MEDICAL TEAM – PART 3”

By: Michael J Miller Jr.

The team worked the last 2 days of their trip at the Santa Margarita School where we are building our 4^th kitchen and new classrooms. We knew that this very poor area of various communities would be in need and the team would need to find extra strength from Jesus to see as many patients as they could. In the left hand photo you can see the line of people waiting to see our medical team. This line never stopped. The team worked from 7:00 am to 9:00 pm at night. The team worked under flash light as seen in the last photo, because the power line from the pole was cut. We want to give you a brief summary of what the team did: 1,317 patients were evaluated during the seven days of medical screening. 53 patients were evaluated by more than one physician for a total of 1,370 patient visits. Patients ranged in age from 46 days to 90 years with the average patient age of 30 years and 2 months. Of the 1,370 patient visits 994 were female and 376 were male.

Patient diagnoses were reviewed:

(Not all diagnoses are included, and some patients have more than one diagnosis)

Upper respiratory infection = 274, Hypertension = 94, Degenerative joint disease = 72, Low back pain = 71, Bronchitis = 66, Sinusitis = 63, Otitis media = 55, Dermatitis = 54, Rhinitis = 42, Headache = 40, Tendinopathy = 37, Diabetes = 30, Gastroesophogeal reflux disease = 29, Patellofemoral syndrome = 25, Plantar fasciitis = 25, Abdominal pain = 24, Gastritis = 24, Gastroenteritis = 24, Urinary tract infection = 24, Intestinal parasites = 24, Asthma = 22, Conjunctivitis= 19, Cervicalgia = 17, Diarrhea = 10, Cerumen impaction = 8, Head lice = 8, Diabetic neuropathy = 7, Post-polio syndrome = 4, ACL tear = 4, Pregnancy = 4, Fracture = 3, Fracture non-union = 2, Gunshot wound = 1, and Stab wound =1.

Pharmacy

1,457 prescriptions were dispensed to patients at no charge. Medications included drugs such as antibiotics and antihypertensive, as well as non-prescription items such as vitamins, Pedialyte, acetaminophen, naproxen, etc.

Injections

89 injections were provided primarily using corticosteroids for musculoskeletal disorders.

Laboratory

25 laboratory tests were performed including urinalysis and finger stick blood glucose performed onsite, as well as referral for TSH, potassium, and complete blood counts.

X-rays

2 patients were sent for radiology examinations.

Durable Medical Equipment

74 items of medical equipment were dispensed to patients including walking cast boots, ankle supports, elastic compression stockings, elbow sleeves, foot orthotics, and one wheelchair.

On top of this we counseled a youth being treated by Dr. Bob. The youth had been beaten by the 18th St. Gang and we were able to counsel about gang violence. We also saw gunshot wounds on persons that happened a year ago which meant they were associated with the gang because most gang members don’t see a doctor because they would not be treated and or harmed more by medical staff in Honduras. The team was blessed by our translators as seen in the 2^nd photo, top row. They are young and ambitious group. We found them through a private English speaking school that posted our announcement in needing translators. The team also spent time in meeting and visiting with their sponsored children as seen in the 3^rd photo. One memory the team will take back is when they were able to spend time with our older boys youth group and listened to Cristian give his testimony in how Jesus Christ and this ministry changed not only his life but every boy sitting with him. It was a long, but blessed week! We admire in how we felt the presence of Jesus walking with us in serving His people.