This is Tony the Tet, it is hard to believe he had open heart surgery just a day or so ago. He did great. Everyones prayers were answered.
This was our last heart patient. Can I just say one more time, can you believe they just had major open heart surgery just 24 hours ago.
Someone is having a great nap.
Today has just been praying and waiting for our paitents to be able to be moved to the wards. As of now we have three patients left, both remain on a little bit of nasal cannula, but doing much better.
The Tony's father told us he was very happy with his progress, and was one of the sicker patients we have had this week. He was a Tetrology of Fallot patient who's sats were only 40% when he came in for surgery. He was actually what seemed to be a persistant "tet" spell and constantly struggling for oxygen. He also has very prominent finger and toe clubbing. His uncle is the one that thought he needed medical attention. When they took him to the outlying hospital they told the parents that he had a heart condition but that they were not sure what it was so they sent him to Tenwek. He wasn't growing, and definately not having a productive life. I wonder how long he would have lived had he not had surgery. His story is very interesting.
Most of the 13 cases done were a result of rheumatic heart disease which usually is caused by strep throat infection. Isn't his amazing? This type of heart disease is so preventiable with a little education and very inexpensive antibiotics. I wish I had the resources to come back and do more education and help to prevent this from happening.
It has been a great week today we also packed up those things we needed to take back and packed up those items that were going to stay. Amy is going to leave her trunk so we can use it as a place to store all of the nursing items we will be using next time we come back.
Our goal is to get all of the patients out of the by this afternoon mainly because we leave Tuesday morning.
Love you all, this has been a tremendous experience one that I will never forget. Again I can't tell you enough how grateful I was able to come, the families and patients have been so gratious and thankful. Many have even said thank you for "saving me." For many of us this feels very natural and easy, but for these families we are giving life.
The Tony's father told us he was very happy with his progress, and was one of the sicker patients we have had this week. He was a Tetrology of Fallot patient who's sats were only 40% when he came in for surgery. He was actually what seemed to be a persistant "tet" spell and constantly struggling for oxygen. He also has very prominent finger and toe clubbing. His uncle is the one that thought he needed medical attention. When they took him to the outlying hospital they told the parents that he had a heart condition but that they were not sure what it was so they sent him to Tenwek. He wasn't growing, and definately not having a productive life. I wonder how long he would have lived had he not had surgery. His story is very interesting.
Most of the 13 cases done were a result of rheumatic heart disease which usually is caused by strep throat infection. Isn't his amazing? This type of heart disease is so preventiable with a little education and very inexpensive antibiotics. I wish I had the resources to come back and do more education and help to prevent this from happening.
It has been a great week today we also packed up those things we needed to take back and packed up those items that were going to stay. Amy is going to leave her trunk so we can use it as a place to store all of the nursing items we will be using next time we come back.
Our goal is to get all of the patients out of the by this afternoon mainly because we leave Tuesday morning.
Love you all, this has been a tremendous experience one that I will never forget. Again I can't tell you enough how grateful I was able to come, the families and patients have been so gratious and thankful. Many have even said thank you for "saving me." For many of us this feels very natural and easy, but for these families we are giving life.
3 comments:
What wonders you and your team have performed. We pray blessings for all of you!
Looking forward to seeing you soon and hearing more of you grand adventure!
God bless,
Can't wait to hear more about your trip! I'm so thankful that the team was able to serve and help these children and families. can't wait to see your pictures too
rebecca swift
Hope you got all the kiddos out. I miss you guys and am jealous of all of you together hanging out without me! See you soon.
Post a Comment