Bhutan Wrap up

 Bhutan… I am not sure where to begin nor how to end. It has been such an amazing experience from start to finish. I have learned a lot about this country and it's people as well as myself. It has been interesting learning how healthcare systems work. Pros of a free healthcare system.. well everything is free! I mean you can get whatever you need and see as many doctors as you want and get as much therapy as you want AND equipment. Sounds great right… well, the cons.

 Here we see people standing in line to see the doctor. They get a "token" and wait. Everyday there are people waiting outside of the hospital to stand in line to wait. If you want to see a surgeon, you had better be sure that it is not on a non operating day. Even if you have an infection, you still have to wait for a non operating day. There are no narcotics unless you had surgery and you only get them in the hospital. I do not disagree with this, but people in America would not stand for it, they want narcotics and they want them now. Ibuprofen is what they get and they have to get it at the hospital pharmacy, you can not buy ibuprofen here. Treatment is often delayed because of this, so people get sicker and injuries get infected and hospital stays are longer. But, it is free. This is a good deal, right?! There is also a lack of specialist and so if you cut your finger, they may just sew it up and not check to see if the tendon is cut or nerves, so 2 weeks later when you go back to get the stitches removed and your finger does not bend.. then they realize the tendons are cut and then repaired 15 days later. Still sound good ? I mean the plus is that they can get as much therapy as they want , for as long as they want and get whatever splint they want and the therapist! Again, all things to consider. No system is perfect and there is no right or wrong system. Each system can be improved and that was part if my being there, help improve the system to make it easier as well as more efficient to handle hand injuries. The grass is always greener but is it really?Just some food for thought.  Bhutan is a beautiful and unique little country and  I have learned so much from them as well.

Here are some of my favorite little people. They were so sweet and came everyday to work. I enjoyed working with the kids as much as the adults and maybe even more. These kids have manners and respect adults and their parents don't interfere with treatment. Something I think Americans need to learn, it was interesting to see the relationships between parents and children as well as the level of respect at they have for each other and healthcare workers.

My sweet little girl!!! I miss her so much and she is really doing well. I am sad to miss seeing the final outcome. I got to see the progress over 5 weeks and she is really starting to progress and her hand is looking more normal. I love that transition with nerve and tendon injuries… the point when the hand starts looking healthy again and the movements are becoming more natural and not so "injured". Again…I am digressing , so I will stop.

This guy has made HUGE progress since I have been there!! And I am sad to miss the outcome! He had and abscess with a radial nerve injury and I found the second abscess, which took 3 days before he could see the doctor then had surgery and was admitted. Good news though, more and more radial nerve return and increase control of wrist extension and he can now lift his small finger and ring finger!! And now, I will miss the rest of the EDC return…

I saw this little girl 2 days before I let. She has a brain injury and some spasticity in her hand preventing her from any fine motor control. I made her a little yoke splint and then a little figure 8 splint to keep the fingers apart and allowing her to pick up things. When I asked if she will wear it in school she whispered "No, I am too shy to wear it and have people look at me".  That just broke my heart but I encouraged her to wear them. 

This is the center of Thimphu town. A cop stand in the circular booth and directs traffic.

The dogs of Thimphu, they are everywhere and quite adorable. They bark all night and sleep all day!

Finally, Buddha overlooking Thimphu. Bhutan is absolutely stunning and it has been and honor and privilege to be here.Until we meet again….

Thank you to all my family and friends for all your love and support during my journey. Thank you for reading my blog. I will actually miss blogging. Love to you all!!

Tashi Delek!