What does 68 surgeries look like?

So several weeks ago I went down in flames with the flu.   Of course it was HIDEOUS but the worst part was not being able to participate in one of my favorite surgical weeks, ENT (lots of tonsils!).  I was there for Monday morning before the plague struck me down...and I robbed lots of photos from the fabulous folks of Hickory NC, Fort Wayne, IN and my dear friend Cathy to demonstrate a bit of what a busy ENT week (PLUS a team going out to serve and treat barrios) may look like.  Thanks guys!  You did a great job!  68 surgeries in the clinic and HUNDREDS of folks served in 4 different neighborhoods (barrios, campos) by the mobile barrio team.   It's such an inspiration to see, even if it's either from a bed in the clinic (yup- I too received an IV in the clinic), via the photos and stories from the team, and best yet- the testimony of the folks who were served.  Amazing stuff!

So first of all, the teams arrive on Sunday mornings and bring in about one billion suitcases full of TREASURES and supplies!

They spend Sunday afternoon in orientation and then unpacking and setting up the ORS, Recovery rooms, Pre-op, etc...

 

The clinic is usually FULL of folks waiting either for consults or surgery.    There are consults before surgery to determine who is a candidate for surgery.    The OR crews are busy at work prepping the beds, getting supplies ready, checking the equipment, unpacking, etc.

The hallways are LINED with folks waiting!

Meanwhile, the barrio teams are unpacking their meds in the pharmacy and then REPACKING for the week in a big pharmacy box to dispurse medications.

Whichever day we hold consults (either a Friday before or a Monday morning)....there are HUNDREDS of folks waiting outside.  This is a pic of Nef and I giving instructions to the crowd in an attempt to be organized.

Our American nurses working with the Dominican nurses.....awesome teamwork!

And when surgery begins....ahhhh the sweet love and care that the nurses give to the patients.   I learn a LOT...and it's just so inspirational to see.  

Everybody gets a chance to listen and learn!  :)

We have a lot of fun with the amazing surgeons who come to serve here!  Here we are teasing Dr. Frank after a busy week of 68 surgeries!  

The amazing OR team....what a great job!   These guys do a TON of organizing and packing before they come.   We are so grateful.....as are the patients who have a much better quality of life after surgery.  THANKS HICKORY- FORT WAYNE- CATHY CASE...and everyone who came down and cared for the Dominicans...oh yeah- and cared for me too!  :)