Greetings from the motherland. First allow me to apologize for these entries being a bit choppy and all over the place. There is just so much going on that I randomly put my thoughts down on paper as they come to me. These e-mails are thus, essentially my day to day journal entries. SO apologies if everything isnt in exact chronological order, if the grammar isnt perfect, or if it doesnt flow all that well, but know that these are some of my thoughts along this amazing journey.
First off, Jenna , Dave and I are feeling great and are all having an amazing time. A big part of my experience is seeing their reactions and perceptions, answering their questions and sharing in their excitement and wonder. I almost feel like a local sometimes because everyones eyes are glued to Jenna and Dave. I have also become quite proficient in translation.if my career in Public Health doesnt work out maybe I can get a job translating for the UN. My Hindi is getting better and everyone around here seems pretty impressed that I can speak as well as I do.
SUNDAY, May.30
Woke up at 7:10 Archna and Daves Dad called. Went downstairs to get a better signal and ran into Ajay (4th yr optometry student) and a bunch of his friends. Went for breakfast with them and finally had authentic Dosa (most popular South Indian dish) with coconut chutney. YUM!!!
Met Dr. Prochesky from South Africa who is here to teach health promotion for a week. Dave and I chatted with him about health promotion and its relevance in health care right now. Ive never felt so good about being a Health Studies student. In the evening we went to Billa temple with Ajay, Priti (his girlfriend), and Anton (really good guy from Northern India Sliong an Asian region of India). Absolutely gorgeous containing a huge solid gold statue of Lord Vishnu. The temple was made of pure marble and hand carved. We couldnt take cameras in and had to check our bags. The place was packed and the line was long. A really good experience for all of us in terms of experiencing the standard Indian rush. We had to walk through abazaar with really narrow streets to get to the top of the hill that the temple was on. Little stores lined the streets and as we walked by they clerks would call out the names of there products or keep repeating the word yes (Im told because its probably the only English word they know). We bought some postcards of the local sites for 20Rs.
We left the temple and walked around the area. We walked along Hussain Saggar Lake a popular tourist spot wit h a giant statue of Buddha in the centre (Hyderabads statue of liberty). We then went for dinner at a restaurant called Fishland. Am odd name, but a great restaurant. We had Biryani (chicken and Veggie) for the first timeA hyderabad specialty. Back home for sleep as our real experience beings tomorrow.
MONDAY, May. 31
Hyderabad is a beautiful representation of India towering mansions right next door to hand made shelters put together from tarp, sheet metal and sticks. Today we begin our journey into another, predominant aspect of the real India. Woke up at 5:50am.
It is difficult to put into words what we experienced today. If there is one thing I can say for certain, it is that India awakens the soul. Any time spent in India will beat the restlestness out of any living creature. To truly know what we are experiencing, these e-mails will do little justice. One must join us; one must see, feel, hear, and smell all that is around us (the good, the bad, and the ugly). This is an amazingly diverse country and I find myself in continuous awe.
Mr. Shankar, one of the ICARE field workers, was here to pick us up at 7:00am sharp. We got into the scooter (auto/3 wheeler) he had come in after introductions and headed for the LVPEI (main hospital) in Banjara Hills. Upon reaching, Shankar put us in one of the waiting rooms. Outside of the main gates to the hospital we could see the hundreds of people that were waiting just to make an appointment (and we think we have a problem with queues in Canada). Many of the patients had green patches over their eyes while otheres were walking with canes. A mother was holding her baby who apparently had some form of conjunctivitis (inflammation of the conjunctiva and the most common eye disease worldwide).
After some time, Prasad (one of the ICARE administrators) came in with Shankar and invited us for breakfast in the Doctors Lounge. It felt kind of odd walking into a room full of doctors in white coats, but many were very interested in hearing about UWIHDA and our project. We enjoyed a great breakfast of idlli and sambar (another popular South Indian Dish), but it didnt last very long.
We had to leave for VST Centre right away as the bus was leaving. An interesting point The VST is a service centre of the LVPEI which is supported by one of the
largest tobacco companies in Andrah Pradesh Irony at its best and a social psychology nightmare.
On the way to the centre Prasad gave us an overview of how our work would be conducted and in what types of areas. He basically provided a Logic Model for how the LVPEI system works. Essentially, we would be working at the grassroots level at the first point of contact with patients. We were working right in the slums and went from door to door telling people about the service/program and the importance of eye care as well as the consequences of neglect. We took down information about each family member who was reporting any type of ocular problems. In many instances we were able to identify cataracts with a simple flashlight test and in other cases just by looking at the eye.
We got to VST and Rama Lakshmi, the administrator at the centre, explained how the referral system works and that the VST was the second point of contact after the surveys in the slums. The resident optometrist, Marveen, was a 4th yr optometry student from BLSO (Baush and Lomb School Optometry) who said he knew who we were and what we were doing because of conversations with others on campus. Following the orientation we headed for the slums. We were working in a slum called Shivashankanagar. It was apparent upon arrival, that this would be like nothing we had ever experienced. There was a group of approximately 17 villagers waiting to get into the 10 seater mini-van that we had just arrived in. They had collected there due to the work of one of the other field workers who had been there since the morning.
We got out of the van and stepped on to the dirt road that ran through the centre of the slum. All the dwellings were made of cement and attached together. Most had sheet metal roofs while 1 or 2 had cement roofs. We were told these were the homes of the wealthier villagers. Prasad explained that these were some of the poorest areas in India and that these small shelters housed between 5 and 8 people. Most families had incomes of approximately 50Rs./day (approximatley 1 American dollar). This was a sobering thought considering 1.5kg of rice and vegetable oil would cost just a little less than that.
Upon entering the slum, the villagers curiosity was apparent. We received a lot of stares, but everyone was very nice. LESSONS learned: 1) a smile goes a long way and can open many doors, 2) Ones Hindi doesnt have to be perfect to have a conversation in India, 3) Kids love being in pictures, 4) Indian Hospitality is phenomenal.
A dog came and sniffed my foot. I could feel the wetness of his nose on my toes. I couldnt help but think I shouldnt have worn sandals.
We walked to the end of one of the gullies and came to the slums temple central to every Hindus life no matter what socio-economic status. One of the villagers had opened a small store right next door that served the slum of approximatley 300. We were told that he was probably one of the wealthiest there and earned approximately 150Rs./day. He asked us about Canada, had his youngest son fetch us some chairs, and got one of the other men to get us three bottles of Thumbs-Up (cola) From another store nearby because he didnt sell any. I offered to pay, really offered, but he insisted that we were his guests and he would not hear of it. He returned a number of empty bottles to get the 3 for us.
Another elderly woman we met was sitting on the narrow path between the houses. We checked her eyes and it was apparent that she had a fully progressed cataract and could not see from her left eye. We explained that we would be bringing a van to pick her up tomorrow to take her to VST for an initial check-up. She told us that she couldnt walk, put her hands together and asked us to please help her. She told us to thank God every day that we can walk and was very greatful when we told her we would arrange for a wheel chair tomorrow or the village to assist in moving her.
After some more patients were checked, some more pictures were taken with the community members (a happy bunch despite what we would call a loe quality of life) and our goodbyes till tomorrow were said, we headed back to VST.
The rest of the afternoon was spent in the clinic observing/assisting Marveen. Some of the problems we saw in the patients included hyperopia, myopia, astigmatism, cataract, and presbyopiafailry b asic problems. We practiced using a retinoscope, ophthalmoscope, and the Snellen chart.
Tomorrow we return to the slum. I am both excited and nervous and am sure it will be another unforgetable day.
Chapter 4
JUNE 1, 2004
Woke up at 6:00 a.m to get 7:00 bus to LVPEI main hospital. Had toast and Jam in the Doctors Lounge because we had heard some interesting stories about the food at the hospital from some of the students last night (ie. cockroach legs in the Idly...not down with that).
We left for VST, got our equipment and headed back to Shivashankanagar.
Today, we saw the worst life has to offer... how the the poorest of the poor live day to day. It was difficult both psychologically and physically. We continued with our survey work in the same village we had visited yesterday. Upon arrival, we saw that the children had already gathered in anticipation of our arrival and to catch a glimpse of the foreigners.
We received a wonderful lesson in cricket and learned why Indians are not to be taken lightly when it comes to this alternative religion. Basically, we got smoked. The children, nonetheless, really seemed to enjoy playing with us and got some good laughs out of it.
It was hot very hot.
We left the Shivashankanagar slum and walked about a kilometer alongside the railway tracks that neighboured the area. We entered what had to be the most impoverished area I had ever seen. This was the home of the poor, whom before this, I had only seen on the streets asking for change as our vehicle idled in traffic. We drew a lot of attention and a group of boys came running up beside us, one of them holding a dead mouse in one hand. Some of his friends were yelling, Mickey Mouse, Mickey Mouse, videotape Mickey Mouse. This was difficult. One of the little boys obviously had an ocular infection. We stopped and asked where his parents were. One of the older boys said he was his brother and we told them we would be holding a community screening camp in the local school the next day. We told him that he should bring his little brother.
We walked a little further onto a road with some small shops. Surinder, one of the field workers we were with, told us we could wait inside the health centre to get out of the sun. The health centre, and I use this term loosely, was a small, empty, cement room with a desk, 2 chairs and a filing cabinet. There were flies everywhere. Across from the health centre was a tiny store that sold cold drinks. It was manned by two small kids. We started speaking with them and not before long there was a crowd of approximately 20 children listening. We told them about the camp to be held the next day. The girl at the shop told us her sisters eyes were always burning and that she would definitely bring her.
We returned to VST on a city bus and prepared for the next daypacking equipment in boxes, gathering pamphlets (regardless of the fact that many of the people visiting would be illiterate), etc. Highlights of this afternoon also included a pretty intense ethical debate on social services in India.
JUNE 2, 2004
International travel opens the mind and loosens the bowels. No truer words have ever been spoken.
We returned to BLSO last night and I headed straight for my room. I knew I couldnt go to India without getting a little Delhi Belly, or what I like to call a Hyderabad HangoverBut before Dave and Jenna!!!!!! hahaha Ive never felt such pain. Took
some Pepto Bismol (it turned my tongue black a common side effect), had some water and my Lariam pill and went to bed.
Woke up in not so good shape. To my dismay, I had to skip out on the community screening. In retrospect, It was for the best. I insisted that Dave and Jenna go ahead as it was a good day not to have me along, as everyone from VST was going to the school.
I slept all morning after taking a PMS Trikacide 500mg/0.25mg Diphenoxlate.Atrop 2.5mg (a general antibiotic a bit stronger than better than Cipro). Prasad knocked on my door about 8:30am and said he will take me to the doctors at 9:30 just to be safe.
I really dont need to go see a doctor. I know its just T.D. and how to treat it, but the experience of going to a hospital in India is intriguing.
Just got to the HospitalIts 10:15am and my appointment (they take walk-ins) is at 12:30. Prasad didnt come, but arranged for one of the students, Rajesh, to bring me. He and one of his friends dropped me off and told me theyde be back around 12:30.
Went for a cold drink (Sprite) at a little shop next door to the hospital. My stomach is feeling a bit better. I think the antibiotic I took should do the trick. The consultation will cost 150Rs. which is about $5 Can.
The waiting room is nice. White tiles, numerous ceiling fans, and lots of seats. A woman in a blue sari is mopping the floor in front of me (this happened about 3 times while I was there). Most of the people look to be of medium class and a couple are obviously fairly poor. These few have a white card with them provided by the government for service.
An ambulence a mini-bus/van with a blue siren, just pulled up. No one is in it. Public health messages on the wall read: 1) Preventive health is better then sick care, 2) medical practice is susceptible to errors of ommission and commission (thats not very comforting), 3) Ours is a patients first hospital, 4) We pride ourselves for quality service and patient satisfaction. A poster on the wall targeting obesity reads, Lon ger the waistline. Shorter could be the lifeline. Another reads, Want this to happen to your lungs? Then smoke.But certainly not here and has a picture of a blackened lung and a burning cigarrete below.
This is the first time while in India that Ive been alone (without Dave and Jenna) in public. And for the first time, I feel like a full-fledged foreigner Ive been getting a
lot of stares.
I met the doctor after my B.P. was taken. It was low apparently India has relaxed me (I know thats not what it means). The Dr. wanted me to stay till the evening and get IVs. I dont think so. I took the prescription he gave and bought the pills for 30 Rs. just in case.
I got home, continued with my previous antibiotic, and slept. Dave and Jenna got home in the evening and told me about their day. The screening day went really well and I saw some of the video footage they had taken. I felt a little better too.
JUNE 3, 2004
Woke up at 7:00a.m. Felt much better. Still slight discomfort in the stomach, but it should be fine. Will take one more dose/pill of the antibiotic to be safe. Took an auto to Narsingi, a small rural village not too far from BLSO. The drive over was gorgeous. We took a back route and saw some great panoramic views of the landsacape (?). There was very little traffic and all around us we could see the amazing rock formations found throughout Hyderabad. Along the way we passed little farms and villages that were bustling with life. Two boys ran along side our scooter rolling tires along with st icks. Id like to see Matel patent that one. We arrived at the Lakshmi Charitable Clinic founded by Dr. Sasi Kala, M.D., D.G.O about 30 minuted later. Dr. Sasi Kala is a gynocologist who went to med school with Dr. Rao, head of the LVPEI.
The place is gorgeous. We met the doctors brother-in law who is the property manager. The property consisting of 200 acres of mango, lime, and guava orchards. We got a tour of the orchards and saw the approximately 6-7 different types of mangoes they grow there. The orc hards were beautiful and the scent of fresh mangoes, mint (growing all over the place), and the occasional scent of natural fertilizer filled the air.
The doctors brother-in-law, a really nice man of large stature and a hospitable smile, then showed us the guesthouse above the clinic. The place was amazing The video will do it more justice then my words. He then offered us the freshest, sweetest, softest mangoes any of us had ever had and in Jennas case, the first mangoes she had ever had. No mangoes will ever compare. We tried three different types, all as equally pleasing to the taste buds.
Note: these mangoes are not grown and sold for profit. Rather, Dr. Sasi Kala sends them as gifts to her colleagues, family and friends and uses them for her own personal use.
After some time, Dr. Sasi Kala arrived, as she does every Thursday, with her team of 3 other doctors. She arrived in a nice new TATA Safari. Once a week, her, one of her retired profs, and two assistants all gynocologists come and provide health services free of cost. They also dispense drugs free of charge. She gave us an overview of how the clinic is operated and gave us a tour of the consultation offices. We were very impressed to say the least, not to mention inspired.
We were able to sit in on some of the consultations and witnessed a variety of problems within the women at the clinic. In particular: High rates of osteoporosis in post -menopausal women (close to 70f patients), 2 cases of cervical cancer (Dr. Sasi Kala did a biopsy on one woman last week and got the reults of squamous cell carcinoma today), and numerous cataracts (which were all referred to us as we were providing referrals and collecting initial survey info).
The doctor explained that the funding for the trust is provided by her and her husband predominantly. She buys the drugs in bulk for low cost and is able to hook up surgeries and special services for very low cost (4000Rs. vs. 20,000Rs.) and in some cases free (money supplied by trust).
After all the patients were seen, Dr. Sasi Kala invited us up for lunch. We had some great conversation over lunch, some more mangoes, took some pictures, said our farewells and were off again, this time in an army jeep kept by the trust. I will arrange for UWIHDA to do some fundraising for the Lakshmi Charitable Clinic that serves ~ 12,000 women and children. The money will go a long way here and will be used wisely.
Thats it for now. Much love to all. will be in touch again soon. Our cell is not working as our SIM card is out of minutes. Will arrange for a new one once we get back from the Karam Cheroo satellite centre next week.
Namaste
First off, Jenna , Dave and I are feeling great and are all having an amazing time. A big part of my experience is seeing their reactions and perceptions, answering their questions and sharing in their excitement and wonder. I almost feel like a local sometimes because everyones eyes are glued to Jenna and Dave. I have also become quite proficient in translation.if my career in Public Health doesnt work out maybe I can get a job translating for the UN. My Hindi is getting better and everyone around here seems pretty impressed that I can speak as well as I do.
SUNDAY, May.30
Woke up at 7:10 Archna and Daves Dad called. Went downstairs to get a better signal and ran into Ajay (4th yr optometry student) and a bunch of his friends. Went for breakfast with them and finally had authentic Dosa (most popular South Indian dish) with coconut chutney. YUM!!!
Met Dr. Prochesky from South Africa who is here to teach health promotion for a week. Dave and I chatted with him about health promotion and its relevance in health care right now. Ive never felt so good about being a Health Studies student. In the evening we went to Billa temple with Ajay, Priti (his girlfriend), and Anton (really good guy from Northern India Sliong an Asian region of India). Absolutely gorgeous containing a huge solid gold statue of Lord Vishnu. The temple was made of pure marble and hand carved. We couldnt take cameras in and had to check our bags. The place was packed and the line was long. A really good experience for all of us in terms of experiencing the standard Indian rush. We had to walk through abazaar with really narrow streets to get to the top of the hill that the temple was on. Little stores lined the streets and as we walked by they clerks would call out the names of there products or keep repeating the word yes (Im told because its probably the only English word they know). We bought some postcards of the local sites for 20Rs.
We left the temple and walked around the area. We walked along Hussain Saggar Lake a popular tourist spot wit h a giant statue of Buddha in the centre (Hyderabads statue of liberty). We then went for dinner at a restaurant called Fishland. Am odd name, but a great restaurant. We had Biryani (chicken and Veggie) for the first timeA hyderabad specialty. Back home for sleep as our real experience beings tomorrow.
MONDAY, May. 31
Hyderabad is a beautiful representation of India towering mansions right next door to hand made shelters put together from tarp, sheet metal and sticks. Today we begin our journey into another, predominant aspect of the real India. Woke up at 5:50am.
It is difficult to put into words what we experienced today. If there is one thing I can say for certain, it is that India awakens the soul. Any time spent in India will beat the restlestness out of any living creature. To truly know what we are experiencing, these e-mails will do little justice. One must join us; one must see, feel, hear, and smell all that is around us (the good, the bad, and the ugly). This is an amazingly diverse country and I find myself in continuous awe.
Mr. Shankar, one of the ICARE field workers, was here to pick us up at 7:00am sharp. We got into the scooter (auto/3 wheeler) he had come in after introductions and headed for the LVPEI (main hospital) in Banjara Hills. Upon reaching, Shankar put us in one of the waiting rooms. Outside of the main gates to the hospital we could see the hundreds of people that were waiting just to make an appointment (and we think we have a problem with queues in Canada). Many of the patients had green patches over their eyes while otheres were walking with canes. A mother was holding her baby who apparently had some form of conjunctivitis (inflammation of the conjunctiva and the most common eye disease worldwide).
After some time, Prasad (one of the ICARE administrators) came in with Shankar and invited us for breakfast in the Doctors Lounge. It felt kind of odd walking into a room full of doctors in white coats, but many were very interested in hearing about UWIHDA and our project. We enjoyed a great breakfast of idlli and sambar (another popular South Indian Dish), but it didnt last very long.
We had to leave for VST Centre right away as the bus was leaving. An interesting point The VST is a service centre of the LVPEI which is supported by one of the
largest tobacco companies in Andrah Pradesh Irony at its best and a social psychology nightmare.
On the way to the centre Prasad gave us an overview of how our work would be conducted and in what types of areas. He basically provided a Logic Model for how the LVPEI system works. Essentially, we would be working at the grassroots level at the first point of contact with patients. We were working right in the slums and went from door to door telling people about the service/program and the importance of eye care as well as the consequences of neglect. We took down information about each family member who was reporting any type of ocular problems. In many instances we were able to identify cataracts with a simple flashlight test and in other cases just by looking at the eye.
We got to VST and Rama Lakshmi, the administrator at the centre, explained how the referral system works and that the VST was the second point of contact after the surveys in the slums. The resident optometrist, Marveen, was a 4th yr optometry student from BLSO (Baush and Lomb School Optometry) who said he knew who we were and what we were doing because of conversations with others on campus. Following the orientation we headed for the slums. We were working in a slum called Shivashankanagar. It was apparent upon arrival, that this would be like nothing we had ever experienced. There was a group of approximately 17 villagers waiting to get into the 10 seater mini-van that we had just arrived in. They had collected there due to the work of one of the other field workers who had been there since the morning.
We got out of the van and stepped on to the dirt road that ran through the centre of the slum. All the dwellings were made of cement and attached together. Most had sheet metal roofs while 1 or 2 had cement roofs. We were told these were the homes of the wealthier villagers. Prasad explained that these were some of the poorest areas in India and that these small shelters housed between 5 and 8 people. Most families had incomes of approximately 50Rs./day (approximatley 1 American dollar). This was a sobering thought considering 1.5kg of rice and vegetable oil would cost just a little less than that.
Upon entering the slum, the villagers curiosity was apparent. We received a lot of stares, but everyone was very nice. LESSONS learned: 1) a smile goes a long way and can open many doors, 2) Ones Hindi doesnt have to be perfect to have a conversation in India, 3) Kids love being in pictures, 4) Indian Hospitality is phenomenal.
A dog came and sniffed my foot. I could feel the wetness of his nose on my toes. I couldnt help but think I shouldnt have worn sandals.
We walked to the end of one of the gullies and came to the slums temple central to every Hindus life no matter what socio-economic status. One of the villagers had opened a small store right next door that served the slum of approximatley 300. We were told that he was probably one of the wealthiest there and earned approximately 150Rs./day. He asked us about Canada, had his youngest son fetch us some chairs, and got one of the other men to get us three bottles of Thumbs-Up (cola) From another store nearby because he didnt sell any. I offered to pay, really offered, but he insisted that we were his guests and he would not hear of it. He returned a number of empty bottles to get the 3 for us.
Another elderly woman we met was sitting on the narrow path between the houses. We checked her eyes and it was apparent that she had a fully progressed cataract and could not see from her left eye. We explained that we would be bringing a van to pick her up tomorrow to take her to VST for an initial check-up. She told us that she couldnt walk, put her hands together and asked us to please help her. She told us to thank God every day that we can walk and was very greatful when we told her we would arrange for a wheel chair tomorrow or the village to assist in moving her.
After some more patients were checked, some more pictures were taken with the community members (a happy bunch despite what we would call a loe quality of life) and our goodbyes till tomorrow were said, we headed back to VST.
The rest of the afternoon was spent in the clinic observing/assisting Marveen. Some of the problems we saw in the patients included hyperopia, myopia, astigmatism, cataract, and presbyopiafailry b asic problems. We practiced using a retinoscope, ophthalmoscope, and the Snellen chart.
Tomorrow we return to the slum. I am both excited and nervous and am sure it will be another unforgetable day.
Chapter 4
JUNE 1, 2004
Woke up at 6:00 a.m to get 7:00 bus to LVPEI main hospital. Had toast and Jam in the Doctors Lounge because we had heard some interesting stories about the food at the hospital from some of the students last night (ie. cockroach legs in the Idly...not down with that).
We left for VST, got our equipment and headed back to Shivashankanagar.
Today, we saw the worst life has to offer... how the the poorest of the poor live day to day. It was difficult both psychologically and physically. We continued with our survey work in the same village we had visited yesterday. Upon arrival, we saw that the children had already gathered in anticipation of our arrival and to catch a glimpse of the foreigners.
We received a wonderful lesson in cricket and learned why Indians are not to be taken lightly when it comes to this alternative religion. Basically, we got smoked. The children, nonetheless, really seemed to enjoy playing with us and got some good laughs out of it.
It was hot very hot.
We left the Shivashankanagar slum and walked about a kilometer alongside the railway tracks that neighboured the area. We entered what had to be the most impoverished area I had ever seen. This was the home of the poor, whom before this, I had only seen on the streets asking for change as our vehicle idled in traffic. We drew a lot of attention and a group of boys came running up beside us, one of them holding a dead mouse in one hand. Some of his friends were yelling, Mickey Mouse, Mickey Mouse, videotape Mickey Mouse. This was difficult. One of the little boys obviously had an ocular infection. We stopped and asked where his parents were. One of the older boys said he was his brother and we told them we would be holding a community screening camp in the local school the next day. We told him that he should bring his little brother.
We walked a little further onto a road with some small shops. Surinder, one of the field workers we were with, told us we could wait inside the health centre to get out of the sun. The health centre, and I use this term loosely, was a small, empty, cement room with a desk, 2 chairs and a filing cabinet. There were flies everywhere. Across from the health centre was a tiny store that sold cold drinks. It was manned by two small kids. We started speaking with them and not before long there was a crowd of approximately 20 children listening. We told them about the camp to be held the next day. The girl at the shop told us her sisters eyes were always burning and that she would definitely bring her.
We returned to VST on a city bus and prepared for the next daypacking equipment in boxes, gathering pamphlets (regardless of the fact that many of the people visiting would be illiterate), etc. Highlights of this afternoon also included a pretty intense ethical debate on social services in India.
JUNE 2, 2004
International travel opens the mind and loosens the bowels. No truer words have ever been spoken.
We returned to BLSO last night and I headed straight for my room. I knew I couldnt go to India without getting a little Delhi Belly, or what I like to call a Hyderabad HangoverBut before Dave and Jenna!!!!!! hahaha Ive never felt such pain. Took
some Pepto Bismol (it turned my tongue black a common side effect), had some water and my Lariam pill and went to bed.
Woke up in not so good shape. To my dismay, I had to skip out on the community screening. In retrospect, It was for the best. I insisted that Dave and Jenna go ahead as it was a good day not to have me along, as everyone from VST was going to the school.
I slept all morning after taking a PMS Trikacide 500mg/0.25mg Diphenoxlate.Atrop 2.5mg (a general antibiotic a bit stronger than better than Cipro). Prasad knocked on my door about 8:30am and said he will take me to the doctors at 9:30 just to be safe.
I really dont need to go see a doctor. I know its just T.D. and how to treat it, but the experience of going to a hospital in India is intriguing.
Just got to the HospitalIts 10:15am and my appointment (they take walk-ins) is at 12:30. Prasad didnt come, but arranged for one of the students, Rajesh, to bring me. He and one of his friends dropped me off and told me theyde be back around 12:30.
Went for a cold drink (Sprite) at a little shop next door to the hospital. My stomach is feeling a bit better. I think the antibiotic I took should do the trick. The consultation will cost 150Rs. which is about $5 Can.
The waiting room is nice. White tiles, numerous ceiling fans, and lots of seats. A woman in a blue sari is mopping the floor in front of me (this happened about 3 times while I was there). Most of the people look to be of medium class and a couple are obviously fairly poor. These few have a white card with them provided by the government for service.
An ambulence a mini-bus/van with a blue siren, just pulled up. No one is in it. Public health messages on the wall read: 1) Preventive health is better then sick care, 2) medical practice is susceptible to errors of ommission and commission (thats not very comforting), 3) Ours is a patients first hospital, 4) We pride ourselves for quality service and patient satisfaction. A poster on the wall targeting obesity reads, Lon ger the waistline. Shorter could be the lifeline. Another reads, Want this to happen to your lungs? Then smoke.But certainly not here and has a picture of a blackened lung and a burning cigarrete below.
This is the first time while in India that Ive been alone (without Dave and Jenna) in public. And for the first time, I feel like a full-fledged foreigner Ive been getting a
lot of stares.
I met the doctor after my B.P. was taken. It was low apparently India has relaxed me (I know thats not what it means). The Dr. wanted me to stay till the evening and get IVs. I dont think so. I took the prescription he gave and bought the pills for 30 Rs. just in case.
I got home, continued with my previous antibiotic, and slept. Dave and Jenna got home in the evening and told me about their day. The screening day went really well and I saw some of the video footage they had taken. I felt a little better too.
JUNE 3, 2004
Woke up at 7:00a.m. Felt much better. Still slight discomfort in the stomach, but it should be fine. Will take one more dose/pill of the antibiotic to be safe. Took an auto to Narsingi, a small rural village not too far from BLSO. The drive over was gorgeous. We took a back route and saw some great panoramic views of the landsacape (?). There was very little traffic and all around us we could see the amazing rock formations found throughout Hyderabad. Along the way we passed little farms and villages that were bustling with life. Two boys ran along side our scooter rolling tires along with st icks. Id like to see Matel patent that one. We arrived at the Lakshmi Charitable Clinic founded by Dr. Sasi Kala, M.D., D.G.O about 30 minuted later. Dr. Sasi Kala is a gynocologist who went to med school with Dr. Rao, head of the LVPEI.
The place is gorgeous. We met the doctors brother-in law who is the property manager. The property consisting of 200 acres of mango, lime, and guava orchards. We got a tour of the orchards and saw the approximately 6-7 different types of mangoes they grow there. The orc hards were beautiful and the scent of fresh mangoes, mint (growing all over the place), and the occasional scent of natural fertilizer filled the air.
The doctors brother-in-law, a really nice man of large stature and a hospitable smile, then showed us the guesthouse above the clinic. The place was amazing The video will do it more justice then my words. He then offered us the freshest, sweetest, softest mangoes any of us had ever had and in Jennas case, the first mangoes she had ever had. No mangoes will ever compare. We tried three different types, all as equally pleasing to the taste buds.
Note: these mangoes are not grown and sold for profit. Rather, Dr. Sasi Kala sends them as gifts to her colleagues, family and friends and uses them for her own personal use.
After some time, Dr. Sasi Kala arrived, as she does every Thursday, with her team of 3 other doctors. She arrived in a nice new TATA Safari. Once a week, her, one of her retired profs, and two assistants all gynocologists come and provide health services free of cost. They also dispense drugs free of charge. She gave us an overview of how the clinic is operated and gave us a tour of the consultation offices. We were very impressed to say the least, not to mention inspired.
We were able to sit in on some of the consultations and witnessed a variety of problems within the women at the clinic. In particular: High rates of osteoporosis in post -menopausal women (close to 70f patients), 2 cases of cervical cancer (Dr. Sasi Kala did a biopsy on one woman last week and got the reults of squamous cell carcinoma today), and numerous cataracts (which were all referred to us as we were providing referrals and collecting initial survey info).
The doctor explained that the funding for the trust is provided by her and her husband predominantly. She buys the drugs in bulk for low cost and is able to hook up surgeries and special services for very low cost (4000Rs. vs. 20,000Rs.) and in some cases free (money supplied by trust).
After all the patients were seen, Dr. Sasi Kala invited us up for lunch. We had some great conversation over lunch, some more mangoes, took some pictures, said our farewells and were off again, this time in an army jeep kept by the trust. I will arrange for UWIHDA to do some fundraising for the Lakshmi Charitable Clinic that serves ~ 12,000 women and children. The money will go a long way here and will be used wisely.
Thats it for now. Much love to all. will be in touch again soon. Our cell is not working as our SIM card is out of minutes. Will arrange for a new one once we get back from the Karam Cheroo satellite centre next week.
Namaste
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