Last Friday in Bhutan! :(

I can not put my feelings into words how I feel about this experience as well as this beautiful country and these amazing people. I have been so humbled by these people and can't believe my time is coming to an end. We have laughed and learned from each other and provide excellent care to these people. I love our little hand therapy clinic and all the people that come to be treated and to work with. The patients are doing great and everyone is working hard and making progress. There are similar problems with the system and the staffing as there is in the USA… same problems, different country. Sad but true. But, these people are beautiful inside and out and I am honored to have had this opportunity to work with them as well as teach. 

As usual, I have a funny kid story, most because I don't treat kids. We were all busy with patients when this man and 2 year come into the clinic with grandma in tow… saying that his arm is dislocated. One of the therapist asks if there is an x ray and he says no, we did not go to the doctor. Both therapist look over at me and said will you see him?  " He is not crying, it will be OK"  I said sure, give him to the American girl who will make him cry when she puts it back in place!!! They both laughed and said 

"We don't know what is wrong?" I laughed and said, "He has a nursemaids elbow and I have to supinate his arm to pop it back in place." The man then said, " His parents are out of town and this has happened before and they told me what to do, but I couldn't do it!" So, I started talking and playing with the little boy and then supinated his arm and "pop" in it went with lots of screaming and crying, then immediate relief! "Thank you Dr. Erica!!! Such a beautiful American hand doctor" :) I LOVE this country!! ;) Hahahaha!!  Another funny quote…."Ahhhh, Madame! My leg wrist hurts!!!!" I started laughing so hard and say " Your leg wrist?! What is that called?" … " Madame, I can't think it is my leg wrist…. my ankle!!!!" Needless to say, we were all laughing so hard we were crying.  It is so much fun. I will miss all the crazy antics and translation errors and just plain craziness. 

Today though, was crazy by far. I got to work and no one was there, except my patient. I have some of them trained to come at appointment times, especially if they really want me to treat them.  Next thing I know it there are 3 patients waiting and then another therapist comes in. She starts treating and then another patient walks in and does not speak english and I had made her a splint and told her to come back today.  I start checking her splint and give her some exercises and then my little "Madame" kid's mom comes in with food and tea for me and the staff because I am leaving. The non english patient starts feeling dizzy and passing out… I help carry her to a bed. In the meantime, the other therapist ran out I was stuck trying to tell them to go to the ER and the 13 year old started translating for me! It was a circus!!1 Finally, another therapist came in and I just looked at him and explained the situation and he explained everything to them and we got them to the ER. ( I felt like I was back at SLUH!)  ;) But, all was well and food and fun was had by all!!!  Apparently everyone except me knew about this!  I am so touched and can't believe that they did all of it for me. Again, word escape me and I really can not put my feelings into words. It has been amazing. Last weekend.. I will be going to another monastery and then traveling to Haa valley. So more pictures and stories to follow!!! 

 This mornings food!!! Clearly people were hungry… also morning for us here in Bhutan is 10… I start at 9am!

 My awesome co workers and sweet Tenzin! I love this kid!

 I went to the ortho ward to help with shoulder taping and dressing changes … dry dressing on almost everything and they were ripping off new growth!!! UGH! Poor patients.

 So, the next time our patients complain…. ummmm, this is real. Falls are pretty common, the beds are high and no rails. No curtains and men, women and children in a ward. The bed to the left of the old woman with the mask was a young boy.

 Sunrise by my flat!

 Prayer flags on my run.

 Gorgeous scenery wherever I go.

 The river and some norbu in the window… these are "little gems" and represent the spirit of loved ones passed away. You will find them in the mountains or along the rivers.

 More prayer flags … in the amazing mountains

Just a government building in town.