Towards Independence

It is truly an amazing experience and opportunity to be here at Haiti Hospital Appeal as our patients continue to learn to live independently with a spinal cord injury. This week feels seamless. We are really getting into a great routine providing  education and treatment to everybody involved.

Each of us has provided education in a few different ways. As mentioned in a previous post, there are several local nursing students here at HHA this week. At 2:00 each day, there is a didactic education session. Ian has provided succinct and simple presentations on the bladder, bowel, skin care and sexuality. There have been some great discussions and questions from both staff and students.

Suzy and Lisa presented on general anatomy and physiology which provided a review for some folks and served as new information to others. The repetition of information has generated questions and discussions by the staff that have participated in these sessions with Team 1 and 2. Sylvia’s focus was on positioning and devices that are used to increase independence and maintain postural alignment and skin health. In addition, each patient has received 1 on 1 education and review of the anatomy associated with the bladder and bowel and the process required to be independant with these routines. 

As a result of the education provided and the large team effort, several patients who were having a difficult time adjusting to their new daily routines are now performing aspects of their care independently.

As I am writing, the helicopter has just arrived. Their cargo is from “Shelter Box”. It is exciting because the shelter boxes provided have the necessary items that the patients will require after discharge. Some examples of these times are: mosquito nets, waterproof ponchos, waterproof ground mats, water purifying equipment, stove and cooking equipment, blankets, toolkits, and a most impressive custom designed ten-person tent. These are tents that have sectioned rooms that can serve as bedrooms in the tent. Lisa, in her expertise and with her networking, was able to organize and coordinate this effort. She is focusing on bringing homes (tents) and essential equipment to our patients and their families.

The patient most recently admitted to HHA is improving very quickly. Thanks for the efforts of Team 2, we were able to mobilize and progress him very quickly. He has increased his walking distance from 3 meters (with 2 person assist) to 40 meters (with close supervision), while using a standard walker. He is now able to socialize with the other patients and families outdoors every day.

Another success story happened yesterday. After a day of scavenging through storage containers and the entire hospital grounds, Sylvia determined that the following items would be perfect to fabricate a 1/2 bed side rail for our patient who has limited use of his arms and hands. The item list: 2 forearm crutches, a standard walker, foam, a screwdriver, and of course the most prized item, duct tape. Together with some family members, a bed side rail was constructed and delivered to our patient. With the use of this aid, he can practice rolling in bed from side to side and also can assist more efficiently to move from sidelying to sitting at the edge of the bed.

It is so rewarding when long, hot days like yesterday end with a brilliant smile and an increase in our patients’ independence.

The latest update is that the new roughrider wheelchairs will be arriving tomorrow or Sunday. As such, we will be working straight through the weekend and on Monday. Sleep will be a prized commodity when we eventually get on the plane to return to Canada. 

We are making a difference in the lives of our patients and it is evident each morning when we walk into the hospital room. The sense of rehabilitation and working towards independence is palpable. Sharing what we know is possible has been an amazing experience. 

Only 3 days left for Team 3!   

Ian, Suzy & Sylvia

 

 

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