It’s Day 2, and we started our early morning with uplifting hymns, including “Great are You, Lord” and “Amazing Grace.” Pastor David Jordan led our daily devotional, reminding us that this journey benefits our spiritual growth just as much as it does the physical well-being of the Guatemalan people.
We arrived at the clinic at around 7:30. In less than an hour, everything was set up and ready for our first patients. We divided into four teams, prepping patients in the pre-op area. Those requiring full anesthesia went to the OR, while those needing partial anesthesia, such as cyst patients, received treatment in the pre-op area. As someone with no medical experience, I was awed by how swiftly the team operated, efficiently transferring patients between rooms or beds in order to maximize the number of patients we could treat.
I had the opportunity to observe Dr. Erik Askenasy and Scrub Tech Andrea Gomez repair a hernia using mesh for reinforcement.
Additionally, I witnessed two cases of benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH). The first was conducted by Surgeon Dr. Matt Hoggatt, Anesthesiologist Dr. Canh Nguyen, Nurse Circulator Fatima Castillo, and Scrub Tech Anaraly Honojosa, while the second was performed by Surgeon Dr. Douglas Dow, CRNA Brooke Huff, Nurse Circulator Chinh Nguyen, and Scrub Tech Alin Bartek. During the latter surgery, we discovered a rock-hard bladder stone that was nearly an inch in diameter, which added to the patient’s discomfort.
BPH places pressure on the bladder, making it chronically painful for patients to urinate. BPH-related issues develop gradually over time and are not linked to any specific cause. In the United States, early diagnosis and medication can prevent the need for surgery and alleviate patient suffering. However, in Guatemala, health disparities often hinder timely diagnoses and access to proper care.
Later in the day, Surgeon Dr. Brad Scott, CST Vivian Villarreal, RN Avette Mathis, CRNA Shaur Chin, and Surgical First Assist Gissel De La Cruz performed a gall bladder removal surgery known as Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy. Unfortunately, this condition is not uncommon in women who have given birth, and this patient, in particular, had seven children. Without the assistance of Faith In Practice, she might not have had access to this crucial surgery.
On our very first day of operation, I’ve already seen many lives saved and witnessed Faith In Practice making a genuine difference in the lives of Guatemalans. Being here, I see firsthand Faith In Practice’s motto, “life-changing medical mission,” in action. As we continue this week, I’m filled with anticipation about the additional lives we’ll touch through the grace of God, who has provided us with this chance to help the people of Guatemala.
~Audrey Nguyen
