Listening to the Stories

So this is one of those blog posts that should have been written a couple of months ago but I just haven't gotten around to it. It is about my visit to Bethesda Hospital in October. I knew I was only going to be there for a couple of days, so my biggest priority was seeing old friends and making new ones. It was also a chance to listen - to hear the stories of current joys and challenges of the ministry there. Honestly, it could have been more encouraging because there are a lot of challenges right now but it was also a blessing to see so many serving every day.

I had the brief chance to talk with our current Indonesian obstetrician/gynecologist, who at the moment is also the director of our nursing school. He gave every indication that he is looking forward to partnering in the work together. I am not sure exactly what that will look like but am hopeful. He and others shared a few stories with me from Zaal Bidan (OB Unit). 

One was a patient who had come in that week. Many of our patients are referred from clinics and even other hospitals for a variety of reasons. This patient had been referred to us because of a post-partum hemorrhage (heavy bleeding after the birth of the baby, which can be fatal if not treated quickly and correctly). It turned out her uterus had prolapsed into her vagina. Thankfully it was able to be returned to its normal location and with a blood transfusion and antibiotics she was expected to fully recover. 

Another patient though did not have as good of an outcome and she was also a transfer. Apparently during the birth there had been a shoulder dystocia. The head of the baby had delivered but the shoulders got stuck. This is one of the emergencies of OB medicine. So she was transferred like that and the baby died during the transfer. There are number of maneuvers that can be tried to correct the problem and help the baby be born. We are not sure if any of those were tried or what exactly happen. Once she arrived at our hospital, we were able to start her on Pitocin, to make her contractions stronger again, and with one of those maneuvers the baby was born. 

These are just a couple of the stories I heard during my few days at Bethesda Hospital. One of the doctors after telling me some of the stories, asked me if I was going to run away and never come back. I have to admit the thought did cross my mind but it was also a good reminder of the great needs that still exist here in Indonesia and around the world. Moms and babies are dying and many of these deaths could be prevented!  

I will be moving to the hospital in March, after I complete my language study. I anticipate the first few months will be spent learning more about the situation and how I can best use my skills to fit the needs. I do know that this is going to be a very stretching and challenging ministry!