Paul

First attempt at wearing the prosthetic arm

This is Paul. Nearly two months ago, Paul and his father were in a terrible car accident. Paul’s dad had just a few minor cuts and bruises, but’s Paul’s injuries were much more severe. He had multiple cuts on his face and scalp, an open fracture of his right ankle (broken bones and joints were exposed, skin and muscle shredded over the fracture), and a rather gruesome traumatic amputation of his left arm just below his elbow. When Paul arrived at Mukinge in the middle of the night, he was immediately taken to the operating room (theatre) where we worked to place IV’s, assessed him for injuries to his internal organs, sewed up the cuts on his face and scalp, washed the dirt and grass from the open wounds on his leg and arm, and completed the amputation of his left arm. Since that time, Paul has been a patient on our pediatric ward.  He has made multiple trips to the operating room to have his ankle cleaned out and placed in a stabilizing device called an external fixator, to have a skin graft placed over the open wound on his ankle, and to have the external fixator removed and a plaster cast placed.

Proper prostheses are available only in the capital city of Lusaka. The cost of accommodations and travel to and from Lusaka, not to mention the cost of the prosthesis makes it all but impossible for most of our patients to go there.  We aren’t even sure if there’s anyone there who makes arm prostheses – especially for children!  One of our physiotherapists has been working with Paul to make a prosthetic arm using materials that have all been purchased locally. What he has come up with is pretty incredible! Over the past week, Paul has been working on strengthening his shoulder and learning to use his brand new arm! Only a few more modifications are left to be made, and then Paul will be ready to be discharged home.

Paul trying on his cosmetic hand

A double hook attachment that enables Paul to grab and hold!

Paul and his parents

Paul’s parents have remained faithfully by his side. The three of them have remained joyful and enthusiastic throughout his stay. Paul is a bright kid who has taken a special interest not only in his own care, but also in the care of the many children who have come and gone from the ward since his arrival. He has worked hard to learn how to get around using one crutch and his one good leg. He sings with the nursing staff in the mornings before rounds and plays with the other kids on the ward. In September, we helped Paul celebrate his 9^th birthday.

Seeing Paul is my favorite part of each day. He is a remarkable kid. The other day I asked Paul what he thought he might want to be when he grows up – a teacher, a businessman, a doctor? He’s not sure yet, but there’s no doubt that he could probably be just about anything he chooses.

We know that we treat, but Jesus is the one who heals.  We are so grateful to God for sparing Paul’s life, for healing his body, and for allowing all of us to get to know his family through this ordeal. Thank you for praying for us here at Mukinge and for patients like Paul.