Medical Marvels, Misadventures and much much more ….

I continue to be challenged in my medical realm … no doctors to advise; no team to consult; no blood results to guide; no tests to confirm … no definitive diagnosis … merely the presentation!! I sometimes feel a little lost, a little helpless, and more than a little inadequate. And yet, the outcomes seem to be ok, dare I say, even good … despite me :) 
Phew.

MEDICAL MARVELS…

Mario…

has been living at GH for a year or so … he arrived with TB, so thin; dying, after several failed treatments … Charity did what she does so well … took him in without question; fed him, loved him and treated him; and he is still with us. 

His wish was to make his 50th birthday. 

A couple of weeks before, however, he became unwell again; coughing blood, breathless. Was the TB back … if so, it was a very poor prognosis. We had to know, he had to know … so we took him to a private pulmonologist who never seems to charge …
in gratitude for the work we do :) Several appointments, tests and days later we find out he doesn't have TB. He is free!! He still has breathing issues… he always will, but he doesn't have TB!!

We found out this news on the day of his 50th birthday! Precious timing!! Charity and I went to tell him … a moment in life that shall remain imprinted on the heart … as he kept hugging us and thanking us … over and over … our laughter echoed, and our eyes shone with tears.

Syra…

Syra is a one year old from Malabon. She was so so tiny, with wide eyes looking out from a pale, thin face. She had a congenital heart condition … and the mum had no idea who to turn to. With Gentle Hands help, her heart condition was diagnosed and operated on. She is alive and she is thriving. It is a life saved …

In hospital - awaiting for her operation

Several months later - getting fat :)

These moments are exactly why I would never wish to give this life up!

MEDICAL MISADVENTURES……

Melanie…

As we did our fortnightly outreach to Malabon we were faced by a woman who, painfully underweight with late stage TB, was severely dehydrated and losing consciousness. She needed fluid resuscitation and quickly. As I rushed her in a taxi to the closest hospital (potentially an hour away in Manila traffic!) we broke every road rule in the book … with hazard lights flashing and a hand on the horn, it was a true Manila-style ambulance. Hahaha. Just don't look up :)

We arrived (alive!!)and got fluid resuscitation before then having to sign a waiver to allow her discharge. Sigh; on our heads be it. Sadly, decisions have to be calculated when money is always an issue. However, in this case, we knew we could do the rest. Treat her for pneumonia, TB, and feed her up (from 26 kgs!!!) whilst providing what Gentle Hands is so good at - love and ministry. The 'kit and kaboodle' of Medical GH - we can offer nothing less :)

Not sure we want to be number 836!

Comforting!

A litre of fluid goes a long, long way :) 

Jaiden…

I had finished 'work' for the day … until I got a call from Charity … 'Come now!!' … beep, beep, beep. I jumped on my moped and raced over to GH … not knowing what I would be faced with. Six month old Jaiden was in the medical wing; blue and in oxygen. Fever of 40C, shutdown, cyanosed, and looking decidedly unwell.

Another emergency trip to the hospital! In the second form of ambulance transport … the local trike! He may not have hazard lights or a blaring horn but he had his own version of emergency travel… the pavement! 

Tests and examinations led to a likely diagnosis of a UTI. Babies are such attention seekers :) She improved during our few hours there (as they often do) and we brought her home. We started antibiotics and she is better :)

These moments are exactly why I could never give this life up! 

MUCH MUCH MORE ……

The outside of Gentle Hands is becoming a 'walk-in' clinic … how incredible! How wonderful that they know they will never be turned away …

A family of six, homeless, and living under the bridge near us … all four children in need of medical attention. 

An elderly man, blind, and with severe cellulitis, in need of medical attention. 

Gentle Hands Outpatients Clinic :)

And in between the medical … is relationships; love, faith, hope, tears, laughter, cuddles, kisses, trust, friendships …

I believe I have become a part of the Gentle Hands family …

… and this is the real reason why I would never give this life up!