MEDICAL FOLLOW UPS

Things take forever to complete in Africa on one hand BUT on the other, some things happen at the spur of the moment. Patricia Corell, PT had a love for one of the boys, Muindwa, since she started volunteering at Busega. She had talked about getting him in for surgery to fix his deformed legs so he could walk. Mulindwa was a normal boy until he was hit by a car sustaining a head injury. He came to us with behavioral issues, some psychosis and lower extremity contractures. Despite this, he had a penchant for climbing through the windows (even through the window grates) falling to the other side. Generally, he scooted along the ground.

Mulindwa trying to sit on the bench. 

This is a more typical posture. He knows I carry sweets in my
pocket which is why his hand is out. 

Douglass made a point of weaning him off all the medications he was on thinking this is what was exacerbating his psychosis. This was a good move. Mulindwa improved in this area though remained fairly restless trying to move everywhere. Douglass also realized this boy understood everything though he could not verbally communicate. Patricia already knew this from working with him though all the locals thought he was crazy and did not pay attention to him.

Patricia decided to sponsor his surgery. She took him for evaluation at Corsu and scheduled him to be admitted for surgery the next day. WOW....it was a scramble to organize but Brother Gabriel put it well..."We cannot turn away any good move to help the kids" So...we (Douglass, Medson and I along with the matron) took Mulindwa in for surgery the next day. This was the day after we had taken Phillip in for assessment for surgery.

Phillip posing. He needs surgery for progressive cord compression
resulting from a compression fracture and spinal TB 

We had talked about Phillip before. He is in great need of surgery to prevent progressive spinal cord compression...one of my goals was to have him assessed by the surgeon before I left. Again, time was running away from us and we still could not manage to coordinate with the surgeon for an appointment. FINALLY Douglass was able to get an appointment the week before I left.

During the consult with Katalemwa for a custom wheelchair and
leg braces

Phillip hoping for better 

The Doctor had to consult with the team as Phillips' surgery was going to be complicated. He came out of the office with a paper and said, "Admit him today for surgery tomorrow" This would have been the same day Mulindwa was being admitted. I said no....we need to wait a week or two to get organized. I stopped the surgeon in the hallway and started asking him question after question. He told me "We will discuss this when Phillip is admitted for surgery" I replied, "NO...we will discuss this now so I can decide IF I will have Phillip admitted for surgery". I may have shocked him, but I could not live with myself if I did not ask all the questions I knew to ask on behalf of one of my boys.

I felt they could do a good job and was happy with the information we got. The main concern was maintaining the function Phillip had...Though there are risks, the surgeon felt strongly there would be a good outcome. Douglass would have to organize this when I leave...this would be hard...I did not want Phillip to have to undergo this without me there...I feel God will take care of him...I will be praying my heart out.

Brian a year ago after first arriving. His skin is as bad as the wall
he is standing next to 

I had also been running Brian to the surgery and a skin specialist to get him assessed. I was afraid Brian was showing signs of Cushing syndrome...the Doctor confirmed my fears. We would have to wean Brian off steroids somehow though we still needed an accurate diagnosis. I had no idea how difficult this is. This will require a biopsy sent to the USA for assessment. We began to come up with a plan of action...he is in good hands with Doctor Monica at the Surgery. It will take time but I know we will come up with some answers.

Brian with Shaffique. Wearing long sleeves and pants
to hide his skin 

A year later with skin well controlled 

MEANWHILE...Sibabi (the boy we broke out of Mengo Hospital) is improving in his abdominal wound which is finally closing. He is back in school and nearly back to the top of the class. He is finally putting on weight. He will have issues the rest of his life as they did have problems during his first surgery. Now Sibabi is suffering with adhesions and bladder problems....I cannot complain too much...he is alive...the tenacity of this boy is amazing. He is alive and that is what matters.

Sibabi now gaining weight 

and getting back to normal 

These kids are born poor and tough which is why they survived their abandonment and life on the streets in the first place. Though well cared for now, they deserve a loving caregiver to fight for the best care for them...it is time they get the best. That is what a parent should do. That is what we are trying to do and is the reason the Brothers have dedicated their lives to serving them.