Our last full day of camp and the lines are at their longest yet. Out in the cold, clear air Kate, Kazi, and Min, our registration team, recorded weights, age, name, and primary complaint before sending patients to have their vital signs measured by Carol, Eileen, and their volunteer aids. In total 509 patients were registered and 844 consultations were completed.
Over in room 4, Doctors Bibek, Dipanjali, and Marian all attended to a middle-aged woman weighing only 35kg with a constant tremor, difficulty walking, and progressive wasting. Her condition appears chronic as her symptoms have persisted over the past four years. However, a diagnosis is elusive. She may be suffering from an endocrine dysfunction. Arrangements have been made for her to see a specialist in Pokhara soon.
A couple hours later, a family of three siblings and their mother came into the same room. All three siblings exhibit difficulty with movement but have exaggerated reflex responses. All three began exhibiting symptoms at age 2 and their symptoms have only gotten worse as the three have grown to 14, 18, and 22 respectively. The doctors suspect a neurological disorder and the family had been referred to visit a neurologist in Pokhara.
In room 5, Dr. Khambir met with the family of a young boy who exhibited signs of possible muscular dystrophy. He can walk, but has trouble with some movements and full mobility. Again, only a trip to Pokhara and further testing can reveal the underlying issue.
Meanwhile, over the past couple days, the midwives have been noting a number of uterine prolapse cases. None of the cases are severe, but the condition still causes discomfort and other complications for the women. We intend next year to carry pessary devices, which helps hold the uterus up, for the women to use. The midwives are also looking into what vital, additional supplies might be provided to the birthing center where yesterday’s baby boy was born. For example, the center lacks an infant resuscitation ambu bag, a pediatric stethoscope, and heater for the rooms.
After lunch, we got the pleasure of seeing some of our favorite return patients. One, a little girl of 5 years old came in with her grandmother wearing her special, extra thick glasses. Three years ago she had surgery to remove bilateral congenital cataracts. Another young boy who is deaf and mute also came back. He has gone before for testing and treatment in Kathmandu and we are now hoping to arrange a spot for him in a school for deaf and mute children in Pokhara.
Tomorrow we will hold our last consultations during a half-day registration period before returning back down the mountain to Ale Gaun.
Interested in chipping in or learning more about how we do the work we do?
- Check out our donor organization One World One Heart foundation and donate to the Nepal Health Camp initiative. Any amount of support is appreciated to help us continue our work!
- You can also donate to Himalayan Quest Foundation and help fund the other projects they host in the Himalayas.
For more information on donating or volunteering from the US contact delendres@gmail.com
For more information on donating or volunteering from Nepal contact info@hqfoundation.org.np