Snake

We recently had a patient present with a snake bite. This patient also presented with the head of the Snake.

Rhinoceros viper (Bitis nasicornis), is quite venomous with both neuro and hemo toxins. 
Our patient luckily did well. 

The photos also show what was applied before I saw her.  Snake-stones, also known as a viper's stones, or black stones.  These are applied to the bite with the belief that the stone will neutralize or absorb the venom.  Interestingly we saw the use of this stone in Guatemala as well. 

Sledding in Cameroon

The rains have brought another sport to Cameroon that our children thoroughly enjoy

Austin

Recently, Austin Igelman spent a couple of months with us learning about healthcare in Cameroon.

You may remember a similar blog a year ago when his brother Sean was here. Austin and Sean are both from Brent's hometown. They are the sons of one of the Dermatologists in town. Austin will be a senior in college this fall. Both are interested in medicine as a career.

We really appreciated all the help Austin provided in the hospital, outreach clinics, Project Hope and collection of data for our ongoing HIV study.

Austin also helped with our homeschooling science program and continued our children's Ivy League extension program. (Sean went to Brown and Austin is at Yale).

Neonatal Resuscitation

We have begun classes in neonatal resuscitation.  We are doing this in the hospital and at some of our outreach clinics.  The materials, to start these classes, have come from a number of special supporters.  The staff is really enjoying the classes.  The addition of the mannequin has really helped in our scenario resuscitations. 

Reflections

Since our arrival to Njinikom we have heard the following words again and again from the Sisters, from the staff and from the patients.

“Courage” and “We Are Together.”

Faces fill the mind.

Tears have flowed, warm embraces given and received.

Webs of hope, connections strengthened, and patterns intertwined.

A future not seen, another mountain to climb.

The sun sets, the sun rises. The babe cries, the mother says goodbye.

We feel alone, but we are not.

We are together. Together we have courage.

Together we continue down the path….the path that God has chosen.

Morning Prayer

Fridays we have our medical education talks. 
We begin with morning prayer which includes singing.

Here is a sampling for your listening pleasure.

Dr. Eugene

Dr. Eugene is a general practitioner and the Medical Director of St. Martin de Porres. He is an exceptional leader, excellent doctor, and a very good friend. He has worked at the hospital for 4 years now and is from this area so he speaks Kom, the local indigenous language.  He is also fluent in French, English, Pidgin and Fulfulde which come in quite handy.

Dr. Eugene is our HIV and TB expert. The three of us share responsibilities on the Medical, Children's and Newborn wards, as well as the outreach to 6 villages. Thank you Dr. Eugene for your expertise, dedication and especially for your friendship!

Eugene, Eunice and their two beautiful children

Eugene and his wife Eunice

Baby Daniella