A little of everything

I just have a few minutes before the internet cafe closes but here is a little something I wrote last night.

26 dec 2007:

I am in the most amazing place this evening, being hosted by a generous and kind couple-- Victor and Kamor. Jen and I just worked a long day in a small village outside of Ubud and now we are being pampered. The two of us together treated about 85 patients. Saw patients who had broken their backs previously and whose spines are grossly contorted. One woman's abdomen looked as if a nest of snakes were roiling just beneath her skin--she had dysentery. Several people had goiters bigger than grapefruits and it wasn't even the main complaint. Our helpers lit moxa, pulled needles and translated. THe lights went out now and then and a cloud of flying termites swarmed in at one point. Whenever I looked up from working a sea of faces were all watching. I was told they had never seen anything like it before.

The previous day was christmas and we were graciously invited to 2 differrent parties. Lunch was at Ibu Robin's house. It poured all day. I waded through water up to my calves to get to breakfast that morning. Now I understand why everyone we are treating has cold-damp. I was expecting to treat much more damp heat.

The 2nd birth I witnessed I was up close and personal--it brought tears to my eyes. All went well, no complications. Another time in the acup clinic I was asked to assist a labor that had stalled out. After 20 min w/ needles the woman started having strong contractions and her baby was born swiftly that night. We've also been turning lots of breeches.

My biggest struggle here so far has been pediatric clinic. The babies often cry just seeing a western face. they cry when you put the thermometer in the armpit, they cry no matter what (of course--they are uncomfortable!) That would be difficult enough but then the translation is also a problem, not to mention my own inadequacies and lack of experience in pediatrics. I am learning from Frank, though, and hope that will change.

There is a dog in the clinic named "Highway" who bites. He seems nice most of the time but he has a psycho-feral side and has bitten Frank, Dan and a kid, among others. I asked what they do about it--one midwife said she tries to appease him w/ food offerings. I had been prepared to intervene if anythig happened but when I saw him bite Dan I realized he is psycho--he was wagging his tail seconds after the bite. None of my usual repertoire seemed appropriate and frankly I'm a little scared of him.

That was last nights entry. Today we spent the afternoon back at bumi sehat. I was called in for the second time by the midwifes to treat a post-partum mother whose baby was going to die. I don't think there is a point strong enough for that but I did my best.

That's all I've got for now.

Love,

Karen