Nov 20, 2008. Today we started with a visit to the Kijabe Hospital to attend the OR with Dr. Bransford. We were able to see him do several dressing changes on one child who, through medical mishap, had a gangrenous arm. The mother insisted on coming to Kijabe Hospital as at the other hospital she was misinformed about why this happened and what the outcome would be (certain death without the appropriate surgery). She arrived in Kijabe about 2 weeks ago, had the appropriate ampuatation, is healing well, and today started moving the residual stump! It is a BIG news story in Kenya as the MDs responsible are now being sued. Lesley is an adorable 6 1/2 month old and her young mother, who was frantic, now is singing the praises of Bethany Kids at Kijabe Hospital.
The second dressing change was a small boy who had been burned in a serious fire, got no medical attention for 2 months because of poverty, and when he first arrived had so much scarring his left cheek was fixed to his left shoulder. This was freed up but he has a ways to go yet.
Third child had been injured by a missile, and required surgical debridement. She is doing very well also.
Then we proceeded to the OR where we watched a spina bifida repair; all went very well (photos will be posted later). I was able to see the hospital record of surgeries over the past year and saw that they performed 268 SB surgeries last year. I was told that Denver Neurosurgical Institue performs 1 case per month. this is a sad reality in all of Africa where folic acid is a non-starter; not even the food is fortified. No one takes prenatal folic as it is generally unavailable! The child's surgery whom we had the privilege of witnessing went well.
This afternoon we had an interesting visit to Hells Gate National park, a volcano spueing steam, and en route we were treated to many animals including zebras, gazelles, buffalo, ostriches, giraffes, and even some huge 'Pumbas"!!
We also passed by Lake Naivasha, a beautiful area.
Tonight we were invited to a traditional African family's home for supper. Very interesting. I also was given an African name - Kiprono (from the Kalengin tribe, Cao (?) subtribe) - cool!!
Tomorrow we leave for a 3-day Safari at Masai Mara; no more blogging 'til sometime next week!