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.


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

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.


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

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.

Getting Ready to go to Haiti

Dr. Elizabeth Pritts and her husband, Dr. David Olive, both with the Wisconsin Fertility Institute, are parents to two girls adopted from Haiti. Taina, now 9 years old, and Midlyne, 6 years old, were adopted 4 years ago but red tape prevented them for coming to this country until late 2008. After heading to Haiti nearly a dozen times, both to adopt and to help the community through an organization called Family Health Ministries, the couple now has friends throughout the impoverished country, and their daughters have family members there, many, who remain unaccounted for. Dr. Pritts will leave for Haiti on Friday, January 29.

Getting Ready to Travel

Getting ready to go to Haiti. Packing bags and rounding up supplies, which is easier than ever expected. People are so willing to help, it warms my heart. When I asked Meriter for supplies, they said " you give us the list, we will get what you need", a local McDonald's sent 150 little toys for the children, local school children have gathered their change so I can buy things on the streets to stimulate the local economy in Haiti. It is so Wisconsin, that is why we love living here. Our mission is for health care and hope.

We will head to 1 of our 3 health care clinics in Haiti. These usually run year round, with American staff coming out to help once or twice a year. We lost our clinic in Cite Soleil (the poorest slum in the Western Hemisphere) and our clinic in Leogane is badly damaged. We will be focusing on emergency health care at this point, wound care, infection treatment, etc. And of course we will hug our friends and let them know we have not forgotten them.

Photos of the Pritts/Olive Family

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