Update on Sara

Sara was admitted last week at the government hospital for observation and tests. On closer questioning her mum, Haja, said that she had actually been wet for only two years. We did two dye tests, a bladder one where we looked for bladder leaks, and an intravenous one, where we looked for abnormal openings of the uretur (pipe from the kidney). Both were negative, so the abnormal uretur, we saw on Xray was misleading, and her wetness is due to an abnormal function of the urethra (final urine exit pipe). We treated this with tablets, pelvic floor exercises and bladder training, without any success initially. However Sara and Haja are deeply grateful for all those who have helped her, and been so kind.

Incidentally, at the government (teaching hospital) there is no regular electricity supply, and water is available only one day a week. On other days you have to go into town at 4 am to queue at a tap with a bucket. Drugs you have to purchase yourself at an outside pharmacy.

‘Never give up’

Remember Salimatu from December 13^th blog, the girl who asked Helen for a helping arm to walk? She has recovered her strength and nerve function, and is walking normally. She has now had her surgery done. See the radiant look on her face. ‘Never give up.’

Press Release: Football mini-pitch development

Yesterday 50 gathered (the press never showed, despite offers of payment!) to announce the 2 month work project, starting Monday. The local chief and other dignitaries were there, and 7 speeches were given.

The almost triangular, irregular and uneven pitch serving immensely athletic sportsmen, who train 5 nights a week has been a source of irritation to Dave for the last 2 years. The ground also serves a primary school of 200 (behind the chief’s head), and many local events. Friends in Dunfermline, and the Athletic (football) Club have given money to help.

The plan includes 20 ft concrete walls etc, which local engineer Sami Sesse relishes building. Pray that there are no injuries or burst underground pipes! E-mail us for further details.

School Sports day at ‘Number Nine’

West Africans generally have a very athletic physique, and they love football, running and all sports.

Friday’s 6-hour school sports day was attended by an enthusiastic crowd of over 500. The participation and cheering was wild. See the lady hit the dust in the video of the ‘Mothers race’. Helen was asked to give out the prizes at the end.

Watch this space next week for development of the sports field.

Update on Sara

A couple of problems have arisen regarding the definite diagnosis. One is that her symptoms, on closer questioning probably started only 2 years ago, which you wouldn't expect in a congenital condition. The second is that though she leaks unconsciously often in the 24 hours, it doesn't seem to be continuously, as you would expect in the misplaced ureter condition. I carried out one of dye the tests, showing a normal bladder but was unable to complete the IV one.

As Dr Kamara is away for 2 weeks Sara and her mum, Haja have now gone back home and will be admitted at the government hospital on 16th Feb. It will be up to Dr Kamara to observe her, do the IV dye test and decide whether we should go ahead with surgery or not on 23rd Feb.