Pathology

Well, one week completed on the wards... and there has been much to see and do. Perhaps the greatest challenge has been learning how best to manage and care for these children with limited resources - to not get frustrated when I know what is theoretically possible, and yet so far removed from what I can currently offer. It is a struggle, but it emphasizes the role of compassion and empathy and reminds me that true healing does not necessarily come from medicines and studies.

What I have seen this week alone (or at least what it appears I have seen... I don't always have access to the true diagnostic study):
1. Necrotizing enterocolitis with bowel perforation
2. Septic arthritis
3. Sickle cell disease with osteomyelitis
4. Chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy
5. Rheumatic heart disease
6. Neonatal sepsis
7. Neonatal jaundice with severe dehydration
8. Ambiguous genitalia (query androgen insensitivity)
9. Severe hypothyroidism/cretinism (adult height ~3 feet, myxedema, macroglossia, etc.)
10. Posterior fossa brain tumor (with diplopia, ataxia, proptosis)
11. Pierre Robin sequence
12. PCP pneumonia
13. Typhoid
14. Hydrocephalus
15. Pyomyositis

The list continues... almost everyone has true pathology and needs medical care. There is never a dull moment, never a visit without cause. As Cathen is settling into her new home, Lindsay will be starting up this coming week; and Angela (Chuck's wife) will be starting up on Monday. What a blessing to have partners to run things by. Thank you for your prayers and encouragement. More later.