The Journey Home - Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, February 5-7

Friday was our last day in the clinic before the return home, so we tried to make the most of it. The lines were impossibly long, but we attempted to deliver as much care as we could as efficiently as possible. Three hundred twenty eight patients later, our day was complete.

One patient was a 70 year old gentleman who sat patiently in the hot sun for four hours to wait his turn. When his time came, he was too weak to climb the stairs and had to be carried. His story was a familiar one: his house was destroyed in the earthquake and with it his clothes, food, and medications. By Friday he had been several days without food or medicine, and his heart was failing. We treated him as best we could, and soon he felt stronger. Then he pulled out several pennies. “This is all I have,” he said. “I was hoping to buy one of the suckers you gave the children.” I placed the pennies back in his hand, and we gathered food from our personal supplies to give to him. “Thank you,” he said. “I am sure God has sent you to Haiti to care for me and my people. You have given us hope.” I got busy after that with another patient, and at that time he was discharged. I never got to say goodbye.

After the final patients were seen, we left the medicines and other supplies and packed up our gear. I had come down with 4 large duffel bags and an overstuffed backpack…I was leaving with a backpack, a couple pieces of clothing, five dollars (which I had overlooked), a credit card, a passport, and a book on speaking Creole. Also about 200 mosquito bites and several intestinal parasites.

Saturday we returned to Santa Domingo. First, a 3 hour ride to the border, then another 6 through the Dominican Republic countryside. We arrived at the Marriott Courtyard Hotel haggard and unbelievably dirty: I had not showered in a week. That was remedied moments after reaching my room, where the sensation of warm water never felt so good. I hit the bed (a bed!) and was out in minutes.

Sunday morning I was taken to the airport for my early morning flight out. I remember little of the return flight, as I was doing my best to make up for lost sleep. I dreamt of my patients again and again. I missed them already, but I was certainly ready to return home. Landing in Madison brought me a tremendous sense of relief and a serious chill…it was COLD. Fortunately, my family was waiting with a warm coat and warm hugs. I WAS HOME.

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Another day, another record - February 4, 2010

Thursday, February 4, 2010

Another day, another record. We saw 310 patients today, far oustripping our capacity. It is like patients are coming out of the woodwork, and the level of acute illness increased substantially. We are now seeing the delayed effects of this tragedy: severe dehydration with attendant complications, gastrointestinal infectious disease from the contaminated environment, and mental health problems from the unbelievable trauma.

The clinic is still a gathering place for the community. Two groups stopped by to join us today. Several otolaryngologists appeared and helped out with the medical care. A group of volunteers from the U.S. brought 1800 emergency ration meals, and then distributed them from our building. There was a high demand, as many do not have enough food to eat but every 2-3 days.

I was a pediatrician today, because…we needed one. The pediatric nurse that came with our group had to go purchase more antibiotics, and I was all there was to see the kids. Not exactly my specialty, but I was certainly better than the alternative. I have now given up using paper on the exam table, as it is in too short supply. It just gets wiped down and on to the next patient. These are not the most hygienic conditions, but it has to be this way for now. At least the building is solid and has a cement floor; many medical tents in the city have surgeons operating on tables or stretchers on the dirt.

To some degree, this is a little like being on the TV show “House”. I saw a young girl with unilateral gynecomastia, and called the States to get a differential diagnosis. As I went through the list, I eliminated diagnostic possibilities not because they were ruled out as the cause but rather because I had no capacity to investigate or treat them. Requires a blood test? We have no lab. Mammogram? Not available in the city. HIV? Sorry, we cannot treat it. Tuberculous abcess…yes, we have medications for that, so let’s try the treatment for TB. Hugh Laurie would be proud.

The community continues to offer their support. When the patients come to the clinic, they wear their nicest clothing whatever their malady. Not that they have much to choose from, but it never fails to get my attention when a young woman comes in like she is ready for church, only to lift her skirt to show me a major laceration extending to the bone with blood caked along her thigh. The courtesy and respect is both heartbreaking and heartwarming.

One more full day of care tomorrow, and we will then head back on Saturday to the Dominican Republic. I will miss this, but it will be time to go back to my life in Wisconsin. I will return with countless mosquito bites, hair that may never recover, and enough memorable scenes to keep me awake for a lifetime.

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Pain and Suffering Everywhere - February 3, 2010

Wednesday, February 3, 2010


Sorry there was no blog yesterday, but I was just too tired. There is pain and suffering everywhere here, and even our small corner of the medical effort is exceeding capacity. In four days we have now had 877 patient visits; the number is even more amazing given the fact that many are quite ill and require significant time from one or more of the physicians here. The acute injury phase is nearly over, but now we are seeing the previously neglected and ignored: children with no families, the elderly with “minor” injuries (although major to them given their health status), and chronic illness.

Also, infectious disease is becoming more visible. Today a gentleman came in complaining of white urine and fever; he had been treated for Typhus without improvement. I realized the description of his urine was due to proteinuria, and made the (correct) diagnosis of malaria. His antibiotics have been changed.

I toured some of Port au Prince today, and saw the degree of devastation of the buildings. Most are unsafe if not rubble, and people are everywhere in large tents in the streets. They are going to have to level most of the buildings and start from scratch, a tremendous and depressing undertaking. Nevertheless, the city is beginning to come alive again. There are small signs: the merchants selling stuff on the streets, a basketball game in a rubble filled courtyard, small amounts of food being cooked over open fires.

It is amazing, at times overwhelming, but definitely a fulfilling experience. Everyone here, including me, is rapidly becoming burnt out. Nine days is about right, before a fresh set of personnel are needed. I am now sleeping routinely on the roof. I don’t think I can convey to those who have not experienced it exactly how beautiful it is to hear a city singing itself to sleep.


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Another day in paradise - February 1

Another day in paradise. I say that only with partial sarcasm: while the country is truly devastated, the people are incredible in their resilience, gratitude, and good cheer. In many ways they are role models for how to get through the difficulties of life…we could all learn some lessons from these proud, spiritual people.

I slept on the roof last night, as there are better uses for my sleeping bag than my sleeping in it. Plus, it is 80 degrees warmer than home! We began the day with our meningitis patient from yesterday, who walked in the front door! An amazing response to our limited care; it illustrates what even crude and simple medical care can provide here. We had an elderly gentleman arrive today in congestive heart failure, but with a bit of diuretic treatment he was fine. Unfortunately, he had urinated in his pants but could not change clothes as it was all he had. Fortunately, my scrubs fit him so I gave them to him.

The day consisted of 269 patient visits, a clinic record. There were fractures to be set, wounds to debride, dressings to change, and occasionally something requiring anesthesia (I have been designated as the anesthesiologist of the group, despite what my anaesthesia colleagues at Meriter might think!). Many dehydrated children arrived today, and we were able to help them with oral fluids only (we have too few IV setups).

The children have been hit hard. There is a lot of post-traumatic stress disorder, and the children are waking up at night screaming and crying. We have nearly exhausted our supply of Benadryl, and it is only Monday.

Stress is evident with everyone. Someone was going down the steps outside the clinic and tripped, falling and causing a shaking of the building. Everyone immediately stopped what they were doing and ran for the exits, anticipating the next quake. Yes, patients and volunteers alike are on edge.

Our group of volunteers is doing a fantastic job. I am proud to be a part of this effort. In the next couple of days, when I get some time, I will head into the heart of Port-au-Prince to see the destruction for myself. Until then, I will continue seeing as many patients as I can, and doing whatever can be done. Thanks to all of you who have donated money and/or supplies; it is helping to save lives.


Visit facebook.com/meriter to see more photos and updates. Visit meriter.com to learn more about Meriter.

First day in Haiti - January 31, 2010

Sunday, January 31


We woke to food and coffee, and first attended church as a group. The children originally followed me, referring to me as “Doctor Blanc” and hoping for a toy or candy I was dishing out. I tried never to disappoint. Before long I was “Doctor Elizabeth”. The smiles on their faces make it worthwhile.

We saw 180 patients today among the 5 doctors and 2 nurses. There was some emergency trauma: we had a patient seize due to meningitis resulting from a wound, and that occupied our attention for a while. However, most care was more chronic and primary care, a sign that things are slowly returning to normal…at least medically. Unfortunately, most people are still living in the streets as the buildings have either been destroyed or are unsafe. One member of our delegation, a structural engineer, has advised against the use of many of the surrounding buildings, although the clinic has been given a clean bill of health.

The Haitian people here continue to amaze me. They have nothing, yet they are bringing us food. It would be rude not to take it, so we do with great hesitancy and appreciation. We will leave everything we have for these people, whose spirit and generosity are unbelievable. Even now they are singing and praying in the streets, a remarkable symphony of hope. I am proud and grateful to be given the chance to be here. I am helping.


Visit facebook.com/meriter to see more photos and updates. Visit meriter.com to learn more about Meriter.

Arriving in Haiti - January 30, 2010

Saturday, January 30


Last night I landed in Santo Domingo at about midnight, with no one there to meet me! I guess this is to be expected given the hectic arrangements and the chaotic situation. I made a couple of calls and soon was able to get to the hotel where my group was staying. A few hours sleep, and this morning it was off for Haiti at 5:30 am.

Fifteen of us rode in one vehicle, and a truck with our supplies followed us. Six hours later we reached the border, and passed through without a hitch. Amazingly, all the supplies made it, including the narcotics in my bags and the toys for children in Haiti.

Two and one-half hours later, we reached Port au Prince and the Blanchard Clinic. The people of the neighborhood were excited to see us, as the clinic had been cleaned up but there had not been anyone to staff it. Now we were there. We spent the rest of the day unloading supplies and organizing for business the next day. Surprisingly, there was food available for us, despite our being told to bring all our own. We had bread and coffee promised for the mornings, and beans in the evening. After sunset, we sat on the roof and watched the stars…moving! It was a steady convoy of supply planes bringing much needed food, water, and medical supplies to Haiti! This was even more uplifting.

As much as I wanted and needed to make this trip, I was filled with apprehension. No more. This is where I need to be. I can help.


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Dr. Pritts WKOW 27 Interview 1/29/2010

Dr. Elizabeth Pritts leaves for Haiti this morning. Last night WKOW shared her story.

"MIDDLETON (WKOW) -- A Middleton doctor isn't only bringing medical supplies to Haiti Friday, she's bringing a special something for the children.


27 News first interviewed Dr. Elizabeth Pritts and her husband right after the earthquake in Haiti. Then.. she said she'd go to Haiti.. no matter what.

True to her word, she's going."
 
Watch the complete interview or read the full WKOW 27 article at http://www.wkowtv.com/global/story.asp?s=11895096.
 
Continue to visit Meriter's Facebook page to follow Dr. Pritts' journey. Thanks to WKOW for sharing her story.