In the course of a week

Ouaga was very very interesting and had many different contrasts to Niamey. It is more “city,” more developed, and more western in terms of shops and restaurants and clothing attire. The health care standards are higher with newer clinics and greater application of modern resources.

I felt I had accomplished a lot for just a 5 day visit. I had seen quite a number of patients, visited multiple clinics including a radiology center, two clinics which provide full services including basic surgeries (I observed part of a hip replacement), and an AIDS infirmary that not only gives care to patients and their families but also is working on an experimental HIV vaccine. I had also met with many of the Embassy community as well as the local health community. I gave a 30 minute lecture “Health and Well Being.” 53 embassy employees attended.

On Friday night after we had eaten out at a fine restaurant, I awoke in the night and vomited. I was assuming the worst and wasn’t going to be fooled by the instant relief and momentary good feeling one gets right after. But the blahs never returned. I guess I was just lucky. The following day we went to the artisan festival. It was hot but I mostly viewed the art work of venders inside air conditioned buildings. We had a very nice evening at the Ambassador’s residence. Early the next morning I was half awake because of the booming music coming from the discoteque across the street when all of a sudden, “Bang!” I developed an acute onset of pain on my left lower side. Such a sensation I’ve never felt before. The usual medical possibilities ran through my brain; bad food or water, parasites, bladder infections, gunshot wounds, ovarian cysts (not likely)… The pain stayed localized and intense but no nausea or diarrhea. Unable to find a position of comfort or use the bathroom, I got up and paced. Dina heard me and I told her what was going on. We called Paulina, the embassy nurse, who came and took me to the clinic. I didn’t have to tell her what tests to run, she skillfully took the initiative. All of my lab work was normal except for my urine which was concentrated and revealed 3+ blood. I drank lots of water and got a liter of IV fluid. The pain subsided and then went away. My suspicion is that I probably passed a miniscual kidney stone complicated by some dehydration. Now, a week later, I’m recovered (deep sigh).

The drive home to Niamey was uneventful and I came back to a very busy week of work. I had several meetings to attend and had to write several reports including a travel report on Ouaga. Too many phone calls. Most of the patients presented complicated issues including some psychosocial problems that can go way beyond my scope of practice. I’m not a therapist. “Don’t go selling crazy here. I’m all booked up” says Jack Nickelson. I have some limitations but I’m always willing to listen and try to help. I spent a few hours, after work on Friday afternoon, catching up.

Now it’s Saturday morning. Stefan is playing with his cars, making all those engine noises. Camille is rubbing her sleepy eyes and Dina is waiting for the computer.