PT Will Travel

2011-08-03T16:05:00.001-07:00

Typical day:
7 am--morning meeting. Updates from hospital departments (internal medicine, surgery, pediatrics, observation which is like an emergency department, and cholera unit) and overnight activity like admissions and discharges and census. Other hospital-wide announcements. Then a brief presentation. We've had UTI presentation / treatment in infants and children, DVT prevention, and radiology cases from ortho and internal medicine. This lasts from 30 mins to 45 min and is conducted in both French and English.
After meeting: rounds. I've been going on surgery rounds which is awesome since PT can chime in and clarify orders (esp. post op) and get to see wounds and radiographs.
9 am: PT meeting to assign inpatients. In theory outpatients have appointments for what day to return, but usually just show up and wait until someone can see them.
9:15-11:45 am: treat patients, or for me supervise students.
12 - 1:30 pm: lunch. We walk 5 min to our house for lunch and some down time during the heat. Sitting in front of a fan is awesome.
1:30 - 4:00 pm: see the rest of the patients, sign student notes, follow up on stuff from the morning. All while sweating a lot.
4 pm: we've heard a rumor this is when peds rounds are, but after 2 days sweating in the hallway until almost 4:30 with no luck, we may give up on this.
After work: go to the house and change so we can walk 5 min to the pool. It is so nice when you are sweaty and tired just to swim around a bit.
Try to get back to the house before 6 pm so we don't miss the evening water!
Evening: have dinner, chat, fill out our daily logs about the students and cases, plan for tomorrow. Also time to email, read, chat, and watch a movie on the computer. I'm usually in bed before 10, sometimes 9, but often read or watch something on the computer for a bit. The power goes out for a few minutes at 10 pm and 3:30 am, so best to not be up and about because its super dark and I don't want to run into any bugs!

2011-08-03T10:50:00.001-07:00

Sorry for the lack of updates, it's been busy! Plus, the Internet isn't so good here which make updating difficult.

I'm one of 2 PTs supervising the 6 rehab tech students. They've been on clinical for 4 weeks, and will get a week off after our 2 weeks with them. They are seeing adult and peds inpatients and peds outpatients.

We have a special cholera unit here, as this is the original cholera region, and the rainy season has brought it back. They are cordoned off, have a triage tent, an area for the very ill, and then a few tens for those getting better. There is a shower/bathroom tent and an education table. When you leave the area you have to wash your hands with soap and water (not normal here) and have the bottom of your shoes sprayed with disinfectant.

Big news today is Hurricane Emily is supposed to hit tonight. However, not a lot of details about how bad they think it might be or any precautions we should take.

Dino

2011-07-30T16:20:00.000-07:00

2011-07-30T12:39:00.001-07:00

Deschappelles is great so far. I'm in a great house, am getting familiar with it's quirks. Big difference is we only have running water for 3 hours a day (3 one hour periods; 6 am, noon, and 6 pm). Did venture over to the pool on campus. Also plotting to go to the beach (1 to 1.5 hour drive in a taptap) next weekend, either for the day vs overnight. We've decided to acclimate today after the long traveling day yesterday, and save getting organized and oriented until tomorrow.

Thunderstorm I coming--big looming black clouds and audible thunder. Seems to be an afternoon occurrence here.

I know I'll fit in since someone in the house is playing Love Shack!

Safely in back in Port au Prince

2011-07-28T14:01:00.000-07:00

Five hours to get from Cayes to PaP--pretty much the same as last time, but with a bit more drama. It probably didn't help that I was more awake this trip (still sleep deprived, but not going on 36 hours of being awake like the trip out to Cayes). Interesting traffic-related drama I can remember includes:

Donkey running away from owner right in front of our Land Cruiser when we were going about 60 mph.
Road shared with the following: people and children walking, motorbikes with up to 4 or 5 people on them sometimes with no helmets, cars, trucks, mac trucks, tap taps (mini vans or trucks that act like buses STUFFED with people and sometimes with stuff stacked on top), vendors selling stuff, rocks, debris, donkeys, and we even saw a guy in a wheelchair.
My neck is handling all the driving sitting in the back of the Land Cruiser facing sideways remarkable well. Better than my backside, in fact.
Swerving around while honking is how you pass here. The road is only two lanes (if that). Read #2 again and imagine that.
Ate half a 'sandwiche fromage' at the truck stop. Reminded me of pannini at the train station in Europe, since it was toasted and melty. Hasn't made me sick yet, and highly recommended.

We had super big thunderstorm lasting all night last night, so sorry for no update. I did add some photos over on FB (open account, anyone can view): http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.2215388714051.2130245.1527584939&l=aea6c348d4&type=1

If I get motivated tonight, I may put the ones I took at Bonne Fin and the ride out here to PaP up tonight. Turns out I leave tomorrow for Deschappelles (thank goodness for international phone service so I could get that phone call while we were on the road) and on to Hopital Albert Schweitzer. Cannot wait!

PaP (Port au Prince) is depressing and hopeful. There were signs of rebuilding, but also a lot of trash and rubble and poverty. And that's just what I saw from the road. Also, lots of UN and UNICEF trucks. The MTI Team House here is amazing--very nice, swanky by Haiti standards. I don't know about the armed guard at the gate, I suppose it's necessary but it's a reminder of how safe I felt in Cayes and how potentially unsafe PaP can be.

Well, looks like rain is coming and sounds like there may be distant thunder. The breeze is certainly nice, and the humidity here doesn't seem as bad. Looking forward to being TIRED tonight and sleeping in an air conditioned room. The adventure begins again tomorrow. I don't know how able I will be to update from Deschappelles, so these may be short (via text).

2011-07-25T21:26:00.001-07:00

One of my patients with his Papa.
It's the small luxuries--a quick shower before bed, fans blowing on you, fresh grenadia (passion fruit juice)--that make up for the living conditions and sad stories. I will admit I am thankful for my electric toothbrush, and while it seems extravagant, it makes a nice end to a grueling day.

Tomorrow it's up into the mountains to Bonne Fin to see the large hospital there and consult on some patients. I can't believe it's almost time to leave Cayes ad head back to the crazy "civilization" of Port au Prince before heading to Deschappelles!

I almost forgot the craziest thing that happened today--I was sitting on this small stool to work wit a gentleman's ankle, stood up and picked up the stool to find a tarantula under it! A live, hairy, big brown tarantula! I didn't scream, but gasped and pointed and then put the stool back over it to keep it from walking anywhere near me. I then made Berto (one of our translators) take it outside. Carmen found it's friend later in the back room. Crazy!

Photos live! part deux

2011-07-24T13:55:00.003-07:00

More photos: http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.2215388714051.2130245.1527584939&l=aea6c348d4&type=1

[Should be an open Facebook album, so anyone can take a look. And no bug photos! Or at least not yet!]

Sunday

2011-07-24T09:07:00.000-07:00

I'm glad we decided in the beach yesterday, since we had a bit of a downpour this morning. Thankfully now the sun is out, and we are hoping for a cooler day today--96 F with maybe 95% humidity.

Yesterday at Port Salut was another gorgeous day, helped by a few cold Prestige beers, some fried fish, and a plate of frites. A few bites of avocado and spicy slaw, and it was another fantastic meal. I remembered to out in sunscreen so I am also not burned.

Did some laundry last night when the generator was running, so at least I will have fresh clothes for this week.

It's my last week here in Cayes, and should go fast. Ulrike, the German pedi PT I worked with some stopped by the clinic in Friday and kindly worked an invitation for us to see the hospital in Bonne Fin where she's been volunteering lately. We are scheduled to go on Tuesday afternoon. Wednesday morning a local artisan is bringing his trinkets for some front door shopping, along with Mde Max who will have coffee for sale. We are going to work Thursday morning at the clinic, but will be driving back to Port au Prince that afternoon. I'm staying in PaP until Saturday afternoon when I catch a ride to Deschapplles. I'm hoping to visit the MTI clinic in PaP on Friday, but could also happily spend the day doing my laundry and catching up on sleep.

Well, I hear banging from the prosthetic shop, so I think I'll go see if Marvin and Carmen need a hand.

I'll try to upload a few more photos (Internet seems to be good today), especially the ones of the cow on the beach. No that isn't a typo. (And Joy, I won't post any photos of bugs, so you're safe!)

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Photos live!

2011-07-22T13:40:00.000-07:00

I finally got the photos I took (mostly of Port Salut) to load! Check them out http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.2215388714051.2130245.1527584939&l=aea6c348d4&type=1

2011-07-22T06:18:00.001-07:00

Exciting night last night--bathroom fail with water all over the floor and hallway with a visit by the plumber, huge thunder storm with downpour, and then power outage at 4:30 am with the need to start the generator!

My bites match my sheets!

2011-07-21T12:58:00.000-07:00

Dinner

2011-07-20T16:19:00.000-07:00

Beans & rice with sauce, roast chicken, beet & potato salad, spicy slaw, and avocado. With citron!

Helping make prosthesis

2011-07-20T14:19:00.000-07:00

Ed & Taryn removing plaster from inside of a prosthetic leg. We hung out with Marvin and watched him make a leg and adjust the foot on it this afternoon.

Let me try to explain how hot it is here...

2011-07-20T13:23:00.000-07:00

Sorry about no update yesterday. The internet was super slow and the wifi was acting up at the house. Seems to have fixed itself (even our attempts at resetting the router had no effect) by this morning, so here I am.

Clinic and the inpatients are going well. There's a lot a pediatric patients with developmental delay and/or what seems to be CP (hey, cut me a little slack, I'm a GERIATRIC clinical specialist). I am glad they are coming, but feel very inadequate. Then I remember if I wasn't here they would be getting nothing. No PT at all. So it's a bit easier to at least try what I can. Taryn and Ed even think my one girl that is coming every day (so tomorrow will be 5 days) seems to be doing a bit better. At least now this little one will talk to me and doesn't seem so scared. She's a bit easier to work with, just seems to have physical problems and is so smart. She names colors and counts and tries to get away with stuff with me, she's so sharp! At least for some of the more challenging kids (one who has really low tone and is very floppy, and another who has a lot of tone and is very stiff) we've decided to treat with at least 2 if not all 3 of us. More heads are better than one when you're trying to do a bunch of stuff!

The inpatients are pretty interesting. We've got 2 patients with burns, one pretty severe on both his arms and his legs. They are healing up, only one open area, and yesterday and today marked the first time since his burn (at least a month ago) that he's been up walking. He's a champ, and his daughter was so happy. They think he might be able to go home in a few weeks and we are hoping he can be walking by himself with a cane by then. Another inpatient is pseudo-famous. He had cholera in January and developed a very rare reaction to the saline solution used to treat the cholera that gave him paralysis. For those medical types, they thought he developed Guillian-Barre, but it turned out it was this rare reaction. He's the only person in Haiti know to have survived this reaction, and he's walking now with some bracing and a platform walker. Today he went up and down a long steep ramp we have at the clinic, as well as up and down the stairs.

The heat is oppressive. I don't know how to explain it, and I don't know if I'm not tolerating it as well as last year or if I just blocked out how awful it is. Nonetheless, it's hot. Damn hot. Hella hot. So hot that after the 2 block walk to the house after clinic this afternoon at about 3 pm I'm all tired and completely sweated through. Mind you, at the clinic and in the hospital I'm hot. But at least there are a few fans and I'm indoors in the shade and I'm occupied doing things while I'm being so hot. In the afternoon, after clinic, without much to distract me....hot. Too hot. Damn hot. Hella hot. So hot that your sweaty, sweaty clothes aren't really all that smelly because you are constantly sweating and there is no time for the bacteria that cause the smelliness to grow. That hot.

The food continues to amaze me, and the cooks here are so sweet. It's been nearly a week since Taryn, Ed, and I arrived and they have figured out what we like. So they keep making those things. Or they do little things. Taryn loves hot sauce, now they've figured that out they keep getting the Tabasco out of the fridge and handing it to her when she's making up her plate. Or that Ed likes tea in the morning, so they have a small bowl of water for him either already heated or all ready for the microwave. So adorable, and so very, very kind!

I promise to try to upload some more photos, if the internet holds, later tonight. For now I'm off to reply to some email and take a nap. I hope it rains tonight, since that helps a bit with the heat and certainly helps me sleep a bit more.

2011-07-18T11:02:00.001-07:00

Lunch! Polenta, beans, spicy slaw, goat with carrots and onions, and pineapple! With fresh citron juice!

Port Salut and serious chillin'

2011-07-17T15:16:00.000-07:00

Back from a gorgeous day over in Port Salut. The ride was nice, through the countryside and over the mountain to the southern coast of Haiti, a bit farther west than Les Cayes. We went to the same beach I celebrated my 40th birthday at last year. It's a beautiful beach, very shallow with great blues and greens and white sand. Had the lobster with frites again (because you don't mess with a good thing), and some of the local Prestige beer. Gotta love Haiti time--we ordered right when we got there at about 10:45 am and were told it would take 35 minutes. A little of 2.5 hours later, voila lunch!

What I learned today...part of the reason Port Salut is so pretty and developed (it even has a bit of a tourist trade with 3 hotels on the beach) is because this is where Aristide was from. He had a private airstrip so he could fly here for weekends when he was dictator. The UN now uses the airstrip for helicopters.

I swam a bunch, read a bit (thank you Kindle, for handling the sun so wonderfully), had some more beer, practiced my French with Harold (our driver), practiced my Spanish with Carmen, and otherwise had a great day. Also got to listen to the Women's World Cup final match in the car on the way home. I loved how the announcer was speaking French but when anything exciting would happen he would slip into Kreyol. Hee. From what I caught, it was exciting to the end. Too bad for the US, but at least it was a great game. I also loved driving past small, cinder block houses to see people all crowded at the doors and windows watching the game on the few TVs that people have hear, as well as hearing all the radios turned up with the game.

I'm a bit uncomfortable right now. I've got a bunch of bites from something (I don't think mosquitoes) and have added a bit of a sunburn on my shoulders and upper back. Whatever. It was a great day. I did take photos, so I will try to upload those later tonight!

As Cholera Surges In Haiti, Aid Withers Away

2011-07-16T16:13:00.000-07:00

I found the following story on the NPR iPhone App:
http://www.npr.org/blogs/health/2011/07/15/138161193/as-cholera-surges-in-haiti-aid-withers-away?sc=17&f=1001

As Cholera Surges In Haiti, Aid Withers Away
by Richard Knox

- July 15, 2011

Cholera is back in Haiti.

Well, in truth, cholera hasn't gone away since it was introduced last October, possibly by infected U.N. peacekeepers from South Asia. And undoubtedly cholera will plague Haiti for many years to come because it's nearly impossible to eradicate from the environment.

But new numbers show an upsurge in cholera since the rainy season arrived this spring. Between April and June, the Haitian health ministry reports more than 86,000 new cholera cases – one-quarter of all the cholera reported since the beginning of the epidemic.

In 11 largely rural communities, Shots has learned, cases nearly quadrupled between April and June, from 3,932 to 14,425. Cholera hospitalizations in these areas went up nearly six-fold.

Meanwhile, health workers say the international support that came to Haiti's aid during the peak of the cholera epidemic last fall and winter has withered.

"We have a smaller pool of people responding and similar caseloads to what we were seeing the later part of last year," Cate Oswald of the medical aid group Partners in Health told Shots. "So we're working double- and triple-time with very limited resources. We're quickly going through dedicated cholera funds."

Speaking from Mirebalais, a town 40 miles northeast of Port-au-Prince, Oswald says the latest surge in cholera cases has been relatively invisible in the most remote towns and villages, sometimes inaccessible to cars or trucks.

"In areas where there are zero latrines and no effort to improve water hygiene, we're seeing caseloads as high as the early days," Oswald says. "When the rains come, as people defecate in the fields out of necessity, all this is running into rivers. So it's just this ongoing cycle."

Recently, Oswald says, she got a call from a health worker in Petite Montagne, a hamlet five hours by foot on a rutted mountainous road from the nearest clinic in the Boucan Carre region. The health worker reported 14 people who needed to get to a cholera treatment center immediately.

Untreated, cholera can kill within eight hours from overwhelming fluid loss. Timely treatment with rehydration is cheap and life-saving.

The Partners in Health clinic in Boucan Carre had been aware of a cholera outbreak in Petite Montagne because dehydrated patients had been arriving by stretcher, carried for hours by family members over the rutted road. In the past two weeks, the group realized it had to get more help to the mountain town.

"Petite Montagne has needed help for months," Oswald says. "But when we realized how many people are being infected in this new wave, we said there's no way we can't do this."

It took a day and a half to mobilize supplies and workers and walk them to Petite Montagne.

In responding to cholera, time equals lives saved. So Partners in Health recently purchased 120 cell phones for about $10,000 and is distributing them to its far-flung community health workers.

The phones have been programmed (in Creole) to allow easy input of cholera cases and deaths, how much oral rehydration and intravenous fluid packs are on hand, where trucks are needed to take the most severely ill to treatment centers, and how much water-purifying tablets and bars of soap are available.

"As the rains have come, it's been incredibly hard to get this data," Oswald says. The cellphones will help speed the response and give the Haitian ministry of health a better picture of what's happening in rural areas.

Meanwhile, debate is still grinding on about whether to deploy cholera vaccine to reduce the accumulating numbers of cases and deaths. So far Haiti has counted nearly 380,000 cases and more than 5,500 deaths since mid-October.

Earlier this month, a meeting of vaccine advisers to the Pan American Health Organization in Buenos Aires recommended small-scale projects in Haiti to vaccinate against cholera in "underserved urban and rural areas."

Last December, a high-level meeting of the Pan American Health Organization in Washington concluded that large-scale cholera vaccination should be considered in Haiti.

But the Haitian government, worried about civil unrest among people who couldn't get vaccine, turned down one manufacturer's offer to donate tens of thousands of its vaccine. And this month, PAHO's expert advisers worried about competition between vaccination against cholera and other diseases.

Meanwhile, health workers are trying to cope, anticipating that cholera caseloads will continue to increase.

"August and September are the peak hurricane months, and we notoriously have very heavy rains in that time," Oswald says. "So we're preparing ourselves. We're putting cholera treatment centers under tin roofs with plywood walls and concrete floors instead of tarps and tents. We know cholera is not going away." [Copyright 2011 National Public Radio]

To learn more about the NPR iPhone app, go to http://iphone.npr.org/recommendnprnews

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Rewarding Saturday

2011-07-16T13:00:00.000-07:00

Last night was crazy! It rained so hard for hours and hours and hours, complete with thunder and lightening! I thought at first that the sound of the rain was being magnified by the tin roof, then remembered there's a whole other floor above the one I'm staying on. And then I looked outside...I've never seen rain like this. I can't imagine what a terror a hurricane must be here! It had stopped by this morning, and the sun is out and by now nearly everything (including the dirt roads) is dry.

Today we all decided to donate some of our time to the Sisters of Charity orphanage in Les Cayes. Marvin and Carmen casted a bunch of kids for braces and orthotics they will have their 2 apprentices work on this week, while Taryn, Ed, and I treated some of the kids with disabilities and showed the regular caregivers some techniques they could use with these kids. I don't even know how many kids I saw in the 2 hours we were there (5 maybe), but it was great. I've done zero pediatric PT outside of my course in school and the more post-op ortho stuff we would get at the hospital every now and again (scoliosis surgery, fractures), but found I remember more than I thought and put my neuro skills, NDT in particular, to good use. Two of the kids I saw were also blind, which was extra difficult because playing games is very much complicated by the language barrier, their development problems, and no vision. I did get smiles from everyone of them, even the last little girl who was so complex I nearly gave up.

We also got a tour from Sister Guadalupe. The center has health care and hospice for adults with HIV/AIDS and advanced Tb. The whole second floor is for pediatrics, which 4 classrooms, 2 activity rooms, a quiet dark room, a sensory integration room, a treatment room, dorms for boys and girls, and a mini-hospital room for the sickest children. It was a bit overwhelming, many of these children were abandoned because of their problems or are orphans because of the earthquake. They do have some normally developing orphans who are up for adoption. Five of these kids were having a French lesson and sang us a welcome song and practiced their English. Four of them are awaiting adoption in the US, so practicing the little bit of English was important to Sister so they can at least understand something when they go with their new parents. She said the earthquake has made adoption by US families much easier, and for that she is grateful. [PS Kristin--no, I didn't ask about taking any of them home with me, but it was a great temptation!]

This is the same order of nuns as Mother Teresa, and I can see the similarities. The three sisters we met were all sharply intelligent, spoke multiple languages (Kreyol, French, English, Spanish), and clearly loved their work. They admitted to being overwhelmed and challenged by having to make decisions about which child might get what (braces, therapy, more schooling), but clearly had the best interests of all the children in mind. It was both heartbreaking and inspiring, all at the same time. I think we may go back next Saturday to deliver the braces and work with the kids a bit more, and I really hope we do.

We decided that since tomorrow the cooks are off, we would delay our trip to the beach until then. That way we can have a great fish and/or lobster lunch. We plan on leaving early (before 9 am) for Port Salut, which is about a 45 minute drive. If the weather's anything like today, it should be great...high 90s with about 90% humidity and a few high clouds.

We made a quick stop by the Les Cayes wharf, which sadly is covered in garbage. There's what could be a cute little beach that is about 10 feet (yes, 10 FEET) deep with washed up garbage of all kinds. Then, before coming back home for lunch we stopped by the market to get a few local beers to go with dinner. The gentleman at the market was hilarious. He kept wanting to practice his Spanish with Marvin and Carmen (they are from Nicaragua), even carefully announcing the total in Spanish.

If you'd like to support my trip here, please click the link to the right. I can still take donations, and would love your support!

First day on a Friday is good!

2011-07-15T17:57:00.000-07:00

First working day in Haiti went really well. The other two PTs here, who just got married 3 weeks ago, are awesome! Just that right attitude to jump in there and go for it, tempered with a healthy dose of respect for another culture. I am looking forward to what could be a great 2 weeks!

Saw some familiar faces today, mostly staff at the clinic. There were 2 patients from last year. One was here today for a prosthetic adjustment with the prothetists, but recognized me right off and gave me a big hug. The other was one of my favorite patients who was unfortunately back with an amputation to his remaining foot that hasn't been healing well. He was the older gentleman who made me practice my French who had a poorly healing tibial amputation last year. Diabetes is terrible at home, but here with the less than hygienic living arrangements and dust or mud everywhere outside, it is even worse.

Growth area for me today-- treated a sweet girl with what I presume was CP. Even got her to count and name colors for me by the end of the session, which was great as she was a bit afraid of the 'blanc' when we started.

I am also pleased (probably way too pleased) to announce that I seem to have remembered a bunch of my PT Kreyol/French from last year! We've got translators, but I do like being able to ask simple questions and give simple directions on my own.

Marvin and Carmen, the two prothetists here, took us for a short hike around the village, out to the river, and by the local market this afternoon. I had forgotten how miserable the heat and humidity are, but think I'm almost used to sweating constantly again. Hiking in it was awful, but the great views of the mountains and the interested stares of the locals help take my mind off the heat.

It's been a wonderful 41st birthday here in Haiti!

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Arrived!

2011-07-14T18:50:00.000-07:00

Wow, it's been a LONG day! But after two flight with an obscene layover in the middle of the night and then an epic drive from Port au Prince to Les Cayes...I've had a cold shower, a pizza dinner, washed my face and brushed my teeth and I'm now resting horizontal with a nice fan blowing an crickets outside.

Marvin and Carmen, the prothetists, are still here and were able to give me an updated to changes in the clinic. It's great having 2 other PTs here so we can be a little team. Even more fortunate that tomorrow is Friday, so clinic will be slow and we can all orient and not have to rush. That will be Monday! Even better Marvin said we should go to the beach if the weather cooperates this weekend!

Nighty night!

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2011-07-13T15:12:00.001-07:00

Packed and off to the airport! The black bag is donations for the Advantage clinic, the larger blue bag is all my stuff for nearly 5 weeks, and the backpack's my carry on/laptop. Let the adventure begin!

Today's heroes....Phil & Jim

2011-07-12T10:11:00.000-07:00

A big thanks to Phil & Jim for their donations to support my trip. You guys are great! Who wants to be a hero tomorrow? Just click the donation link and it could be you!

Still need to do some last minute shopping, but I do feel much less anxious today. It also helps that I've confirmed a ride to the airport, and that all my in-country travel has been figured out (for as much as people picking me up in their trucks and driving me around Haiti can be).

My to-do list for the next 24 hours:

Get some Advil that's not in gelcap form. Gelcaps and humidity don't mix well.
Triple check my personal first aid kit. I think I'm missing some stuff (itch cream for bites, meds for possible tummy issues), but had more than I thought.
Do laundry! Nothing worse than returning home after being gone this long to a pile of dirty clothes to go with the dirty clothes you brought back with you. Except for not having clean sheets on your bed.
Debate about what clothes to bring. Alternate between thinking I've got too many, then too few. Then worry I will have nothing appropriate to wear in NYC. Rinse, repeat.
PACK!

Last night was a bit hilarious. I had all the outlets in the living room occupied with chargers (camera batteries, solar charger, Kindle, iPhone, MacBook). Must find a way to deal with the tangle of cords I need to bring as well.

Today's my last day at work. I will be doing a bit of work from home tomorrow morning, it was the only day 4 of us could find to record a podcast discussing a recent journal article for PTJ, but plan on doing last minute errands and packing (and re-packing) prior to my pick up for the airport at 1:15 pm (thanks, Tricia!). Wish me luck!

OMG...less than 48 hours to departure!

2011-07-11T21:21:00.000-07:00

It's a bit sad to read back at last year's blog.
A) People were so much more interested in Haiti. It was in the news. Now, not so much. Needs still there, but the lack of media attention is a bit sad.
B) I was so much more organized! I just confirmed some within country transportation details about 2 hours ago. Two hours ago! I still have shopping for supplies to do, and I don't even have a list of what I need! I got my anti-malarial prescription filled last week, on the last day I could because I have to start taking those a week before I leave!
C) I'm taking some work with me. This may be a great plan, since it will mean I will have my computer (doesn't mean I'll find reliable internet access). But I had hoped to be farther ahead on some work projects so that I wouldn't have to bring it with me.
D) I've done a lousy job soliciting donations. Way lousy.

On the up side, I don't feel nearly as anxious about getting to Port au Prince. I'm not too nervous about what things will be like on a daily basis. I know I love the food, and I know I will adore working so hard I make knee sweat stains on my scrubs every day. I also know I'm excited because lots of the people I will be working with will be new, and some will be around from last year.

Most of all, I'm excited. And friends and family are excited for me. Which is a big help.

If you'd like to make a tax-deductible donation to support my trip, please click the link over there. Secure online donation you can write off! I could use the support, so please give if you can. Thanks!

Donation Requests, 2011 edition

2011-06-21T14:00:00.000-07:00

It's that time...shilling for donations.You guys were great last time with your generous donations of everything from cash to snacks to clothing to supplies. This year I'm focusing on medical and other equipment for the clinic, since a lot of the personal items donated last year I can bring again this year.

Things in Haiti still need your help. I appreciate everyone's donations, large and small. And thanks in advance!

Medical equipment for clinic use:

Ace elastic wraps (4 inch and 6 inch): this is the biggest need. These are used to shape a persons residual limb (aka stump) so they can get fitted for a prosthesis. This is the first step in getting a person with an amputation at limb. Very essential, and is short supply!
Stump shrinkers, especially for transfemoral amputees (all sizes): Used to shape the residual limb and to pad the skin so the prosthesis doesn't rub it and make blisters. Very needed, but if you don't work in medicine, hard to find.
Latex-free gloves: large or extra large. These are always needed!

Everyday stuff for use at the clinic:

Cheap panty house (any size or color): these are used in the fabrication of the prostheses. They can be used, but can't have any runs (or only one small one), otherwise they don't work right.
Zip-lock bags (quart and gallon size)
Men's briefs (sizes med & large
Women's underwear (sizes 6 & 7)

Donations to for me to use at the clinic:

Scrubs (XL preferred, any color except white): this is what I wear to work in. I left mine there last year for other staff and patients to use, and don't expect any in stock for me. I will again leave these at the clinic on my departure for the Haitian staff and patients to use.
Electrolyte gel (Clif Bloks preferred): these saved me when I was sick during last year's trip. Easy to eat when you don't feel well, loaded with electrolytes which deplete fast with the heat/humidity, and tasty.
Cheap ballpoint pens (black ink preferred): To use and leave at the clinic. No one can ever have enough pens. Heck, send me some with your company name/logo and be famous in Haiti!

Donations to support the costs of room, board, translation services, and transportation costs:

I'm again funding myself to the East Coast. Any monetary donation would fund travel from NYC to Haiti, my on the group transport in Haiti, room/board, and translation assistance at the clinic. New this year, your donation through Medical Teams International is tax-deductible! It goes to fund my costs, but goes through them so you can write it off! If I raise more money than my costs, they will save it for my trip next year! Click this link to donate to help with my costs! Just click my name, and voila!

Donating supplies? You can drop them off outside my office door at the SMU campus or email me and I'll send you my address so you can mail them to me. Remember, I am departing on July 13, so donations should be to my by July 11 if possible so I have time to pack them all up!

I'm doing the 'Blog Roll of Fame' again this year, so join those who've already made generous donations and get your name in lights on the internets! Thanks again!

I leave in less than a month? What?!

2011-06-20T12:59:00.000-07:00

Less than 1 month until I leave for 4 weeks in Haiti. I've been shamefully neglectful of this blog, and also shamefully neglectful in doing other preparatory stuff like raising funds, gathering donations, and even making sure I've got all I need. I can't tell if I'm a) procrastinating, b) really busy, c) jaded as this is my second trip in 2 years, or d) in denial. And no, e) all of the above is NOT an option. Or at least I hope it's not an option!

I did make my trek to the travel doctor this last weekend. Nice to know I am all caught up on my immunizations (I even have a few years left before I need boosters for some of them!). I got my prescriptions for anti-malarials and some antibiotics so I don't have to deplete the limited supplies at either of my host hospitals. Self-sufficiency is a must! My health insurance has changed a bit from last year, especially my prescription coverage, so it will be interesting to see how the costs differ. I still find it a bit maddening that some of these drugs and immunizations are covered (the malarials are to a point, and the flu shot) while others I am responsible for (like Hep A immunizations). I understand travel isn't necessary, but you'd think some of this would benefit my insurance, as I will be certainly cheaper to cover if I'm NOT sick.

I was pleased to hear last week from Advantage Haiti and Medical Teams International (MTI) that there are 2 other PTs arrving into Port au Prince the same day as I am, so we can all 'carpool' in the taptap out to Cayes together. One travel-related piece of lonlieness resolved! I'm also excited since that means there will be others in the clinic & guesthouse while I'm there (at least that first week)!

On my to do list:

Contact MTI/Advantage Haiti to get list of donations they are in need of, forward to students/faculty/staff at SMU to see if I can get donations.
Find myself scrubs! I left all my scrubs there last year, so I find myself scrub-less, so to speak.
Stock up on power bars, electrolyte gel, and other snacks to pack.
Start inventory of my supplies to figure out what I even need to get!
Post here more regularly!

And today's Haiti-related link, I saw this on KevinMD's blog today...music & health in Haiti.

2011 Plans Confirmed!

2011-04-05T13:41:00.000-07:00

So everything is set. I'm leaving for Haiti on July 13 (arrive on the 14th), and will spend 2 weeks in Les Cayes with the Advantage Haiti program through MTI. I will then fly and drive to Deschappelle for 2 weeks at HAS. I'll be returning to the States on Aug 13, and spending 4 days in NYC before coming home.

I'm getting excited. I'm scheduled my travel doctor visit to check my immunizations and get more prescriptions for Cipro and anti-malarials. I've started to inventory my supplies--I will definitely need scrubs and a few other consumables. I also need to confirm any donations that the clinic needs. Details, details, details. This is where I like to be--plans confirmed, details in flux.

Shout out to Judy, Reuben, and Pat for donating! Remember, you can donate towards my 2 weeks in Cayes and towards my airfare (tax-deductible!) through Medical Teams International http://www.medicalteams.org/netcommunity/page.aspx?pid=405&tab=0&frsid=215

2011 Haiti Birthday Plans

2011-03-22T15:40:00.000-07:00

I'm working hard to coordinate my 2 weeks at Advantage Haiti in Les Cayes with my 2 weeks at Hopital Albert Schweizer in Deschappelles.

I do have my donation page LIVE! This year Advantage Haiti is under the sponsorship of Medical Teams International (MTI). Through MTI you can make a tax-deductible donation to support my travel and my first two weeks in Haiti! $35 sponsors my room & board for one day, or $100 can sponsor a comprehensive day (travel, translation, guesthouse)! Coming soon, I hope to have another donation page for the final 2 weeks.

As always, I appreciate your support in all forms and at all levels.

2011 planning underway

2010-11-08T21:31:00.000-08:00

Confirmed...I will be supervising rehabilitation tech students at Hopital Albert Schweizer in Deschappelles, Haiti for two weeks (tentatively July 28-Aug 13). Now to try and coordinate the 2 weeks prior back at Advantage Haiti in Les Cayes.

Stay tuned. And this year I should be able to swing any donations you make into tax deductible donations!

Home, but plotting my return

2010-09-12T20:34:00.000-07:00

The logistics of the Advantage Program have been moved to Medical Teams International. In anticipation of my (eventual) return to Haiti, I submitted my application. I also am starting to work with Health Volunteers Overseas, after meeting Diane while in Haiti, and hope to split my time in Haiti between the two programs.

Allison Kwessel, a great person and photographer extraordinaire, visited Les Cayes while I was there. She created this slide show with some of the great photographs she took.

Sad, last day

2010-07-30T13:44:00.000-07:00

Today's been sad. I'm glad it was busier than I thought it might be, as that kept the goodbyes to a minimum and kept them quicker.

Rose, who had a bad fracture in the earthquake, got her orthotic lift and shoe lift fitted today. I will admit, I gave her my tennis shoes. She was nearly my size, and since she didn't have any tennis shoes to build up to fix her length length problem. She was so cute smiling and wearing her new shoes and saying how she didn't feel crooked anymore!

I just returned from a little celebration for my departure--a prayer, thank you's, cake and soda. I even got a beautiful Haitian painting of a landscape scene. So touching, and yes--I did cry.

I also had a patient bring me a gift, a small Haitian carving. He was such a hard worker and such a fun patient. I still have to say goodbye to my dear Mr. Bernard upstairs. He had hoped to be walking better by the time I left, but had a stump revision last week, and has been adorable doing his arm exercises in his wheelchair.

I am so grateful that I came, and I'm so touched. Everyone has been so warm and welcoming. I can't wait to return next year.

Tomorrow's my last day!?

2010-07-29T09:29:00.000-07:00

Today was crazy in its own way. A person from another group NOT at our
guesthouse got the same intestinal bug I had last week (and which has
been passed around too much for anyone's liking...rotovirus?) and we
ended up taking him to the hospital this morning. He wasn't willing to
be admitted so he was on a cot in our tiny 'office' taking up the
little private space we have. I didn't get into why he didn't go
upstairs, and just made the best of it.

The pack of 'girls' staying at the rehab center crack me up. They are
dropped off here in the morning and stay until the afternoon. We see
them intermittently for one on one therapy, the prosthetists work on
adjusting their new legs, and we have them doing stretches, exercises,
and practice gait on their own. They do work pretty hard but there is
a certain amount of sitting around. They always want their picture
taken and they get reliably whiny in the afternoon near the end of the
day when it's hot. I will miss them, they've kept us so busy this week.

Mary, a translator who I just met today, recognized my accent when
speaking Creole was French, and even complimented me on my "beautiful"
pronounciation! Madame Tanny would be so proud!

I am not really grasping that tomorrow is my last day, and nearly
forgot to say 'au revoir' to Madame Shaller, the peds therapist! I am
happy that everyone, including some of the patients I've follow all
three weeks, have asked when I'm coming back. I'm very pleased that
June and Advantage Haiti want me to come back.

I'm familiar enough with trips like this that really change me to know
I won't digest even half of what this experience has done for me for a
few months. What I do know, I've been touched and changed by these
three weeks. It's given me an expanded view of what I need to do in
the world, and has recharged my spirit. I've seen how healthcare, and
physical therapy in particular, can make significant differences in
peoples' lives, even when those lives are already so challenged. I've
also met people, both volunteers and patients and their families, that
have been pure inspiration. It's an experience like no other, and I'm
so happy that I stepped up to challenge myself to do this. And can't
wait to do it again!

Sent from my iPhone

Great patient story

2010-07-28T14:05:00.000-07:00

A patient who lost a leg above the knee came to the clinic today. In
part it was to see Christiana, who treated him when he first got his
prothesis in April, but also for a different knee joint and some fine
tuning therapy to "make my walking beautiful."

He was pinned upside down for three days in the rubble after the
earthquake. His cousin spent the whole time digging him out and saved
his life. Unfortunately his leg was crushed and he had to have an
amputation. His cousin was there with him today, and in a strange
twist of fate, the German peds therapist who works in the clinic once
a week was going through German newspapers her friends and family sent
with stories about the quake. And one of them had a picture of this
patient an his cousin tha was taken right after his cousin had pulled
him out! There was a lot of crying and hugging and thankfulness when
those two young men saw that photo in that German newspaper this
afternoon. And it was great to hear from the patient that he's decided
to become a prothetist! He thinks he could do a great job, make a good
living, help people, and be an inspiration to his patients. I couldn't
agree more!

Sent from my iPhone

Orphanage details

2010-07-28T11:30:00.000-07:00

The orphanage we visited yesterday was inspirational. It was started by a Haitian couple--Eddie was an orphan here himself who was adpoted by a very well to do American family and current works for the UN, and his wife June is a midwife here. They have built the place to be sustainable--compost toilet, water collection for the showers and irrigation, solar panels for the kitchen (and soon the whole complex), and the buildings are all made out of recycled shipping containers! They cut windows, use that metal to form a shade over the window, add screens, and place an a-frame with thick thatching on top to dissipate the heat. The sleeping quarters have a desk and chair and bunks for 10 girls. There's also a kitchen "container" and one that will be a dining room when it's completed. In the center of the compound is a large concrete covered gathering area for play and homework. They have 20 girls there at present between the ages of 2 and 16, with about 3 full time adults who do the maintainance, childcare, cooking and cleaning.

We had an amazing time. The girls sang us songs and played games with us. One game was a singing game in a round circle holding hands with someone in the middle. The words were something about friends and when they got to a part in the song the person in the middle got to hug and dance with someone, then that person went in the center while the other joined the circle. It was adorable. The other one I remember was a handslapping game played in a big circle with counting and when the song was sung and you counted to 10 in both Creole and English the person who had the last hand slap was "out." Again, adorable. The older girls were great about helping the younger ones. And the young ones just wanted to be held all night. Right before we left Sonia was sitting on my lap, practically falling asleep, and kept whispering to me, "Don't go, don't go" in Creole. It was breaking my heart and so adorable. [Kristin, were really on track thinking I would take one of them home.]

Some of the girls stories were so sad. Sonia had a congenital heart condition, had been to the US for surgery to correct it, but was abandoned at birth. Another girl had been found as a rest-avec in Port au Prince with a severe humerus fracture--now, she's the smiling picture of help and seems so happy to have a childhood back. She's 7.

Overall it was an amazing place. They have responsible plans to expand, but are building a school first (and will open it to other local children) . I put a video and a picture or two on flickr, so click the photo to the left and take a peek (I will post more photos and videos when I return home).

Three more days

2010-07-27T14:19:00.000-07:00

Today was busy and seemed hectic, but about 2/3 of the people waiting were with a patient and not there for treatment.

Mr. CrankyPants, a patient with an AKA who was 80-something, was discharged last night. I almost miss him and his random participation with PT. Somedays we would have to haul him to his feet just to stand, others he would walk with the walker nearly independently. I am glad he can harass his wife at home, and not in the hospital ward.

Took some photos and videos today, but I probably will wait to get home to upload most of them. Just easier that way, at this point.

Today's sad and interesting case was a young man of 19 who came in with his father. He had a very severe thoracic left kypho-scoliosis with rotation. It was really bad. We described how surgery may be indicated, and why, and took a bunch of photos to send to the local ortho team that comes from Brazil the first week in September. I'm hoping they will think they could tackle it. The boy seemed very disappointed that we couldn't do anything for this, and I just kept thinking what a shame this hadn't been addressed earlier. Not that it would have been correctible, but that he didn't have any intervention at all.

I'm trying to collate all my notes on the patients I've been seeing pretty regular for the team that's coming in next week, for continuity's sake. Today I tackled all the inpatients, tomorrow I'm hoping to get through the outpatients.

Off for a quick stop at the guesthouse, then we are getting picked up for a visit to an orphanage for girls on the outskirts of Cayes. It was started by a Haitian who was adopted and grew up in the States, but returned to Haiti as an adult. It's very eco-friendly--built out of storage containers, solar power, garden for growing their own food--which is unique here. The 21 girls are between 2 years and 16 years old, and from the pictures I've seen (one of the PTs here knows the couple that run it and have been visiting and helping out over the last 1.5 weeks) they are adorable.

I can't believe tomorrow's Wednesday, and this weekend I'll be home. Crazy!

Tired, and satisfied

2010-07-26T13:40:00.000-07:00

Today was another long Monday. The morning was crazy, but we made it
through and I felt happy to get back to the guesthouse by 5:30.

Rita got one of her two external fixators off last week, and after
some coaxing and cajoling took her first steps on her healed femur
(awful alignment, but adequate callous) and ex fixed opposite tibia
(good alignment but poor callous) since the earthquake. I could have
cried.

I also got a kiss goodbye from a sweet girl who was burned in the
earthquake after workin with her today. She had oil spill on her arm
and leg which then caught fire. Many of the usually interested
patients and family members seemed horrified by her arm burns. I think
she appreciated me not seeming to care, and that for her leg I played
follow the leader to get her to hop and skip and jump. It was nice to
see her smile and play a bit after being so serious when she had been
waiting.

Didn't get to redress the wound with the modified wound vac--the
patient pulled it all out last night! We were considering changing it
anyway, but she made that decision for us.

Tried to read a set of pelvic radiographs today, and was pleased I
didn't miss anything. Too bad with three visible fractures, a poor
central view, and the limited follow up available in homes here she
ended up being admitted.

Today begins the segregating of the dirty laundry, since I've hit the
point where I have enough clean things to make it through my trip.
Thing I'm glad I brought: sleep sack, headlamp, bandanas. Things I
didn't need to bring: tevas and flip flops, extra bug repellent, hat.
Things I wish I had brought: larger deodorant (travel size usually
works for 3 weeks, but not here, good thing Cheryl left hers for me
this week), another book to read (borrowed some ones, will need to buy
one for the flight home).

Worst news today...3 members of the group that left on Friday got sick
with this 'thing' and had to spend the night in Miami at the hospital
before makin it home! I am now thankful I got it last week and was
just sick for a day. No hospital, here or at home, and nothin too bad.
Whew!

Sent from my iPhone

From lazy to crazy

2010-07-25T13:44:00.000-07:00

Sunday started off slow...laundry, breakfast, reading some Frederick
Douglass, no real plans. Then I get a call from June (the clinic
director). She sick (I may have been the canary in, this case, the
clinic), she's got it bad and is going to the hospital for IV fluids
and phenergan.

I meet them there, and end up treating a patient by helping with a
jerry rigged wound vac set up on a ghastly sacral incision from
draining a cyst. (Ironically I had heard about the cyst draining from
Jeff who was here shadowing the docs and observing surgeries earlier
this week.) Wow was it a large wound and the lady had no pre-
medication and yelled and sang hymns really loud the whole time! They
use a fish tank filter apparatus to generate the suction, so while it
was hot, sweaty, and the main entertainment for anyone ambulatory in
the place, it was also very awesome. (Marvin took some pictures which
I will try to get my hands on later.)

Did get to spend some time chatting with June, and even got to
practice my IV drip skills (they don't have pumps here, just the
compression slide, gravity, and limb position to keep the IV
pumping). I also got to practice my French/Creole as all our patients
and even ones we aren't working with wanted to stop by and chat with
June, find out what was wrong, say hello, or otherwise she what was
going on.

She was feeling better when I headed out, just in time for the old
gentleman in the bed across from hers to die. Seriously. That family
was crying and screaming, and the orderlies were 'tres vite' in
getting him wrapped up and out of that bed. Again, everyone gathered
around his bed to see what was happening, even family members for
other patients and the more mobile other patients.

There's a strange lack of privacy in Haitian healthcare that still
shocks me. Everyone gathers around like medical or therapy
interventions are a public matter or form of community entertainment.
I still haven't gotten used to that, and today was certainly no
exception.

So...I'm back at the guesthouse, fed and showered. And exhusted.

Sent from my iPhone

Peaceful, quiet Saturday

2010-07-24T13:35:00.000-07:00

Auspicious start to the day...the water pump was on the fritz this
morning. No running water--bucket of water for face washing and
toothbrushing, another bucket and ladle to use to get the toilet to
flush. I had anticipated three weeks of this, but had gotten spoiled
up until today. Needless to say, by this evening it was fixed and I
had a normal cold shower.

I ended up being alone for most of the day. The remaining missionary
group left this morning for their beach retreat until tomorrow night,
and the other couple here spent the day at a local orphanage. It seems
I'm not alone, as Christiana, one of that couple and a PT working with
me at the clinic, had the same illness I had. Bummer for her.
I took a few short walks around town, read a bunch (can't say enough
good things about 'Cutting for Stone', and thanks to Mom for forcing me
to take it with me), caught up on some journalling of my own, and
washed some clothes in the sink.

Not very exciting, but restful. Which after two weeks nearly non-stop,
being sick last week, and having one week left, was a welcome change.

Sent from my iPhone

I'm already waxing nostalgic

2010-07-23T12:47:00.000-07:00

I had crafted a great entry, only to have my iPhone erase it without
sending, so here I go at recreating it...

I wish I had a way to share the sounds and smells. I'm out on the back
patio listening to the crickets, hearing the random rooster who
doesn't understand what time it is, the goats and the sheep, and the
neighbors dogs fighting. As for smells--the ever present smell of
cooking charcoal, fried foods, and that jungley wet smell from all the
rain.

I'm already thinking about how much I will miss all my patients and
coworkers. And to see such progress in such a short time!

I won't miss the regrets that I have daily about the tragic health
issues I've seen that would have been addressed so easily. I've got at
least 3 or 4 patients that would not be having healing problems (from
wounds and skin to fractures) if they had better nutrition and food.
Things that could be prevented if conditions here weren't so terrible.

I know how crazy this sounds but I know I'm coming back. There's such
a genuine need, the people are so gratious, and there's so much work
to do. And I'm finding it challenging and rewarding, and you know how
that always motivates me.

Sent from my iPhone

Baby Doc's revenge?

2010-07-22T12:15:00.000-07:00

I'm sick. Started at about 3 am. According to the CDC definition, it's
severe traveller's diarrhea. I prefer the name in giving it--Baby
Doc's revenge.

I stayed in and took my cipro, rested, tried staying hydrated. I
feel much better and my GI track has been cooperating since about 10
am. Had electrolyte gel for lunch, and graduated to a Sprite for
dinner. So far so good.

The other big excitement last night, before I fell ill, was that
Christiana went to her room after a late shower to find a huge
tarantula wedged between the window next to her bunk ans the screen.
Needless to say, she spent the night in my room. I'm just glad she
slept through me getting up and down to the bathroom all night.
I'm hoping I will be well enough to go to the clinic tomorrow, even if
it's just for the morning. I figure I've got all weekend to rest, but
I haven't made up my mind yet. Good thing it's the end of the week, so
I will have time to rest and recover before my last week here. That
and at least it's not the dengue.

Sent from my iPhone

Exhusted and saddened

2010-07-21T10:45:00.000-07:00

Today was exhusting on all levels. I will admit I came home first of
everyone else primarily due to my fatigue and sadness.

Today, after treatment by the peds PT who is just here on Wed this
week, someone left their baby. Just left it. It was lunch, people were
in and out, it had been super busy all morning when we realized the
baby was there with no mom. We are taking her to the rehab center for
the night in hopes that someone can locate the family.

SonSon came in today for a follow up (he's the boy I saw last week
for a home visit). His braces fit worse, he had more sores on his legs
and bottom, and he was crawling with lice and scabies. He's adorable
and smart, but it was very difficult to take. We did adapt a better
wheelchair for him which he seemed to like, and took his picture which
he loves.

Then there was the new consult in inpatient, a 12 year old girl with
just about the worst case of pnemonia I've ever seen or felt. I did
some postural drainage, positioning, and percussion but she was so
tired from breathing she could barely cough. One of the other PTs was
going to find the visiting doctor to see her and try to fing the
missionary group's pediatrician to check on her. I was just so
mentally done I didn't stay to help her, mostly because I knew I would
lose it and be no help. Which makes me sad and proud at the same time.
Sad that I didn't have it in me to follow through, but proud I
acknowledged my limits and let someone help me (which I'm awful at
doing).

It felt right to walk home in the rain after today. I know I'm useful
and doing good work and helping people (my new patient from last week
here after a bad tibia fracture walked in today not using her crutch
and smiling), but I can see how it's easy to see all the suffering and
sadness here and miss or forget the good. I have to strive to find a
balance and remember the little successes along with the difficulties.
Easier said than done, I'm afraid.

Sent from my iPhone

Ok, I know I said before I liked the rain. Now not so much.

2010-07-20T12:00:00.000-07:00

I'm such a complainer. I just wish we'd have a day with sun so my
clothes could get hung out and dry! Tomorrow starts the second half of
my trip with the first serious re-wearing of clothes. Please be dry
tomorrow!

This week is shaping up to be super busy...lots of return visits, 6
ladies staying at the short term rehab for amputations, the monthly
visit from the American surgeon at the hospital. Tomorrow we are also
having a pediatric clinic day for therapy since a few peds therapists
will be working with us.

I'm already getting nostalgic and realizing how much I will miss being
here when I come home. I had a patient I've seen everyday grab me and
give me a kiss today. She's a sweet 70-something year old (doesn't
know her age) who had a stroke last month and should be discharged
when I go home at the end of next week.

This trip has also reminde me how much French I've forgotten and how
much I miss working in the hospital. Two things I need to find more
time for when I get home.

Sent from my iPhone

Long day

2010-07-19T13:29:00.000-07:00

Today was a long day. There were 3 of us in the clinic today and we
were busy all day until nearly 4:30. Loads of interesting cases, but
by far the most unusal was a 6 month old girl with developmental delay
(minimal head control, no real trunk control, and loads of missed
milestones) who was born without patellas. We had photos from when she
was born and radiographs--her knees were bent the wrong direction!
Today we started to make her some splints, as she's now got much more
normal range of motion, and we are trying to see if the Brazilian
ortho surgeon who is in the area once a month can see her.
My stubborn yet hilarious teen with the non-healing foot surgery
looked better today. Still a lot of debriding, but I think one of the
three open areas on his foot is nearly healed and the other two are
looking better.

Still doing a lot of screening and some triage/education. Today
another lady presented with osteoarthritis. Not much I could do for
her, but she seemed to appreciate being examined and the basic
education for how to manage her knee pain, telling me God would bless
me for my hard work. Such small things I can provide, and everyone is
so happy to receive them. It's very humbling.

Sent from my iPhone

Sunday in Haiti

2010-07-18T13:00:00.000-07:00

First things first...Haitians go all out on Sunday. Best clothes, best
hair, best food. They also have really long church services. Two hour
minimum at the Baptist church I went to this morning. The sing a lot
of sings, some in Creole and some in French, the hymnals have a
section for each language! I understood most of the songs (it helped
that I borrowed a hymnal and could read the words, you have to bring
your own the church doesn't have them in the pews) and some of the
sermon (at least until the preacher got excited and started using more
Creole).

I then was invited to lunch with one of the missionary groups at a
local missionaries house-we had pizza. Not bad, and since she's German
she had tuna pizza. Sounds gross but tastes like an open face tuna
melt on pizza crust.

Then we drove out to another beach in Port St. Louis. It threatened to
storm and was windy, but the ocean was warm and the waves were great
for body surfing. June was thoughtful enough to get me a beer when I
was in the water, so it was a restful afternoon.

Back to work at the clinic tomorrow. A PT who was here for 4 weeks in
April arrived last night and will be here with me for the next two
weeks. Should be fun!

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It's a cool 98 degrees, with thundershowers

2010-07-17T12:24:00.001-07:00

Thanks to the thundershowers that started yesterday at about 3 pm, it
feels much cooler today. In that I'm not just sitting and sweating out
of control, but have to actually exert myself to bring it on. Not that
I'm doing much of that this first of my two weekends. So far i've had
two fantastic meals (the ladies that cook here are amazing, I've yet
to have anything less than stellar), had a restful nap, caught up on
writing in my journal, washed a few things in the sink, and read some
of the novel I brought with me.

The other groups now in the guesthouse include a building crew here to
put up 4 pre-fab houses and a group working at the local orphanage. It
seems to always be an interesting mix of people, which does help the
time fly. I will admit to missing Megan and Lauren already, but it was
nice to meet them and work with them even if it was just for a week.
One of the group leaders here was telling me how brave she thought I
was for coming by myself. I found that a little funny, especially
since I've travelled so much. She thought I meant domestic travel, so
I was telling her where I've been. Admittedly many of those were tour
group trips, which made me remember the first time I travelled by
myself overseas--the summer I turned 16 when I was an exchange student
in France. I wonder if that experience is what gave me the travel bug?
The storm seems to have passed and the temp is warming up. I'm going
to enjoy the porch, do some writing (I'm doing a short piece for Today
in PT when I return about my trip), and might wander around the
village of Simone to take more photos. Hope you are all having a great
weekend, too.

Sent from my iPhone

Slow Friday, plus rain

2010-07-16T16:57:00.001-07:00

Today was overall slow aside from one busy patch in the mid morning. I
was back at the guesthouse before 3, which turned out to be a good
thing since there was a huge thunderstorm with tons of rain at about 4
pm that lasted nearly 2 hours. It did cool the air down a bit, so that
was nice.

Dinner tonight was amazing--beans and rice, marinated chicken, spicy
slaw, fried plantains, and homemade cinnamon sugar donuts for dessert.
The food overall has been great, even my daily peanut butter and jelly
sandwich I take to the clinic!

A few more people arrived tonight, so it should be hopping here for
the weekend. There's a chance I may be able to catch a ride to a
different beach on Sunday, if there's room in the truck.

I also added a few picture to the flickr feed of my view when I walk
to the clinic. It only takes about 10 to 15 minutes to walk and I meet
all kinds ID locals on the road. Today a young man on a motorbike
practiced his English on me, introducing himself and telling me where
he worked. He was also pleasantly surprised to find my French passible.

I'm hoping to keep the weekend busy, but also get some rest. Off to
see who is winning at BS (or to these missionaries, liar) now.

Sent from my iPhone

Thieves at the guesthouse!

2010-07-15T11:19:00.000-07:00

We are going to the beach this afternoon, so this will be short.

The most unexpected thing happened yesterday. The departing Christian missionary group (3 adults and 8 high schoolers) took a bunch of my toiletries out of the community bathroom. The boys in the group were sharing the bathroom with me and the 2 students here. The "rules" of this missionary guesthouse are that anything in the bathroom that's in a bag belongs to someone. Which reminds me, they also took the mesh bag I had stuff in that velcros into my travel toiletry bag. I'm still annoyed, if you can't tell. I hope the students see that group at the airport (there was a chance they would be there at the same time), because one of them said she would confront the boys about why they took our stuff out of the bathroom. They also took the stuff people had left on the communal shelf with them, when it's left over stuff to use while you're at the guesthouse. I'm happy I didn't have any of my toothpaste in there.

Getting into the swing of things?

2010-07-14T18:37:00.001-07:00

Today went well. Moderately busy, but the day in both the clinic and
the hospital ended early. Dr. Hanks returned today and some visiting
PTs and a journalist are here to see what the Advantage Program is
doing.

We went on a home visit to see Cece, a seven yr old boy with
neurological problems who was abandoned at the hospital when he was 3
and adopted by a local family. He wasn't doing well, his wheelchair
was broken as were his leg braces (KAFOs). He also had a wound on his
toe and his bottom that will require he come to the clinic to be
debrided and bandaged.

I also got a tour of the small town where we are, Simone, and visited
the new rehab hospital space, the tiny home of one of the clinic
workers, and Dr. Hanks home. It was an exciting day (and I did upload
some photos to my flickr account).

Bug bite count = 4. Ha, one for each day I've been here!

Sent from my iPhone

Today it was only 101

2010-07-13T18:24:00.000-07:00

Slow day at the clinic, but again some very interesting cases. Lots of
people with lower limb amputation, some clearly ready for a prothesis.
There is a husband and wife couple who are prothestists here fron
Nicaragua for the year. And yesterday afternoon was exciting because
some long awaited plater of Paris arrived so they can start making
more prothetics.

The hospital is quite different, people stay much longer since often
homes aren't equiped for any disability. Also, the families are
responsible for providing food to their family member while they are
in the hospital.

Our clinic provides ongoing outpatient and inpatient care, and also
serves as a screening clinic for basic injuries. Yesterday I fitted a
wrist splint for a sprain and today screened a lady who fell for an
ankle sprain. I also provided education and exercises to a young lady
who had Bell's palsy.

Tomorrow should be busy with a lot of return visits. I'm dying for a
big thunder storm. There's been thunder and lightening for two nights
straight, but no rain. I really want some rain.

Sent from my iPhone

it's impossible to sweat this much

2010-07-12T14:28:00.001-07:00

First day was great. Did some wound care, fit a splint, saw two
patients with a stroke, and a few other interesting cases. Our
translators are amazing, but I think Jonathan's going to push me to
practice my French more. Which makes him my hero.

Went up to the inpatient wards to be introduced and see a few
patients. Next week the orthopedic surgeon is coming so it should be
busier then.

Overall an exciting and interesting first day. And I'm so glad I came.
Even if I have sweated off 1/2 my body weight (and it's only 4:30 pm)!

Sent from my iPhone

Made it safe and sound

2010-07-11T18:20:00.000-07:00

No strange occurrances, no lost bags, no out of the ordinary stuff.
Lots of waiting in the tiny regional airport, but I'm here in the
guesthouse and ready to go to work in the clinic tomorrow.

Port-au-Prince was eye opening. Didn't see much on the ground but on
my flight to Cayes had a food view. Even saw thebcollapsed
Presidential Palace. Too many tents, too much rubble.

I'm excited for tomorrow!

when does it become real?

2010-07-09T16:27:00.000-07:00

I've printed my boarding passes, and it's feeling more real.

I also packed up all the donations the SMU DPT students collected. According to the scale in the lab, it's around 43 pounds. And I got all of it to fit! And if I can decipher the baggage information for American Airlines and Tortug, there's a chance I won't have to pay any extra baggage fees at all. Which is very awesome.

I did get a confimation email from the coordinator in Haiti this morning, making sure I had all the names and numbers of people shuttling me around and remembered stuff like I need to bring some snacks and a book or two, as my layover in Port-au-Prince is pretty long and services are nil. I had that on my radar, but nice to have an organized email reminding me.

I also finished up the final shopping this morning. All that's left is a few emails I need to straighten out before I leave and to pick up some more kitty litter so Lynne (the awesomest cat sitter EVER) will be well supplied.

I got a text that on the News Hour they had a report on Haiti 6 months after the quake. Gotta hunt that down and watch tonight. Because I have a feeling I'm not going to get much sleep.

Oh yeah, and I have to pack. There's that.

Thanks to Gail for the donation to help with translation services!

48 hours, and I don't mean the movie

2010-07-08T08:48:00.000-07:00

Great article featuring the group I'm going to Haiti with, Advantage Haiti.

Last minute shopping includes getting a universal sink stopper. Mine crumbled into about 4 pieces while trying to pack it. RIP sink stopper. I did schedule a mani/pedi at my favorite place near work as a pre-departure treat. And I scheduled a haircut for after I get back. I also discovered AT&T has a special discounted rate plan for relief workers in Haiti, including data and photos.

Let the packing begin!

trying to make three days seem both long and short, simultaneously

2010-07-07T11:52:00.000-07:00

Today I got a great email from a colleague. She's also a physical therapist, and an educator, who had been to Haiti earlier this year. She wants to collaborate on something to help train Haitians to provide more rehab services, possibly involving our students, on a regular (probably annual) basis. Wow. What an opportunity that would be! I'm excited by the prospects for the future, but was really floored when she used the word "transformative" to describe her experience. It's been my secret hope, my unspoken wish, that this trip would provide something of that nature. I haven't dared say it out loud, for fear of jinxing it, but that's really want I want. An experience that can transform me, change me, shape me. So here I am, saying it for anyone to read. Putting it out there for all of you to know. Because now, I've got something to live up to, and it's no tiny thing.

Super thanks to Leah and Judy for their donations that will help fund my translation support (and employ locals for their translation services).

SMU student donations

2010-07-06T10:15:00.001-07:00

Wow...an explosion of donations from the DPT students at Samuel
Merritt University! So far I have;

34 pairs of socks
13 towels
13 sheets
3 gait belts
3 pillowcases
2 pairs of shoes
3 pairs of scrubs + 2 scrub tops
And a great rolling duffel to carry it all in!

You guys are awesome!

Also thanks to Harriet for her donation (translation services)!

Donations complete!

2010-07-03T10:17:00.000-07:00

You guys are amazing! Thanks to Shelly and her donation, I've gotten my wish list of items donated by you. I can't thank you enough!

Off to have a little cry of excitement and gratitude before I go out shopping for my final items!

One week, that's it!

2010-07-03T09:52:00.000-07:00

That's right. Seven days. And I've only got 0.66 days of sponsorship left! $20!

I don't know what to say to that blog writer. Maybe so many volunteers you saw were affiliated with religious organizations because they've been in Haiti since before the earthquake, or they have the infrastructure to host volunteers. I'm going to Les Cayes with a religious organization, but not because it's a religious organization, but because I agree with their purpose, they have been delivering rehab services in Haiti since 2001, and they are committed to staying in Haiti. I didn't want to volunteer with an organization that was going to show up for a year (or even two) and then just leave. I wanted the commitment. I wanted to be contributing to a solid organization. The religious part, that just happened.

I'm venturing out on what will hopefully be my last shopping trip. And I leave in a week.

My eternal thanks to Lo for giving again (another 1/3 of a day), Kathy (1 day), Arlene (1 day), and Megan on behalf of the Marymount DPT c/o 2011 (1 day) for their sponsorship. Thanks! So the magic number today is $20--only 0.66 days left for sponsorship. Hurry now! Use the PayPal link to the right!

They say more than 1000 words

2010-07-02T15:57:00.000-07:00

I found this great slideshow of Haiti photos over at SFGate.com. Powerful stuff. Great motivator.

I am really liking that the number of days left for sponsorship (3) is less than days until my departure (8). I honestly didn't think when I decided to ask for sponsors that I would even get half the trip sponsored. Now I'm $90 away from having everything but airfare covered by a bunch of great people. Thanks!

Extra thanks to Mona and Erin for picking up a day of sponsorship. Thanks! So the magic number today is 4--only 4 days left for sponsorship. Hurry now! Use the PayPal link to the right, or donate directly to Advantage Haiti, the group I'm volunteering with at their website: http://www.advantagehaiti.com/.

Left arm soreness, got that

2010-07-01T10:25:00.000-07:00

This will be short, my arm hurts. Had my travel doctor visit yesterday, and ended up getting the Tdap (tetnus, pertussis, diptheria) vaccine. My old tetnus shot was about 6.5 years old, and for Haiti they really want people to have had one in the last 5 years. Also, with the pertussis outbreak here in California, it's not such a bad idea. But everything else vaccine-wise was in order. See, maximizing my vaccine dollars! I also found out I can use cholorquine instead of malarone for malaria prophalaxis! Yay! No strange dreams! And it doses once a week, which will be cheaper and easier for me. In honor of Good Morning, Vietnam I think I'm going to go with a true Malaria Monday! Heh. Off to Costco to fill that script, and I have to start taking them on Monday, so it will be another way to psych myself up!

Also checked in with my backup credit card company letting them know I'm going to Haiti. I don't plan on charging anything, but it's the "in case things go wrong, cash advance back up plan" card. I had the customer service guy in stitches when he asked about my return date. I mean, "I'm planning on returning on the 31st. But I suppose one of the reasons I'd be using the card is if something is going very wrong, so....?" is probably not the way to answer that question.

Now for the last minute shopping for stuff I forgot, and the packing/re-packing game I like to play. Nine days...I've made it to single digits!

Uber props to Paul & Stacia and Phil for helping me out with sponsoring lodging and meals. And Paul, I promise if I pick up something over there to let you pay for my treatment!

I'm still looking for sponsors! All that's left is 5 days of lodging+meals, at $30/day. Use the PayPal link to the right, or donate directly to Advantage Haiti, the group I'm volunteering with at their website: http://www.advantagehaiti.com/.

Reality. Check.

2010-06-29T17:35:00.000-07:00

There's a point in the lead up to any trip where it all becomes very real. Where you feel how the trip is coming (and usually coming soon), where you can taste the excitement and nervousness and fun.

That was today.

I was confirming details with Advantage Haiti (can't be to sure about details, well...at least I can't). We realized their office had my departure dates wrong, and that my tickets from Port au Prince to Cayes hadn't been purchased yet.

It was pretty awesome that, at this point, I didn't freak.

Also turns out, I impressed their office having already purchased my travel insurance.

Needless to say, about 30 minutes later it was all figured out. They have my correct arrival and departure information, my tickets are all confirmed. In a stroke of awesome, it also turns out that they now process my payment to the guest house in advance, which was a huge relief for me. Having to carry around that much money (in cash, in small bills) never makes me feel good. Or safe. So now my cash carrying is down considerably--taxi fare, departure taxes, and spending money--and everything's confirmed.

This was the final pre-departure reality check. I leave in 11 days. Now to pack. And enjoy the ride!

I'm still looking for sponsors! All that's left is 9 days of lodging+meals, at $30/day. Use the PayPal link to the right, or donate directly to Advantage Haiti, the group I'm volunteering with at their website: http://www.advantagehaiti.com/.

15 days left, prep time hitting the wall!

2010-06-25T11:04:00.000-07:00

That's right. Fifteen days left before I leave. I'm hitting my usual 2 week panic window ("so much to do, so little time"), and I'm trying to keep my head straight. It was great that I was in Boston at Annual Conference last week, because sharing my volunteer plans with friends I don't see often was energizing. And it was also great to hear from some others who've been to Haiti, and not only from the "practical tips" standpoint, but from the exciting fact that all of them said they can't wait to go back. Even the possibility of collaborating with someone on another trip after my return, if I'm interested. Because there's nothing like word of mouth, and to see their enthusiasm and to watch their eyes light up when they talked about how special the people were, how much they felt there work there mattered, and how much work there is to do...that made it real. In the best possible way!

And a huge thanks to Jim for putting me into the single digits for donations to sponsor a day of PT. Nine days left for sponsorhsip, so hurry. And also some other less exciting things like taxes and insurance, for you responsible people who worry.

I'm still looking for sponsors! Use the PayPal link to the right, or donate directly to Advantage Haiti, the group I'm volunteering with at their website: http://www.advantagehaiti.com/.

The internets rule

2010-06-21T17:37:00.001-07:00

Super big shout out and thanks to Lo for sending an awesome care

package for my trip. Crystal light, cliff bars, energy bars, vitamin
packets, q tips, pens and a pad of paper...just to list some of the
stuff she sent. And a big thanks to the power of the Internet, since
without it (and without fandom) I wouldn't "know" Lo at all.

Did I mention, 19 days until I leave!

Did I also mention, 1/2 of my 20 days are sponsored! Only 10 days left to sponsor!

Sent from my iPhone

Jaded traveller?

2010-06-19T14:30:00.000-07:00

I'm sitting in the airport in Boston trying to not be annoyed by a
pack of apparent first-time high school travellers. I should be happy
at their exuberance, pleased with their sense of adventure. But I'm
tired and have blisters from walking lots, so I'm finding it a burden.
But I'm trying.

I'm leaving in less than a month and I've got to get my headspace in a
positive place for this trip. Because I know it's going to be much
more challenging than these students!

Thanks to Lo for the remainder of one days sponsorship, and to Nina
for sponsoring me for a day. I should also give Kristin a shout out
for sharing my trip and this blog with Nina.

Sent from my iPhone

T minus 30 days and counting.

2010-06-10T20:31:00.000-07:00

One month. 30 days.

I leave in only one month. Holy....holy.

I'm VERY excited (still!), but now I've gone into uber-planning mode. Lists. Piles. Shopping. Organizing. Checking and re-checking.

[pause]

Sorry about that, I had to add 'schedule visit to travel doctor for malarone rx' to the Haiti-specific to do list. Yes, I've got a Haiti-specific to do list. Must stop.

In typical "me" fashion, I'm making the most of this when I return. I've agreed to write a short piece for Today in PT and will be doing a presentation on campus for our lunch enrichment series. This way, I will remember to update here regularly, take other good notes (I do plan on updating with more stuff when I get back), and take a lot of photos.

Next week I'll be in Boston at Annual Conference, and I'm hoping to test out updating with my phone. Gotta get used to 'short and sweet' posts. Must try this stuff out. And also post some more photos to the flickr feed, too.

Oh yeah, and thanks Blogger for the new templates! What y'all think of this one?

I'm still looking for sponsors! Use the PayPal link to the right, or donate directly Advantage Haiti, the group I'm volunteering with at their website: http://www.advantagehaiti.com/.

33 days, that can't be right?

2010-06-07T15:37:00.000-07:00

Time has certainly gotten away from me. Only 33 days until I leave for Haiti!

I've still got tons of prep work to do. My students have set up a donation station outside my office, and so far I've got a pack of socks from my boss in there. Best part, they also donated the great North Face bag to haul all the goodies! And the fees for the extra baggage--these guys thought of everything!

I'm still looking for sponsorship for 11 days of rehab work (at $30/day), some other small costs (evacuation insurance and departure taxes). But you know what else I'm looking for, your positive vibes! Leave me a reply here, or over at my Facebook page (www.facebook.com/sharon.gorman) or over on my LiveJournal (http://slgorman.livejournal.com/). Drop me a line, tell me I'm crazy, give me practical travel advice, or patient care advice (I know some of you are PTs or physicians). Pump up my spirits, get me jazzed...heck, make me pause and consider how crazy this plan might just be. But let me know you are thinking of me. Because the closer I get to my departure date, the more I'm thinking about all of you. And how much your support, in all its myriad of forms, has meant to me.

I'm still looking for sponsors! Use the PayPal link to the right, or donate directly Advantage Haiti, the group I'm volunteering with at their website: http://www.advantagehaiti.com/.

Added & Updated Props

2010-05-23T21:18:00.001-07:00

Thanks to my hairdresser, Lisa, for supporting two days in Haiti! And
thanks to her for showing such kindness to the women and her daughter
who's car died in front of her salon. It is always nice to be reminded
how nice people can be to each other.

Inspiration really is all around, if you keep your eyes open

2010-05-20T09:01:00.000-07:00

I keep looking for inspiration. I know if I'm going to get to Haiti with the enthusiam and dedication I need to make the difference I'm hoping I can make, I need to stay motivated. I need to remain inspired. Especially while I do the mundane preparation (making lists, packing, paperwork, arranging a cat sitter).

Today, someone sent me a link to a blog for a completely un-Haiti-related reason. It was work that got me there. I glanced down to a previous blog post and saw this entry about being a bystander or making even a small difference. I love how that story's been passed down the generations in that family, along with the coins. What we percieve a small matter, even as something just a hair bigger than indifference, is oftentimes percieved on the other end as kindness. Or gratitude. Your small attempt to make a difference can be huge to the person on the other end. And there it was, today's inspiration!

I'm making a choice. A choice to try and make a difference. Will it be small, will it be big--who knows? But I'm choosing to not be a bystander. And for today, that's enough.

I'm still looking for sponsors! Use the PayPal link to the right, or donate directly Advantage Haiti, the group I'm volunteering with at their website: http://www.advantagehaiti.com/.

More on the Why

2010-05-14T22:26:00.000-07:00

I keep getting the same question over and over, "Why are you going to Haiti?" And I'm at a loss for how to answer. I don't like to toot my own horn. Yes, I LOVE to talk, but about myself? Not really. Or at least not without a hefty dose of self-deprecation, some kind of joke that I'm the butt of, something silly or funny. But this question, so loaded with seriousness, so awesome is scope...well, I'm having a hard time coming up with an answer that isn't full of "ums" and "ohs" and plain old dead space.

So I was reading this post by Doc Gurley on sfgate.com this afternoon and it struck me. The way she described altruism:

"Altruism, you could say, is a form of neurologic teleportation - you inhabit another person's senses and feel the world from their driver's seat. It is an amazing gift that's freely available to us all. But we must exercise it, or it, like any other neurologic function, will atrophy over time."

This is why I'm going. This is my answer.

It's been almost 6 and a half years since my car accident. The accident that literally changed my life, could have easily killed me and one of my dearest friends, and required I finally cut the cord and resign my physical therapy clinician position. I still treat patients, a few here and there, Neuro Clinic with the students, my research does involve me functioning at least somewhat like a physical therapist...but quitting that hospital job was so hard for me. Even though I'd put them off for at least 3 months after the accident to not schedule me, and my life was super hectic at the time with work and school responsibilities, and I knew I should use this as a good excuse (for lack of a better word) to get out of that commitment. And in these intervening 6 years I'm afraid I didn't have the opportunity to flex that altruistic muscle, ensure that I still knew how to transform myself (even if for a few moments) when I was with a patient to that other place where you get a momentary glimpse of what they are going through. And what if I was losing that.

This is one of the reasons I'm going. Because I read stories about what's happening in so many places around the world, and in this story I can see myself being able to help. Being able to play a small role and perhaps make a small difference. And I want to exercise that feeling. Give it a good, strong workout.

I'm still looking for sponsors! Use the PayPal link to the right, or donate directly Advantage Haiti, the group I'm volunteering with at their website: http://www.advantagehaiti.com/.

More PT news out of Haiti, need still there (if not growing)

2010-05-11T12:31:00.000-07:00

Great story about a PT volunteering with the same group I'm going with, Advantage Haiti:

http://billingsgazette.com/news/local/d19dec2a-5a57-11df-bd21-001cc4c002e0.html

Lots 'o links

2010-05-10T10:11:00.000-07:00

Haiti's still in the news, thank goodness. I saw Bill Clinton's still on TV ads trying to get people to keep donating. And a few other links to stories:

CNN has a great piece about Sean Penn's on the ground struggles in Port-au-Prince.

And while not a new post, Doc Gurley actually gets it! And her plea for therapy in Haiti was one of the motivating forces in getting me to volunteer.

Short video with a physician talking about the need for physical therapy after the earthquake and his perspective on the need for PT in Haiti.

Donation, Support, and Props Update:
Lo--1/2 a day of lodging+meals, with the possiblity of more thanks to the LiveJournal fundraiser.
Jessica--portion of departure tax, via the LiveJoural fundraiser.
Amanda--pledged one day lodging+meals, and is going back to NOLA next year as a project leader!
Andy--lent me his water filter to bring as a back up.
Thanks so much! Don't forget, you can donate securely online via PayPal. See the link over to the right-->

How to keep up the inspiration...just look around!

2010-05-05T13:40:00.000-07:00

Heh. I realized it's 69 days until I leave for Haiti. So of course, must post. Because I'm five years old.

I've gotten a big dose of inspiration lately from Kaiser's project in New Orleans. A former student and friend of mine, Amanda, has been in NOLA for the last few weeks working on de-mold-ifying houses, building a playground and baseball diamond, and painting/moving supplies and equipment into a medical clinic. She sent some great inspiring emails which have boosted my resolve and really got me excited about Haiti. They've also made me incredibly sad that this type of work is still going on in New Orleans, a city I've been to and loved when I was there. See more photos and testimonials and hear about the great things some great people are doing to help others right here in the USA. And a big thanks and shout out to Amanda and all the folks with Kaiser who are volunteering on this project!

Know any good travel guides to Haiti?

2010-05-02T19:08:00.000-07:00

72 days and counting. It feels like a lot less, and 72 sounds so big. I know it will go super fast, but I'm trying to stay pumped and to keep my momentum up on the preparation side. Crazy thing is I had to spend about an hour on 3 different web sites to confirm I don't need a visa, and that if I'm working unpaid (which I will be) I still don't need a visa because Haiti has no such thing as a business visa. This was really crazy because 2 websites claimed they did have a business visa, and one of the claimed I could use them to obtain it (for a fee of course). Let the insane tricks to get money out of me begin! Good thing I finally found the visa section of the actual Haitian website which was available in English, and clearly said they didn't have a business visa option and as a US citizen I only need 6 months left on my passport. Now, if I could get more information about whether or not there's a departure fee (and more specifically, how much is it), I could consider today's preparation complete. Wish me luck!
[Edited to add: found it. Seems to be $25 USD. Adding this to my wish list for donations. That's right, your $25 can make sure I make it out of Haiti on July 31! Donate now!]

Donation, Support, and Props Updates:
Thanks to Doris for the helpful donation of 1.66 days at the guesthouse, and bringing me up to 5 days now fully supported! Hurry, only 15 days left for your to support!

Three of my online friends over at LiveJournal have kindly donated their artisitic and/or writing talents to help me raise funds. They will create icons, banners, or fanfic if you send them proof of donation to me (via PayPal) or directly to AdvantageHaiti. So if you are on LJ, for as little as $1 you can support me and get a little something for your troubles. Learn more at my LJ. And thanks to lo_duclavier, muselives, and musetrax for volunteering their time and talents to help support this trip!

Money well spent

2010-04-30T08:03:00.000-07:00

Props to Tom & Michelle who are getting me a newer, functional, lightweight head lamp! Thanks! Props to Amanda, who's currently with a group from Kaiser in New Orleans helping to clean up houses, build playgrounds and baseball diamonds, and set up clinics. It's been great to read your emails, and you're inspiring me to stay motivated for my trip to Haiti! Lastly, I'm so excited that SMU DPT grads Kathy & Bryan will be going to Haiti in September to volunteer with AdvantageHaiti! Hopefully I can give you some good, practical advice when I get back!

I had an interesting conversation the other day about my trip. I had just met these folks (a chiropractor and a massage therapist), and they were both genuinely excited that I was going to Haiti, but both of them didn't even know if anyone in their professions were on the ground there nor did they have any idea who they would contact to see if they could volunteer. Now, I'm going to be completely upfront...I'm a big supporter and believer in professional organizations. I'm a proud member of the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA), and I'm actively involved. And this trip is one tiny example of why.

I found AdvantageHaiti through the APTA. That's right. Only a few days after the earthquake, the APTA already had a page up with groups supported by or run by members who were working to provide physical therapy. In January, when the earthquake happened, I wasn't able to get out of work and other professional obligations, and thought it was nice of them to serve as a clearinghouse of information for people who could volunteer. Once I realized my summer load would allow me to volunteer, I returned to that same information page on the APTA's website, and started my search for a program to volunteer with, and was happy to see the page had been periodically updated. Right there, my association dues at work!

I wonder how many other needed volunteers have had trouble accessing the information they need to make an informed decision about how and when and with whom to volunteer because they aren't connected with their professional association, didn't think to use their professional association, or their associations don't provide this type of member service? It also made me both proud and glad to be a member of my own professional association. Well done, APTA.

No Travel Delays, This Time

2010-04-25T10:05:00.000-07:00

Props to Kristin (got the 4 pairs of scrubs, and they fit!) and Lorraine (for 3.33 days at the guesthouse)! Also, thanks to Nikki for helping to collect and organize the Samuel Merritt University DPT Class of 2011 drive to collect requested items to bring! You guys are amazing, so thanks.

Back safe and sound from a week in sunny, relaxing Mazatlan. Which, while not a true miracle, was not what a lot of other travellers experienced this last week. Between the ash cloud airplane delays all over Europe, to the protests in Thailand, I thought more than once on this trip that half of travel not just picking the "right" place to visit, but actually arriving there. I've got my fair share of travel delays (who doesn't, these days), a story of an aborted flight on take-off due to a bird strike knocking out an engine (complete with the dump of jet fuel and landing on the runway with the Fire Brigade out in force), and experienced lost bags (with the one time occurring just after an ice storm in Toronto and requiring shopping 2 days before Christmas). Heck, my purse got nicked in Italy (darn #1 bus stop in Turino). But, as a wise friend told me after my purse was stolen, "Someday this will just be a hilarious story you can tell people." And here I am, telling you.

But it does make one think, just being alive is dangerous, and travel (honestly) adds to that danger. It's up to you to plan, be prepared, make the most of the strange occurrences travel (and life) throw at you. Danger be damned. But it's no excuse for a lack of preparation. 77 days until I leave for Haiti, what to do first?

Going, just when the going gets good

2010-04-16T11:20:00.000-07:00

[Please note: now accepting your generous support of donations via PayPal. Link is to the right.]

Props to Reuben for sending me an email today reminding me I'm NOT insane for doing this. Because I have moments. I tend to be the type of person who mulls over an idea for a while, and then suddenly decides to jump in head first. It's not really as impulsive as it may look to outsiders, the mulling is pretty substantial and prolonged, but when I jump I'm all in. This was one of those decisions.

I do have concerns or doubts, even with the excessive amount of positive support and adrenaline this plan has sparked. From this silly and self-centered (Malarone will be required, and it gives me funky dreams after about 10 days), to the serious and scary (the Frontline on Haiti 6 weeks after the quake was an eye opener). But fluctuating feelings is a by-product of being human, and only because I'm so excited and emotionally invested is this even the case.

Funny enough, on what probably sounds like an unrelated note, I found this piece about Mt. St. Mary's College in LA to give me pause. I've always tried to volunteer (with all those years in Girls Scouts when I was younger, followed by Semper Comites in high school), but I wonder how much of a different person I might be if I hadn't stepped out of the box and done the unexpected and attended the Mount? Would I be the kind of person planning for a "Haiti Birthday?"* Would I be doing this, now? Would I even be considering it? I'd like to think I would, but honestly I can't say with certainty if that would be the case.

Well, on other fronts...I'll be away for the next week. I know, bad planning. Start this up, just to ditch ship for a week. Oh well, life isn't always what you plan, sometimes it's just what happens. I'm off for what I hope is a well deserved vacation in sunny Mazatlan.** I'll be sure to bring back some stories of that trip to post here, as well as some photo updates. Have a great week, and thanks in advance for your support!

*tm Andy (I told you I was stealing that, just too hilarious!)
** which is in Mexico, in case you didn't know (and yes, I'm looking at you, Jim)

Ask and you shall receive...who knew?

2010-04-15T15:58:00.000-07:00

OMG. You guys! Who knew asking could go so well?

So far, not 5 hours after the shameless pandering and pulling of heart strings began...

Andy's got me covered on the $100 iPhone solar charger. And a promise of sticks and tweezers to deal with parasites (ha!).
Reuben has stepped up to cover both the overnight Miami hotel AND my taxi transfers in Port-au-Prince. Awesome!
An LJ friend, Lo, is going to coordinate a fanfic-athon over on LJ. That's right. Some fanfic authors will donate their fic-creating genius at your request for a donation! How great is that?

And to help get around the messy "mail a stranger a check" thing--donate via PayPal! It's online, it's secure, it takes your donation in multiple ways. See the clicky link over to the right.

Shameless Shilling Begins

2010-04-15T10:14:00.000-07:00

That's right. I'm asking for your help. This three week adventure to Haiti won't pay for itself, so I'm...well, for lack of a better word...begging.

How to help:

Donate some money to me directly to help pay for my room and board, taxi fare to shuttle between airports in Port-au-Prince, help me buy a solar charger for my iPhone, or help cover the overnight stay I need in Miami. Any donation, no matter how small, will be treasured.
Donate to the Advantage Program (secure online donations, or print a form), the group I'm volunteering with.

When* I get donations, I'll be adding a sponsor blogroll. That's right, see your name on the Interwebs!

Read long version, for all the juicy details (including where to send any donations). I'll be crossing items off this list as they are funded.

And thanks in advance!

*I'm such a negative nelly. The first incarnation of this had "If I get donations..." Edited to reflect my lame attempt at staying positive.

Because who doesn't dream of a 40th birthday bash in Haiti?

2010-04-14T22:31:00.000-07:00

New adventure, new blog. This one's all about travel. Why, where, when, and sometimes how.

What inspired yet another foray into the ridiculously overcrowded blogosphere*? I'm going to Haiti in slightly less than 3 months. Yes, you heard that right...Haiti. I've decided that without grad school to blame, I had no valid excuse for not getting off my backside and doing something I've been tossing around in my head for awhile, namely voluteer overseas as a physical therapist.

I leave on July 10th, and plan on returning on July 31st. So my 40th birthday will be spent in Les Cayes, Haiti.

I'll post more details, include shilling for donations and taking you up help to make this happen, in the upcoming days and weeks. But I wanted to get in the groove. I'll also probably migrate some good travel posts from other locations, and update my flickr feed with more recent trip photos.

In the mean time, welcome and enjoy.

*And in case you were wondering, it did feel just as stupid to type blogosphere as it feels to say it. The more you know.

PT Will Travel

Dino

Safely in back in Port au Prince

Photos live! part deux

Sunday

Photos live!

My bites match my sheets!

Dinner

Helping make prosthesis

Let me try to explain how hot it is here...

Port Salut and serious chillin'

As Cholera Surges In Haiti, Aid Withers Away

Rewarding Saturday

First day on a Friday is good!

Arrived!

Today's heroes....Phil & Jim

OMG...less than 48 hours to departure!

Donation Requests, 2011 edition

I leave in less than a month? What?!

2011 Plans Confirmed!

2011 Haiti Birthday Plans

2011 planning underway

Home, but plotting my return

Sad, last day

Tomorrow's my last day!?

Great patient story

Orphanage details

Three more days

Tired, and satisfied

From lazy to crazy

Peaceful, quiet Saturday

I'm already waxing nostalgic

Baby Doc's revenge?

Exhusted and saddened

Ok, I know I said before I liked the rain. Now not so much.

Long day

Sunday in Haiti

It's a cool 98 degrees, with thundershowers

Slow Friday, plus rain

Thieves at the guesthouse!

Getting into the swing of things?

Today it was only 101

it's impossible to sweat this much

Made it safe and sound

when does it become real?

48 hours, and I don't mean the movie

trying to make three days seem both long and short, simultaneously

SMU student donations

Donations complete!

One week, that's it!

They say more than 1000 words

Left arm soreness, got that

Reality. Check.

15 days left, prep time hitting the wall!

The internets rule

Jaded traveller?

T minus 30 days and counting.

33 days, that can't be right?

Added & Updated Props

Inspiration really *is* all around, if you keep your eyes open

More on the Why

More PT news out of Haiti, need still there (if not growing)

Lots 'o links

How to keep up the inspiration...just look around!

Know any good travel guides to Haiti?

Money well spent

No Travel Delays, This Time

Going, just when the going gets good

Ask and you shall receive...who knew?

Shameless Shilling Begins

Because who doesn't dream of a 40th birthday bash in Haiti?

Inspiration really is all around, if you keep your eyes open