Success!!

I think the course was very successful! I really enjoyed interacting with the Physiotherapists of Ghana!! I'm excited to visit the clinics in Ho and Hohoe during the rest of my trip. I definitely learned new stuff from them. Hopefully, they learned some new things from us, too!

It was sort of cool this morning. I lectured on lymphedema treatment on Monday. Today, they called in a patient who has severe lymphedema for the past 8 years. The patient had a radical mastectomy due to breast cancer. We did a session of some Manual Lymph Drainage (light edema massage to stimulate the lymph system) and I wrapped her with compression wraps. I wasn't able to find any short stretch wraps so I had to use a stretchy ace bandage. The lady will hopefully get some swelling relief. Once they buy her short stretch compression wraps, she should get even more relief. There are some concerns with the treatment. There is a possibility that removing the swelling from her arm could cause fluid overload to heart, kidneys, and lungs. Thus, we had to explain this to her very well! Hopefully, her cardiac system is not compromised to allow her to get relief from lymphedema treatment. I most likely will not be able to see this patient again. The therapist treating her has my number to call me, so hopefully we will be able to problem solve if issues arise.

Right now, we are finishing up some lecturing then we will head back to Accra. I am going to spend the weekend with Sam and his family. I'm not quite ready to go back to Kpando, yet! I really want to see the conference Sam and Ken are having on Wednesday. That's my main reason for staying with Sam, but I also am enjoying traveling around and seeing more of Ghana!

I feel so blessed to have this opportunity to impact the physical therapy profession of Ghana! They have such a need for therapy in Ghana. Also, the therapists need more knowledge or more opportunity to apply their knowledge correctly! I think this trip has been the first step in meeting both those goals!! We had 9 participants in the course. I can tell that at least 2 of them really embraced the information!! I think they are learning to think of how to make treatments functional! That really is the most important thing about therapy. It does me no good to give a patient an exercise if it does not allow them to have less difficulty in their daily life. I think the participants started to grasp this concept. I really hope I can find away financially in the future to continue helping with these courses in Ghana and other countries! I love being a therapist because we have so much knowledge to allow a patient to have a higher quality of life. Now, Ghanaian therapists realize the power they have, too! :)

I hope everyone has a safe and fun weekend! I should be back in Accra this weekend so my internet will be better, again!!

Love, Kari