TO ROBIN and others

ULTRASOUND REPORT

                   The ultrasound teaching has been progressing. The pace of course is slower than I would like because of the other duties of the Nuns.

I have seen very little pathology, probably because the hospital in Ngarenaroibi is still not equipped with a surgical suite and serious cases go to Moshi, one hour and forty-five minutes away. Sister Ernesta is progressing well. Because she is a physician she has the background to place things in perspective. OB is the most that we do but as people hear about the Ultrasound capability they come asking for Ultrasound for abdominal pain. I have yet to see any pathology in the abdomen. I think most are suffering from reflux. I have had some trauma cases but have seen nothing like organ damage. In Ashengai there is definitely a higher volume. I have seen ascites in an alcohol abuser( 20 yo) ( Sister called his family) we sent him to Moshi. We also saw some testicular abnormality in the fetus of a hypertensive mother who was also sent to Moshi because of her hypertension. The Internet helped me place the fetal abnormalities in perspective. I find that my medical experience is often helpful to the doctors. Two heads are better than one. I have done very little with cardiology so far. I am hoping to do more with three weeks left. The Internet has been a great aid to the doctors. They eat it up. Fr Priscus is working intensely with Carol DeAngelo from the Cardiac Hospital Foundation to get a generator that will be able to supply power to the proposed operating room with automatic kick in if the yet unavailable power line kicks out which then routinely do in Asengai. The generator is approximately 25 K. I might add that the hospital is only three years old.  In start up mode. I will place a list of needs later. Any X ray for starters. There is none. No EKG. I am hoping that others will follow me here .A computer expert could do a lot. I could use one myself. There are very comfortable quarters in Sebuko with fr Beatus the superior who is the most gracious host. Someone could spend a few weeks there, enjoy the area and still find time to do some teaching. This is just an off the cuff assessment for now. Fr Priscus hopes to make some comfortable accommodations for visitors in Ngarenaroibi to upgrade things there. The hospitality for me has been wonderful from some great Priests and Nuns.