This morning was a little rough getting up. I didn't get home until about 130 and had to be up around 630, but I can always sleep when I get home! Today the clinic was actually pretty busy which I am going to attribute to a dry day...finally! The morning was a little slow, but I had things to keep me busy; I folded gauze for a while which was interesting and very tedious, but since it was my first time it was not too bad at all. We saw a few patients in the morning with simple illnesses and injuries. There were a few injections, one for a back injury and one for plantar fascitis. It was cool to see the way Dr. Meza diagnosed patients, then to see the x-ray and then the treatment, which were the injections into the foot and the back. Reading x-rays is much more difficult than it would seem so I really enjoyed when we had x-rays to read and the doc would explain them to me.
After lunch we got really busy; none of the patients had anything too exciting, but I felt like a big help because I was actually calling patients back and taking care of all their paperwork while the nurse did patient intake. The doctor also did a lot of explaining today and taught me broad diagnostic tips for anything. Over the past few days he has pretty much explained the entire process that you go through while you are at the doctor, what they are feeling for on every part of your body and what's normal and what's not.
Today was also really fun because most of the people that came in spoke english, so I had a clue what was going on, which is quite helpful. I talked to one lady who was convinced she was dying this morning; she was completely fine though!! She was really nice and even hugged me and told me the world is a small place and that maybe she would see me in the states one day. Another lady was really interesting to talk to because she knew a lot about the healthcare system here and in the US, so while she was waiting to see the doc we had some interesting conversation and I learned a little more about the public healthcare here which I did not get to see.
Since I have been here I have only seen the private clinic I was working in and have been curious as to why people would pay for private doctors when they have free healthcare at the hospital? But, after talking to a few patients today I have learned that the wait time to see a public doctor is really long and they do not take the time to deal with your issue like they do in the private sector. Also, the doctors are supposed to be much better at the private clinics. The prices at the clinic I was at were not to steep, so I think that is what drew people in. Also, people have been hunting for Dr. Meza because he has only been back in Belize for about 5 months, so that helps to bring people into the clinic.
Today was my last day at the clinic and although it was an awesome day, it made leaving so much harder. I stayed for an extra 2 hours until the clinic closed. I took pictures with everyone and exchanged emails and such. I never felt like I was much of a help while I was there, but when I left the doctor thanked me so much for all the help and the nurse hugged and kissed me and thanked me a lot too. I told them I will definitely be back to see them again, which made them happy!! I am going to miss all of them and miss the conversation I got to have with Dr. Meza. I am going to wonder what happened to certain patients and wonder if others were okay. But, when I realize that I have that curiosity and care for people, I realize I have found something I love and that my future should be exciting. Today really reaffirmed my desire and excitement for treating patients in the future.
On the other side of things....the bugs have finally found me. I have more bug bites than I have ever had in my life; I itch so bad. The first week here they didnt bother me at all, but now I want to rip my skin off. If it was possible to overdose on deet, I would have already been in the hospital. I am starting to think the mosquitos have super powers and are immune to deet.
Tonight we had chilli for dinner which was a great change; for once in my life I am sick of chicken and craving beef. It was really good chilli but some cheddar cheese and crackers would have topped it off nicely. Instead, I had tortillas with it. At least they were home made..yum :) For the rest of the night I am just going to read my book and relax. Tomorrow we are back to our free clinic with all of the other volunteers!
Hope everyone is having a good week and I will see most of you soon!
P.S. I cannot believe I only have 2 more full days here :( Boy how time flies!
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