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6 August 2018 -
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Daily Reflections
6 August 2018
Today was our first full day in Chidamoyo. We started with "introductions", which, after talking to the other group this weekend, I'm pretty sure is devotion. If church were like this in the US, I would have been more inclined to continue attending. I love the singing and how everyone participates to create the beautiful, full of life songs. As well as the integration of dance; I love seeing it and -- trying to -- participate.
After devotion we worked in the HIV/AIDS viral load, where I learned how to take blood pressure, and recorded patients vitals on their cards. Then, we went to the well baby clinic, which was approximately 20 minutes by car from the hospital.We were told it was at the primary school in the village, however I'd assumed we would be doing the clinic in the school. Instead, it was outside of the school under some trees. Unfortunately, they forgot the height measuring table, but we still did the arm measuring (MOAC) and weighting (as well as vaccinations for kids and family planning for mothers). The weighing was one of the funniest things I have seen in a long time. It's literally a weight tied to a tree and a hook which the babies hang from. Some of them absolutely hate it, but others have a look of confusion on their face. It was both funny but also so sad because they would be so scared.
My job at the clinic was plotting their heights on the baby's cards which track their growth and help in identifying malnutrition. It was really interesting to see today's values in comparison with previous measurements.
After the well baby clinic, we had lunch then received (part of) a hospital tour from Kathy. When we saw the delivery room, the mother in labor was nine centimeters dilated and wanted to push. Kath broke her water -- because of this, and the fact that it was her fourth child, Kathy said the birth would come quickly. We decided to postpone the rest of the tour and watch the delivery; I saw a baby be born! Afterwards, we were also able to touch the placenta (wow). This was one of the coolest things I've ever seen. I hope to see more, and maybe help out instead of just watch (now that I know I won't faint).
After the delivery, we counted some pills, and then made our way home! Hannah Sue and I then did laundry which was quite the experience, as neither of us had ever hand washed clothes before. TK had to show us how to properly wash them. Apparently the way we were doing it wouldn't actually clean them, and would stretch and take the color out of them (whoops).
Excited for a jam packed day tomorrow! I'm loving being able to actually witness and be a part of the patient care here.
Addition: Also, Kathy has the best brownie recipe. And they're lactose free. Definitely asking for the recipe.
After devotion we worked in the HIV/AIDS viral load, where I learned how to take blood pressure, and recorded patients vitals on their cards. Then, we went to the well baby clinic, which was approximately 20 minutes by car from the hospital.We were told it was at the primary school in the village, however I'd assumed we would be doing the clinic in the school. Instead, it was outside of the school under some trees. Unfortunately, they forgot the height measuring table, but we still did the arm measuring (MOAC) and weighting (as well as vaccinations for kids and family planning for mothers). The weighing was one of the funniest things I have seen in a long time. It's literally a weight tied to a tree and a hook which the babies hang from. Some of them absolutely hate it, but others have a look of confusion on their face. It was both funny but also so sad because they would be so scared.
My job at the clinic was plotting their heights on the baby's cards which track their growth and help in identifying malnutrition. It was really interesting to see today's values in comparison with previous measurements.
After the well baby clinic, we had lunch then received (part of) a hospital tour from Kathy. When we saw the delivery room, the mother in labor was nine centimeters dilated and wanted to push. Kath broke her water -- because of this, and the fact that it was her fourth child, Kathy said the birth would come quickly. We decided to postpone the rest of the tour and watch the delivery; I saw a baby be born! Afterwards, we were also able to touch the placenta (wow). This was one of the coolest things I've ever seen. I hope to see more, and maybe help out instead of just watch (now that I know I won't faint).
After the delivery, we counted some pills, and then made our way home! Hannah Sue and I then did laundry which was quite the experience, as neither of us had ever hand washed clothes before. TK had to show us how to properly wash them. Apparently the way we were doing it wouldn't actually clean them, and would stretch and take the color out of them (whoops).
Excited for a jam packed day tomorrow! I'm loving being able to actually witness and be a part of the patient care here.
Addition: Also, Kathy has the best brownie recipe. And they're lactose free. Definitely asking for the recipe.
7 August 2018
Today, Sabrina, Abby and I went to the antenatal care clinic. There were a lot of new patients, so there was a lot of work with getting histories as well as vitals and setting up the books for recording the visit. Many of the women were having their first child, so they received mosquito nets -- this is a way to encourage women to come to get care when pregnant. Some women, although really only about 2 of 34, also brought their husbands. The hospital tries to encourage husbands to come, because then both of them can receive tests for HIV/AIDS. These women are seen first and don't have to wait as long, to further encourage husband participation.
We took vital signs for most of the day, and after lunch there was one patient left which we got to see be examined. We each got to feel the stomach where the baby's head was (although I couldn't feel it) and got to listen to the fetal heartbeat (although I couldn't hear it). But even so, it was very cool.
We had a discussion with the nurses about marriage, especially in the rural areas. Here, if a man and woman live together, they are regarded as husband and wife. Women typically fall pregnant in their late teens for their first born, and have four to six kids.
The really fun part of my day though was around 5:30 when I picked a short straw for the C-Section! Abby, Julia, and I got to suit up and watch a C-Section. I could not stop watching -- it was absolutely incredible. I have no words. Watching them cut her open and rip her apart (literally), then yank the baby out (also literally) was surreal. The human body is not as fragile as I used to believe, it can take a beating. This is what I've learned from these super-woman mothers.
The baby came out blue and wasn't crying. They had to suction his mouth and give air. After a few minutes of holding our breath, he started to cry. Both Mom and baby are doing well! I am so incredibly lucky to have seen this, and I'm surprised at how well I handled the blood -- not light headed at all. I hope to see another surgery this week if possible!
Also, Kathy continues to make amazing desserts. Excited for more amazing food and experiences... maybe visit the teacher's children tomorrow?
We took vital signs for most of the day, and after lunch there was one patient left which we got to see be examined. We each got to feel the stomach where the baby's head was (although I couldn't feel it) and got to listen to the fetal heartbeat (although I couldn't hear it). But even so, it was very cool.
We had a discussion with the nurses about marriage, especially in the rural areas. Here, if a man and woman live together, they are regarded as husband and wife. Women typically fall pregnant in their late teens for their first born, and have four to six kids.
The really fun part of my day though was around 5:30 when I picked a short straw for the C-Section! Abby, Julia, and I got to suit up and watch a C-Section. I could not stop watching -- it was absolutely incredible. I have no words. Watching them cut her open and rip her apart (literally), then yank the baby out (also literally) was surreal. The human body is not as fragile as I used to believe, it can take a beating. This is what I've learned from these super-woman mothers.
The baby came out blue and wasn't crying. They had to suction his mouth and give air. After a few minutes of holding our breath, he started to cry. Both Mom and baby are doing well! I am so incredibly lucky to have seen this, and I'm surprised at how well I handled the blood -- not light headed at all. I hope to see another surgery this week if possible!
Also, Kathy continues to make amazing desserts. Excited for more amazing food and experiences... maybe visit the teacher's children tomorrow?
8 August 2018
Today the groups switched and I followed the Doctor. First we went on rounds, and then TK and I sat in on outpatient exams. Rounds were a cool thing to see, but because we couldn't understand, we didn't get the majority of the information. The most shocking thing to see were the burned children. I was surprised at how quickly he went through each patient, and how he wouldn't always touch the patient or look at the wound.
After tea, TK and I sat in on outpatient exams with the nurse who saw patients five years old and under. In most cases, this was a six week checkup for both Mom and child. The nurse was awesome, and really explained things from head to toe -- looking at the head, the eyes, the mouth, extremities, stomach, etc. We also saw some patients over five years after all five and unders were seen. It was interesting to see all of the different issues people had coming in, and how they treated them. One girl came in with abdomen pain, and she left after five minutes with a prescription for pain medication. I feel like in the US, there would be much more extensive testing to determine the cause, rather than assume. It's impressive how many people they see in one day, but I'm unsure of how much they miss? But also, what's the balancing point between quality and cost?
We finished the day at the hospital counting pills and seeing another (!) birth. TK wanted to watch and definitely almost puked or passed out when the nurse delivered the placenta.
Before dinner we went down to the primary school and met all of the teacher's children. They were all very excited to meet us and wanted to do our hair and ask us questions. They were all very cute and very well versed in English. We talked to some of them about setting up a pen pal situation with them! Definitely heading back there before we leave Saturday.
Overall I'm having a really great time here, however, many times during the day I feel like I'm in the way and not actually helping. I felt that a lot yesterday especially. However, we're also here to observe and learn so we're not always meant to be helping. I think the reason I feel weird about it is because they're understaffed and under-resourced, so I want to be helping rather than getting in the doctor or nurses way, even though they've all been extremely eager to explain and teach. Just a thought.
After tea, TK and I sat in on outpatient exams with the nurse who saw patients five years old and under. In most cases, this was a six week checkup for both Mom and child. The nurse was awesome, and really explained things from head to toe -- looking at the head, the eyes, the mouth, extremities, stomach, etc. We also saw some patients over five years after all five and unders were seen. It was interesting to see all of the different issues people had coming in, and how they treated them. One girl came in with abdomen pain, and she left after five minutes with a prescription for pain medication. I feel like in the US, there would be much more extensive testing to determine the cause, rather than assume. It's impressive how many people they see in one day, but I'm unsure of how much they miss? But also, what's the balancing point between quality and cost?
We finished the day at the hospital counting pills and seeing another (!) birth. TK wanted to watch and definitely almost puked or passed out when the nurse delivered the placenta.
Before dinner we went down to the primary school and met all of the teacher's children. They were all very excited to meet us and wanted to do our hair and ask us questions. They were all very cute and very well versed in English. We talked to some of them about setting up a pen pal situation with them! Definitely heading back there before we leave Saturday.
Overall I'm having a really great time here, however, many times during the day I feel like I'm in the way and not actually helping. I felt that a lot yesterday especially. However, we're also here to observe and learn so we're not always meant to be helping. I think the reason I feel weird about it is because they're understaffed and under-resourced, so I want to be helping rather than getting in the doctor or nurses way, even though they've all been extremely eager to explain and teach. Just a thought.
9 August 2018
Today we went about 12 kilometers by car for another well baby visit! This time I measured the height of the babies. They hated it. Some were indifferent but definitely weirded out, others were just terrified. Some, I think, were more terrified of me that they were about being measured.
There were a lot more people today than there were Monday, which meant we were there until about 2:30. There were also some fathers there with their kids which was nice to see! One thing I've noticed over the last few days, and especially today, are the shoes that women wear -- they're plastic flats. I'm incredibly impressed that they walk so far with such terrible shoes. My feet would be dead, but I guess its what you're used to?
The well baby clinics have two parts: the part for the babies, and the part for the mothers (and recording). Most of us (ZimPHiAs) were stationed at the baby part, so when all of the mothers had gotten through, we were done and waiting while the others were still working. Lots of bonding was had. (:
When we got back to the hospital, I was interviewed for another study abroad program that is being proposed by the University of Illinois. It was kind of fun to talk about the program and my views about it so far and my reasons for getting involved. The two Abby's also got interviewed. I'm interested to see the finished video! Hopefully it'll be available to us.
After the interview we counted pills. Some of us are going to see the kids again tonight, but I'm opting to stay in. The crutches are starting to get to me -- only 9 days left!
There were a lot more people today than there were Monday, which meant we were there until about 2:30. There were also some fathers there with their kids which was nice to see! One thing I've noticed over the last few days, and especially today, are the shoes that women wear -- they're plastic flats. I'm incredibly impressed that they walk so far with such terrible shoes. My feet would be dead, but I guess its what you're used to?
The well baby clinics have two parts: the part for the babies, and the part for the mothers (and recording). Most of us (ZimPHiAs) were stationed at the baby part, so when all of the mothers had gotten through, we were done and waiting while the others were still working. Lots of bonding was had. (:
When we got back to the hospital, I was interviewed for another study abroad program that is being proposed by the University of Illinois. It was kind of fun to talk about the program and my views about it so far and my reasons for getting involved. The two Abby's also got interviewed. I'm interested to see the finished video! Hopefully it'll be available to us.
After the interview we counted pills. Some of us are going to see the kids again tonight, but I'm opting to stay in. The crutches are starting to get to me -- only 9 days left!
10 August 2018
Today was our last day in Chidamoyo. We started our day at devotion and said our thanks and goodbyes through Sabrina's (wonderfully heartfelt) speech. Then I spent part of my morning working outpatient, which was surprisingly slow (as was the rest of the day we would find later). Hannah Sue then called all of us into the delivery room as our work was slowing down, so we all got to watch another birth!
When we entered the delivery room, there were four women on the tables -- two had just given birth, and two were in labor. The woman we were watching had the kind of birth I am terrified of. It was amazing birth control -- I seriously have no desire to be touched by anyone in any way. Before the baby exited, something which I thought was an infected sack (or infected something) was also coming out of her vagina. Later I would find out that was the baby's first poop. Then, the baby was too big to fit, so they had to do an episiotomy procedure where they cut her vagina to widen the exit. This was the part I thought to myself "nuh-uh I'm out I don't want children." The baby and Mom were both healthy and doing well, but this birth will definitely stay with me. The other births weren't nearly as bad -- they looked painful, but afterwards I didn't feel sick and always had the though "I could do this one day." This birth put those in perspective. This mother was also a 21 year old woman, putting her as a person in perspective as well, only being one year older than me.
Following this birth, there was another birth which was a much cleaner birth (and complication-free). It regained my perspective on natural child birth as beautiful again. However, I definitely have both the "childbirth is beautiful" perspective as well as "childbirth is terrible" perspective.
One thing I noticed with several of the moms through was that the nurses didn't give the babies to their mothers after they were born and the mothers were still on the table. One thing I've always heard is that mother to child contact is really important after birth, so I wonder why they don't allow mothers to hold their babies when it doesn't put the mother or baby in danger.
After the births we had tea and then I did data input for the ART patients. I was a little disappointed with the data system; it's very slow and tedious, which it could be designed to go a lot faster. One idea, for example, would be to have each new document have every input place be the same as the last, and then the person inputting data can edit from that. In a lot of scenarios, the data is the same between appointments, and only the dates need to be changed. The program could also be designed to automatically put the next set appointment date int he first entry, as the appointment date in the second entry and have the second entry's next set appointment be black for user entry. Overall, I found the data reporting annoying and inefficient. I think and update in the software is important, and would probably be a good capstone project for someone. I've only had three coding classes and I would be able to create this program -- it's pretty basic structurally.
I'm glad I came to Chidamoyo after Bulawayo, though. First, having the complete background was nice to fully conceptualize what we were seeing here. But also it would have been hard to have such a unique learning experience here, and then return to the traditional in class learning set up surrounding lectures.
I loved my time here and I'm sad to leave. Chidamoyo is an incredible space to be in especially to learn! Kathy and her desserts will also be missed.
When we entered the delivery room, there were four women on the tables -- two had just given birth, and two were in labor. The woman we were watching had the kind of birth I am terrified of. It was amazing birth control -- I seriously have no desire to be touched by anyone in any way. Before the baby exited, something which I thought was an infected sack (or infected something) was also coming out of her vagina. Later I would find out that was the baby's first poop. Then, the baby was too big to fit, so they had to do an episiotomy procedure where they cut her vagina to widen the exit. This was the part I thought to myself "nuh-uh I'm out I don't want children." The baby and Mom were both healthy and doing well, but this birth will definitely stay with me. The other births weren't nearly as bad -- they looked painful, but afterwards I didn't feel sick and always had the though "I could do this one day." This birth put those in perspective. This mother was also a 21 year old woman, putting her as a person in perspective as well, only being one year older than me.
Following this birth, there was another birth which was a much cleaner birth (and complication-free). It regained my perspective on natural child birth as beautiful again. However, I definitely have both the "childbirth is beautiful" perspective as well as "childbirth is terrible" perspective.
One thing I noticed with several of the moms through was that the nurses didn't give the babies to their mothers after they were born and the mothers were still on the table. One thing I've always heard is that mother to child contact is really important after birth, so I wonder why they don't allow mothers to hold their babies when it doesn't put the mother or baby in danger.
After the births we had tea and then I did data input for the ART patients. I was a little disappointed with the data system; it's very slow and tedious, which it could be designed to go a lot faster. One idea, for example, would be to have each new document have every input place be the same as the last, and then the person inputting data can edit from that. In a lot of scenarios, the data is the same between appointments, and only the dates need to be changed. The program could also be designed to automatically put the next set appointment date int he first entry, as the appointment date in the second entry and have the second entry's next set appointment be black for user entry. Overall, I found the data reporting annoying and inefficient. I think and update in the software is important, and would probably be a good capstone project for someone. I've only had three coding classes and I would be able to create this program -- it's pretty basic structurally.
I'm glad I came to Chidamoyo after Bulawayo, though. First, having the complete background was nice to fully conceptualize what we were seeing here. But also it would have been hard to have such a unique learning experience here, and then return to the traditional in class learning set up surrounding lectures.
I loved my time here and I'm sad to leave. Chidamoyo is an incredible space to be in especially to learn! Kathy and her desserts will also be missed.