It is hard to believe that today is our final day at the hospital. We were involved in various projects including finishing the teaching of transcranial ultrasound for the sickle patients, setting up the camera for the microscope, and helping out wherever needed.
Patrick jumped in to help with removing casts from a little baby with club feet. In Mali, the mothers do not like to stay around while you are doing things that make their baby scream, so I found Patrick covered in dust with the little baby going nuts! The saw looks pretty rough, but the baby came out mostly unscathed.
Much better without the casts.... P's belly button sweat stain shows you how hot is is in the hospital.
Hanging out with Sumila in front of the pediatric building. Sumila has been our friend and helper during this trip.
The sickle program medicine cabinet restocked with penicillin, folic acid, and hydroxyurea.
Preparing the bar and shoes to slowly fix the club feet.
Our home away from home during the time in Koutiala.
This is what it looks like after the MacLean boys take a bath during hot season!
Patrick with Kadia, a little girl who is finishing treatment for leukemia and was in need of a transfusion to treat her anemia. Patrick is O+ and donated a bag for her yesterday.
Francois and younger brother Acas are part of the sickle program and were in for their ultrasound today. I visited Francois' village (Zamblala) the last time I was in Mali.
Francois showed us his leg ulcers during the visit. Leg ulcers are seen in young adults with SCD in the US, but present much earlier here.
Courtyard area at the hospital.
Main lab and surgery buildings.
Pediatric waiting area.
Great work, Patrick! I did cringe a bit while looking at the cast being taken off in the photo! I know you both have had an eye-opening experience there!
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