Our experience in this clinic has been nothing short of amazing!!!! Lex saw 2 specialists and a referring doctor who took personal care of each step - all in less than 3 hours. Once the problem was identified (2 large duodenal ulcers), he was admitted to hospital where treatment could be started and his progress monitored. Possibly wouldn't have happened so quickly back home in Clermont.
He was given hospital scrubs ..... nice look. Patient or doctor...
All medication was administered via the IV - absolutely NIL by mouth for 2 days, then a repeat endoscopy to assess progress - but he needed to be taken to a different clinic for this procedure and biopsy - so all rugged up for the cold outside, Lex, with his translator, Zac headed off in an ambulance, along with a nurse the gastro specialist and the attending doctor.
He has been visited several times by doctor and specialists each day. The gastro specialist has been nicknamed 'Mrs Corneal' - by Zac. People from home will recognise the name - one of Zac's primary school teachers. The Dr's name is Alisa Corr...... something, but similarities don't end there - she looks similar, but her speech and mannerisms are deliberate and precise, like Zac's teacher. What a lovely lady - and a doctor who gives one the greatest sense of confidence. She always spoke is Spanish - but was careful to ensure that Zac could translate for us - or when he wasn't around, that Lex could understand as much as possible. Tremendous patient care.
On the third day, when improvement had been noted, he was told that food would gradually be introduced - first meal ...... cup of tea. He did get to eat more gradually and I must admit it was good to see him eating again.
One of the images I'll remember for a long time is somewhat of a role reversal - doctors talking over Lex to Zac ... the kid. Even the doctor who would speak to us in English would give more in-depth explanations to Zac if he was there - and leave the translation up to him. Most times with other specialists and nurses - it was all Spanish. Really appreciated Zac's help throughout!! Our 2 weeks of Spanish lessons didn't prepare us for this.
"These are the foods he should eat.... chicken, rice, potatoes..... and avoid coffee, alcohol, cigarettes.......
Doctor will visit here at home on Monday to check on the patient and hopefully provide biopsy results... and there'll be follow up tests - but it's been a whirlwind experience. Good to have him home!
Thanks to all doctors, nurses and staff at Clinica Paredes for the very special care and attention.
3 comments:
What a wonderful experience to see your own son in such a grown up light. We all knew Zac was doing great over there in Peru, but this is a special moment where he was able to be the carer and you and Lex could "suffer" the fruits of all those years of guidance.
Well Lex, you certainly know how to make your holidays interesting! When I heard you had been sick, my immediate thoughts where that you probably would rather have been at 'home', but it sounds like the care and attention you have received there has been really wonderful. Hope you are still progressing well and you can resume normal holiday activities soon - although no alcohol is a bit of a blow! Love and best wishes to you and Jude and of course Zac and Milka
OOPs I forgot about the lecture from Mrs Corneal (aka gastro specialist). He got the lecture, cos she only speaks Spanish ... It was something about taking notice of the signs and not ignoring things ... like pain, and saying, "I'm fine." So funny when the kids get the lecture on your behalf.
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