Off of Meph

I had to quit taking Mephlaquin (Give me crystal or give me Meph). I loved the vivid dreams but hated the insomnia that went with them. So I’m trying to practice what I preach to patients and started taking Doxycycline. "Ask your doctor about the blue pill!" Not nearly as exciting as Mephlaquine. God I miss those dreams!

Yesterday I had my first really busy day in the clinic and saw 7 patients before lunch. A few stomach problems, a few follow-ups, a  15-month-old physical exam and immunizations, a respiratory infection and an ear infection. But the afternoon was quiet. I’ve been appointed by the Ambassador to represent the embassy at the American school. So I caught up on their past minutes and went to the school board meeting. I never thought I’d be sitting on a school board meeting but there I was! Some of the people here at post have hinted that they would like to be on the board, as though I can apppoint them or relinquish my appointment. In case someone here is reading our blog, let me just say, I’m the only one on the board who has no vested interest (my kids don’t go there and I don’t pay tuition) so I think I can remain unbias and be an objective advocate for the teachers and the kids.

I had to leave a little bit early from the meeting because there was a reception in my honor. All of the local physicians and health care providers in Niamey were invited. Our host, the management officer, had his chef prepare wonderful finger foods. There were beef brochettes, grilled seasoned shrimp, little quiches, cheese tarts, and a large assortment of deserts and beverages. His home is very nice and there was quite a crowd. He made a nice speech and so did the Ambassador. I was forced to ad lib and expressed my gratitude. It was really nice. Unfortunately, Dina couldn’t come because she had to stay home with the kids and it was late.

(Some may not want to read this paragraph) I socialized with most of the guests. An American team is here volunteering to do fistula repairs. There is a serious problem here in Niger which is cultural. Young girls (~12-14) are married off to men and tear very easily which creates an abnormal tunneling (fistula) between openings and gets infected. These poor girls are told not to have sex for a month after surgery but are shamed and ostracized if they don’t go back to their husbands. This problem is very real and we are working hard to try and find a solution. I am trying a different approach to come up with an educational tool to target the men.

I met some very interesting people including the director of the local Gamkalley Clinic and a Nigerian neurologist who left to practice in France, made a lot of money, but came back because he wanted to help his people. Dr. Toure is the head of cardiology and covers me when I go away and travel. He is very charming with a great sense of humor. Compliments to the chef who is from Benin. The servers were local Nigerians. I enjoyed the company and we had a very nice evening. Thank you Management Officer.

Breakfasts are usually a scramble to get everyone up, fed, and out the door in time for school. I feel like a drill sargeant that has little control over his company. I believe there is mutiny in the ranks! No time to read the paper. Camille will stare at her plate for 5 minutes and when I say, "Eat your breakfast!" she replies, "I need a fork!" In the mean time, Stefan keeps getting out of his seat to play or ask for something else and often doesn’t eat much of anything and still needs to get dressed. The clock is ticking and we barely get to school on time. The French are strict about punctuality. I was late picking up the kids one day because I had a patient I had to take care of and the directrisse gave me a tongue lashing (which I must admit I kind of liked even though she was very intimidating). I tried to explain and when I told her what I was doing, she asked in cold French, "Did the patient live?!" Her face never softened. Let’s not have THAT happen again!

The time is flying by and daily I think of things to write about but before I know it, three days have passed. It’s kind of interesting how that phenomenon works. It’s already old news yet there is still so much to see and say.