the pressure to get on the road and head back- but we hadn't made it through the line of people yet. We started taking children only, just to see as many as possible, and one of our last little girls was one of the most sickly people I saw on the entire trip. Her eyes were matte, her hair was thinning and reddening, she had edema in her feet, anemia, and barely moved when we looked her over- she was literally dying of malnutrition. People around Patti and I were starting to try and rush- taking papers to get the meds ready and asking if we were done with our table so they could put it on the bus. Patti looks up at the mission leader and says- we just saved someone's life here today, so let us finish and we'll pack up in a minute. We had run out of food to give them so we went to the people- the Nicaraguan people- who had already been seen and asked if anyone would donate some of their dehydrated food to the family... and they did. We gave the little girl and her mother vitamins, iron, anti-parasitic meds, etc - the full work up. Gave explicit instructions on how to take everything. I'll never forget the way that little girl looked- like she was trapped in her own body. If anyone has ever seen a movie or read a book where someone's in a coma but they're still awake - that's what I felt like this little girl might have felt like. No energy, so sick. The mother so worried. If we had only seen that one patient I would have felt like the trip was worth it. Oh, and I love Patti and her response- so calm, so meaningful. Good experience that day.
Ok- enough specific stories. Needless to say, we did good. it was worth it. I loved the trip. My spanish is still good, but needs work. The mission itself was beautiful. I loved Jinotega. I loved talking to the translators about politics (yet again, I was in a central american country during an election season) and their schooling. They showed us around the town- which as some will know- getting to know a town, feeling like I live there, getting to find the places where the locals go and feeling like I fit right in- that's my favorite part about traveling.
I would have wandered around the city more if they'd let us, but we're kind of a liability- bunch of americans wandering around town :)
We got a break and went to the beach over the weekend...
Stress relief and fun also included board games- bananagrams was probably my favorite and an absolutely perfect game :)
The second week was fantastic too- we taught our class, which went over perfectly. The people loved the games, really and truly wanted to learn the information - were great about telling us what they already do and what they wanted to know about. My favorite part was at the end of our teaching day, we split the group into two teams - they had to act out diseases you could get during pregnancy and the other team had to guess what it was. They LOVED this (as did I). One team had people stroking out on the floor- which was hilarious and done perfectly- and for some reason all of the performers were MEN - so the guy who acted out breast tenderness got a long laugh from the group. I hear in the other day, one of the med student (Stephen) played a pregnant lady quite well :) I just loved our group.
We also visited Casa Materna - a place where women can stay to be closer to the hospital for when the go into labor. It's free for them but nothing is provided except a place to stay and a kitchen. They have rice and beans and a bunch of rocking chairs. The women tend to be bored to death and miss their families so they don't always go. We took beads and those fuzzy wire things and made them all flowers- which was a hit. There was one woman- she was quite young actually- who was clearly hoarding as much of the pretty stuff as she could- she had two flowers and a couple of bracelets... she was so sneaky and mischievous- i loved it.
Mischievous = girl in white gown below :)
I got sick while I was there and actually had to get a shot of penicillin. I literally got a shot in a 3rd world county (but the MPC clinic was so nice - I have no doubts about anything). They took great care of me! But I slept for almost an entire day and missed the hike to the cross that was on a mountain. Sad day. But I recovered quickly (thanks to the shot in my butt) and that's all that matters.
The rest of the summer was a rush. I spent about two weeks traveling from city to city. Got to see Jon and his family- finally met the baby Campbell and all of the new Skates clan members! I love my second family. I also got to see an old high school buddy who's pregnant and really excited. Went and spent the day with my uncle Tom and aunt Janice at their new house in Wimberley TX - went on a motorcycle ride and we pulled out the telescopes- I got to see Saturn's rings! These two really make my day - I enjoy the way they approach life and the hobbies they've picked up. It reminds me of what I want my life to be like. Got to see Bob and Sandi and the girls - who are truly teenagers. I remember Sandi being pregnant and Bruce and I annoying her to death. I stopped in Austin and got to see my cousin Bruce and yet another friend with her new baby, Erica and baby Gaige. In Dallas, I got to see Dan finally. I was so lucky to have worked for such a good man - he's the one thing I miss about what was my career in Dallas (other than family/friends, obviously). I'm missing a ton of stops and people- but needless to say, Texas roads saw a lot of my tires.
And of course- I spent time with Mom. She was happy grandma finally up to Mesquite but worried about how things would work out. Turns out they're doing well together and grandma is getting healthier. She drinks more water, she's taking her meds, she's smiling and laughing and playing games more. I think grandma just didnt realize how bad the environment she was living in was- like when you dont realize you have a friend that's no good to/for you until much later- she just didnt realize the effects it was having on her. Mom's taking good care of grandma too- dragging her out to dinner and to church and to doctors appointments. I bet grandma went out more in the first two weeks at our house than she had in the past year.
Mom came out to help me move into my new apartment. My friend Joe helped us move- but it was a horrible move. ugh. I move too much and that's not about to change, unfortunately. But thank god for good friends and family. Mom unpacked and organized and dragged things up from the car- Joe unpacked and fixed my furniture and helped me hang my curtains and a million other things- all of which Joe is good at (my mom and dad would say "little shit" right here). I am truly blessed to have the people I do in my life.
And now school starts. TOMORROW. I'm not unpacked. I'm not motivated. I just put sheets on my bed this morning. But- this is my life... chaos and stress and movement and fun and love and people. I couldnt ask for more.
If you've read down to this point, please know that I think of everyone frequently. Please please please fill me in on how you're doing. I know I dont call people enough. Please, dont let me go too long without getting to tell you how much I care :)
Love to all...
Sometimes- I fear for my life.
