Minus one appendix

For those of you who may not have heard.... On May 22nd, Gerritt (me) had his appendix out... in Haiti.

If you had asked me as we were heading out on this big huge adventure what I feared, I would have told you the ONE thing I was afraid of was having a medical emergency that required surgery in Haiti. Nothing else.. just surgery in Haiti. God really has a sense of humor doesn't He?? 

So... timeline...

Sunday at 6pm - severe cramping - think I am constipated.  at 8 - cramping worse despite intense pushing that is somewhat productive. at 10 - vomit and there is slight blood - now very worried - call friends here to recommend hospital - call other friends to help us get there since we have no idea where we are going. Karl and Ann Olsson tell us about Bernard Mevs Hospital, and Chris Nungaster from HIS Home for Children accompanies us along with her Haitian driver James. Late Sunday night - spent at hospital - crazy stuff going on around us - indications are unclear - need a CT which opens at 8 Monday am. SO thankful for the rotating teams of volunteer US and Canadian medical professionals who could hear our explanation and respond in English. Around midnight send Chris and James home in our truck - sleep on the floor of admin reception area which is quiet and has A/C. 

Monday - pain still bad - get CT - vomit after procedure from the contrast. Have not eaten in almost 24 hours so not very nice. No one to read the CT. Send to Miami and wait... and wait.... vehicle after vehicle drops off dreadfully injured or disfigured people. At times Julie and I stare right at each other b/c there is no where else to look. Call Chris who graciously sends her driver to take us back to our truck. Go home around 2 pm to crash. Sleep - take lots of ibuprofen - leave for hospital at 5:30 am. 

Tuesday - get to hospital - pain worse - presents more and more like appendicitis - start prepping me for surgery- no food no water no nothing - 2 bags of IV fluids. We are starting to greet the American volunteer staff like old friends. CT results back from Miami- confirmed. I'm on the O.R. table at 1 pm. off the table at 3. More on anesthesia later.. By 5pm I am alert though still numb in areas. I get some pain meds at 7 pm and sleep in 2-3 hour stints most of the night.

Wednesday I wake and am able to get to the bathroom myself, walk the hall, and make bad jokes. I really don't feel the need for pain meds, and I have 3 tasks, drink a little with no nausea, eat a little with no nausea and either have a bowel movement or pass gas, which I did both. So at 1pm our dear friend Jeremie (who is an excellent and cautious driver) drops everything to meet us at the hospital and drive us home. And by 2 pm, less than 24 hours post op I am in my own bed resting relatively comfortably. 

It is now more than a week later. My follow up appointment at the hospital Monday was great, Each day I am able to do more with less fatigue, though my appetite is still rather suppressed which is very strange for me. I have intentionally until now omitted Julie's involvement in all these steps since that would make this entry 3 times longer than it already is. She was FANTASTIC. Advocated for me without being pushy - took copious notes - took care of all the details of my care (in Haiti your family/friends provide food/linens/personal care etc at the hospital) It goes without saying I would have been lost without her. 

Looking forward to a more mundane post next time! THANK YOU to everyone who prayed, called, sent notes, expressed concern, etc. The outpouring of love and support was humbling and even a bit overwhelming. We have no doubt we are not alone in anything we do or experience down here. You are all in our hearts. - G