Shanksteps west Africa 2026 #11
Today was our last day of work here. It was a clinic day so everyone was in clinic. The pediatrician was back from his vacation as well. So each office had a doctor in it. I continued to see patients with Audrey and saw the periodic ER patient. One of the patients that came back today was the 14 year old boy with osteomyelitis and the pus draining sinuses on his leg that I sent pictures of before. His dad had collected the money for his son’s surgery to open the bone and for a few months of treatment afterwards. I know since we’ve been here there are many surgeries scheduled out a few weeks. So even one that had a leg fracture a few weeks old the surgeon scheduled a couple weeks from now because of a full schedule. There is quite a bit of orthopedics that are done here, and they have the SIGN nail as well as some different sized plates and screws.
I saw a gentleman who was having frequent urination. So I checked a urinalysis and got an ultrasound of his prostate. This demonstrated a tumor of the prostate. So we set him up for a prostatectomy that will cost around $900 after conversion from local currency.
The day was uneventful and we saw a variety of patients. Audrey injected some joints as well.
This evening the pastor and his wife visited as did the surgeon and his wife. We have made new friends and are glad we came. But we are also ready to be home. So tomorrow we start our trip.
I’m also thinking of the Bere Hospital in Chad that now has lost all the missionary doctors. Often when there is a change in leadership there, the local population create problems. Please pray that this doesn’t occur and that the workers there continue their work for God even though it will be harder now. And pray that Chad starts giving American missionaries visas again.
Signing off till God tells us to go on another trip overseas.