Post Clinic Recovery

They say it's normal to feel somewhat of a letdown the day after clinic ends. We've been facing such intense "stuff"--HIV, TB, pneumonia, malaria, typhoid, severe burns, dehydrated infants with outrageous fevers, hypertension off the charts, diabetes, amoebic dysentery, osteomyelitis, grief and depression, chronic pain in heads, joints, stomachs, backs, numbness in hands, swollen feet, impetigo, ringworm, allergic rhinits, eyepain, and so on and so forth, to name a few. Imagine interviewing these poor people all day every day. I felt useful and needed, but I'm relieved it's over. So much pain, sadness, poverty.

I'm now more passionate about public health than ever. If these people knew to wash their hands, clothes, bodies, and had access to clean water, things would be different. If they had jobs, decent clothes, and knew not to rub their eyes and noses with dirty hands, and knew to drink clean water all day long, we wouldn't have so much treatment to do. Public health is all about prevention and teaching the masses to be their own health advocates by making wise choices. First they must be educated in such simple matters that we take for granted--hydration and hand-washing being paramount. Just wearing sunglasses, a simple thing, would have prevented tons of complaints of light sensitivity and "eye pain".

Then there are the cultural and social trends which require some positive changes, especially with the patriarchal double standard being so oppressive to women (more on that and the "dowry" tradition later). Dr. Bonnie did most of the HIV testing because she was dealt most of the female patients in the reproductive age range--18 to 35. I interviewed and assessed most of these women it seems. Most women came alone because they knew or suspected that their husbands were unfaithful. Imagine being brave enough to ask for an HIV test and find that yes, indeed, these philanderers had infected their wives with HIV. Several women did not plan to tell their husbands, fearing they would be beaten. One brave woman came back yesterday with both children and husband for testing. We couldn't believe it. Bonnie tested the husband and found him positive, of course. Then she proceeded to praise him profusely for taking the responsibility for coming into the clinic and facing the music. Will wonders never cease? Bonnie spent countless hours advising the positive victims on the treatment options and spiritual support available. She found her stride and niche during this past week. She is committed to coming back in November for her 4th clinic.

There is so much more I could say on this topic, but for now, I will leave you with a few faces that we were blessed to serve. I don't know their diagnoses or names, but that's ok. I learned so much this week. I do believe that if I can't find work in public health in Austin when I return, I will find a way to attend nursing school for my RN. I believe that is the one universal degree that will guarantee that I will always find employment, in a helping profession, where I need to be, anywhere in the world, as long as I need to work. That's what I believe right now, today. We'll see where God leads me...