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Tuesday, July 14, 2009

A Crazy Busy Week

The last week has been crazy busy! Monday, July 6, I spent the whole day in the hospital with Jacque. This seems it's going to be a frequent occurrence for me. That day was for her check-up and to finally get clearance for her to begin the actual ARVs. Clearance finally given. I'm really impressed with the hospital that she goes to. It's on the "campus" of the national hospital but a joint program with Baylor Medical College. They give all medical assistance free. Plus the doctors, nurses, counselors, and staff are all really patient and friendly (not the norm for Uganda).
Later that same afternoon I got a call from Mary's mom (the 12 year old that is living with me). She was calling to tell me that she was really sick, needed help and didn't know where to go. I told her to try to get to my house and she could stay there. She made it but barely able to walk and it didn't help that my apartment is on the 4th floor. And she was not lying when she said she was really sick. Her whole body was covered in a rash. She was throwing up constantly and had a really high temperature.
The next morning she was admitted into the national hospital (the adult section not connected to Baylor so not nearly as friendly) where she was told her liver was not functioning and the ARVs that she had started taking a couple of weeks before were causing a reaction. Not a good thing. The next day she was out of the hospital but in no better condition. Back to my house to wage war on getting up the stairs. She remained in the bed for the rest of the week.
Jacque began complaining about her foot hurting her so on Friday back to the hospital with her. Seems it is some sort of parasite. Medication given making her medicine load each day: 2 tabs in the morning along with two different liquid meds, at mid-day two liquid meds and two tabs plus vitamin, at 5 in the afternoon, on liquid med, at 7 in the evening 2 tabs, and right before bed two liquid meds.
On top of that I was advised to be the one to give Mary's mom her meds to prevent any overdose due to distress (and hers is far more than Jacque's). I feel like a pharmacist........
Saturday morning: Mary's mom worsens. Back to the hospital. Spend the day there. No improvement but still sent back home.
Sunday: still have a house full of sick people but have children in boarding schools that need to be visited. Took Jacque to the church along with Mary. Mary's mom left at home (willingly and she slept the whole time).
Today: hospital visit with Mary's mom. We're waiting for the results and for them to let us know how to proceed. Afternoon: clinic visit with Jacque. Foot still not better and meds for foot over. Injection given. Two more to be given over the next two days.
So, just a little busy. I never dreamed I would have to many patients or so much patience! Keep praying.

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