This week was really busy finishing up the plastic surgeries and sending patients home. The 2 plastic surgeons left on Friday, so now we will begin general surgeries- like 150 hernia repairs and 80 thyroid surgeries. I will not be busy in the ward, but will be seeing those returning as out-patients. This picture is of one of my favorite kids, Kelvin, who started out as a constant screamer (especially during dressing changes) but once he warmed up to me and a few others, he followed like a shadow.

We've found that the kids tolerate the dressing changes much better if they are allowed to help, so although it breaks the sterile technique rule, we've started doing this to avoid using 3 people to hold them down while they scream. That, by the way, is my least favorite part of the job!

This next one is a pre-operative picture of Rosaline who had severe burn contracture in her armpit and will later have surgery for chest and the other side of her neck when the Africa Mercy returns here next year.

The surgeon did a z-plasty and muscle flap to help her gain range of motion in her shoulder and elbow.


This second picture was taken about 10 days after surgery. I used a piece of tape and put her name on it and placed it on the wall as high as she could reach. Each day, she was able to move it up and it made her proud to show people her name, so it worked well.

I will try to continue to add to my patient pictures, but if you are interested in really seeing the big cases, check out the website of the main cameraman/media guy onboard at www.onamercyship.com. In many cases, the pictures are really graphic, so don't say I didn't warn you...