I have posted a video bar of Samaritan's Purse in Haiti. Amazing footage. Also, google Samaritan's Purse for more if you want to look at the work God is doing, in Haiti, and around the world. (Haiti of course being rather close to my heart!)
The cholera clinic shown in the footage with Sarah Palin is the Cite Soleil site, and I was lucky enough to work with all 3 medical coordinators shown. :)
I was shocked at the impact that watching the footage had on me. Have been there, lived it, and yet still.....
www.samaritanspurse.ca
Monday, January 31, 2011
Sunday, January 30, 2011
How do you say thanks for a life-changing experience?
Hi all,
My mom always taught us that if we were grateful to someone, we should write a thank you note. (She also said I have more guts than brains...)
So here's my weak attempt at saying thanks for a profound experience -
My gratitude....
For your prayers and encouragement. Without them, I would not have been as courageous, nor as strong.
For reading the blog - and suffering through the poor grammar and spelling (my excuse remains that I was writing at night....hee hee hee) - sharing the experience with you through the blog kept me in connected and in community with you. When I felt homesick and weary, you were all with me, and when I flagged, I knew you were counting on me.
To my family and friends for saying, yeah, go for it Mom......without this I would not have been able to let go...... and just go. And for those who watched over my children, my kitties, and my home - especially when digging out after the heavy snows. Thanks also to my neighbours, who helped out.
To all who have taught me, every piece that has gone into this "work in progress which is me" contributed to being able to go, and do what we were doing. Thanks especially to my tough preceptor who told me once I was 'unflappable".... to which I thought, oohhh, no.... just a really good actress!! (and ya know....if you're not really confident....the next best thing is to ACT like you are...hahahaha)
To Canada - for providing me the best place in the world to grow up in - one that is safe, secure, and has abundant opportunity. A country of freedom and integrity, a place you can come from and stand on the international stage and be seen as one of the 'good guys'.
To Samaritan's Purse, for being where you are needed, and providing what is necessary and good. God Bless you.
To the Haitian people -for showing your beauty, strength, and for keeping us safe, feeding us yummy meals, and mostly for allowing us to care for you, learn from you, and celebrate big (life over death) and small (singing in the middle of the night) victories.
To the Cite Soleil night crew - you are amazing and I feel humble and very happy to have been part of such a thing, with you. Skill...knowledge...experience...amazing faith.....good humour....common sense....and darn good colouring skills....! What more could you ask for in a team surrounding and accepting you as a viable part?
Most of all though, thanks to our Father God, who gently lets me know what I should be doing, and then prods me in no uncertain terms to GET OUT THERE! Thank you for being so patient with me even when I am not quick to listen, and for showing me what I need (again and again until I GET it!). Most of all thank you for the opportunity to be in your refining fire. My humblest thanks for using me, a most imperfect tool.
When I was through speaking today in church, I asked for the song "Watch over Me" by Aaron Shust to be played, and it was. I listened to it frequently when trying to fall asleep in my bunk bed in Haiti after a night shift. I have attached a 'you-tube' video bar to the blog. "Watch over Me" can be found by pressing the orange sunset icon. The lyrics are there as well. Also, as I discovered you can post a video bar element with Youtube to the pages (thus creating a monster...hahahaha) I have also included those on Canada, and the unbelievable "We are the World 25 Haiti" which is worth watching, especially the images whowing the people of Haiti. Please don't forget Haiti.
My mom always taught us that if we were grateful to someone, we should write a thank you note. (She also said I have more guts than brains...)
So here's my weak attempt at saying thanks for a profound experience -
My gratitude....
For your prayers and encouragement. Without them, I would not have been as courageous, nor as strong.
For reading the blog - and suffering through the poor grammar and spelling (my excuse remains that I was writing at night....hee hee hee) - sharing the experience with you through the blog kept me in connected and in community with you. When I felt homesick and weary, you were all with me, and when I flagged, I knew you were counting on me.
To my family and friends for saying, yeah, go for it Mom......without this I would not have been able to let go...... and just go. And for those who watched over my children, my kitties, and my home - especially when digging out after the heavy snows. Thanks also to my neighbours, who helped out.
To all who have taught me, every piece that has gone into this "work in progress which is me" contributed to being able to go, and do what we were doing. Thanks especially to my tough preceptor who told me once I was 'unflappable".... to which I thought, oohhh, no.... just a really good actress!! (and ya know....if you're not really confident....the next best thing is to ACT like you are...hahahaha)
To Canada - for providing me the best place in the world to grow up in - one that is safe, secure, and has abundant opportunity. A country of freedom and integrity, a place you can come from and stand on the international stage and be seen as one of the 'good guys'.
To Samaritan's Purse, for being where you are needed, and providing what is necessary and good. God Bless you.
To the Haitian people -for showing your beauty, strength, and for keeping us safe, feeding us yummy meals, and mostly for allowing us to care for you, learn from you, and celebrate big (life over death) and small (singing in the middle of the night) victories.
To the Cite Soleil night crew - you are amazing and I feel humble and very happy to have been part of such a thing, with you. Skill...knowledge...experience...amazing faith.....good humour....common sense....and darn good colouring skills....! What more could you ask for in a team surrounding and accepting you as a viable part?
Most of all though, thanks to our Father God, who gently lets me know what I should be doing, and then prods me in no uncertain terms to GET OUT THERE! Thank you for being so patient with me even when I am not quick to listen, and for showing me what I need (again and again until I GET it!). Most of all thank you for the opportunity to be in your refining fire. My humblest thanks for using me, a most imperfect tool.
When I was through speaking today in church, I asked for the song "Watch over Me" by Aaron Shust to be played, and it was. I listened to it frequently when trying to fall asleep in my bunk bed in Haiti after a night shift. I have attached a 'you-tube' video bar to the blog. "Watch over Me" can be found by pressing the orange sunset icon. The lyrics are there as well. Also, as I discovered you can post a video bar element with Youtube to the pages (thus creating a monster...hahahaha) I have also included those on Canada, and the unbelievable "We are the World 25 Haiti" which is worth watching, especially the images whowing the people of Haiti. Please don't forget Haiti.
Saturday, January 29, 2011
Healing Haiti
Connecting people who have much and need little, with those who need much, and have little
Friday, January 28, 2011
What a mess!
My driveway after all the snow. A huge thank you to all who helped move this mess. I am truly grateful!
On the home front
While I was away enjoying my 'tropical vacation', here is what was happening at home....snow, snow, and more snow. Zral girls visiting my place to see the kitties!
Inside the 'staff lounge' at Cite Soleil Cholera Treatment Centre
A converted railway car served as our staff lounge at Cite Soleil....and it was air conditioned, hooray!!
The Team
Hi all,
Today being Friday, I am mindful that the team members who we left last Saturday in Haiti, will begin their journeys home tomorrow. Was wrenching to leave them on Saturday, but exciting to be homeward bound. I imagine they will be feeling the same on their last full day in Haiti now. They will be the veterans in camp, and will have done their part to welcome the new folk coming in, and help them to integrate into compound and CTC life. And then they will say goodbye, as we did. I am sure they will feel sadness at leaving, and joy at their impending return to their regular lives. Not that any of them are 'regular' come to think of it :)
So I pray for their safe return, to where ever it might be....and that the experience is something they will always think back upon and cherish. I will always be thankful for those I served with there. Thanks guys :) (sniff, sniff, sniff)
Today being Friday, I am mindful that the team members who we left last Saturday in Haiti, will begin their journeys home tomorrow. Was wrenching to leave them on Saturday, but exciting to be homeward bound. I imagine they will be feeling the same on their last full day in Haiti now. They will be the veterans in camp, and will have done their part to welcome the new folk coming in, and help them to integrate into compound and CTC life. And then they will say goodbye, as we did. I am sure they will feel sadness at leaving, and joy at their impending return to their regular lives. Not that any of them are 'regular' come to think of it :)
So I pray for their safe return, to where ever it might be....and that the experience is something they will always think back upon and cherish. I will always be thankful for those I served with there. Thanks guys :) (sniff, sniff, sniff)
Thursday, January 27, 2011
What I miss.....
Funny, we all thought about what we missed from home while we were in Haiti. Now of course, human nature being what it is, I am thinking about what I miss from Haiti!
The Haitian people. Beautiful, strong, and amazingly tough.
The spirit of being part of a wonderful team.
The unbelievably good smells coming from the mess hall when the Haitian ladies were cooking..... and the meals....! And that yellow juice... so yummy!
A cold coke in the Staff Lounge at the compound - because it was a treat
The feeling of complete weariness after the nightshift, cold shower, and a wee bit of breakfast - and crawling into bed, tucking in the mosquito netting..hmmmmmmmmmm and zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz................!
The Billy Graham Chaplains....always there, always praying, and so approachable. Thanks you guys :)
The sound of singing in the chapel as you are beginning your sleep after nightshift. Surreal, really.
The translators - amazing, funny, brilliant!! (Jean Marie who could take an amazing medical history...and started learning to do IV's on the IV arm!!)
Brutus's singing and laughter
The Haitian people. Beautiful, strong, and amazingly tough.
The spirit of being part of a wonderful team.
The unbelievably good smells coming from the mess hall when the Haitian ladies were cooking..... and the meals....! And that yellow juice... so yummy!
A cold coke in the Staff Lounge at the compound - because it was a treat
The feeling of complete weariness after the nightshift, cold shower, and a wee bit of breakfast - and crawling into bed, tucking in the mosquito netting..hmmmmmmmmmm and zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz................!
The Billy Graham Chaplains....always there, always praying, and so approachable. Thanks you guys :)
The sound of singing in the chapel as you are beginning your sleep after nightshift. Surreal, really.
The translators - amazing, funny, brilliant!! (Jean Marie who could take an amazing medical history...and started learning to do IV's on the IV arm!!)
Brutus's singing and laughter
On the inside looking out.....
....or from the outside looking in..... either way the razor wire is uncompromising
A shoe bath
At the Cholera Treatment Centre, when transitioning from place to place within the complex, one must walk through these cement "shoe baths" which contained big sponges ladened with chlorox. Take THAT cholera bugs!!
Some thoughts
Hi all,
Has been a few days now since my return to home and still my thoughts are filled with Haiti, and the people I was privileged to meet, serve with, and assist. As I go about my everyday tasks at home my mind is still far away, and trying in its own way to parse the information. So many have asked me the simple question - how was your trip? What to say. Fantastic, profound, difficult, tiring, fulfilling. So many emotions.
Thank you to all who have asked me the question, and then been patient enough to listen to the answer. Pity the ones who have asked a simple, polite question to be answered by a blurt of more information than they ever wanted, lol. Sorry about that :) I am sure the intensity of my descriptions will probably decrease, as time goes by. Though inside I am as certain that my feelings for the people of Haiti and their struggle will never subside.
I am lucky to be giving an update to my church family this coming Sunday and have been trying to decide what to say. I think there are several themes central to this profound experience, and two of the strongest threads, for me anyway, are hope and community.
Some simple pleasures that I have enjoyed more than before the trip-
Diet coke!!
The quiet of night time here - no generators, fans, crowing of roosters (Haitian roosters start around 1 am and continue all night...!)
The simple joy of understanding all the conversations around you. I must work on my French before I go to Haiti again.....
Snow - ok, scratch that one, snow was fun for about half an hour upon my return!!
Baths - yup, not a shower person, and have had a ridiculous number of baths for no reason at all since I have been home, just because I can!!
Driving - on good roads (if the plows have been out) with rules I understand.
Google - sure did miss being able to look things up when required.
News - being disconnected from the news of the world was both a pleasure, and a little disconcerting while in Haiti. But at the same time watching it nightly I am finding may not add positively to my life. Interesting.
Has been a few days now since my return to home and still my thoughts are filled with Haiti, and the people I was privileged to meet, serve with, and assist. As I go about my everyday tasks at home my mind is still far away, and trying in its own way to parse the information. So many have asked me the simple question - how was your trip? What to say. Fantastic, profound, difficult, tiring, fulfilling. So many emotions.
Thank you to all who have asked me the question, and then been patient enough to listen to the answer. Pity the ones who have asked a simple, polite question to be answered by a blurt of more information than they ever wanted, lol. Sorry about that :) I am sure the intensity of my descriptions will probably decrease, as time goes by. Though inside I am as certain that my feelings for the people of Haiti and their struggle will never subside.
I am lucky to be giving an update to my church family this coming Sunday and have been trying to decide what to say. I think there are several themes central to this profound experience, and two of the strongest threads, for me anyway, are hope and community.
Some simple pleasures that I have enjoyed more than before the trip-
Diet coke!!
The quiet of night time here - no generators, fans, crowing of roosters (Haitian roosters start around 1 am and continue all night...!)
The simple joy of understanding all the conversations around you. I must work on my French before I go to Haiti again.....
Snow - ok, scratch that one, snow was fun for about half an hour upon my return!!
Baths - yup, not a shower person, and have had a ridiculous number of baths for no reason at all since I have been home, just because I can!!
Driving - on good roads (if the plows have been out) with rules I understand.
Google - sure did miss being able to look things up when required.
News - being disconnected from the news of the world was both a pleasure, and a little disconcerting while in Haiti. But at the same time watching it nightly I am finding may not add positively to my life. Interesting.
The dorm
Lots and lots of bunk beds. Like being at summer camp again! (Except there are no mosquito nets at camp.....hey....maybe there should be!!)
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
Cite Soleil
An internet image taken in Cite Soleil. Not difficult to imagine why cholera, a waterbourne bacterial disease could wreak such havoc here. :(
Patient Transportation
Forgive me for posting this image, it is one from the internet and not one I captured myself. I feel it should be here because it illustrates a few things. In Haiti the modes of transportation are varied, and they do not enjoy the same ease in transporting the sick as we all do. I have seen folk transported to our CTC in tap taps (a common mode of transport in Haiti), being carried, walking, by red cross stretcher - any way they can be. I have no doubt they have arrived by wheelbarrow as well. The Haitian people have so many challenges in their everyday lives.... and they rise to them. Bless them.
The Escape Module
The escape module - or "shelter in place" truck. Set in an accessible part of the Cite Soleil CTC, it was our "Get out of Dodge" vehicle if something were to go wrong. I was happy to know it was there, just in case. But the one night I heard it start up, really shook me up..... until I realized they were only making sure the truck battery was in good shape.... whew!! Not an insubstantial adrenaline rush!!!
My first MRE!
My first MRE... meal ready to eat.... an adventure! And pretty tasty as well (though all varieties are NOT equal, lol). Quite enjoyed opening them to see what was inside. And a treat to have a hot meal in the middle of a night shift where no cooking facilities exist. I understand that day shift were treated to a bag of peanut butter sandwiches everyday.... so in my reckoning Nights did quite well with the MRE's!!
EMS ingenuity!! Way to think outside the box...!
The warming of fluids for those sick in the night....devised by an earlier visiting paramedic...... a piece of rebar on top of the generator for the lights, the IV bags hung by the exhaust..... fluid comes out nice and warm. If too warm to use internally, they make great "hot water bottles' to tuck in beside sick and cold patients, and the occasional sleepy Haitian nurse :)
Monday, January 24, 2011
The Memorial Site
On the anniversary of the devastating earthquake in Haiti, we were allowed to go see the memorial site where 200,000 people are buried in a mass grave. Very stark.
Over the fence.....
An ambulance sitting outside the plastic and razor wire fence. Viewed from the steps of the railroad car staff lounge
Mealtime before shift
Enjoying some good cookin' before heading off to work. We enjoyed sitting in the 'breezeway' which is located between the women's dorm and the mess hall. Especially lovely ambiance with the clothes line behind us, hee hee hee.
Bittie feet
Waaay too cute.....another view. The only 'patient' pic I took, obviously could not betray their confidentiality.
Disco Fever!!
What can I say.... a slow night, and Dr. Nam, Heather and I felt the peds ward just HAD to have a disco ball......... (and yeah, that's one of the many uses for emergency tin foil blankets!!!!!)
Th IV arm....
The practice IV arm created by Dr. Nam and Heather for the Haitian nurses to practice on
The mess hall
The dining hall at the compound..... many yummy meals enjoyed there prepared by the wonderful Haitian ladies! My personal fave - goat stew!!
The Chapel
Probably the only chapel anywhere that is also a major supply dump for a cholera clinic....... all those cases are full of IV fluids...........
Global Outreach Compound - Where we live!
To the left, the dining hall, and to the right, the women's dorm.
Travel in Haiti
Tried to capture the essence of travel in Haiti - we never stopped on the roads for security reasons, so all pictures had to be taken on the move. Hopefully you won't get motion sick watching these........ :)
Fluid - the magic bullet
One of four sets of lactated ringers solution ready to go in the triage tent.
Cite Soleil Cholera Treatment Centre - Triage area
My home away from home.... the triage centre at CTC. Not triage like we understand it at home, as history and first exam for patients usually takes place at the admitting table outside triage. Would be more appropriate to call it the IV/rapid bolus tent, as those are functions taking place there.
Friends
Upon arrival at the airport in Port au Prince, Haiti - January 8, 2011 with travel mates (and now friends)
Back to my own world
Hi all,
Apologies for not having written last night. My multiple flights all went well and on time, bringing me into Prince George around 3:20 on Sunday. Was met at the airport by friends and family - - wonderful!!!!
Am amazed by how much snow we got while I was gone, and am thankful to all who helped clearing up that mess.
Enjoyed a large chinese food take-out meal last night with friends and family, which was very enjoyable, and then crawled into my nice big bed.....in the quietness of home, and had a very, very good sleep.
I will start to upload pics from the camera later today, and will drop some onto the blog. Some parts of the trip are still a blur, which may take a few days to process, and then I will write more, if it becomes clear what to say, lol.
Thanks for following along and supporting me with prayer and positive messages.
Michelle
Apologies for not having written last night. My multiple flights all went well and on time, bringing me into Prince George around 3:20 on Sunday. Was met at the airport by friends and family - - wonderful!!!!
Am amazed by how much snow we got while I was gone, and am thankful to all who helped clearing up that mess.
Enjoyed a large chinese food take-out meal last night with friends and family, which was very enjoyable, and then crawled into my nice big bed.....in the quietness of home, and had a very, very good sleep.
I will start to upload pics from the camera later today, and will drop some onto the blog. Some parts of the trip are still a blur, which may take a few days to process, and then I will write more, if it becomes clear what to say, lol.
Thanks for following along and supporting me with prayer and positive messages.
Michelle
Friday, January 21, 2011
The Wall
This wall is a small part of the perimeter that separates Cite Soleil Cholera Treatment Centre outside of Port au Prince from the massive slum called Cite Soleil.
On 'our' side of the wall, (relative) safety, security, lawfulness, community, caring, order, and freedom from want.
On the outside, terror, need, lawlessness, hopelessness, insecurity, and chaos.
And yet, at 1 am, you can hear the beautiful sound of voices raised in praise music. Just outside the wall. :)
There IS hope here.
Last Night in Cite....
Hi All,
Needless to say I write with ambivalent feelings. Very excited of course to start making my way to see you all, and enjoy home and hearth, not to mention a bath, and some silence..... (and a diet coke...hmmmm)
So many thoughts about being here. Have seen and experienced some many things! It has been running through my mind that what might work best for tonight is to just write the words, with no fluff, that fit.
Hope. Excitement. Fear. Anger. Wistfulness. Humor. Fun. Tense. Sleepy. Beauty. Wreckage. Rubble. Resurrection. Faith. Belief. Sadness. Reality. Stark. Lush. Heat. Humid. Patience. Wisdom. Enthusiasm. Angst. Frustration. Vigilant. Appreciation. Stretched. Willing. Useful. Glad (I didn't see a tarantula!!). Fatigue. Inventiveness. Satisfaction.
I am looking forward to many things at home, but they seem frivolous at the moment, but I know I will enjoy them all the same when I get there. Perhaps with even a greater appreciation than before. Part of the angst I am feeling in leaving Haiti is that for me, it has been an experience. Something to be lived for a short time, and remembered for a lifetime. Not a holiday, but a journey. For all who visit here, we are privileged to be let into the lives of those who are living and surviving here. Sharing their most difficult moments in sickness, their joys, and the intensity with which they laugh, cry, and sing. And then we go. It is an option for us. And the Haitians stay. They are for the moment, stuck with all the broken-ness that is their country. And yet just like us, they have talent, dreams, abilities, intelligence, and brilliance. If they can just be allowed any opportunity, and be encouraged to show it, Haiti will find a brighter path. So I will always pray for Haiti, and all her people, especially those whom I have come to know.
Thanks for allowing me to care. It has been a huge privilege. Merci beaucoup.
Ayite pap pere (written in Creole, 'Haiti will not perish')
Michelle
Needless to say I write with ambivalent feelings. Very excited of course to start making my way to see you all, and enjoy home and hearth, not to mention a bath, and some silence..... (and a diet coke...hmmmm)
So many thoughts about being here. Have seen and experienced some many things! It has been running through my mind that what might work best for tonight is to just write the words, with no fluff, that fit.
Hope. Excitement. Fear. Anger. Wistfulness. Humor. Fun. Tense. Sleepy. Beauty. Wreckage. Rubble. Resurrection. Faith. Belief. Sadness. Reality. Stark. Lush. Heat. Humid. Patience. Wisdom. Enthusiasm. Angst. Frustration. Vigilant. Appreciation. Stretched. Willing. Useful. Glad (I didn't see a tarantula!!). Fatigue. Inventiveness. Satisfaction.
I am looking forward to many things at home, but they seem frivolous at the moment, but I know I will enjoy them all the same when I get there. Perhaps with even a greater appreciation than before. Part of the angst I am feeling in leaving Haiti is that for me, it has been an experience. Something to be lived for a short time, and remembered for a lifetime. Not a holiday, but a journey. For all who visit here, we are privileged to be let into the lives of those who are living and surviving here. Sharing their most difficult moments in sickness, their joys, and the intensity with which they laugh, cry, and sing. And then we go. It is an option for us. And the Haitians stay. They are for the moment, stuck with all the broken-ness that is their country. And yet just like us, they have talent, dreams, abilities, intelligence, and brilliance. If they can just be allowed any opportunity, and be encouraged to show it, Haiti will find a brighter path. So I will always pray for Haiti, and all her people, especially those whom I have come to know.
Thanks for allowing me to care. It has been a huge privilege. Merci beaucoup.
Ayite pap pere (written in Creole, 'Haiti will not perish')
Michelle
Thursday, January 20, 2011
Crazy Doings....
Hi All,
I write to you from the comfort of my lovely single bunkbed. Patient-wise it was a quiet night, but there was a shooting on the other side of the fence beside the clinic last night. Also some threat from gang members hanging close to the fence to try to kidnap an ex-pat. That's us. So security was hopping last night and day crew was late coming in because of the threat. On the way home, a police roadblock stopped us right beside the Cite Soleil slum, there was some issue with one of our outrider motorcylist's permits. Many people materializing to see what was going on. Police with machine guns, and many people milling. A bit nerve wracking.
Have one more night at Cite Soleil. Pray it will be a peaceful one. This one has left me jumpy and tense. Hoping for a good sleep now and a better outlook tonight.
Michelle
I write to you from the comfort of my lovely single bunkbed. Patient-wise it was a quiet night, but there was a shooting on the other side of the fence beside the clinic last night. Also some threat from gang members hanging close to the fence to try to kidnap an ex-pat. That's us. So security was hopping last night and day crew was late coming in because of the threat. On the way home, a police roadblock stopped us right beside the Cite Soleil slum, there was some issue with one of our outrider motorcylist's permits. Many people materializing to see what was going on. Police with machine guns, and many people milling. A bit nerve wracking.
Have one more night at Cite Soleil. Pray it will be a peaceful one. This one has left me jumpy and tense. Hoping for a good sleep now and a better outlook tonight.
Michelle
Creative Night
Hi all,
I am sure you have picked up the rhythm of my days and nights, I never really think I have much to say when I take a moment to write, and then it seems to pour out.
The 20 year old lady who was so very sick two nights ago looks much better. I am so relieved that she lives. She still has quite a recovery ahead, but it's a recovery all the same. Very gratifying. :)
All the Haitian staff are listening to small radios again tonight. Because I don't speak Creole (yet...) the announcer just sounds angry.
Has been reasonably quiet tonight, and the medical staff has turned its hand to some creative colouring lol. Each kid on the pediatrics ward gets a fancy-lettered hand-coloured name plate, complete with their name (what a surprise ha ha ha), their age, and how much they weigh. If the night stays as quiet, perhaps the adults will each get one too. If it comes to the point where they are making those for staff I will know it is time to GO!! I am ok with the name and age thing.... But the weight? That's just not right!!!!
Arts and Crafts night has continued with the creation of a disco ball - yes, the Cite Soleil CTC is stylin' now!!! Photo to follow. :) such a creative group!!!!!
Michelle
I am sure you have picked up the rhythm of my days and nights, I never really think I have much to say when I take a moment to write, and then it seems to pour out.
The 20 year old lady who was so very sick two nights ago looks much better. I am so relieved that she lives. She still has quite a recovery ahead, but it's a recovery all the same. Very gratifying. :)
All the Haitian staff are listening to small radios again tonight. Because I don't speak Creole (yet...) the announcer just sounds angry.
Has been reasonably quiet tonight, and the medical staff has turned its hand to some creative colouring lol. Each kid on the pediatrics ward gets a fancy-lettered hand-coloured name plate, complete with their name (what a surprise ha ha ha), their age, and how much they weigh. If the night stays as quiet, perhaps the adults will each get one too. If it comes to the point where they are making those for staff I will know it is time to GO!! I am ok with the name and age thing.... But the weight? That's just not right!!!!
Arts and Crafts night has continued with the creation of a disco ball - yes, the Cite Soleil CTC is stylin' now!!! Photo to follow. :) such a creative group!!!!!
Michelle
Antibiotic Guidelines CDC 2010 - Cholera
For the medicos out there, I described the fluid resuscitation phase previously, and meant to add the antibiotic guidelines as well. So here they are:
(For your interest, and if any one you know ever comes down with it....)
Adults
Doxycycline 300 mg X 1
Pregnant women
Azithromycin 1000 mg X 1
Children (4 to 14 year)
Doxycycline 100 mg X 1
Infants (0 to 3 years)
Erythromycin 12.5 mg/kg qid x 3 days
Zinc
Adults 20 mg daily x 10 days
Infants 1-2 years 10 mg daily X 10 days
(For your interest, and if any one you know ever comes down with it....)
Adults
Doxycycline 300 mg X 1
Pregnant women
Azithromycin 1000 mg X 1
Children (4 to 14 year)
Doxycycline 100 mg X 1
Infants (0 to 3 years)
Erythromycin 12.5 mg/kg qid x 3 days
Zinc
Adults 20 mg daily x 10 days
Infants 1-2 years 10 mg daily X 10 days
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
Smokin' Hot!
Hi All,
Whew... hot here today. Probably is a good thing that there is no thermometer or I would whine louder!! Very smoky as well, there are grass fires in the fields next to the compound that have been burning all day. At home this would be much cause for concern, but here, nah.... no one seems to worry about it. I sat for a while watching the flames at the edge of OUR field. Everyone just did there thing. Huh. Maybe the BC wildfires have made me paranoid lol. (Update: Samaritan's Purse staff were out with the water truck dousing our boundaries....thank you guys!)
I am feeling better, but not sounding great. Am quite determined to work tonight. Have sorted out how to be hydrated here.... Just drink every minute you are awake and it will be almost adequate.
When the cholera patients are past the acute phase of the sickness, and start to get up to use the toilet, they balance their IV bags on their heads while they walk and do what they need to get done. Maybe the caregivers should all do that, it would spare the trouble of toting around the water bottle, and be so much more efficient, ha ha ha!!!!
There was some gang activity outside the gates by triage at Cite Soleil again last night as someone (in a gang) had been shot during the day. Triage was moved further inside the complex as a result. Not sure yet if it has been moved back or not. I think, even if it has been, I will make an executive decision to move it closer to my colleagues. Makes sense - my triage partner is off tonite, and as there seems to be more activity lately it seems prudent. :)
So down to 3 shifts now, perhaps only 2 before starting home. I am hopeful that the violence and demonstrations (called Manifestations by the Haitians) will cool down.
As always, please remember all the teams in prayer for safety in our travels, and a general one for a more peaceful spirit to come upon the people as a whole here.
Hopefully, only 3 more sleeps!
Love you,
Michelle
Whew... hot here today. Probably is a good thing that there is no thermometer or I would whine louder!! Very smoky as well, there are grass fires in the fields next to the compound that have been burning all day. At home this would be much cause for concern, but here, nah.... no one seems to worry about it. I sat for a while watching the flames at the edge of OUR field. Everyone just did there thing. Huh. Maybe the BC wildfires have made me paranoid lol. (Update: Samaritan's Purse staff were out with the water truck dousing our boundaries....thank you guys!)
I am feeling better, but not sounding great. Am quite determined to work tonight. Have sorted out how to be hydrated here.... Just drink every minute you are awake and it will be almost adequate.
When the cholera patients are past the acute phase of the sickness, and start to get up to use the toilet, they balance their IV bags on their heads while they walk and do what they need to get done. Maybe the caregivers should all do that, it would spare the trouble of toting around the water bottle, and be so much more efficient, ha ha ha!!!!
There was some gang activity outside the gates by triage at Cite Soleil again last night as someone (in a gang) had been shot during the day. Triage was moved further inside the complex as a result. Not sure yet if it has been moved back or not. I think, even if it has been, I will make an executive decision to move it closer to my colleagues. Makes sense - my triage partner is off tonite, and as there seems to be more activity lately it seems prudent. :)
So down to 3 shifts now, perhaps only 2 before starting home. I am hopeful that the violence and demonstrations (called Manifestations by the Haitians) will cool down.
As always, please remember all the teams in prayer for safety in our travels, and a general one for a more peaceful spirit to come upon the people as a whole here.
Hopefully, only 3 more sleeps!
Love you,
Michelle
Buddies
Hi all,
On a journey such as this, one is privileged to meet some very special folk.
In the Dallas TX airport, while waiting for my bag to come off the plane, a lovely lady asked me, 'Are you going to Haiti?', and I met Helen and Jeff Adams, from Calgary, Alberta (my home town!), also on their way to Haiti for Samaritans Purse. I was so nervous, and making this connection really helped. We were staying at different hotels, but met up for the Miami- Port au Prince flight in the morning.
Helen has already been to Haiti as a nurse, and knew the routine. I was so thankful for her guidance, and also for her encouragement that I too could do this thing. So thank you Helen and Jeff. You are a blessing to me!!
Michelle
Just the Facts......
Hi All,
Made a mistake in my reporting.... Former president who returned to Haiti is Baby Doc. Not Papa Doc. Sorry :)
I must brush up on my 'past dictators' history, it is poor.
Cite Soleil night team went as usual tonight. I had the night off to finish recovering from this stupid cold. I started an antibiotic tonite for sinuses, and am hoping it will help. The decongestants are helping, but my voice is still pretty much gone. Very frustrating to be here and not doing what I came to do. Everyone here says to be patient..... Sigh.
Dr. Nam had tonight off as well, and is a fave of mine. We spent a couple nights manning triage together and I enjoy his company, quick wit, and excellent skills. Cite Soleil night team has nicknamed him "Super Nam", which the Pastor even announced in front at church, lol!!! He and I ended up watching 'Casablanca' in the staff lounge tent. It's the only air conditioned place on base, and we really enjoyed. A cold coke and a movie, yay!!
The night breeze is lovely here, being very close to the ocean. Lots of cloud cover, so no stars tonight. Can hear the crickets doing their thing. And the goats have bedded their silly selves under the Land Rover that takes us back and forth. Feels just like an August summer night at home. Except its January.....!!!!!
Did do some laundry last night in the sink of the shower house. Ran out of Tide so ended up using my 'Sensual Amber' body wash instead.... mmmmm don't I smell lovely?!?! Wonder if the bugs will enjoy it as much as I do? (hope not, lol).
Line dried my items overnight and collected them in the morning before the camp could see my knickers flapping in the breeze!! Eep!!
So 2 or 3 shifts left with my team. Nam, Heather, and I leave on Saturday. Plan is to leave here Saturday, and fly to Miami. Then Miami to San Fransico, staying at the SFO 4 points Sheraton there. Am hoping to take myself out for a ridiculously nice dinner. (Update: ended up at the hotel, and was dialing the room service number as I was running a hot bath....never made it out of the hotel room hahahahaha!)
UPDATE:
Hi all, Noelle just sent me a great link about the arrest of Baby Doc in Haiti :
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/centralamericaandthecaribbean/haiti/8268169/Haitis-former-dictator-Jean-Claude-Baby-Doc-Duvalier-charged-with-corruption-in-Haiti.html
The actual facts!!!! Thanks Noelle!!
Love to all,
Michelle
Made a mistake in my reporting.... Former president who returned to Haiti is Baby Doc. Not Papa Doc. Sorry :)
I must brush up on my 'past dictators' history, it is poor.
Cite Soleil night team went as usual tonight. I had the night off to finish recovering from this stupid cold. I started an antibiotic tonite for sinuses, and am hoping it will help. The decongestants are helping, but my voice is still pretty much gone. Very frustrating to be here and not doing what I came to do. Everyone here says to be patient..... Sigh.
Dr. Nam had tonight off as well, and is a fave of mine. We spent a couple nights manning triage together and I enjoy his company, quick wit, and excellent skills. Cite Soleil night team has nicknamed him "Super Nam", which the Pastor even announced in front at church, lol!!! He and I ended up watching 'Casablanca' in the staff lounge tent. It's the only air conditioned place on base, and we really enjoyed. A cold coke and a movie, yay!!
The night breeze is lovely here, being very close to the ocean. Lots of cloud cover, so no stars tonight. Can hear the crickets doing their thing. And the goats have bedded their silly selves under the Land Rover that takes us back and forth. Feels just like an August summer night at home. Except its January.....!!!!!
Did do some laundry last night in the sink of the shower house. Ran out of Tide so ended up using my 'Sensual Amber' body wash instead.... mmmmm don't I smell lovely?!?! Wonder if the bugs will enjoy it as much as I do? (hope not, lol).
Line dried my items overnight and collected them in the morning before the camp could see my knickers flapping in the breeze!! Eep!!
So 2 or 3 shifts left with my team. Nam, Heather, and I leave on Saturday. Plan is to leave here Saturday, and fly to Miami. Then Miami to San Fransico, staying at the SFO 4 points Sheraton there. Am hoping to take myself out for a ridiculously nice dinner. (Update: ended up at the hotel, and was dialing the room service number as I was running a hot bath....never made it out of the hotel room hahahahaha!)
UPDATE:
Hi all, Noelle just sent me a great link about the arrest of Baby Doc in Haiti :
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/centralamericaandthecaribbean/haiti/8268169/Haitis-former-dictator-Jean-Claude-Baby-Doc-Duvalier-charged-with-corruption-in-Haiti.html
The actual facts!!!! Thanks Noelle!!
Love to all,
Michelle
Newslink
Thanks Noelle!!
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/centralamericaandthecaribbean/haiti/82681/Haitis-former-dictator-Jean-Claude-Baby-Doc-Duvalier-charged-with-corruption-in-Haiti.html
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/centralamericaandthecaribbean/haiti/82681/Haitis-former-dictator-Jean-Claude-Baby-Doc-Duvalier-charged-with-corruption-in-Haiti.html
Ooops!
Hi all, i made a mistake in my reporting and said Papa Doc had returned. I have justed editted and chaned it to be correct, old president who has returned to Haiti is Baby Doc.
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
Waiting for the Other Shoe to Drop....
Hi All,
Slept pretty well, but still dealing with this cold bug. Frustrating. I have been posted for a night off tonight. Sigh.
Big news in Haiti of course today. The old president Baby Doc flew into Haiti two days ago. The translators that night reported that thousands had gone to the airport in Port au Prince to welcome him back. Hard to understand, as from what I can gather (without being able to google and research) Baby Doc was a brutal dictator and has been living in France for 20 years. He has been arrested today and that's all we have heard. Makes one sad that the people here are so desperate for leadership that some may even be willing to accept a known despot back again. :(
So add his return to the incendiary political situation here and it's hard to say what will happen. Samaritan's Purse people working right in Port au Prince have been pulled out because the streets are full of demonstrations. Hopefully it will remain peaceful. Pray it stays so.
Cite Soleil day shift is working so far, and I am sure they are keeping a close eye on the events that may effect Cite nights. It's weird to be sitting out on the base and not knowing what is happening in the countryside around you. What I do know, for certain, is that Samaritan's Purse security is second to none, and they are ultra careful with us. They allow us to do what we do....with no worries. :)
So you can do something for us here.... Pray, as always for safety. And if you hear any hard facts on the news, I wouldn't mind a short email about it.
Plan is to begin the journey back home on Saturday. I am a little anxious that the current events may effect that. But that is in God's hands.
Michelle
Slept pretty well, but still dealing with this cold bug. Frustrating. I have been posted for a night off tonight. Sigh.
Big news in Haiti of course today. The old president Baby Doc flew into Haiti two days ago. The translators that night reported that thousands had gone to the airport in Port au Prince to welcome him back. Hard to understand, as from what I can gather (without being able to google and research) Baby Doc was a brutal dictator and has been living in France for 20 years. He has been arrested today and that's all we have heard. Makes one sad that the people here are so desperate for leadership that some may even be willing to accept a known despot back again. :(
So add his return to the incendiary political situation here and it's hard to say what will happen. Samaritan's Purse people working right in Port au Prince have been pulled out because the streets are full of demonstrations. Hopefully it will remain peaceful. Pray it stays so.
Cite Soleil day shift is working so far, and I am sure they are keeping a close eye on the events that may effect Cite nights. It's weird to be sitting out on the base and not knowing what is happening in the countryside around you. What I do know, for certain, is that Samaritan's Purse security is second to none, and they are ultra careful with us. They allow us to do what we do....with no worries. :)
So you can do something for us here.... Pray, as always for safety. And if you hear any hard facts on the news, I wouldn't mind a short email about it.
Plan is to begin the journey back home on Saturday. I am a little anxious that the current events may effect that. But that is in God's hands.
Michelle
Disappointed......
Hi all,
Have had a little set back in the health department. Couple nights ago wasn't feeling too great, and had a night off. Thought I was beating the bug back, but it is a bit worse today. Symptoms consistent with a very common cold, sinus infection, and a bit in my chest as well. I lost my voice last night and expected it would be better when I woke up today, but disappointingly not so. Am taking decongestants, an antihistamine, and advil for the headache. Bummer.
Am crushed to be set aside from my team, and our mission for another night. Am laying down in my dorm bed and everyone has gone to their purposeful thing. I didn't stay outside to watch Cite team leave.
I really can't articulate my feelings adequately about sitting out another night. I know it's the right thing. I do. It just makes me so sad. And frustrated.
I so wanted to go and see our little lady who was so desperately sick last night. She was struggling to keep going when we left this morning. I pray she had a good day and has turned a corner, but I really did want to see for myself, put my hand on her, feel her warmth and life. Perhaps tomorrow.
Michelle
The frustrated
Have had a little set back in the health department. Couple nights ago wasn't feeling too great, and had a night off. Thought I was beating the bug back, but it is a bit worse today. Symptoms consistent with a very common cold, sinus infection, and a bit in my chest as well. I lost my voice last night and expected it would be better when I woke up today, but disappointingly not so. Am taking decongestants, an antihistamine, and advil for the headache. Bummer.
Am crushed to be set aside from my team, and our mission for another night. Am laying down in my dorm bed and everyone has gone to their purposeful thing. I didn't stay outside to watch Cite team leave.
I really can't articulate my feelings adequately about sitting out another night. I know it's the right thing. I do. It just makes me so sad. And frustrated.
I so wanted to go and see our little lady who was so desperately sick last night. She was struggling to keep going when we left this morning. I pray she had a good day and has turned a corner, but I really did want to see for myself, put my hand on her, feel her warmth and life. Perhaps tomorrow.
Michelle
The frustrated
Jan 17 - Ooooh What a Night!
Hi all,
As you could guess from the update send this morning,last night was rather more intense than usual. Cite Soleil night team's ranks swelled with 6 new members, yay!! Lots more Canadians, an American, a doc from France, and a doc from London, UK who has been working on the Mercy Ships! Love our international flavour, so much fun. These folk have worked all over the world, and being on a team with them is humbling. And, they have some GREAT stories!!
Recall back a bare week ago when I was going to my first night shift at Cite and I was really anxious, almost sick with it. The new crew had some nerves, but jumped in so well. Cholera numbers still down but we did have a fairly active night in the triage centre. So Triage crew gained another member (I was the only one for a couple nights - eep!) and the doc from Mercy Ships is now the triage doc, double yay!!!! (Ok, now picture groggy medic doing happy dance..... or maybe you shouldn't ha ha ha). Anyway, very pleased to have her join me, there have been times that I have felt like my knowledge and discernment by myself on triage aren't enough. The team docs are very close in the wards, but I am liking this new arrangement!! Wahoo!!
So triage stayed steady enough with patients most of the night, and then sometime around 0300, a 20 year old woman was carried in and deposited on the cot in triage. She lay with her head back, stiff in posture, not moving, and making no sound. Her eyes were open and rolled back. My heart leaped into my throat as I put my hand on her - cold. No radial pulse. And a very difficult to hear apical pulse (listening with a stethoscope). I could almost convince myself I could hear an unsteady beat. Maybe just wishful thinking on my part. I put touriquets on both hands. Nothing. Nothing, NOTHING for veins. The team materialized and suddenly our fantastic peds nurse was on the lookout for a vein, and Dr. Nam (aka Super Nam to Cite Nights) also on the hunt for an elusive vein. Still nothing. Patient not responsive, and search for vein continues. Finally after a couple of nerve wracking tries, one cannula in, just a 22 (small!) but one nonetheless!! Wahoo!!!! Pouring the fluid in as fast as we can. BP cuff serving as a pressure infuser, urging the fluid in faster. Still - not fast enough. The search for another vein continues. A crowd has gathered at the entrance to the IV tent. Everyone knows that life hangs in the balance, here in this moment. A Haitian pastor is here. He prays over her, over all of us trying to make this happen as he helps hold her legs, as she has become combative. Her mom stands with the people. Looking scared, small, and unsure of what is taking place. Still we work, looking at her feet, and anywhere else for another vein. Multiple tries. The girl moans and cries over and over, Mama, why... Mama why..... her mom sat down at the end of her bed and helped hold her daughters legs. Her cries and moans, as heartbreaking as they are, signify hope, she IS responding, thank you God!
Still no success in getting another line, so we opt to wait and allow the one line to do its work and give her the fluid she needs, and hope it is fast enough. We are disheartened to hear an explosive bout of watery diarrhea going into the bucket below her. At least a litre of fluid gone. :( The race continues. We push fluid in, fluid pours out. But, we are winning - I think...... She opens her eyes, and I see that she really is there. While we try another time for a line she cries, and I take her hand. She squeezes. And I squeeze back. Finally, one of the really outstanding Haitian nurses (hey, Brutus!) finds one tiny vein in her poor tortured hand, and in goes line 2!! WAHOO!!!!! We are gonna win this fluid race, and she will have the chance to recover. Thank you God!!!!
All of us pouring sweat in the Haitian night, chilled now. We liberate a tin foil emergency blanket, and tuck it all around our little lady, with wool blankets on top. She had been so cold to the touch, now warm, and alive. Happy dance looked more like slumping down on the cot at her head, touching her cheek, and watching the fluid drip, drop by drop, bringing her back from the brink. A scary, powerful, amazing and real moment.
She received 3 litres of fluid in my care, as ordered, and then we transfered her to the women's ward to receive further care and meds. Her mama told me, Merci. I was very happy to say, You're welcome!
Michelle
Who slept well today. And is feeling privileged to be here.
As you could guess from the update send this morning,last night was rather more intense than usual. Cite Soleil night team's ranks swelled with 6 new members, yay!! Lots more Canadians, an American, a doc from France, and a doc from London, UK who has been working on the Mercy Ships! Love our international flavour, so much fun. These folk have worked all over the world, and being on a team with them is humbling. And, they have some GREAT stories!!
Recall back a bare week ago when I was going to my first night shift at Cite and I was really anxious, almost sick with it. The new crew had some nerves, but jumped in so well. Cholera numbers still down but we did have a fairly active night in the triage centre. So Triage crew gained another member (I was the only one for a couple nights - eep!) and the doc from Mercy Ships is now the triage doc, double yay!!!! (Ok, now picture groggy medic doing happy dance..... or maybe you shouldn't ha ha ha). Anyway, very pleased to have her join me, there have been times that I have felt like my knowledge and discernment by myself on triage aren't enough. The team docs are very close in the wards, but I am liking this new arrangement!! Wahoo!!
So triage stayed steady enough with patients most of the night, and then sometime around 0300, a 20 year old woman was carried in and deposited on the cot in triage. She lay with her head back, stiff in posture, not moving, and making no sound. Her eyes were open and rolled back. My heart leaped into my throat as I put my hand on her - cold. No radial pulse. And a very difficult to hear apical pulse (listening with a stethoscope). I could almost convince myself I could hear an unsteady beat. Maybe just wishful thinking on my part. I put touriquets on both hands. Nothing. Nothing, NOTHING for veins. The team materialized and suddenly our fantastic peds nurse was on the lookout for a vein, and Dr. Nam (aka Super Nam to Cite Nights) also on the hunt for an elusive vein. Still nothing. Patient not responsive, and search for vein continues. Finally after a couple of nerve wracking tries, one cannula in, just a 22 (small!) but one nonetheless!! Wahoo!!!! Pouring the fluid in as fast as we can. BP cuff serving as a pressure infuser, urging the fluid in faster. Still - not fast enough. The search for another vein continues. A crowd has gathered at the entrance to the IV tent. Everyone knows that life hangs in the balance, here in this moment. A Haitian pastor is here. He prays over her, over all of us trying to make this happen as he helps hold her legs, as she has become combative. Her mom stands with the people. Looking scared, small, and unsure of what is taking place. Still we work, looking at her feet, and anywhere else for another vein. Multiple tries. The girl moans and cries over and over, Mama, why... Mama why..... her mom sat down at the end of her bed and helped hold her daughters legs. Her cries and moans, as heartbreaking as they are, signify hope, she IS responding, thank you God!
Still no success in getting another line, so we opt to wait and allow the one line to do its work and give her the fluid she needs, and hope it is fast enough. We are disheartened to hear an explosive bout of watery diarrhea going into the bucket below her. At least a litre of fluid gone. :( The race continues. We push fluid in, fluid pours out. But, we are winning - I think...... She opens her eyes, and I see that she really is there. While we try another time for a line she cries, and I take her hand. She squeezes. And I squeeze back. Finally, one of the really outstanding Haitian nurses (hey, Brutus!) finds one tiny vein in her poor tortured hand, and in goes line 2!! WAHOO!!!!! We are gonna win this fluid race, and she will have the chance to recover. Thank you God!!!!
All of us pouring sweat in the Haitian night, chilled now. We liberate a tin foil emergency blanket, and tuck it all around our little lady, with wool blankets on top. She had been so cold to the touch, now warm, and alive. Happy dance looked more like slumping down on the cot at her head, touching her cheek, and watching the fluid drip, drop by drop, bringing her back from the brink. A scary, powerful, amazing and real moment.
She received 3 litres of fluid in my care, as ordered, and then we transfered her to the women's ward to receive further care and meds. Her mama told me, Merci. I was very happy to say, You're welcome!
Michelle
Who slept well today. And is feeling privileged to be here.
Sunday, January 16, 2011
Halfway There....
Hi all,
Had a good sleep last night and feel halfway decent today. Am back on nights at Cite Soleil again and we have added some new members to our team. I have met up with a doc from France who came in yesterday and will go out with us tonight. Was happy to be able to show her some things about getting around here, and how things are at Cite. She is anxious, understandably so. Lol, been there, done that, and can really empathise.
It is really hot here today, the staffers who are here are even saying how hot it is. By the way, not saying that to rub it in, lol, really!!! But those who know me know that heat is not my fave thing for sure!! Am sorry to have heard the brutal forecasts at home. Am REALLY hoping Ben is keeping up with the snow clearing at home.......... Have been amusing the Haitians with our forecasts. They can't imagine snow, nor can they get their heads around -30. I did show them pics on my phone of snow, which they seemed to enjoy.
Good news on the cholera front, the numbers of new cases has slowed down significantly, which is a huge blessing. Combination of the dry weather and massive public education campaigns are helping. Everyone is pumped!
The only downside to this of course is for the Haitian staff being used in the centres (nurses, interpreters, porters, cleaning staff). In a country that has at least 80% unemployment, a job is a huge blessing. Cholera, the scourge that it is, has also been a blessing to some. To those with other underlying medical conditions which would not have gotten medical help at all, and to those employed to help fight it. Such a double edge sword for these folk. With the numbers going down, there have been staffing cuts which seems so hard. I totally feel for the staff :(
On the upside though, the skills of the Haitian staff are growing in leaps and bounds. They are much more confident. Some are even becoming proficient in starting IV's. (Some are still struggling.....). As it really is the most central skill required for cholera recovery, pray for those who are struggling to become proficient. (And pray extra hard for me to have patience, and even harder for me to grow my teaching skills...... yikes!!)
Well, 1:30 and super hot here. Should try to lay down for a bit to be ready for night.
Now halfway through my mission trip :)
Michelle
Had a good sleep last night and feel halfway decent today. Am back on nights at Cite Soleil again and we have added some new members to our team. I have met up with a doc from France who came in yesterday and will go out with us tonight. Was happy to be able to show her some things about getting around here, and how things are at Cite. She is anxious, understandably so. Lol, been there, done that, and can really empathise.
It is really hot here today, the staffers who are here are even saying how hot it is. By the way, not saying that to rub it in, lol, really!!! But those who know me know that heat is not my fave thing for sure!! Am sorry to have heard the brutal forecasts at home. Am REALLY hoping Ben is keeping up with the snow clearing at home.......... Have been amusing the Haitians with our forecasts. They can't imagine snow, nor can they get their heads around -30. I did show them pics on my phone of snow, which they seemed to enjoy.
Good news on the cholera front, the numbers of new cases has slowed down significantly, which is a huge blessing. Combination of the dry weather and massive public education campaigns are helping. Everyone is pumped!
The only downside to this of course is for the Haitian staff being used in the centres (nurses, interpreters, porters, cleaning staff). In a country that has at least 80% unemployment, a job is a huge blessing. Cholera, the scourge that it is, has also been a blessing to some. To those with other underlying medical conditions which would not have gotten medical help at all, and to those employed to help fight it. Such a double edge sword for these folk. With the numbers going down, there have been staffing cuts which seems so hard. I totally feel for the staff :(
On the upside though, the skills of the Haitian staff are growing in leaps and bounds. They are much more confident. Some are even becoming proficient in starting IV's. (Some are still struggling.....). As it really is the most central skill required for cholera recovery, pray for those who are struggling to become proficient. (And pray extra hard for me to have patience, and even harder for me to grow my teaching skills...... yikes!!)
Well, 1:30 and super hot here. Should try to lay down for a bit to be ready for night.
Now halfway through my mission trip :)
Michelle
Some Photos
#1 Looking over Cite Soleil wall at crumpled building.
#2 Triage protocol in English and Creole.
Hi all,
If you have any questions about the mission or anything going on here, please email me:
janicemichelleyeager@yahoo.ca
I will likely save the questions up and answer on the blog. Email from home are a real treat. Thanks!!
Michelle
A hard choice
Hi All,
During the orientation speech we got the first night, we were told not to give away food, drink, or anything else to anyone asking for it. Inside the treatment centre the care goes on, and the patients get what they need. When they start feeling better, their families bring in food for them. Quite different from our home systems that's for sure!! (Although.... you know..... The Haitian food being brought in by the families looks nicer than that served in the PG hospital!!!!!) Hehhe.
I was walking the backway into the triage tent (hahaha really is like MASH!) And was looking over the razor wire fence out to the rubble field. I saw a small boy, perhaps five years old, standing trying to get my attention. I asked my interpreter what he was trying to say, and found that he wanted to have an MRE (our meals-ready-to-eat packages). The interpreter told him to go, and I asked him why. He told me we may never give someone something unless we have enough for all. Handing one MRE meal over the fence to one small starving kid could start a food riot. His little voice pleaded and cried. And we sent him away and turned our backs. Hardest thing I have ever done in my life. One side of the fence we have medical care, love, food, and water. On the other side, diddily-squat. :(
During the orientation speech we got the first night, we were told not to give away food, drink, or anything else to anyone asking for it. Inside the treatment centre the care goes on, and the patients get what they need. When they start feeling better, their families bring in food for them. Quite different from our home systems that's for sure!! (Although.... you know..... The Haitian food being brought in by the families looks nicer than that served in the PG hospital!!!!!) Hehhe.
I was walking the backway into the triage tent (hahaha really is like MASH!) And was looking over the razor wire fence out to the rubble field. I saw a small boy, perhaps five years old, standing trying to get my attention. I asked my interpreter what he was trying to say, and found that he wanted to have an MRE (our meals-ready-to-eat packages). The interpreter told him to go, and I asked him why. He told me we may never give someone something unless we have enough for all. Handing one MRE meal over the fence to one small starving kid could start a food riot. His little voice pleaded and cried. And we sent him away and turned our backs. Hardest thing I have ever done in my life. One side of the fence we have medical care, love, food, and water. On the other side, diddily-squat. :(
New folk!
Hi All,
Last night was a weird shift. Was slow, raining like you have never seen, and then sometime after midnight I started to feel unwell. I don't have cholera so do NOT fret about that. Don't forget I am surrounded by docs, nurses, and medics who all KNOW a thing or two about this stuff. Have a headache and a little nausea. The heat, humidity, and long shifts have caught up with me a little. Also have been battling homesickness.
When I think about you all I find myself very close to tears. The emotional impact of being here is huge, and it takes some energy to keep those things under control. I got teary when looking after the 22 year old man with the distended abdomen, went and washed my hands, and started to lose it. Thought here's this young man, who has been afflicted by this grossly distended belly which no one can/will deal with since he was 15. That's 7 years....and now he has cholera. I felt anger, at a system that will not help, and a government which seems not to care about the common folk. Tears of anger, sadness, and frustration welled up in me for him, for them all. I do not blame the Haitian people *at all* for showing their anger at their situation.
I keep meaning to tell you a little about my family here, which I have been calling my team. There are 3 docs, all from England, and nurses from the states, Canada, and Ireland. Lots of Canadians! OH Canada!!! Oh, O, O Canada! (Watch O Canada rap video from youtube here lol). You come to know each other quite well and it really is a cohesive group. I do have a night off tonight, and while I am very glad of it because I need it, I will feel strange eating with my group and then watching them get into the vans to reenter the battle, without me.
New folk have just been delivered to the compound now, and they all look so calm. Hopefully I did as well, but I can well imagine just how they are feeling inside: excited, nervous, and wondering what is next. Crickey. Suddenly I am a veteran. How did that happen lol?!?
So I shall sign off for a bit and go make some friends. Now it will be me saying welcome, and thanks for coming. :)
Michelle
Ps: feeling some better. Have been in the staff tent, which has A/c and drinking lots of water. Even a bottle of coke, which is a treat. So will be ready to get back to Cite Soleil and my team tomorrow night.
Love you, and miss you tons.
Break in the Action
Hi All,
Started feeling a bit poorly last night during shift after midnight. I started the shift feeling more tired than usual, and just got more tired. Was super humid last night and the temp went down to 28 c. Was feeling very thirsty and couldn't quite quench my thirst on the brief breaks. We are not allowed to drink inside the centre, has to be done in the break area after washing. So if it is even a little busy, its difficult to really stay on top of hydration. Even more so for me because I sweat like crazy anyway..... !!!
So I took a break after midnight because I wasn't feeling too well. (I guess 6 night shifts in a row may be my limit)A bit of nausea and a headache. Ended up sleeping for a bit, and then came back to the compound at 4 am. Two of the nurses on our team had to come back to the compound to make their early flights home. I was sent along with them because I was feeling poorly. Reckon I need more sleep, more water, and a break from the heat. No diarrhea so don't panic. :)
Do feel some better as had a sleep this morning and have spent a lot of time in the staff lounge at the compound, which has airconditioning. So. Feeling less green than I was. Thank God! So will get rested up and rejoin my team tomorrow night. Felt really quite emotional and sad to watch them load up and go. :(
So here I am, sitting in the lounge drinking an almost cold coke in the old fashioned tall glass bottles. Is funny seeing the compound at night, for the first time. Is quite lovely.
There are beautiful hills right behind us, and the thickening clouds really look just like a thick gray blanket atop them. Hard to say if it will rain tonight, the clouds look very ready...
Oh, and I will send a pic of last nights torrent as well.... was impressive!!!
Michelle
Started feeling a bit poorly last night during shift after midnight. I started the shift feeling more tired than usual, and just got more tired. Was super humid last night and the temp went down to 28 c. Was feeling very thirsty and couldn't quite quench my thirst on the brief breaks. We are not allowed to drink inside the centre, has to be done in the break area after washing. So if it is even a little busy, its difficult to really stay on top of hydration. Even more so for me because I sweat like crazy anyway..... !!!
So I took a break after midnight because I wasn't feeling too well. (I guess 6 night shifts in a row may be my limit)A bit of nausea and a headache. Ended up sleeping for a bit, and then came back to the compound at 4 am. Two of the nurses on our team had to come back to the compound to make their early flights home. I was sent along with them because I was feeling poorly. Reckon I need more sleep, more water, and a break from the heat. No diarrhea so don't panic. :)
Do feel some better as had a sleep this morning and have spent a lot of time in the staff lounge at the compound, which has airconditioning. So. Feeling less green than I was. Thank God! So will get rested up and rejoin my team tomorrow night. Felt really quite emotional and sad to watch them load up and go. :(
So here I am, sitting in the lounge drinking an almost cold coke in the old fashioned tall glass bottles. Is funny seeing the compound at night, for the first time. Is quite lovely.
There are beautiful hills right behind us, and the thickening clouds really look just like a thick gray blanket atop them. Hard to say if it will rain tonight, the clouds look very ready...
Oh, and I will send a pic of last nights torrent as well.... was impressive!!!
Michelle
Saturday, January 15, 2011
Mindless Blether from the Battle
Hello All,
Sixth night shift in a row. I think its six, anyway...... I am taking a water break right now to try and stay hydrated. The 'staff lounge' here at Cite Soleil CTC is an old railroad car. It has bunk beds built into it, and has a cooler and some chairs. The beds are in here in the event we must stay longer at the site than planned.
Rain has just started and sounds neat on the tin roof of the rail car. I expect it will bring the mosquitos out later so will fish out some more bug spray. Hearing thunder is a bit of a novelty at this time of year, for a Canadian anyway. :)
Slept not too badly last night but am still really struggling with fatigue. Only 930 here and I am already nodding. Oh oh.
Managed to drop a big metal part of a truck door closure on my thumb tonite when retrieving blankets. Looks like I might have a blood blister forming under the nail. Fun fun fun. Shouldn't be a problem finding someone to have a look at it anyway if need be, ha ha ha.
Apparently there are 20 new people coming in tomorrow. That's good news as we have some going home as well. We had heard that some folk who were scheduled to come had been cancelled and I have to say I was a little worried. Some of the people on this shift have worked 9 in a row...... Yikes.
So I guess I am half way through this mission trip, as by the calendar I start on my way home a week tomorrow. Probably a week would have been enough, the heat and long shifts are wearing me down a bit.
The rain is coming down so hard and there are a few (*very* recently discovered!) holes in the triage tent. We are trying to clean it up now and have all the IV cath packages spread out on a blue pad to dry. Think maybe triage will have to relocate to the main tent again. I don't mind that, is nicer to be closer to the rest of the team and help if needed. Even though I am a major type A personality, running triage by myself (second night now) scares the hell out of me. Cholera patients all still look very very sick to me - I have not yet learned discernment between circling the drain and almost circling the drain - at any rate, they all look very sick to me, and until they have their big bolus of fluid DONE, I cannot convince myself they are alright.
For the medicos out there, the fluid resuscitation phase which is done in triage, is as follows:
Lactated ringers solution. Rapid bolus as follows:
Men-
2 litres in 30 mins, and then
2 litres over 2.5 hours
Women-
1.5 litres in 30 mins, and then
1.5 litres over 2.5 hours
Peds (14 and under)-
30 ml/kg/hr over 30 mins, and then
30 ml/kg/hr over 2.5 hours
Infants-
15 ml/kg/hr over 60 mins and then
15 ml/kg/hr over 5 hours
After the intial bolus amount, the patient is taken to the ward rooms and given a bed. It takes an average of 3 days to be treated for cholera. The fluid needs of the patients can be truly enormous. Each bag of RL hung is numbered sequentially. It is not unusual at all to see someone on bag 50 or 60 in the men's ward (Have heard upwards of 80 litres....!!). No kidding. When the bouts of diarrhea and vomitting are occurring, a single epiosode can excrete up to 1.5 litres, quite explosively. We learn 2 things from this: 1) as much fluid as you can possibly give, as fast as you can give it isn't always enough, and 2)around cholera patients you must be very watchful and always know where the buckets are. Nuff said about that.
That's probably enough blether for now. I will write later on the international flavour of Team Cite Nights!
Pray that I get a day off soon... because I really could use one. Still really enjoying the experience, but dragging it a little lol!
Michelle
Sixth night shift in a row. I think its six, anyway...... I am taking a water break right now to try and stay hydrated. The 'staff lounge' here at Cite Soleil CTC is an old railroad car. It has bunk beds built into it, and has a cooler and some chairs. The beds are in here in the event we must stay longer at the site than planned.
Rain has just started and sounds neat on the tin roof of the rail car. I expect it will bring the mosquitos out later so will fish out some more bug spray. Hearing thunder is a bit of a novelty at this time of year, for a Canadian anyway. :)
Slept not too badly last night but am still really struggling with fatigue. Only 930 here and I am already nodding. Oh oh.
Managed to drop a big metal part of a truck door closure on my thumb tonite when retrieving blankets. Looks like I might have a blood blister forming under the nail. Fun fun fun. Shouldn't be a problem finding someone to have a look at it anyway if need be, ha ha ha.
Apparently there are 20 new people coming in tomorrow. That's good news as we have some going home as well. We had heard that some folk who were scheduled to come had been cancelled and I have to say I was a little worried. Some of the people on this shift have worked 9 in a row...... Yikes.
So I guess I am half way through this mission trip, as by the calendar I start on my way home a week tomorrow. Probably a week would have been enough, the heat and long shifts are wearing me down a bit.
The rain is coming down so hard and there are a few (*very* recently discovered!) holes in the triage tent. We are trying to clean it up now and have all the IV cath packages spread out on a blue pad to dry. Think maybe triage will have to relocate to the main tent again. I don't mind that, is nicer to be closer to the rest of the team and help if needed. Even though I am a major type A personality, running triage by myself (second night now) scares the hell out of me. Cholera patients all still look very very sick to me - I have not yet learned discernment between circling the drain and almost circling the drain - at any rate, they all look very sick to me, and until they have their big bolus of fluid DONE, I cannot convince myself they are alright.
For the medicos out there, the fluid resuscitation phase which is done in triage, is as follows:
Lactated ringers solution. Rapid bolus as follows:
Men-
2 litres in 30 mins, and then
2 litres over 2.5 hours
Women-
1.5 litres in 30 mins, and then
1.5 litres over 2.5 hours
Peds (14 and under)-
30 ml/kg/hr over 30 mins, and then
30 ml/kg/hr over 2.5 hours
Infants-
15 ml/kg/hr over 60 mins and then
15 ml/kg/hr over 5 hours
After the intial bolus amount, the patient is taken to the ward rooms and given a bed. It takes an average of 3 days to be treated for cholera. The fluid needs of the patients can be truly enormous. Each bag of RL hung is numbered sequentially. It is not unusual at all to see someone on bag 50 or 60 in the men's ward (Have heard upwards of 80 litres....!!). No kidding. When the bouts of diarrhea and vomitting are occurring, a single epiosode can excrete up to 1.5 litres, quite explosively. We learn 2 things from this: 1) as much fluid as you can possibly give, as fast as you can give it isn't always enough, and 2)around cholera patients you must be very watchful and always know where the buckets are. Nuff said about that.
That's probably enough blether for now. I will write later on the international flavour of Team Cite Nights!
Pray that I get a day off soon... because I really could use one. Still really enjoying the experience, but dragging it a little lol!
Michelle
Friday, January 14, 2011
Team Cite Soleil Night
Hi All,
I thought I would tell you what the daily schedule is like for us. You are scheduled and stay with your team for the most part, which is nice. You get to know your team members, and you do spend 24 hours a day with them.
So the shift itself is: After a 12 hour shift, leave the Cite Soleil Cholera Treatment Centre (CTC) sometime between 0600 and 0630 depending on arrival and hand off to day team. Travel back to compound is about 25 minutes depending on many factors - traffic, road conditions, amount of people/critters on the road. When we arrive back at base, the vehicles come into the compound after passing through 2 armed gates, and stop at the shower hut. The night before you would have left some clean shoes (ie: those which have not been to the cholera site) on shelves outside the shower. Upon arrival, we remove the shoes which we have worn to CTC and scrub them with bleach. Shoes then go back onto the rack to dry for evening. We then retrieve our shower bags (which were packed up before we left for shift) from just inside the door of the dorm. Everyone must shower and change all clothing before going anywhere else on the base. Then you can have breakfast and THEN go to bed. Crickey, makes me exhausted just thinking about it!!!! Most days I guess in bed by 830 and probably asleep by ohhhhh, 820. :)
I have been sleeping until around 2 pm and then waking. The heat and humidity is quite oppressive during the day and it is difficult to sleep. Something that surprises me is that I find I actually like the mosquito netting around the bed because while it doesn't obscure things, it does give you the illusion of a bit of space of your own. Quite something in a dorm with maybe 50 beds? (I will count them.....) Am finding the shared living enjoyable for the most part, and being part of a team just fantastic, but do miss privacy.
Another important part of the team at Cite Soleil Cholera Treatment Centre is the interpreters. These Haitian men and women are absolute gold.... it is quite a different thing to communicate to your patient through an interpreter. Taking a history and getting information is difficult enough, but doing it in a different language is a whole different deal!!
I have two faves: Jean Marie and Andy. Both men are so much fun, willing and very communicative. On Sunday night Andy, Lauren (medic, N. Carolina) and I had some time to sit and talk. He told us about the politics of Haiti, customs, and things of general interest. So enjoyable!
Last night Jean Marie translated a written protocol, a flow chart you could call it, for what takes place in Triage. Dr. Nam and I devised it, Jean Marie translated it into Creole, and I printed it out on cardboard. An English one, and a Creole one. Supposed to keep us all on the same page. Or that is the intent anyway ha ha ha.
Well 0420. Pretty tired. Really can't wait to be done today and am hoping for a better sleep today.
The weary medic,
Michelle
I thought I would tell you what the daily schedule is like for us. You are scheduled and stay with your team for the most part, which is nice. You get to know your team members, and you do spend 24 hours a day with them.
So the shift itself is: After a 12 hour shift, leave the Cite Soleil Cholera Treatment Centre (CTC) sometime between 0600 and 0630 depending on arrival and hand off to day team. Travel back to compound is about 25 minutes depending on many factors - traffic, road conditions, amount of people/critters on the road. When we arrive back at base, the vehicles come into the compound after passing through 2 armed gates, and stop at the shower hut. The night before you would have left some clean shoes (ie: those which have not been to the cholera site) on shelves outside the shower. Upon arrival, we remove the shoes which we have worn to CTC and scrub them with bleach. Shoes then go back onto the rack to dry for evening. We then retrieve our shower bags (which were packed up before we left for shift) from just inside the door of the dorm. Everyone must shower and change all clothing before going anywhere else on the base. Then you can have breakfast and THEN go to bed. Crickey, makes me exhausted just thinking about it!!!! Most days I guess in bed by 830 and probably asleep by ohhhhh, 820. :)
I have been sleeping until around 2 pm and then waking. The heat and humidity is quite oppressive during the day and it is difficult to sleep. Something that surprises me is that I find I actually like the mosquito netting around the bed because while it doesn't obscure things, it does give you the illusion of a bit of space of your own. Quite something in a dorm with maybe 50 beds? (I will count them.....) Am finding the shared living enjoyable for the most part, and being part of a team just fantastic, but do miss privacy.
Another important part of the team at Cite Soleil Cholera Treatment Centre is the interpreters. These Haitian men and women are absolute gold.... it is quite a different thing to communicate to your patient through an interpreter. Taking a history and getting information is difficult enough, but doing it in a different language is a whole different deal!!
I have two faves: Jean Marie and Andy. Both men are so much fun, willing and very communicative. On Sunday night Andy, Lauren (medic, N. Carolina) and I had some time to sit and talk. He told us about the politics of Haiti, customs, and things of general interest. So enjoyable!
Last night Jean Marie translated a written protocol, a flow chart you could call it, for what takes place in Triage. Dr. Nam and I devised it, Jean Marie translated it into Creole, and I printed it out on cardboard. An English one, and a Creole one. Supposed to keep us all on the same page. Or that is the intent anyway ha ha ha.
Well 0420. Pretty tired. Really can't wait to be done today and am hoping for a better sleep today.
The weary medic,
Michelle
MRE of the Day - Or Night I Suppose....
Hi All,
Continuing our personal discovery in the world of MRE meals, tonights offering is spaghetti with meat sauce, an oatmeal cookie, a toaster pastry (strawberry no less), a squeeze tube of peanut butter, a bag of raisins, and some raspberry drink crystals. All packed in a handy dandy one pound brick... Ready for your enjoyment! Wahoo!!! And did I say it cooks itself using a wee chemical reaction in the very same bag it comes in (just add water.... seriously!!!). What a convenience!!!
Oh yeah, and it doesn't even taste too bad!!!! Hmmmmm wouldn't that be something to send to school with your kids for lunch!!
Michelle
Continuing our personal discovery in the world of MRE meals, tonights offering is spaghetti with meat sauce, an oatmeal cookie, a toaster pastry (strawberry no less), a squeeze tube of peanut butter, a bag of raisins, and some raspberry drink crystals. All packed in a handy dandy one pound brick... Ready for your enjoyment! Wahoo!!! And did I say it cooks itself using a wee chemical reaction in the very same bag it comes in (just add water.... seriously!!!). What a convenience!!!
Oh yeah, and it doesn't even taste too bad!!!! Hmmmmm wouldn't that be something to send to school with your kids for lunch!!
Michelle
The President Speaks
Hi all,
Working hard at Cite Soleil tonight. The partner I usually have has a day off(very rare here) and I am triage on my own. Pretty daunting. Don't like to do it by myself. The nurses in the ward are close, thank God, and come when things get funky. Just had a 9 month old boy come in, and the peds nurse did come start his IV, and while I was doing his vitals he just wasn't doing all that well. Very difficult to rouse suddenly, and scared the crap right out of me. Glad we have docs just a step away and the best peds nurse in the world (Heather) from Alberta. The little boy just really neaded his bolus of fluid and I could not get comfortable with how sick he was. He is pretty small for his age, and also has the tell-tale sign of malnourishment in that his hair has turned a rusty colour. Strangely though, cholera may be a bit of a blessing for him, as he is treated for that he will also be fed very well when he is able to eat again. His poor mom looked so worried she tried very hard to nurse him but he just couldn't do it.
It was my job to hold him securely while he got his IV and he was just looking up at us, mildly interested and trusting. Now he doesn't think too much of us, and cries when he sees us. But fluid is such a magic bullet. Amazing.
Last patient of this morning was a 10 year old girl. She was in visiting her mom in the woman's cholera ward and suddenly took ill with it herself. She cried when we started her IV too. :( but then I think she has forgiven me becuse while I watched her fluid going in I touched her hand and her fingers curled up in mine. Then I fluttered my fingers against hers and she did the same. Is the very same thing that Robin and I do - I reach back with one hand while I am driving and we do 'butterfly' fingers. It was the end of a long hot shift, and when I felt these little fingers fluttering in mine I almost lost it. Thought of Robin, and home, and yet at that very moment I know I was where I should be.
The Haitians inside the hospital site were all gathered around intently listening to the radio. Their President was speaking. Am not too clear on what was being said, but it seems the candidate with much popular support may be allowed in the next election??? At any rate, the people were not unhappy and the evening has been settled.
The trip home this morning was uneventful, and NO UN tanks. Bummer.
Didn't sleep worth beans today. So tired tonight. Missing home and my babies.
Michelle
Working hard at Cite Soleil tonight. The partner I usually have has a day off(very rare here) and I am triage on my own. Pretty daunting. Don't like to do it by myself. The nurses in the ward are close, thank God, and come when things get funky. Just had a 9 month old boy come in, and the peds nurse did come start his IV, and while I was doing his vitals he just wasn't doing all that well. Very difficult to rouse suddenly, and scared the crap right out of me. Glad we have docs just a step away and the best peds nurse in the world (Heather) from Alberta. The little boy just really neaded his bolus of fluid and I could not get comfortable with how sick he was. He is pretty small for his age, and also has the tell-tale sign of malnourishment in that his hair has turned a rusty colour. Strangely though, cholera may be a bit of a blessing for him, as he is treated for that he will also be fed very well when he is able to eat again. His poor mom looked so worried she tried very hard to nurse him but he just couldn't do it.
It was my job to hold him securely while he got his IV and he was just looking up at us, mildly interested and trusting. Now he doesn't think too much of us, and cries when he sees us. But fluid is such a magic bullet. Amazing.
Last patient of this morning was a 10 year old girl. She was in visiting her mom in the woman's cholera ward and suddenly took ill with it herself. She cried when we started her IV too. :( but then I think she has forgiven me becuse while I watched her fluid going in I touched her hand and her fingers curled up in mine. Then I fluttered my fingers against hers and she did the same. Is the very same thing that Robin and I do - I reach back with one hand while I am driving and we do 'butterfly' fingers. It was the end of a long hot shift, and when I felt these little fingers fluttering in mine I almost lost it. Thought of Robin, and home, and yet at that very moment I know I was where I should be.
The Haitians inside the hospital site were all gathered around intently listening to the radio. Their President was speaking. Am not too clear on what was being said, but it seems the candidate with much popular support may be allowed in the next election??? At any rate, the people were not unhappy and the evening has been settled.
The trip home this morning was uneventful, and NO UN tanks. Bummer.
Didn't sleep worth beans today. So tired tonight. Missing home and my babies.
Michelle
Thursday, January 13, 2011
Questions and Answers
Hi all,
Thanks for all your support and emails. It really makes me feel good to hear from you. The nights are long and busy, and the days hot, humid, and spent sleeping. Not much time to think and get homesick. But I am missing my people, that's for sure.
I thought I better respond to some questions you have asked.
How is sleeping here. Well, at the compound, which is about 25 mins by van from the Cite Soleil cholera treatment centre, there are two big dorms. A women's and a men's. There are rows and rows of bunk beds, and if you are lucky you get a bottom bunk with no one on the top so your stuff can go on it. Bunk beds are handy because you can drape your mosquito netting over the top bunk and not have to hang it from the ceiling. You always have to come and go quietly in the dorm because there is almost always someone sleeping from some shift.
The people. Who have become homeless here have set up thousands of tents, which when see from outside look like they are joined one to another. When you drive by miles and miles of these tent cities your mind cannot take in the staggering enormity of the problem here. No electricity, running water, sewage systems (there are outhouses on very tall platforms) and really no law, protection, or privacy for these folks. And yet, you will see a young kid walking across a field of debris from these places, singing.
Have not seen Sean Penn yet :( but then I don't get out much lol. If I see him Albina I promise to give him a kiss from you, lol.
The food here Mom is pretty good. The MRE's are, well - they are an adventure!! Had cheese tortilini (not bad), chicken fajitas with tortillas (pretty darn good) and chicken breast (not fit to eat at all.... Blech......). We have those for when we are at the Cite Soleil site courtesy of the USA department of defense. :) they really are a cool thing. I will write more about them later.
The young man with the abdominal mass became a lot sicker. We had to transfer him by ambulance to a hospital for treatment. He was in very poor shape when he went. Very very sad. We probably won't hear how it went for him. What I remember is his long, long eyelashes, and his tiny little mom, sitting quietly, hopefully, by her boy. We found him a staff blanket, soft and deep blue, and a foil emergency blanket. Tucked him all in, and off to the hospital. Tried hard not to cry. But.
The little girl with the big beautiful eyes is doing really well. Maybe going home in the morning. Amazing how fast they can go from really sick to approaching well with just fluids. Wow!!! And no, she still won't look at me. :(
Tonight there was some excitement in that there was some fighting outside the gate the ambulance comes to, which is about 10 feet from the triage area. Day shift was delayed leaving because of it, and it was tense for a bit. So triage was moved inside the ward, farther in. Day shift was escorted home to the compound by UN tanks. I am SO jealous!!
It does have a different feel to it today. On the way here one of our vehicles was hit by rocks thrown by someone at the side of a very crowded road.
So for now now more watching the sunrise over the ambulance gate. Will be interesting to know if dayshift will be allowed to come, and we will be able to go. Seems quieter now. And I am glad security is so very good. They really are on top of things.
So very sweet moment tonight - with all the tension and sickness, an older man was standing by the nurses desk in the middle of the ward and just started singing. Everyone got quiet, and most turned to listen. He just sang. And we listened. :)
Just had the chance to hold a little gaffer and try to help feed. I have lost my baby touch lol and couldn't convince him to drink the formula, lol!!
Michelle
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
Update from Jennifer - January 12, 2011 4:13pm PST
Hi All,
I just heard from Michelle via Blackberry Messenger. There are reports of rioting in Haiti, however she wants everyone to know that she is OK. Other than some rocks being thrown at their vehichles, they got to Cite Soleil safe. For precautionary purposes only, they have relocated the triage tent inside the middle tent as it had been located on the perimeter. I asked her if she was frightened and she is not at all - what a tough gal she is. She feels that they are very well taken care of, including being escorted by monster UN tanks!
I'm pretty proud of our girl.....
Jennifer
I just heard from Michelle via Blackberry Messenger. There are reports of rioting in Haiti, however she wants everyone to know that she is OK. Other than some rocks being thrown at their vehichles, they got to Cite Soleil safe. For precautionary purposes only, they have relocated the triage tent inside the middle tent as it had been located on the perimeter. I asked her if she was frightened and she is not at all - what a tough gal she is. She feels that they are very well taken care of, including being escorted by monster UN tanks!
I'm pretty proud of our girl.....
Jennifer
First Anniversary
At 457 pm today the anniversary of Haiti's worst day will be marked.
I walked out from the IV tent this morning at 545 and watched the Haitian sunrise. This morning a beautiful show of colours over the city. Watching from inside the walled and barbwire enclosure I had the weirdest sensation of being held a prisoner. The sunset was still beautiful, but to banish the feeling I went back in the iv tent to make things ready for day shift.
Setting off for the compound today wqe drove by a UN tank squadron. Is nice that they are here, but seems surprising to me anyway to see them there in full combat wear. Waiting. Watching.
On the way home from Cite Soleil night shift, we asked our guards if they could drive us to the memorial site (we could see just off our highway) and at first he was very reluctant. He must radio our base at the compound when he leaves Cite Soleil - and we are timed to be sure nothing has happened. He must have gotten permission, and we turned in to the memorial site.
Covered with raw broken rock, the burial site for some unknown 200,000 people is an emotional and indescribable place. For the anniversary date, hundreds and hundreds of black crosses, big ones and small, have been planted into the raw site, row after row. Our guards allowed us out to walk the site as there were no other folk around yet (it was very early). All on our team stood and stared and all you could heard was the sniffs and clearing of throats. A completely overwhelming site for every person who will see it and remember. The rest of the trip home very quiet and somber. We all did our decontamination stuff quietly, ate, and went to bed.
Up now, and sitting in the open breezeway between the womens dorm and the mess hall. There is a covered area with open walls. Very nice. I have just enjoyed a large glass of mango juice on ice. I have to ask special for ice, but I do!! Such a treat!! Can smell dinner cooking, barbeque something. Suddenly I am hungry despite the brutal heat.
Just before we do eat tonite there is a special church service here and one of our Haitian pastors will give his testimony about the day of the earthquake. We will listen, eat, and then head of for shift 4.
As the night progresses I will answer some of the questions I have been asked. Thanks for your emails. It is a huge treat to hear from home, thanks!
Michelle
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