Go Black Stars!

No one came to the clinic today. It was so slow. We spent our morning seeing 2 ward patients and going on 2 home visits. Then in the afternoon, I saw the little boys with the burns. I did not realize there were 2 burn patients yesterday. I performed PROM on the same little boy as yesterday and then also on the other little boy next to him.

It was so painful for the first little boy. I would estimate at least half his body is covered in 3^rd degree burns and probably 70% of his body is burned. My heart was breaking as I did his ROM. If he does survive from this, it is so so important that he stays mobile. Scar tissue is not as flexible as skin; thus, we cannot let it get stiff! I could tell the little boy was in and out of consciousness. I hope he did not get nightmares from me. I’m sure he is not use to seeing a white lady. Also, I was a very mean white lady. L

The second little boy’s burns cover about 30% of his body. His prognosis is much better; however, they do not do skin grafts so he will not heal as well as he would if he had US medical care. He had some pain during his ROM, but nowhere near as bad as the first little boy. Both boys’ burns are being treated with silvadene cream so that is good. That is the same topical ointment we use in the US to treat burns. However, the families cannot afford daily dressing changes.

It is so hard for me to treat children. I use to work weekends at the Children’s hospital in Milwaukee my first year out of school. I quickly learned, while I love children, I do not have it in me to treat sick or injured children. Obviously, there are no other therapists here so I have no choice but to try and treat these little boys. I just wish I could be more helpful.

This afternoon/evening, Ghana had its first African Cup game against Botswana! Everyone was so excited for it and talking about the game all day!! Ghana only scored 1 goal, but they won!!! Their captain got a red card so he will have to sit out the next game. That’s not good. Ghanaians are going to turn me into a football fan after all! Go Black Stars! J Ghana had an amazing save. That was the best part of the 90 minute game. Seriously, I’m use to so much more action. Haha! Ghana is one of the favorites to win the whole thing. Let's see if they can pull it off! It would be their first time in 30 years.

Since I’ve been back in Kpando, I’ve been suffering some stomach problems. I’ve been taking it easy to let it recover! I think I will lay off the Ghanaian food for a while and stick to rice, spaghetti, and boiled yams. No Fufu or Bamku until my tummy settles down. I was just starting to like the stuff, too! Boo!

I can’t believe it’s the 3^rd Tuesday of the year! I wonder how the State of the Union address will be this year. I’m glad I have a good excuse not to watch it. Haha! I will be asleep!

Love, Kari