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Today speaks to the power of gospel music! Michelle and I have noticed Veronica, our sweet patient from Monday who was still on the breathing machine this morning, showing signs of depression. Crystal said she wrote notes during the night to her asking her to please call the white doctor to come remove the breathing tube.
While we waited for Dr. Cabrera and Dr. Myers to arrive that morning Michelle pulled out her headphones and iPod that was loaded with gospel music. She said, “Maybe a little Mary Mary will help her out,” and placed them over Veronica’s ears. After Veronica nodded her head, she went to sleep. At that point I had to leave the ICU to teach another lecture to the nurses. By the time I came back Veronica was sitting up in bed… breathing on her own! Her parents were at her bedside and all were smiling.
Favour was discharged from the ICU and Viona was recovering nicely though kept sedated and on the breathing machine. Viona can be seen in the picture receiving physical therapy while she sleeps. Her hair is tightly braided with colorful beads in her ponytail. I am looking forward to seeing her awake tomorrow.
Our newest case, David, is almost 3 years old and had a Tetrology of Fallot repair this morning. We met his family yesterday and I looked over his profile sheet that described his family and home situation. David lives in Nairobi. His family
has been forced to sell many of their belongings since he was born to afford his medical care. They are fortunate to have this opportunity, now, for a free heart operation.
David’s mother wrote, "My child’s a boy and charming little guy and he’s special to me because he’s my first born son and the only for that matter. My son is basically by life. He is my reason for living and I’d only be grateful if his condition would be corrected and have a normal life like any other child.” David’s surgery was a success.
So now I am preparing to return to the ICU to watch over Veronica, Viona and David and another child that was admitted for a mitral valve repair whom I have not met yet. I will spend the next two nights in the ICU.
Saturday, some of the nurse want to take us around and show us the Masai market and other sites within Nairobi. Hannah, one of the nurses, wants to have my hair braided, so if I do get it done I’ll try to keep it until Monday so my coworkers can tease me adequately.
Thank you for your well wishes and know that I think they are working!
Our team would love to hear from you. Please send your questions, comments or words of encouragement to
Whitney Partin, R.N., partinw@lebonheur.org.
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