Democratic Republic of the Congo

After waking up from my rough night I was surprised to feel better, and even able to eat a little.  That was about this best it would be for me that day. Today was an outreach to a clinic on the border of Uganda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). The DRC is a place you can’t let your guard down as the rebels are very unpredictable. It would be a two hour bus ride through hills and rock slides like I have never seen. A hour into the trip I began to notice I was getting the same stomach pains I heard from other patients the previous day however I didn’t say anything. What was the point, we were out in the middle of nowhere and nothing we can do now.

About a half hour later we stopped for a short call. I must have looked like I felt since our physician, DeeAnn, offered me some pepto and the RN, Patty offered me Tylenol for the returning fever. After a prayer we departed back on the road. Evelyn took me into the lab and immediately had the lab tech do a test for typhoid and malaria. The rest of the team took this as a chance for a photo opportunity and practice for what was to come. They departed before the results, for the border to take pictures and meet any patients fleeing from the DRC. They were greeted by the Uganda Republic National Army (URNA) and began treating them for various injuries and sicknesses.

As I sat in the chair waiting to see the results I noticed my fever had indeed returned. I found it hard to sit up in the chair and soon found myself lying in a bed wet with sweat. A patient in a clinic I was due to work at. The local lab tech and jack of all trades soon had the results. Typhoid: negative Malaria: Positive. I couldn’t believe it. I looked at the microscope and saw the parasite and burst red blood cells myself. I lay back down and waited for the team to return about three hours later.

When they returned Evelyn decided there was no place for me to work today and I needed rest, medication, and lots of water. Her uncle escorted me to his home where I was greeted by numerous children and young adults. He showed me to a quiet room with a real bathroom. I was set. Later that day my roommate showed up to the house telling me he too was positive but I could tell he was still in the early stages. We rested and waited for the rest of the team to join us. By the end of the day four of the seven were positive for Malaria in various stages. I was the lucky first. According to the Evelyn, malaria has an incubation period meaning of about three days. I contracted it back in Tororo, on the East side of Uganda.

Before we departed two young teenage girls prepared food for a very hungry team. I asked about all the children and if they were any relation. That’s when I got the gut check of the day. Every child in that home was abandoned, either in the DRC or near the border. There were abandoned and taken in like stray animals. It was at that moment in my fever confusion I began to clearly see the true result of the fighting. I have been told that American Soldiers are known to be in the DRC helping the local soldiers fight against the Lords Resistance Army (LRA)

(Please note this blog was written with a fever and under heavy medication)

What’s Next?

Well, Matt was having some issues getting logged into here, so his postings have been few. I will share what I do know.

Friday he left Tororo for a (10 hours?) road trip to Fort Portal (East to West) and checked into the luxurious Mountains of the Moon hotel, where they stayed Friday and Saturday nights. He leaves Fort Portal today for his medical outreach.

 

Matt is having the time of his life! Saturday was his Safari day! His safari was at the Queen Elizabeth National Game Park.  He used up both camera batteries and shot like 800 photos! He had that camera smoking! He said it was awesome!

 

 

At some point he also got to visit the Equator, as you can see:

 

Part of the team leaves today for home.  The medical team will be doing ALOT of medical work today thru Wednesday, the 16th. They will be in some remote areas and Matt will most likely not be able to communicate to us until he gets to an airport. Thursday he starts his journey back to the USA and is due to arrive mid-day Friday. Like all of you, I cannot wait to hear his stories. And I imagine I will do my part in “processing” his photographs. I will be setting up his own gallery on my website to share with you. We will post a link here when it’s ready.

Keep checking back, I may be able to do some updating. Also, don’t be surprised if Matthew posts some new entries to fill in the blanks after he returns! We will need an extra dose of patience as he recovers from jetlag and re-adjusts to the world he left.

**If you “follow” this blog, you will automatically get an email when there is an update.

 

A bad heart for a loving kid

Today was the start of the medical outreach portion of this mission. After we said our goodbye to the rest of the team filled up a taxi with only luggage and sent him off to our fourth and final hotel/guest home of the trip. Before we left I was starting to notice that some of the team was getting home sick and were grateful to be going home yet at the same time telling us they wish they could stay to help us for the medical portion. Over the last few weeks this group of strangers from various parts of the United States, and Canada had grown into more of a family and grown to trust even depend on each other.

Our taxi arrived after our group picture and we departed the enjoyable 20 minute ride. I hardly even unpack anymore since I know we will only be here for a few days. Right away we were greeted by the woman who organized our outreach.  Her name was Eva, a local pastor who owned two clinics and an elementary school. The elementary school also doubled as a church, and today, even as a medical clinic. After going into town to haggle with the shops for supplies we were on our way out to the school. The road was defiantly the path less traveled as were learned the skill of our driver avoiding getting stuck in the mud with a minivan better than most people in a modified jeep. I was thankful I didn’t have to get out and push in flip-flops.

After listening to the remainder of the church sermon (since we were late) we were given a brief tour. However no matter what they showed us the view surrounding this place was astonishing. Mountains with cloud covered tops and not a house to be seen for miles. The silence was only cut by the sound of children laughing as they played and waited for us to begin attending to them.

The medical assessments were starting to all look the same. Stomach pain, Diarrhea, headache followed by either worm or malaria medication. Then comes in a 17 year old boy who was dizzy and shy, I sat down with him and his friend to translate and began my assessment. I noticed right away this was not the normal area specific problem. He was having problems standing with fainting spells and moments of weakness. I wanted an EKG but settled for my stethoscope. I couldn’t believe what I was hearing. This 17 year old kid’s heart sounded like an 80’s year old male. Irregularly irregular with moments of PVC’s (for my medical friends) I stopped my assessment and pulled our physician from another patient. She concurred and we brought it to our guides attention. She was surprised as she knew this boy and was never told he had a complaint.

Our options were limited. With no cardiac intervention in the area I began to contemplate using the Dental Hygenist medication (Lidocaine) to calm his heart and to find some aspirin. We had no aspirin and the Dental hygienic just used the last of her medication for a tooth removal. Our only option was to get this tough kid to Kampala. The concern was getting him to Kampala then treating him and having enough money to cover the treatment and medication. Even when they get there he is looking at a 200,000 Schilling ($100 US) bill.

Between all of us in the team we have spent almost every Schilling in our pockets but decided to make sure this child gets to Kampala and the treatment he needs with the help of his family, local ministries and GODs good grace. I left the school intrigued by him, and shocked of the price difference compared to a cardiologist in the US.

RN Patty confirming the irregular heart beat

 

Once back to the hotel we found ourselves welcomed with an abundance of food. I had felt achy all day and decided first it was time for a nap. That did me in. I awoke in a cold sweat and when I went to eat could hardly stomach the food. The other team members realized there was something wrong when I didn’t even stay for dessert. I was in for a rough night. After taking some muscle relaxers and pain killers for my back pain my roommate said I sounded like a sleeping train. The last thing I remember is another hard rain storm hitting us and the power going out while the rest of the team prepped for the next day’s outreach to the Congo border at candle light. I didn’t know it but throughout the night they checked on me and realized my fever was spiking. They let me sleep and I awoke the next morning in a water bed, having sweated it out but feeling better and ready for the day. Little did I know that this was only the beginning.

Uganda Tsunami

Starting out the day was like prying teeth from child. A lot of complaining and pain involved. My back has taken a turn and I realized that having a physical therapist on the medical team is a blessing all its own. Nevertheless today was a day to relax and enjoy the sites of wild Africa. We departed in two busses, three hours later we found ourselves approaching Queen Elizabeth National Park.

We were greeted by an off duty park ranger who promised to get us some sites not normally seen. Once we entered the park and visited the visitor office we were placed on one large two story boat for the first part of the Safari. I was kicking myself for not brining a zoom lens. It was not long before we were deep in the wild. Eagles and other wild birds hunting fish, Hippos fighting for territory in the water, crocodiles enjoying the sun and even a female lion taking up the little shade under a tree. The guide tells us that one lion is always in sight to keep the prey on them and not on hunting lion.

Once the boat ride was finished our road safari began. We must have driven for what seemed like hours but at the very last moment our tour guide (the off duty park ranger) took us off road, which is a fine of $150 US toward a known spot for a lion family. We all joked about gathering $150 between us all to pay for the ticket. But the laughter soon turned to a massive sound of amazement and shutters. We soon rolled up on not one but two lion families. One of the female lions was pregnant and we didn’t see any babies but the sight of those powerful animals in their own environment was something I will never forget. We departed back for the road after one of the male lions began to mark his territory and standoff with the bus I was in. The euphoric atmosphere in the bus was unmatched to any other safari our leader had ever been on. It was only to be matched by what was to come.

We bypassed the matting grounds and headed straight for the elephants. About two hours across this massive park we found elephants indeed, an entire herd. We thought that would be it, we headed for the equator for photos and the ride home when we were greeted by another family at the road ride taking advantage of the overgrown grass. I must have taken over 800 pictures that day and as we headed for home there were yet more surprises in store. Our bus was almost struck by lightning as a heavy downpour crippled drivers and brought the area to a stop for a few moments. Once it cleared up we were once again taking pictures but not of animals or the safari.

Once we got back into town we realized that the heavy downpour caused a massive mud slide that over took road in front of us. Of course I got out and started taking more pictures with a battery about dead in the rain. A local who was next to me, he said this was a Uganda Tsunami with a puffed out chest and a proud smile. After the mud slide passed our busses were heavy enough to get through “the river”. Progressing through town we could see this mud slide had taken out homes and business, cars and generators. Later we could see the hillside of two mountains gave way. There was little we could do or anything the locals expected us to do so we headed home for our “luxury” hotel.

 

Sudan

While sitting in Fort Portal I was able to use the internet for one last time when I saw an update from UNICEF on a country directly to the north.  As I watched the video people around me became quiet, stopping what they were doing and we watched together in horror as some of the true danger of Africa began to show its face.  These are Christian refugees who are attempting to flee into Uganda.

A Taste of Home

November 11 16:46

After an early start to the day at 0530 we started our long journey to West Uganda in Fort Portal.  Along the way I was able to take in the abundance of rice fields and various villages.  We drove over the Nile River and were able to witness some of the more remote parts of Africa.  About a quarter ways into our drive I kept seeing our driver have drivers flash their high beams at him and he would give an index finger up.  I didn’t understand this but I had my suspicious.  I was right.  After we were stopped at a police check point for an inspection and enquiring as to out fast pace I soon realized that our driver’s index finger was now pointing down to drivers in the area.  Half way across the country we stopped for local food. Chicken on a stick, and various other items that I cannot pronounce or spell, but boy where they good.  After our third and final “Short Call” on the side of the highway we only had an hour left.  I soon was able to witness why our team leader chose this hotel to stop in for the next two nights.  After living in a hotel with limited power, even more limited water and plentiful beans and rice we were welcomed like kings into this luxurious hotel.  When I entered my room I almost forgot I was in Africa.  But the mosquito nets reminded me of where I was.  We will only be here for a short time but we are all making the most of it.  After a ten hour drive we all are soaking in come creature comforts before the medical team leaves for a guest house and the remaining portion of the team depart home for the United States.  My roommate and fellow EMT from San Diego tells me that the RN we will be working with is a great teacher and will take us to the edge of our comfort zone and then some.  I hear they just opened a clinic on the border near the Congo.  I’m excited to be able to change my apparel from jeans to scrubs and conclude this mission by serving others the best way I know how, medically.

Time to clean up

The morning welcomes a new day with breakfast and talks of yesterdays medical adventure.  Tomorrow we leave for a five hour bus ride to Fort Portal to complete our medical outreach.  We have the choice of going into town or going to play sports with the kids at the local village.  I will more then likely be staying behind to clean and repair our medical bags from the storm of patients we met yesterday.  Today is day three of limited water and spotty power (explains the lack of updates).  The term TIA (This is Africa) is used most every day.  I was one of the lucky ones that had enough water for a shower however my roommate did not share in that luxury.  We have grown to love each other no matter.  I am amazed that with the 60 people we have hear there is no fighting or arguing. We all have a humble, servants spirit and are encouraged to help each other.  Half the team has left today for another village to meet with sponsored children and some will meet us in Fort Portal while others will be going back to the United States on Sunday.  I am glad to have the opportunity to bring yet more mercy to sick and injured people.   I will be posting earlier days today and pictures to come.

Medical Outreach

Cleaning a full thickness burn

Wednesday November 9th

Today was the day we pulled out all the stops and began treating people at bench side.  Starting out was an early rise that was followed by a two hour bus ride that can only be described as feeling like a sardine can in a babies hand.  Nevertheless we made it safe without getting stuck.  Once we arrived we found that there was already a group of about 500 people waiting to be treated.  We were all glad to see that we had a roof to work under.  Setting up was fast.  The eight of us set up 4 stations including a pharmacy.  Our supply closet was my luggage stuffed full of medical gear.  After the room was clear we began treating patients.  All in all it was a very busy day.  About hal way through I decided to try and fast track some people with minor cuts or injuries that did not require them to wait at the already backed up pharmacy.  I told the translator to find me some one with only a wound.  I got a man with half a catheter and vision problems.  I asked again for just a wound, I got an ear infection and and STD that required a shot of penicillin.  I explained what a wound was and asked again for just a wound.  This time I got a child with such advanced HIV/AIDS it took me two hours to get him the limited medication we had on hand.  I finally pulled the translator aside and showed him a  wound.  Just as I said it a woman showed up with a full thickness burn to her shin that was very infected and borderline septic.  I called another EMT over and together we dedicated another hour to cleaning, and treated this woman who I later found out walked miles to be seen.  I can only imagine the pain she had and she never asked for pain medication.  Now that I think of it I was never once asked to get pain medication.  We concluded the day with seeing over 1000 patients and turning away hundreds.  There pounding on the locked door is still something I hope I never have to experience again.  It was a quiet bus ride home.

The Rock

Today was a 977Ft climb of “The Rock”. Tororo Rock is visible from anywhere in the Tororo district. The rock is a major tourist attraction so of course we got permits to climb it.  It is a tradition for H4KI to climb it every time they come to visit.  The highest altitude of Tororo Rock is 4,865 feet (1,483 m) with a gradient of about 0.75 from the east to the west. On the rock’s slopes are ancestral caves and various rock paintings. The elevation of Tororo Town is 3,888 feet (1,185 m).

The climb started with loose grave and a increasing grade.  I soon found myself at the back of the pack helping injured climbers with minor cuts and scrapes.  We soon found ourselves at an elevation that allowed us to see Kenya and the True Vine Mission. (H4KI ministries)  Soldiering on we encountered steel ladders and steep inclines.  The trip up was able 40 minutes but once we got to the top it was all worth it.

After spending time to recover and take lots of pictures we headed down to a waiting van.  In total the entire trip took about 2 hours of amazing scenery and quite literally some breath taking climbing.

 

“This is why I came here”

 

There are few times in life when you have the chance to change the lives of so many children and adults in one day.  Today I was able to witness one of the most hart warming things yet in Africa.  The medical team was being introduced to the Africa Market, much like the flea markets today with everything for sale from clay pots to bananas.  The intimidation factor melted away with the hospitality of the locals as they showed up the items most Ugandans need and can’t afford.  Once we made our purchases the time had come to make one more quick stop then back to the hotel for lunch.

The founder of H4KI, Tom, was with us and stated he needed to stop at the pharmacy for a few items.  I asked to see what they had and was quickly invited in along with the rest of the anxious team.  We were introduced to the “pharmacist” and shown what medications where needed and the cost.  My jaw hit the floor and my hands fell into my wallet when I heard the news.

Remember for one American Dollar you get 2,000 Ugandan Shillings.  The cost of the de-worming medication was 200,000 Shillings and treats 500 Kids for nutrition depleting worms. Best part was no prescription was needed.  On top of that we learned that for about 10,000 shillings we could get one box of Malaria medication that would treat 4 Children or One adult (We learned later that IV form is available for advanced stages).  Without a single word I began to pull 20,000 bills from my pocket.  I felt guilty that I had just spent money on gifts for back home.  I handed 80,000 shillings to Tom but was stopped by my roommate.  He handed me more money and said this is what I came here for.  We both emptied our pockets and the rest of the team followed suit.  All together we laid down enough money for 26 Boxes of Malaria (treatment for 104 Kids) and One container of de-worming pills for 500 Kids.

I didn’t see it but I was told later that when we were seen by the girls in the back stocking they couldn’t contain themselves and the tears of joy filled their eyes.  We bagged the medication and told Tom what we had done and we needed to come back. I don’t think he was ready for that.  A well-spoken man of many words simply replied.  “That amazing!”  The medication sits here next to me under lock and key.  Placing my hands on those boxed I could only think of the number of lives we were about to save and change forever.  I could hardly contain my emotions as I placed them in a duffel bag with a quivering chin.

Tomorrow during our morning meeting we will be talking with our group of 60 missionaries.  We are asking for just $10 US from each person. 60X10=$600 which translates into thousands of children freed from the number one killer in East Africa today.  Now I find myself in a moral dilemma.  I need to pay $200 US for the safari at Fort Portal.  I don’t know that I can honestly go home and say I did everything I could knowing that that money could have helped thousands of children to sleep at night without a spiking fever or shrink there hard, small distended belly’s full of nutrition robbing worms.  I could really use some comments on this one guys.  One thing is for sure, there is a lot of work to be done but you can’t beat the price.