Sometimes it definitely is a small world...it was really nice to have a visitor in Bangladesh! Dr. Steve Arrowsmith is a VVF (vesicovaginal fistula - birthing injuries) surgeon from Michigan who came to Bangladesh partnering with Worldwide fistula fund and Hope Hospital. Hope Hospital is located at Cox's Bazaar, which happens to be approximately one hour from Malumghat. I had the pleasure of working with Steve on Mercy Ships in Ghana and Togo, and with WFF (Worldwide Fistula Fund) in Danja Niger. How cool to meet up again in Bangladesh!
Hope Hospital was started in 2005 by a Bengali man who practices as a pediatrician in Florida. He saw a need in his home country and has made his vision a reality by opening a Women and Children's Hospital called Hope Hospital. It was an honor to meet with these men who have a vision for the healthcare needs in this area as well as education.
I was invited to come speak with the nurses at the hospital about VVF care pre and postop. It was great to be back in VVF land...missed those ladies! They're definitely so special! Even though the distance is far between Bangladesh and West Africa, the patients stories are so similiar. Married when I was 13, was pregnant at 14, was in labor for 3 days (obstructed labor because of their tiny pelvis') the baby died and I started leaking urine. I've not been able to get pregnant since, I've been leaking urine for 10 years.
After teaching the nurses, and after morning surgeries were finished we had Bengali lunch together - rice, chicken and vegetable curry, hard boiled egg, so tasty!
Steve and I
Group of administration, local nurses, Dr. Arrowsmith and I.
