To get away from it all, I took a sunrise walk before the start of the day to head to the "palace". Built in the early 1800s it was a time of solace for me at the start of a very trying day. I ran into Jean Jerome, an 18 year old boy who was studying geology and instantly became my tour guide (for a couple of dollars...).
It's tough being in charge of the medical operations, but I rely on Mark Walsh to handle the daily rounds with the ER docs/internists, wound care and RNs and Barry the the designee on the Nursing side and both have been God-sends. I handle the ICU in addition to the med ops, and today took its toll on me a bit emotionally. I stayed to take care of a couple of kids in the ICU for severe burns. Myerlene (i'll get a pic later) has burns on her back suffered in the earthquake, she sleeps in the wards, and comes to the OR for her dressing changes. Today, her wound was full of bugs, got washed out by Dr. Friend, and she has only a tiny glimmer of hope to get to Shriner's. Her meds and antibioitcs were inadequate, her IV came out, and I didn't know what else to do. Her neighbor, Lucson has 60% burns all over his body and is constantly in pain.
So I didn't blog yesterday because emotionally it was a very tough day...sick patients, sick kids, constant running around. Finding ICU coverage has been particularly challenging but I awoke this morning refreshed I have to say this is a tough environment to work in and we are all here volunteering our time to the Haitian people, and we all have to realize each of us can only do so much. It sure makes residency look easy!
Well, last night I had a great night's sleep, will extubate my patient, Elie, today, and will try to get more pictures for you all! (no promises...)
Our prayers are with you for continued emotional and physical strength- cannot imagine what you are experiencing with the volume of all the trauma and lack of necessary equipment and medicine.
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday, Fred- Marcella and Rudy are looking down with pride.
Love, Flossie
Happy Birthday Favorite Doctor!!!! The crazy Lebanese, aka Carole H.
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday Dr. Ferlic. Have a blessed day! Praying for strength for all of you!
ReplyDeleteDarcy-SBO
Happy Birthday Dr Fred... you guys are making us so proud. I am so happy to work with such wonderful people.
ReplyDeleteGinny S. aka "Stagger Lee"
I really enjoy reading this blog to stay updated on all the great work you are doing there. Thank you to all the doctors and staff for the amazing jobs you are doing!
ReplyDeleteAshley H. -SBO
My thoughts and prayers are with all of you. I could not be prouder not only of all of you and the work you are doing there, but also of the staff and physicians here at SBO. Everyone has stepped up. Stay safe. Dr. Fred, have a happy birthday. Drs. Randy, Henry, Mike...please make sure Fred keeps his shirt on. Sue L.
ReplyDeletehello to donna and michelle miss you guys keep up the good work it's suppose to snow tues have a safe journey home love ya jodie,brenda and the memorial gang
ReplyDeleteParying for you all-- God bless you! A special mesage for Dr. Walsh (my first physican mentor)-- you are truly a hero.
ReplyDeletesincerely,
nicole shirilla
Happy Birthday Dr. Fred!
ReplyDeleteGod Bless you guys! Sounds like you are helping out a lot there! Can't wait to see you all back!
Amy A.-SBO
Thank you again for your posts. Your message today was beautifuly written and my heart felt your frustrations. Your honesty is appreciated by all. What you are doing for the people of Haiti is a beautiful thing, but, I can see now how it could take it's toll on everyone.
ReplyDeleteGod bless you all and keep you safe.
Linda Dolezan
HAPPY BIRTHDAY DR FRED (how does it feel to be old?!?!?)
ReplyDeleteVicki
DR RANDY---Miss you, trying to hold the fort down. No big problems. My clinics are running well :). Hope the bladder holds out for you and the bugs don't carry you away. God bless all of you, I really look up to you for this very noble deed.
ReplyDeleteVicki
I have been following this blog as a recent pt of Dr. Fred's (do tell him that my shoulder is fine and I will be out shoveling tomorrow when the show comes:-)) and am in awe of the work that you all are doing.
ReplyDeleteYour knowledge, strength and willingness to take time away from your daily life and volunteer when Haiti needs you the most reminds me when I was in China adopting my second child and was told that my deeds would stay with me, change my life and put a most importantly, I would be remembered for what I did.
This sounds like the same thing that my guide would say to all of you.
Your team is in our thoughts. I have enjoyed reading about your work, your trials and your triumphs while you are there. Hang in there..
Debbie
happy birthday dr fred, we miss you. following all that you guys are doing down there. it's nice to see the pictures and get some idea of what is going on down there. can't wait to hear all of your stories. be safe and take care of yourselves. we miss you randy, ciula, sue and shannon in xray
ReplyDeleteMichigan is expecting a LOT of snow on Tuesday and Wednesday, so try to plan your travels accordingly so you don't get stranded anywhere. I really appreciate being able to see what everyone is doing down there and wish I could help. Thank you for keeping us posted Dr. G! And I heard they may be giving away free rounds at Tanglewood for all relief workers, so I will make sure you get to take advantage of that in the Spring ;) Thoughts and prayers as always...stay safe and healthy!
ReplyDeletemessage for et al ...
ReplyDeletesure do enjoy reading about the good things you are doing and wish i could be there with you.
are you a changed person yet ?
stephenson
Happy Birthday, Dad! There should be a Cuban cigar waiting for you at home when you return (I snuck it in from Canada...don't tell anybody). To all the docs, keep up your amazing work! Sending lots of energy as you come close to completing a full week there..
ReplyDeleteLove, Beth
Happy Birthday Dr. Fred!! To all of you, keep up the amazing work you are doing there. Seeing the smiles on the patients faces says it all. Continue making an impact on each patient you see and each person who reads this blog.
ReplyDeleteMegan Lehman
Joey,
ReplyDeletewe are so proud of you and what you are doing. I posted something before & it looks like it didn't go through. The help, compassion, and caring you are giving there cannot be replaced., You are all a wonderful group. Melissa says you are awesome, she loves and misses you. For some reason she cannot post on her computer. Linda and Bob
Happy Birthday Fred! Am so proud of all of you and what you are doing. I know it cannot be easy by any means....especialy the emotional toll. Come home, rest and then we can have another bball tailgate. We will have enough snow this time and it will be cold enough. Be careful coming home. Kathy
ReplyDelete