Chisomo Update

I have been back to check on Chisomo the past two days, both times thinking it would be a quick stop in, he would be doing fine, and I would be on my merry way. Not the case, and my frustration is mounting as a result. Yesterday I arrived and his IV had come out and not to my surprise as they normally don't last too long. So I asked when it came out and they said earlier in the morning. The nurse told me she tried but couldn't get it. I said no prob, I will look. Sorry, but these nurses are about as worthless as they come. The baby had been stuck all over, leaving only a few places for me to try. I was not happy. I told them next time to call me and I would be right over. So I started the IV, recalculated the fluids and started the kid on some electrolyte replacement orally. By this point I am sure the kid's electrolytes were completely washed out after 3 days of straight D10W. I asked if they had even checked his levels and they said no, so I ordered that and today still didn't have results. Anyway, I played doctor and wrote about 5 orders and explained everything to the nurse. It is so weird by the way, that I can write orders here and people do it???? I also re-dosed the antibiotics with some help from Chris to treat for suspected meningitis, because he now has full fontanels and separated sutures, looks rather lifeless with poor tone. He is not looking so good and I am really worried for his little life.

Once again today I showed up and pretty much the same story, but now he wasn't making urine. I started another IV because the other had already come out, ordered a bolus of fluid, and warmed the poor baby up. I had communicated all this with the nurse, but she was more concerned with other non-priority issues, so I ended up doing everything myself as well as giving the bolus. That is just one part. I could go on and on about the infection issues. Ants and cockroaches in the med room, the bag of IV fluid running into the baby that had been cut into and sealed with a non-sterile piece of tape, then the uncapped end of the tubing she wanted to hook back up to the baby that had been on the floor with an ant crawling on it. You can see now why I am worried about his little life for more reasons than one. So, keep praying for Chisomo and I will keep going in every day and doing my best to clean up shop. It will truly be by the grace of God for him to gain his strength and health. I have not made friends with the nurses in case you were wondering. My expectations are a bit different and I refuse to accept anything but. Sorry for all the medical jargon, I tried to keep it understandable for all you non-medical people. I am sure I will have more on Chisomo and the issues at the hospital. For now, he is hanging in there, not getting necessarily worse, but not making big strides to a speedy recovery either. I will continue to keep you updated, so stay tuned for more updates.