Not for the faint of Heart

The internet was out for about 24 hours, so that is why I did not post yesterday.  I haven’t run out of stories just yet.

I have put up a picture of an empty OR first to give those of you who might be squeamish a chance to close the page.  I am not going to show any of the really bad stuff, but Hospitals in Niger do not look the same as Hospitals in Developed countries.  This is your chance to leave now ….  OK if you are still here then the rest is on you.

We sometimes (legitimately) complain in Canada if people have to wait in makeshift areas of the hospital before they can get in to a regular room.  As you can see here, makeshift can be order of the day.  It’s not that we care any less than we would at home.  Maybe we care more here, because the Nigeriens don’t seem to complain much at all, and often have to be in real trouble before they come to see you.  But supplies are limited, and space is limited, and inventiveness isn’t an option it’s a necessity.

Somethings however are truly hard to do without.  There have been some significant struggles with the XRAY machine of late, and Anne-Sophie has been wearing her Medical Director hat a lot these days trying to get someone in to fix it.  Yes I used the singular.  There are a couple of other machines around, but they have been out of service for a long time and are past resurrecting.  It is “dusty season” here, and dust and sensitive electronics don’t work that well together.

Centre Regional de Transfusion Sanguine (Sang = Blood)

Then there is the matter of the fridges we keep blood in.  There was an inspection today, and wouldn’t you know it, the fridges decided to act up.  I think we got through that hiccough but once again Anne-Sophie has been doing a lot of trouble shooting.  In away it’s good.  I wasn’t sure how things would go with the regular OB here and how I would fit in.  As it turns out there has been lots of work.

There is no blood bank here as such.  If you see someone getting blood either their relatives gave blood, or in emergency cases blood that was given in anticipation of loss at a surgery was not actually used but could be stored.  If someone needs surgery (semi) electively, they must first get donors from their family or community to give the anticipated amount before the surgery can be booked.

Galmi Soccer Field

And now it appears the internet is still out.  It has been out for a fair portion of the day, which happens sometimes.  So it looks like my post may be delayed a bit.  Time to go outside and play.  Bye for now!

Philippians 4:12+13

I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength.