Tuesday, March 30, 2010

A Great Smile

Tison had an appointment with his surgeon today. He is doing well following his second surgery. The graft on his left ankle is healing nicely. The big toe on the same foot setting well. It was a positive report and the next step in his progress was set.

Tison has a radiant smile and it will only get better. He will have plastic surgery to his face in about two weeks. That smile will get better and brighter.

His English language skill are really improving. He is very smart and is eager to learn. His behavior has been excellent--he is learning to say thank you and please.

Thursday, March 25, 2010

My Name Sake

When I first saw him in February I was not sure he would even live another day. He was very frail and sick. He was a throw away child--just like the other children we have in our care. He was born at our hospital and was unwanted. I was told by Peter Scarborough that they had named him. His name was Carl. I took a long look at him and wondered if little Carl would even live.

I got a report that his caretaker, Ribka, was doing a great job in his care and he was improving. He might make it. I was very happy to hear this child was improving--not because we shared names but because he was not expected to survive. He was a fighter and has a will to live.

Today, I got the photo of little Carl--he is with Ribka, his caretaker. He really looks great. I am so proud of Ribka for her faithful care to this little life. She saved his life.

Tuesday, March 16, 2010

Scarborough's Going Home

Peter and Esther Scarborough, the directors of the Hohidiai base, have been in Australia for personal time and to meet with friends and partners. Their sons, Leigh and Andrew, both were married in January. These were exciting times and what an honor for them to be there to see their sons start a new chapter in their lives.

Esther had her hands full with the little ones she brought to Australia with them--along with Miriam and Amy, their birth children, they brought Victor, Teresa, Jasmine, Della, Listari, and Merna. I might have even missed one or two. Esther has never backed away from a challenge. Peter tells about going to the zoo with this bunch. I can imagine the fun he had trying to keep track of this crew.

I know they are ready to be back home. They are just amazing people and have been the vision and heart of the work at the Hohidiai Medical Base. The base is a very busy place and will only get busier when the Scarborough clan arrives at the base.

Tuesday, March 9, 2010

A Leg Up

Tison has his left leg elevated following his second surgery. This is a real restriction to his active lifestyle. He went from snowboarding and sledding to having to put his leg on a pillow--does not seem fair.

The skin graft came from the upper left leg. The surgeon put him under sedation on Monday to remove the wrapping and to inspect the graft. He came out of the surgery room very pleased at the condition of the graft. The graft is still very sensitive and needs more time to heal.

The good news is the big toe on the left foot is in the normal position. In time, his foot could set flat. It will take time for the ligaments to loosen. He should be able to run like the other children once all this heals.

A wheelchair was given to help Tison get around at home. It has served its purpose and more. He can keep his leg up and move around the house. This is fun and he could be in the chair as much as three weeks. We will see how it goes.

Thursday, March 4, 2010

Number Two Done

He was asking for water following his second surgery. Tison did very well in the three hours he was in the operating room. The pin that was inserted in the thumb of his right hand during the first surgery was removed. The surgeon cleaned up some scar tissue that will vastly improve the range of motion on his legs and realigned the big toe on the left foot. A graft of skin was removed from his upper leg and used to repair the toe.

This is a big step and will dramatically improve his walking and running. The tendons on his left foot were very stiff because he has gone three years without stretching these tendons. The release of the big toe could help release the tendons as they are used for the first time in years.

Tison did a great job and was aware of everything. He came into pre-op and knew each step of the process. I was also impressed with how much English he is using. Number two surgery is done and now we will come back in four days to have the wrapping changed.

Monday, March 1, 2010

Red-ee

Tison was sick last month when he was scheduled for his second surgery. He will have this surgery on Thursday. He is ready (red-ee) for this next step. He likes the word ready--but he pronounces it red-ee. This was one of the first words he learned. We would ask him, "Are you ready?" He would say, "Red-ee". Now, he better be ready for this surgery.

This is an important process for him. He will have his left foot freed from the contractures. The end result is to have the foot lay flat in a normal position. It will mean a lot of new function for him once he is recovered. He has been walking on the side of his foot, since the time of the injury. I can only imagine, how Tison will feel when he realizes the improvement he will have following his recovery from this surgery. I am sure he is more than red-ee for that.