Today was a good day.
First of all, I must say Happy Birthday to my Mother who turns plenty-nine today. Actually, I do not remember her age, but it isn't any of our business anyway. Love you, Mom!
Second, let me apologize for the lack of real La Palma news in this post.
So, eight days ago I noticed what looked like a small bruise on my right leg. It was hard and thick, just below my knee on my right leg. It hurt, but I figured it was nothing. The area around it began to swell and get hard, and the pain kept increasing right along with it. Eventually, it made walking quite painful. Did I mention we have no vehicle and we walk everywhere?
So, I thought I should consult with my sister-in-law the nurse (Lana) when I noticed it was spreading up my inner thigh. This made me nervous. She chastised me for not being seen yet (rightfully so), and told me I should have it looked at by a doctor. So, Tuesday, I went to the clinic. (Which, by the way, is a huge argument against Obamacare.) The doctor there gave me some instructions (including resting with my leg up for 1 week). However, when Hiliana came to check on me Wednesday evening, the pain was worse, the color had darkened, and the area was harder. She said I needed to be seen again.
So, this morning I went to the gynecologist when the clinic first opened (7:30). Yep, that's right, gynecologist. He was at the clinic today, and Hiliana respects him very much. He referred me to his twin brother the surgeon in Nueva Concepcion. So we (Lalli 4, Jose, and our driver Raul) piled in a van and headed off to Nueva.
This ride was not a relaxing drive in the country. Raul likes to, um, get places quickly. On a curvy, mountain road where passing traffic while other traffic is in the on-coming lane is expected, swerving to avoid potholes may or may not involve braking there is not much relaxing. As a matter of fact, there may be sickness, as Nathan proved all over the floor of the van, which prompted a pit-stop along the side of the road.
We pulled up to the large gate at the guard station of the hospital to go in. The guard (terribly proud of himself and his authority) refused us admittance. Only the patient was to be allowed in. Panic struck me. I understand some Spanish, but not enough to know what the medical personal would tell me. Nor would I be able to tell them what my problem was except to point at my leg and say, "Ow!" Jose explained the situation and so he was allowed to go with me and after some more conversation, my family was allowed to stay in the relatively safe area INside the gated compound.
Wow, the hospital was quite the experience. Having worked in a hospital for five year, this was otherworldly. However, the doctor was wonderful, patient and kind. After the initial exam, he determined I would need medicine so I was to go register. So Jose and I walked to the registration area along with an English speaking (sort of) nurse(?). Now, Jose traded places with Lori so the paperwork could be taken care of. They didn't even bother asking if I could do the paperwork myself - which I could have. Paperwork done, Lori and Jose again traded places and we walked back to where the doctor was.
This is where he told me what it was and told me what I would have to do. Take my medicine, rest, and wrap my legs from toes to knees with ace bandages or it could develop into a serious clot that could travel to my lungs, heart or brain. He prescribed three medicines - none of which I've heard of. The "rest" he prescribed was sitting or laying with my leg elevated for two to three weeks (down from his initial three to five weeks!). No walking. Oh, and lose weight. !!! How do I lose weight while sitting with my leg up for two weeks? However, since arriving in El Salvador I have already lost 26 pounds. Did I mention we have no vehicle and we walk everywhere?
So, to sum up: I have clotting in my leg. I have to take medicine. I have to rest with my leg up for two to three weeks. I have to go back to the doctor next week. I have to keep both legs wrapped in ace bandages from toes to knee except while sleeping.
The good part of the day involved going to Apopa (pharmacy run) and having lunch at Burger King. Let me tell you, three weeks in having no food I'm used to made Burger King a five-star restaurant. I had the combo 13. Which I know was not the best thing just after being told to lose weight, but, well, here, look, you be the judge:
Tomorrow promises to be another good day.
First of all, I must say Happy Birthday to my Mother who turns plenty-nine today. Actually, I do not remember her age, but it isn't any of our business anyway. Love you, Mom!
Second, let me apologize for the lack of real La Palma news in this post.
So, eight days ago I noticed what looked like a small bruise on my right leg. It was hard and thick, just below my knee on my right leg. It hurt, but I figured it was nothing. The area around it began to swell and get hard, and the pain kept increasing right along with it. Eventually, it made walking quite painful. Did I mention we have no vehicle and we walk everywhere?
So, I thought I should consult with my sister-in-law the nurse (Lana) when I noticed it was spreading up my inner thigh. This made me nervous. She chastised me for not being seen yet (rightfully so), and told me I should have it looked at by a doctor. So, Tuesday, I went to the clinic. (Which, by the way, is a huge argument against Obamacare.) The doctor there gave me some instructions (including resting with my leg up for 1 week). However, when Hiliana came to check on me Wednesday evening, the pain was worse, the color had darkened, and the area was harder. She said I needed to be seen again.
So, this morning I went to the gynecologist when the clinic first opened (7:30). Yep, that's right, gynecologist. He was at the clinic today, and Hiliana respects him very much. He referred me to his twin brother the surgeon in Nueva Concepcion. So we (Lalli 4, Jose, and our driver Raul) piled in a van and headed off to Nueva.
This ride was not a relaxing drive in the country. Raul likes to, um, get places quickly. On a curvy, mountain road where passing traffic while other traffic is in the on-coming lane is expected, swerving to avoid potholes may or may not involve braking there is not much relaxing. As a matter of fact, there may be sickness, as Nathan proved all over the floor of the van, which prompted a pit-stop along the side of the road.
We pulled up to the large gate at the guard station of the hospital to go in. The guard (terribly proud of himself and his authority) refused us admittance. Only the patient was to be allowed in. Panic struck me. I understand some Spanish, but not enough to know what the medical personal would tell me. Nor would I be able to tell them what my problem was except to point at my leg and say, "Ow!" Jose explained the situation and so he was allowed to go with me and after some more conversation, my family was allowed to stay in the relatively safe area INside the gated compound.
Wow, the hospital was quite the experience. Having worked in a hospital for five year, this was otherworldly. However, the doctor was wonderful, patient and kind. After the initial exam, he determined I would need medicine so I was to go register. So Jose and I walked to the registration area along with an English speaking (sort of) nurse(?). Now, Jose traded places with Lori so the paperwork could be taken care of. They didn't even bother asking if I could do the paperwork myself - which I could have. Paperwork done, Lori and Jose again traded places and we walked back to where the doctor was.
This is where he told me what it was and told me what I would have to do. Take my medicine, rest, and wrap my legs from toes to knees with ace bandages or it could develop into a serious clot that could travel to my lungs, heart or brain. He prescribed three medicines - none of which I've heard of. The "rest" he prescribed was sitting or laying with my leg elevated for two to three weeks (down from his initial three to five weeks!). No walking. Oh, and lose weight. !!! How do I lose weight while sitting with my leg up for two weeks? However, since arriving in El Salvador I have already lost 26 pounds. Did I mention we have no vehicle and we walk everywhere?
So, to sum up: I have clotting in my leg. I have to take medicine. I have to rest with my leg up for two to three weeks. I have to go back to the doctor next week. I have to keep both legs wrapped in ace bandages from toes to knee except while sleeping.
The good part of the day involved going to Apopa (pharmacy run) and having lunch at Burger King. Let me tell you, three weeks in having no food I'm used to made Burger King a five-star restaurant. I had the combo 13. Which I know was not the best thing just after being told to lose weight, but, well, here, look, you be the judge:
Tomorrow promises to be another good day.
Don't forget this week's daily prayer request for the Lalli Family Mission is to pray for a unified spirit in the local congregations as we strive to make plans that will help the body as a whole and each individual congregation.
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