I have just been sitting at this blank screen wondering what to write. I am completely overwhelmed with emotion and don't know how to communicate that to you. Yesterday we traveled 2 hours to a Leprosy clinic in a bus. This time 61 people on with only 25 seats. We were also traveling into the mountains on windy dirt roads after a down poor (July is Nepal's monsoon season). I'm so happy to be alive! The clinic was absolutely beautiful. The clinic is surrounded by mountains and rice patties. The rice patties are the most beautiful green color and are layered in a way that it looks like rolling hills.
Leprosy in Nepal is said to be in the "elimination phase." However, there were 83 patients at this hospital and I have seen many more on the streets. Due to the deformities that occur with leprosy, the people are left to live on the streets. There are 5 nerves that become enlarged if someone is exposed to Mycobacterium leprae. The effect the hands, the foot and the eyes. They will not be able to close their eyes completely which creates many problems due to the pollution. They will loose the ability to move their fingers at the joint and the foot begins to drop. Their toes and fingers become different sized "nubs" at the end. Many patients undergo surgery or wear prosthetic to regain mobility and function. The goal of the clinic is to rehab the patients after surgery then continue into the self help ward where they will be taught how to manage on their own. There goal is to return the patients back home. The patients are so happy to see us. They are so friendly, welcoming and cooperative when the doctors ask them to show their deformities. My friend Natalia (from Columbia) took the most amazing pictures of the people. I will show you soon!
Namaste
Leprosy in Nepal is said to be in the "elimination phase." However, there were 83 patients at this hospital and I have seen many more on the streets. Due to the deformities that occur with leprosy, the people are left to live on the streets. There are 5 nerves that become enlarged if someone is exposed to Mycobacterium leprae. The effect the hands, the foot and the eyes. They will not be able to close their eyes completely which creates many problems due to the pollution. They will loose the ability to move their fingers at the joint and the foot begins to drop. Their toes and fingers become different sized "nubs" at the end. Many patients undergo surgery or wear prosthetic to regain mobility and function. The goal of the clinic is to rehab the patients after surgery then continue into the self help ward where they will be taught how to manage on their own. There goal is to return the patients back home. The patients are so happy to see us. They are so friendly, welcoming and cooperative when the doctors ask them to show their deformities. My friend Natalia (from Columbia) took the most amazing pictures of the people. I will show you soon!
Namaste
I really hope you get to ride an elephant, and that the elephant is in a great mood. You deserve it! Linda
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