3rd week at Tenwek 4/2025

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 My third week at Tenwek was another busy time.  My clinic time was minimal on Monday and Wednesday.  I made time to fit about 10 hearing aids to those in need.  These are always a blessing.  Many of the patients have never seen or heard of a hearing aid.  They are amazed at the improved hearing.  These aids were obtained from Resound and are top of the line programmable hearing aids. The patients treasure the aids and proudly wear them after being fit.  


I treated a 15 year old boy this week for nose bleeds.  He was seen last week in Casualty for signficant blood loss related to a right sided nose bleed.  The emergency room placed a pack and by the time I saw him there was no further bleed. he was discharged and to return to clinic for removal of the pack 3 days later.  He showed up early again to the Casualty area with recurrent bleeding.  He was really traumatized by the experience.  I worked with him to control bleeding and locate the source.  Once he was stabalized I was able to talk to him about the Lord and present the Gospel.  He willingly received Christ into his life.  He was discharged after anther visit with the Chaplains to connect him to a local church.  Again a beautiful story of Christ's love for His people.  He cares for them physically but even more ministers to their hearts.  Overall, this trip there were 8 patients that gave their lives to the Lord. A very rich harvest.

I spent the rest of the week in the operating theater.  We removed several nasal masses this week.  These are a real challenge in this setting.  The endoscopic equipment is marginal and the anesthetics used are not optimal to minimize bleeding.  The patient below had a right sided nasal tumor removed.  It will be 2-3 weeks before we know the diagnosis and whether she will need further management.  The tumor was entirely removed endoscopically but the bleeding made visualization poor.  Post op she was doing well and ready for discharge. I am with my general surgery resident and family practice resident.  All smiles now that case is over!


We also took care of an unfortunate patient that was newly diagnosed with AIDS.  He presented with upper airway obstruction and difficulty breathing.  He had a large Kaposi's Sarcoma of the oropharynx (tonsil region) that was blocking his breathing.  He underwent urgent tracheostomy and biopsy.  He will be referred for chemotherapy management once he heals from his tracheostomy and we have final biopsy results.  20% of the men in Kenya have HIV.  Many of them present with TB and infections related to immune suppression.

The patient below had unilateral choanal atresia (congenital blockage of the nasal cavity).  She has been plagued with recurrent nasal and sinus infections on the right side.  I was suspicious for choanal atresia although she was uncooperative to exam in the office.  In the operating theater she underwent diagnostic nasal endoscopy confirming the diagnosis.  We were able to endoscopically open the right nasal airway and I expect her to do much better.  Family had driven 5 hours to be seen by ENT.  How they knew I was at Tenwek I have no idea.  I thank God He drew her in and she should have a much better quality of life.


 Thank you again for your faithful prayers.  They were answered! So many patients were treated and they all did well.  They were treated physically, but more importantly spiritually touched.  This is my last short term trip with Samaritan's Purse as I plan to return in October for more long term placement with World Gospel Mission.

God Bless you,

Chase Miller

https://www.purewaterforafrica.org

https://www.wgm.org/miller


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