Protests were planned along our route to Momostenango today, so we needed to be on our way by 5am to avoid road closures. We had devotional and breakfast at the school. Today we briefly talked about how we are feeling about getting started. Words like grateful, service, and compassion were mentioned, but mostly, “excited” was the common feeling. We were excited to start our day, and shortly afterward we welcomed our first patients in. Everything ran smoothly and all clinics were busy. There were common complaints, routine diagnoses, and some complicated cases needing referrals. The referral clinic is able to refer patients to the national hospital for further evaluation, or to a future Faith In Practice surgery team. The national hospital and the incoming surgery teams are invaluable in assisting patients with resources for care that cannot be provided during this clinic. We saw many pediatric patients. One in particular, late in the day was 10-year old Armando. His mother said that last Wednesday, he was fine, playing with his friends. On Thursday he woke up very weak in his arms and legs. When Dr. Joe Miller asked Armando to walk across the room, it was evident something was not right. His gait was impaired and he had no grip strength. Both Dr. Joes (Miller and Austin) consulted with each other and virtually with colleagues in the US. The final diagnosis was Guillain Barre, which is a very serious condition in which the immune system attacks the nerves. Dr. Miller asked Armando’s mother if she could get him to the hospital today or tomorrow and she said she could. It was difficult to watch them walk away, but we are confident that Armando’s life very well might have been saved today.
Pharmacy was hopping all day, dispensing vitamins, antibiotics, and other medications that will have a huge impact in improving the health and well-being of these patients. They were able to personally consult with each and every patient to explain dosages and side-effects. They also counseled them on why they were taking it and the importance of continuing it if needed.
At the end of the day, we headed back to the hotel, perhaps even more energized than we were in the morning. After another fabulous dinner, we headed to our rooms to wind down and get some rest before tomorrow. It was a great day.
Music: Heal The World by Michael Jackson
