When is a headache simply a headache? I get headaches quite often (always have) but the first time I had a headache here everyone around me said, “oh you have malaria”. When you live in a country where malaria is prevalent and headache seems to be a common symptom, then it seems the assumption is headache=malaria. But with many people simply getting the medication without getting the blood test (it’s a simple drop of blood and the doctor can examine it right then and there for results) is creating a resistance to the drug and our local doctor has told us he is fighting this resistance problem now.
When are swollen joints simply swollen joints? I’m no doctor but I understand the body will try to protect itself from further injury. When I fall, my body rushes fluid to the area for protection, hence swelling. We had a student come to the house on today (Monday)…he had fallen on Friday while playing football (soccer) and his knees were painful and swollen. After spending the weekend at school, apparently walking around, he was ordered to go to a hospital and have x-rays taken. He knew his grandmother couldn’t afford it so he came to us. We suggested he first visit the local doctor and discuss the issue with him and get his opinion…I talked with the doctor to give him a heads up and he laughed and said “x-rays are the last option, lets see the boy first!” I agree and thank you doctor!
Can you see the fine line we walk? How long do you wait before seeing the doctor? For many, the reason they wait is because of cost, they simply cannot afford the doctors office visit along with the medication. However, waiting can mean the difference between life and death for these kids. During our first visit to Kenya our neighbors child was very ill but they couldn’t go to the doctors until market day (2 days away) so they could sell a goat and with a small child that could be too late. In this instance we helped the child get to the doctors and she was fine after being tested for malaria (positive) and given the medication.
This is just one of the many reasons why I believe we are supposed to be closer to the kids at C4KK….we can help monitor their health and get the appropriate medical attention when needed. For more information on our move to C4KK you can click here.
Again, I do not claim to be a doctor but when a local hospital prescribes pain killers for an epileptic boy having a seizure something has to be looked at a bit more closely.