Day 2 of Clinic: Back to Novo Remanso

From Monday, 1 November

 

Today was our second day in Novo Remanso... and word of the clinic spread like wildfire within the community.  Over 175 new patients came to the medical clinic, and the doctors diagnosed many conditions similar to the day before, including a large number of worms, urinary tract infections, and some fungal rashes.  The most endearing patient landed in the caring hands of Dr. Ray: Daniel, a little boy of just seven years had undergone surgery three years prior to remove a lung tumor.  The operation had left Daniel with scars stretching literally around his torso and a tracheotomy tube--but nonetheless, Daniel sported the most genuine grin of any little one who walked in the doors of the clinic.

 

The dental clinic was in tremendously high demand today.  Dr. Mulvany and Mary saw 49 patients and completed 20 extractions, half of which were difficult surgical extractions.  During the past two days, we have seen a great deal of tooth decay in patients as young as 4 or 5 years old.  We discovered that the villagers have a problematic candy habit, and the constant consumption of inexpensive hard, sugary candies has inevitably impacted their dental health.  For one patient, the problem had converted into a medical issue, and we couldn't help but smile at the diagnosis:

 

"Major complaint -

No appetite, only wants to eat candy, feels like she needs to throw up after she eats, but can't.  x 1 mo. When she eats candy, it gets worse.

 

Diagnosis -

Tooth decay

 

Prescription/Treatment -

Need to see dentist"

 

And that is precisely why Dr. Mulvany's services were in such high demand! 

 

A report of the day's events would be incomplete without mention of Wendal.  Early in the day, a charming, loquacious little 7-year old came into clinic and, for both our fun and his, Wendal faithfully stayed with the traige nurses all day long to help treat and care for patients.  With little Wendal, there was never a dull moment.  During lunch, he exclaimed, " You are all so white you look like angels!" -- which was our first indicator that even the constant Amazon sun hasn't given us a tan that can rival the beautifully, dark mocha skin of the Amazonian villagers we've met.  Perhaps best of all was Wendal's attempt to woo and charm our very own Bryn Mayfield.  At the end of the day, he gave her a blue plastic bracelet and ... a metal ring.  So, for any of Bryn's relatives reading, please be aware that she has been promised to a Brazilian fiance right here in the Amazon.

 

Tomorrow we are moving east on the Amazon to set up clinic in three small villages in the region Costa da Conceicao.  We will keep you posted!

 

For more information on International Medical Relief, visit www.internationalmedicalrelief.org.