Ships log # 21
Just couldn't wait to write this blog - we have hit the ground running - in fact sprinting - and I have seen extensive operations which will change patients lives in a very significant way. We have started to repair some of the most serious conditions such as neck, jaw and facial tumours on some patients who have had severely affected breathing and eating. We have also removed much burns scar tissue from young and old that will enable improved functioning of limbs, feet and hands again. All these patients will endure pain and much discomfort along the road to recovery and rehabilitation - relearning how to utilise body parts that had become a burden to them. I am in awe of how they will endure this recovery phase as I know it will be long and often grueling - fortunately for most they don't know what lies ahead of them. There will be many hands and hearts that will take them along this route - like the physiotherapist who may see them for an hour every day for the next 6mth and do strengthening exercises with them - or the nutritionist who will manage their diet as they learn to reuse their mouth that has had a cleft palate and lip repair or partial jaw removal due to tumour. I am working alongside surgeons who have specilaised in this work and am loving being a part of ensuring the surgery runs smoothly and efficiently timed for the patients well being.
The hospital is now humming with activity and the patients have on average a moderately high acuity level - that is to say they all require specialist nursing care, have very individual needs and some are required to be nursed on a one to one basis. Somehow it doesn't surprise me that in the middle of central Africa we are on a hospital ship with some of the most experienced health professionals the world has on offer. Everybody is so committed to the cause that when one theatre runs late, and another one finishes early everybody offers to help. Highly regarded surgeons and anaesthetists have been persuaded by the philosophy of Mercy Ships to spend their annual leave or retirement giving freely of their skills to the needy. Every nurse or other health professional comes with giving in her heart - and that includes me.
There is so much to give to here that it sometimes feels wrong to have some time off for yourself. But we all need time off and planning time away from any work environment is important. Fortunately there is always someone to share the load here and news travels fast when someone is in need of a rest
Even though it has been a busy and enjoyable time here in the Congo I have found it tough as I have not slept as well this time - but with the generosity of my bunkmate I have the super dooper version of earplugs and am once again sleeping like a baby and not waking up grumpy in the morning - I warned people when I was which I have found is a useful thing to do. No they don't steer clear of me but they come and find out of there is anything they can do for me. I am truly blessed with the colleagues I have here.
Oh my goodness !!! It is so late already - I must away to bed - don't want to be grumpy in the morning - but then again sometimes it is useful :) Bonsoir mon ami xo
Just couldn't wait to write this blog - we have hit the ground running - in fact sprinting - and I have seen extensive operations which will change patients lives in a very significant way. We have started to repair some of the most serious conditions such as neck, jaw and facial tumours on some patients who have had severely affected breathing and eating. We have also removed much burns scar tissue from young and old that will enable improved functioning of limbs, feet and hands again. All these patients will endure pain and much discomfort along the road to recovery and rehabilitation - relearning how to utilise body parts that had become a burden to them. I am in awe of how they will endure this recovery phase as I know it will be long and often grueling - fortunately for most they don't know what lies ahead of them. There will be many hands and hearts that will take them along this route - like the physiotherapist who may see them for an hour every day for the next 6mth and do strengthening exercises with them - or the nutritionist who will manage their diet as they learn to reuse their mouth that has had a cleft palate and lip repair or partial jaw removal due to tumour. I am working alongside surgeons who have specilaised in this work and am loving being a part of ensuring the surgery runs smoothly and efficiently timed for the patients well being.
The hospital is now humming with activity and the patients have on average a moderately high acuity level - that is to say they all require specialist nursing care, have very individual needs and some are required to be nursed on a one to one basis. Somehow it doesn't surprise me that in the middle of central Africa we are on a hospital ship with some of the most experienced health professionals the world has on offer. Everybody is so committed to the cause that when one theatre runs late, and another one finishes early everybody offers to help. Highly regarded surgeons and anaesthetists have been persuaded by the philosophy of Mercy Ships to spend their annual leave or retirement giving freely of their skills to the needy. Every nurse or other health professional comes with giving in her heart - and that includes me.
There is so much to give to here that it sometimes feels wrong to have some time off for yourself. But we all need time off and planning time away from any work environment is important. Fortunately there is always someone to share the load here and news travels fast when someone is in need of a rest
Even though it has been a busy and enjoyable time here in the Congo I have found it tough as I have not slept as well this time - but with the generosity of my bunkmate I have the super dooper version of earplugs and am once again sleeping like a baby and not waking up grumpy in the morning - I warned people when I was which I have found is a useful thing to do. No they don't steer clear of me but they come and find out of there is anything they can do for me. I am truly blessed with the colleagues I have here.
Oh my goodness !!! It is so late already - I must away to bed - don't want to be grumpy in the morning - but then again sometimes it is useful :) Bonsoir mon ami xo
