pain rounds

We are getting into a rhythm here. Tristan has had a couple of days in the OR and we've been doing what we can to teach and support the local staff.  Today we visited the military hospital.  There has been a lot of building so that old wards are being replaced with new facilities. 

The pain service has been struggling with Christian being away. Nevertheless, we began the day making pain rounds with Didier, a pain management nurse champion. We visited four patients with pain conditions - two quite acute and two chronic. Fortunately, the treatment options are increasing but needs exceed the ability of the small staff to manage. These round highlighted the need for more pain education and mentoring our local partners.

We spent the rest of the day in the OR. It was wonderful to see Dr Jeanne again, so strong, steady and caring. I spent time teaching some of the anesthesia techs, tech students and medical students. Tristan and Dylan worked with one of the new residents.

Derek has been volunteering at Aspire, a centre that helps empowers impoverished women through teaching life skills. He highly recommended this place for volunteers or their partners. Derek taught an English class to a group of women.  Michelle found a new boyfriend (age under 5).

Tonight is Mongolian Grill night at the Serena. Yum.  

Mat, I've been using my graded assertiveness to try to get Tristan to blog... stay tuned  

xo

Patty

Tristan with Didier

Later at the Mongolian Grill