JULY 2023 | Stories From The Field

Elien visited the FYH clinic on LG in 2022 for bowed legs. He was advised by an orthopedist to wait for a further year before surgery.

This year, Elien moved to the mainland in Carrefour to live with his grandparents. The FYH team was unable to contact them however his father who lives on LG gave directions on how to reach the grandmother’s house. I trekked to the grandparent’s house for over an hour from the Adventist hospital on a hill path.

Elien’s legs were extremely bowed and it was painful for him to walk. I advised the grandparents to bring him to Adventist Hospital to see Doctor Scott.

They attended the hospital the following week and surgery was scheduled. Elien had external TSF frames fitted to both legs. His legs are already straight and the frames will be removed later this year.

His parents and grandparents are extremely grateful. He already walks better.

7-year-old Anne Chloe Galbart lives in a very remote area on LG. In May ‘23 she travelled with other FYH orthopaedic patients to Adventist Hospital to see an orthopedist for the first time ever. Following X-rays and scans, Anne Chloe was diagnosed with Brachial Plexus Palsy. Orthopedist Dr Scott Nelson spent a lot of time explaining the diagnosis to her father including the sad fact that surgery would not be possible.

Part of my job involves ensuring patients’ families understand everything being explained to them and asking questions if they have any. I also act as an interpreter between the parents and medical professionals when needed.

Anne Chloe’s father truly appreciated the effort made by FYH to try to help his sweet daughter. They left Adventist Hospital knowing she had seen the best orthopedist in Haiti and received useful exercises they can do with Anne Chloe to strengthen her arm and shoulder.