Melina, PA joins us for a week

Last Saturday, Melina joined us for a week and assisted Marta with clinics. Marta continues to progress in her new role and seeing patients. She has been very helpful and it was great having her with us.

She went with Marta on Monday to Santa Clara. They did not have as many patients there as we had hoped for but on Tuesday and Wednesday, they stayed very busy.

On Wednesday, we hit the street for some lunch. One of the mother of a young patient, asked for our photo with her son.

The mother later sent me the photo and said, Thank you Gringa Amiga!

On Friday, Melina helped Silvia in the sterilization room packing towels.  I am not sure that Melina would want to take this role on full-time.

 

Many people do not think of the time and amount of work that goes into preparation for a surgical team.  The group works hard and I appreciate all that they do.

 

Melina, thank you for visiting us. Remember that you always have an invitation to return to Montellano and I hope that we see you in the near future.

Diabetic Club at Hospital Ezell

We have noticed over the several last years that the population of diabetics in on the increase.  We are seeing more patients with high blood pressure and complicated histories.

It is  a challenge to maintain diabetics but it is something that Health Talents has been interested in. With the collaboration of two other areas close to Montellano, yesterday we had the first meeting of the Diabetic Club.

Dr. Allen, welcomed everyone to the meeting and discussed topics that diabetics should know about.

The members of the group, were diagnosed less than six months ago.  They will be maintained in their community and be followed by their primary physician.  They will meet monthly at Ezell and will have access to come to the clinic to walk.

 

We are hoping that with proper education, medical supervision and the assistance of a support group, that patients will remain controlled and have a productive lifestyle.

 

At the next meeting on September 21, Noe Chan, will be at the meeting.  He will discuss physical therapy and exercises that can be useful to diabetic patients.

Plastic, Urology and General Surgery

The time goes by so quickly between two surgical trips.  We clean, restock, clean again and then greet our guests!

Remember that TV show, Fantasy Island? As I wrote that last sentence, I thought of how they must have felt. Each team is different.  Each group of surgeons and nurses arrive with different talents and expectations of how the week will go. I hope that we can surpass what they had hoped for.

The patients are on the other side......coming for care, usually expecting and hoping for surgery that will ease their pain and make life more enjoyable. Often, their pain is not only physical but also emotional and spiritual. Seeds were planted and we pray that they fell on fertile soil.

As usual we prepped the week before the team arrived. People may not think about the work that goes into preparing the surgical packets and gowns. Amadesi helps us with the the surgical teams.

Jacklyn, is one of our nurses and she also preps.

 

Not only do we prep materials but we also prep the patients with labs and evaluations.

 

Saturday afternoon, a group arrived early to start the consults early for patients needing plastic surgery.

On Sunday morning, we worshiped with the Montellano Church of Christ. Bode spoke and Oscar translated for him.  He then lead a song, which should be our daily prayer.

Father God, just for today, help me to walk your narrow way. Help me stand when I might fall. Give me your strength to hear Your call. May my steps be worship, may my tho’ts be praise. May my words bring honor to your name. May my steps be worship, may my tho’ts be praise. May my words bring honor to your name. 

One of our patients waiting for surgery.

This young patient enjoyed her walks with her mom.

By the end of the week, we had cared for 56 patients. It was a busy week but we are so thankful that all went well.  There were no complications and all of the patients will be seen the next Friday by Dr. Walter.

On Friday morning, it was time to take the final photo and load the bus up.

A drone took the photo for us.

We prayed for everyone's safe travels and look forward to the time that we can serve together again.