Hospital closed!

This morning the last few patients were discharged - among those were two of "my" VVF ladies. They have both had wound complications, and have been here for over one month! Their wounds have been healing in such an amazing way the last week - surely a "God-thing" - He who can do so much more that we can understand!

I always get a little emotional when patients with complications finally get ready for discharge, and today was no exeption. I have grown so fond of these women who have endured so much, and gone through their hardship with such patience and grace. /jorid

"Praise instead of despair..."

Once again a time of VVF surgeries is over, and most of our patients have been discharged. Only two ladies still on the ward. As always it has been a busy, but rewarding time. Every time I feel tired and a little discouraged, I just take a look at photos from a previous dress ceremony, the celebration of successful repairs... These women really do get a new start, a new chance to a normal life, and it is such a blessing and privilege to take part in that!

One of "my ladies" being prepared for her dress ceremony.

What is VVF? Vesico Vaginal Fistula; an abnormal opening between the bladder and the vagina, most often caused by unrelieved, prolonged, obstructed delivery. The baby usually dies and the woman, if she survives, is left with a constant leaking of urine. 

This hardly ever happens in the Western world, as professional healthcare is given to women giving birth. In developing nations, however, there are millions of women suffering from this condition. And it is a horrible condition, as the smell of urine often causes these poor women to become outcasts. Our VVF program is called "Hope Reborn", and it truly is! I wish you could see their smiles and joy when they, after the surgery, realize that they are dry.... 

"To all who mourn in Israel, He will give a crown of beauty for ashes, a joyous blessing instead of mourning, festive praise instead of despair!" Is 61:3

Our VVF surgeon Dr Steve Arrowsmith and a visiting surgeon, Dr Sa'ad Idris, earlier this year.

In-service teaching

This afternoon I spent an hour with the nurses on board, refreshing their knowledge about Obstetric Fistulas and the nursing care we give these patients as they come to have their surgeries. 

And every time I teach on this subject I find myself being so moved by the suffering these patients have gone through; struggling in labor often for days, losing their baby, being rejected by their husband and living in poor conditions as outcasts because of their incontinence... 

To see their smiles as they leave after their surgery is such an amazing experience  -  every single time! Jorid