Apuli

So, today was the second day through the clinic. I followed Dr. Elias first through OPD (outpatient department) and then to the surgery theater. Every case was so very interesting from constipation to high blood pressure to HIV and TB. One young man came, he was sixteen years old with a history of HIV and onset of TB starting 6 weeks ago. He is being treated but still has swollen lymph nodes in the neck. The doctor wanted to excise and drain the nodes, but the patient seemed hesitant and reluctant. After seeing several more patients and a good hour later, a woman came to the room door and asked to enter. She was the boy's aunt. He has no parents for they died from AIDS. The young man was born with HIV. The aunt came to express her worry that if he has the small procedure done then he will not heal and will die. It was hard to convince her that the boy needed this done to prevent further suffering, yet she eventually realized it would be best. She stated that her nephew would need convincing, so we sent her to talk to him. We continued to the theater where the doctor performed a pleural effusion chest drain. I was quite affected by it and had to take a seat. I am used to skin surgery but going past the dermis was difficult for me to handle. When we were through, the doctor thought he might take a lunch, but the nurse said the young man was ready to have the I&D for the lymph nodes. He was pleased the boy consented, so we went ahead and prepared him for surgery. The young man was shaking on the table, partly because it was cold but perhaps more from fear and nerves. I administered the anesthesia and told him not to worry. Poor thing, he seemed so frightened. I wanted to let him know it would be alright. As the doctor continued to prep, I asked the boy for his 'ampaco' which means pet name. His is Apuli. I told him I was Amoti. The doctor began the local anesthesia with a needle and Apuli flinched as his hand went up to his neck. I grabbed his hand and told him to squeeze my hand. He squeezed very hard. For the remainder of the surgery, I held his tightly gripped hands....and I prayed for Apuli. I told him he was strong and how good he was doing. I'm not sure why he didn't pass out from the IV meds but he was still conscious throughout the procedure. I pray he did not feel pain but only the pressure. He whinced and cried out in pain but the doctor didn't stop. He had to remove all the lymph tissue that was accumulated and caseated. I held his hands tightly and every once in a while would squeeze them to remind him I was there. When we were through, we sat him up, wiped the blood off and I told him I was praying for him. Then I shared with him a song that I was singing in my head during his procedure, 'The Joy of the Lord.' He said he had heard that song, and he asked me if we could remain friends. I told him of course. I had to leave then. So I am hoping that I have the chance to see him again in the wards, if he is there. I didn't find out whether or not he would be admitted there. I hope so. The doctor kept saying there were many issues that needed to be addressed. I think I heard mention of ridicule from kids at school. That sweet boy....poor thing. All I can do right now is pray for him as the Lord consistently reminds me of him. I know I will see him soon... Apuli...