Thursday, April 30, 2015

Earthquake--Part 2: Love

Earthquake--Part 2:  Love

We wish to express our gratitude to all of our friends, loved ones, supporters,
and all who prayed for us and will continue to pray for us as we fight the fight!
The devastating situation here is still in progress.
Our staff members, some of whom have lost their homes, have worked tirelessly day and night 
during this most difficult of times for our beloved Nepal.

 By Monday morning, we had admitted 204 patients.

One of these patients was this precious grandmother seen here with two of her grandchildren.

She had leg injuries.

Her grandson told told their story:

"It was a regular Saturday.  All of us in the family were outside doing this and that around or near the house as usual.  Grandmother was inside.  Suddenly the earth started shaking violently and we all looked at each other with realization in our eyes--it was an earthquake!  Oh no!  We tried to steady ourselves and mentally counted the family members.  Grandmother had not come out of the house!  The earth was shaking, things were falling, but I rushed back inside and found her fallen and unable to get up.  Her legs were injured.  I quickly carried her outside."

We asked him, "Were things falling around you as you went in?"

"Yes," he said.

"You were very brave."

He smiled and said, "I love her."

That says it all!

We are so glad we were able to help his beloved grandmother and we pray she will soon 
be cooking again for her family and telling the little ones stories!
Please pray for all our patients, some of whom have no home to go home to.

 Scenes around Banepa:

Right from a kitchen:



Our CEO's wife, Mrs. Susen Mole', stands by some fallen bricks.

To read a full account of the story, we recommend the Wikipedia page:

Keep checking back for more stories and updates.

Blessings to all of you!

Wednesday, April 29, 2015

The Earthquake--Part 1: Life & Death in Nepal

Earthquake!

This precious darling boy was born on Saturday, April 24, 2015.

Here is his brave mom and proud dad!  Congratulations!

When people ask him what his birthday is, and he tells them, they are bound to say,
"Isn't that the day the earthquake happened?"
"Yes," he'll say, "I was born outside in the courtyard of the hospital
via emergency C-section because it was too dangerous to be inside!"

And dangerous it was!  This was RIGHT after the initial quake and during severe aftershocks.

Dr. Lavona Pilli was his brave mother's obstetrician

and Dr. Ramon Ruiz Diaz, seen here improvising an Intensive Care Unit
outside soon after the C-section, during continuing severe aftershocks, was her anesthesiologist.

Yes, we were and still are in the earthquake zone.  Still having aftershocks.
Yes, we were not hit as hard as some places, but we were hit.
We are devastated, but feel strong and glad that we are helping 
so many of our beloved and precious citizens.



We did not have internet until yesterday evening, so that is why we are late in posting.
First we had to answer as many e-mails as we could!
There will be many parts to this post, so keep checking back for updates.

We are overwhelmed by the love we have had from around the world.
Please keep your prayers coming.  That is the best thing you can do for us.

As you must know, many organizations are collecting donations.
This is so important--for all the reasons you have heard on the news.

If  you feel the desire to help, here is the donation website set up by
the Seventh-day Adventist Church for our hospital:

Thank you!

Please know that we are strong, although sad, but ready to keep going, and
thankful to the Lord for His blessings.

Please pray.



Thursday, April 23, 2015

Patient Stories--Miscarriage, gestational diabetes, and triumph!

Gestational Diabetes, Miscarriage, and Triumph!

First of all--What is Gestational Diabetes?


The above article is very interesting and informative.

The rest of the pictures on that page give us more details.  

(Thank you diabetesinfo.org.au)

What about Nepal?  Does this condition occur here?

YES!

To read one study about it, visit this page:
http://www.jaypeejournals.com/eJournals/ShowText.aspx?ID=689&Type=FREE&TYP=TOP&IN=_eJournals/images/JPLOGO.gif&IID=65&isPDF=YES


What is Miscarriage?  It's another word for heartbreak.

Having a baby is one of the most joyful and normal passages of life.
Little girls play with their dolls and dream of the day they will become a mother.

(photo credit:  shutterstock.com)

Thankfully, for most women, there are no complications and every moment is happy.

However, this is not the case for all women.

To read about the heartbreak of miscarriage, we direct you to this article by Dr. Singh, an
associate professor of Obstetrics & Gynaecology at the Patan Academy of Health Sciences:
 http://www.hamrohealth.com/Information/all-you-need-to-know-about-miscarriage.html
(Thank you Dr. Singh.)

(There are actually many other informative health articles on this website.)

Our patient story for today is the story of Saraswoti & Som Prasad,
and it could be the story of countless other couples.
We thank them for allowing us to tell their story.
It is their hope that other couples going through what they did will not give up!

They never gave up, and after lots of heartbreak, they finally experienced triumph!
They are now the proud and happy parents of a handsome and healthy baby boy!

However, their story is not the usual story.
They had a long and hard uphill battle before they got their happy ending.

Their message to other young couples who may be experiencing one or both
of the problems they experienced (yes, they experienced both of the above)
or any other fertility problem is this:

NEVER GIVE UP!  YOUR SORROW COULD TURN TO HAPPINESS AND JOY!


(photo credit:  pinterest.com)

Look at their precious glorious triumph!


They want their story to be told so they can encourage other young couples
who may be going through the same difficulties they went through.
It's helpful to know you are not alone--whatever your health issue is!

(photo credit:  twibbon.com)

As all young couples do, Saraswoti and Som looked forward to starting their family.
They were young and healthy!
The fact that something MIGHT go wrong never even entered their minds.
No one they knew had ever had trouble conceiving and carrying a child to term.
It's just a normal part of life, right?

Not always!

For Saraswoti and Som, as well as countless other couples,
it was not going to be an easy task.

Conceiving was never a problem for the young couple.
However, three times they suffered a miscarriage.
THREE TIMES!

During these heartbreaking moments, they had to rely on each other
and their families and friends.

(photo credit:  weheartit.com)

If you or any of your loved ones are going through this, don't suffer in silence.
Be there for each other!

This excellent article gives you advice on how to cope and what to say, etc.,
when loved ones experience this.
http://americanpregnancy.org/pregnancy-loss/supporting-others/

You will read about the loss the grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, etc.
are feeling too.  This heartbreak effects the whole family.

After each miscarriage, Saraswoti and Som picked themselves up and carried on.


(photo credit:  pixgood.com)

When her fourth pregnancy was confirmed, they were hopeful,
yet naturally nervous.  She felt fine and the couple settled in to enjoy the pregnancy.

In her seventh month, during a routine blood test, her doctor in Kathmandu
announced she had gestational diabetes!

WHAT?!?!?

How could this be?  She felt fine!  Yes, her father had contracted Type 2 Diabetes at age 65,
but he was the only one in the family with diabetes!  She had no symptoms!
Yes, often gestational diabetes has no symptoms!
This is why it's so important to go to prenatal check-ups!!!

Now it was time to study and take action!  Here is another article about this disease:
http://www.medicinenet.com/gestational_diabetes/article.htm

At this point, her doctor in Kathmandu told her to find a doctor closer to home
to help her manage the diabetes.  Here is where we come in!

Dr. Lavona Pilli, one of our OB/GYNs, became her doctor.  Dr. Lavona put her on a special diet
along with medications for gestational diabetes.  She followed Dr. Lavona's instructions to the letter!  This is something very important to note!  Had she not been serious about following
her doctor's orders, the outcome might have been very different.
To read about the diet and medications, we refer you to the above medicinenet.com article again.

During her eighth month, Saraswoti had to start giving herself insulin injections every day.

(photo credit:  lookfordiagnosis.com)

It was a small price to pay for the health of her precious little one still growing inside her womb.
Saraswoti felt strong, and the young couple came in every third day for a check-up with Dr. Lavona.

Right on time little Babu (little boy!) made his entrance into the world!
He was perfect and healthy and so very handsome!


Like many before her, and many after her, Saraswoti's gestational diabetes
disappeared right after she gave birth!  She could now concentrate on just being a mom!
Som could now concentrate on just being a dad!

Grandma could enjoy the pleasures of being a grandmother!


Babu slept through Mommy's post-birth check-up with Dr. Lavona!

He finally woke up as it was time to go home.

Goodbye Babu!  We'll see you next time!
We're so glad you're here and so is your brave family!

Please don't hesitate to come in for a consultation with one of our OB/GYNs
if you have questions about this or any female condition.
That's what we're here for!

Blessings and see you next time!

Friday, April 17, 2015

April 2015 Health Calendar (Part 1)

This April, which is a new year here in Nepal,

(By they way, if you missed last year's new year post,
which tells about New Year's in Nepal, click here.
The only different items are that it is now the year 2072 (!)
and the medical volunteer health teams have already departed.)

(Happy New Year!)

determine to stay healthy (or get healthy if needed!)!

(photo credit:  pinterest.com)

Remember this:


If you click the above link, you'll find a great website with lots of information, including healthy recipes, disease prevention tips, staying healthy tips, health videos and games too!


There are several important health issues highlighted worldwide and in the U.S. and Canada this April.  If you are interested in learning more about these problems, continue reading.  
(This is Part 1.  Stay tuned for Part !)


Cesarean Awareness Month

cropped-support.jpg
(photo credit:  http://www.icaniowa.com/)

Do you know anyone who had to have a Cesarean Section, or C-section, as it's commonly called?
If so, please tell her,"Bravo!"

resources
(photo credit:  http://www.icaniowa.com/)

This blog post, written by Dr. Amy Tuteur, OB/GYN, 
will help you to understand why C-section mothers are so brave!
Thank you Dr. Tuteur!

This article, by Shanti Subedi, lecturer at Nepal Medical College & Teaching Hospital, 
gives you some information about C-sections in Nepal:
Thank you Shanti Subedi!

Please come in for a consultation with one of our three obstetrician/gynecologists
if you have any questions!



IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome) Awareness Month


Don't let this happen to you!  See you doctor BEFORE it gets this bad!

For information, Wikipedia's article is very informative:

This article from New Spotlight News Magazine, 
gives information about this disease in Nepal:
Thank you to the author--Buddha Basnyat, M.D.
Remember--don't suffer in silence!  Come in for a consultation if you need to!


Autism Awareness Month

What do you know about Autism?
Do you know that, yes, it is here in Nepal?


autism new children in the world


If you click the above link, you will find a very thorough account about 
Autim in Nepal by Sujen Man.  Thank you Sujen--this is an amazing article!


The above link is also very thorough and interesting and includes a video
with a girl with Autism "speaking" through her computer!

Here is the website of the AutismCare Nepal Society, which you can contact 
for further information:


Canadian Oral Health Month

Is this you?
(photo credit:  flantoons.co.uk)

Don't wait for a toothache!  Come in for your check-up with Dr. Kriti Khanal...

...if you haven't done so recently!


If you are interested, the article below is very informative and has many links.

Here's the link to a great page with fun activity pages to print for your children:
http://www.mouthhealthykids.org/en/activity-sheets/

Here's another one with great online games:
http://www.colgate.com/app/Kids-World/US/EN/kids-corner.cwsp

Stay happy, stay healthy, and stay tuned for Part 2!


(photo credit:  quotepixel.com)





Sunday, April 12, 2015

Water--Do you take it for granted?

Water is a basic human right, right?  Of course it is!


Did you know that the citizens of Nepal cannot take it for granted?

Read this article by Dr. Suresh Das Shrestha from Trubhuvan University,
Kathmandu, for information:  
(Thank you Dr. Suresh!)

Carrying water from the local faucet is an everyday normal occurrence for many people.


Some people are lucky enough to have a water supply near their house. 


Sometimes you can wash your clothes, dishes, and children all at the same time,
plus have time to visit with your neighbors.

Imagine watering this field by ferrying water for hours like this young man is doing.

Just because you own a restaurant doesn't mean you have enough water.

Likewise, just because you are a hospital doesn't mean you have enough water!
Yes, we are affected by the water shortage as much as everyone else is.

If you would like to get involved with some projects we are investigating
to help us have an effective water supply, please send us an e-mail:
scheerhospital@gmail.com

THANK YOU!

Here is a photostory by International Alert entitled "Cheated by Nature" that will 
give you more information about Nepal's water shortage:

To close, we have a interesting story blog for you to read from Boston University: