Patients’ Patience

 Dear Family and Friends -

It’s finally time to write about some of our patients. Our first hectic day, in which we treated actually a few more than the 51 registrants we counted, we found that a few parents of sick children didn’t report any illness themself, at first. Then, when in Triage with our nurses, they asked for attention to a health complaint of their own. When we realized this was to avoid paying an additional 10 Quetzales (a little over $1.00 U.S.), we directed our registration desk to ask about their health, assuring them they could be seen for the admission being charged for the child.

Lest you think it’s cruel to charge the Q 10 fee, please know that “free stuff” doesn’t have a good reputation here. Another issue is that fifteen years ago, when Dr. Elry began “free clinics” here, many people would get in line, just to see what was free. He had a line not only “out the door” but around the neighborhood, consisting of many who had no medical complaint.

Speaking of patience, our nurses are aware that most of our patients come prepared to wait a long time to be seen. Our first day of clinic, there was quite a crowd waiting for us at 8:00 a.m. Not all could be seen that morning. We broke for lunch and tried to get everyone through the clinic before we quit at 5:30. There were a few people we asked to come back the next morning, since we wanted to be able to devote time to their problems. No one got annoyed at waiting; several people said they were willing to return the next morning. We are grateful for that attitude and lack of irritation on their part. 

We are a high-tech clinic, for a small church in a poor neighborhood. After registration and hearing a gospel message, patients are triaged and their vital signs measured. We are using a wonderful computer that can do all the recording of oxygen saturation, blood pressure, respiration rate and temperature. We weigh each patient, too.

Any people mentioning ear, foot or heart-related issues go right to our Ear-Foot-ECG area for consultation (ECG) or treatment (Ear and foot). The ears and feet of elderly patients all are examined, since issues are common with older people. Among the ear issues are impacted wax and debris; ear infections; and a few ruptured eardrums. Elderly feet often have very long, thick toenails in need of cutting and sometimes grinding. Not a few fungal infections of the feet have been seen. Typically we are thanked for helping people hear better, and for shoes fitting more comfortably, after inches of nail growth has been removed.

Each person finally is seen by either Elry, M.D., a Guatemalan Family Practioner, or by Dr. Z, our Ph.D Nurse Practioner from CUAA. A stop at the pharmacy on the way out gives patients their prescribed meds and OTC pain medication.

Fifty-one patients kept us hopping until 5:30. We were almost too tired to make it to dinner, except that Liz’s meals are outstanding so nobody wanted to miss out.

Heavenly Father, thank you for a beautiful day and the beautiful people we have been able and prepared to serve. We do this in your wonderful name. Amen.