Peru 2018: The Highlands

August 6-7

It's the first day working in the clinic! We have traveled about an hour out of Cusco to an area known as the Highlands. The Highlands suffer from high levels of poverty and little medical attention is provided. Upon arriving, we set up pop-up tents on the second floor of a bus station that consisted of PT, OT, dental, triage, pharmacy, and medical care.

 Our first experience working with these patients came right away as we were told to educate the patients waiting in line to be seen on proper body mechanics for lifting and cervical stretches. Proper body mechanics is a necessity because these patients are always working in fields or in the house remaining in a flexed posture for the whole day. I found it interesting that the consensus among them was that they had kidney issues causing their low back pain instead of considering musculoskeletal pain, which is where we came in. 

Education, pain relief, and muscle lengthening/strengthening were all crucial in treating the patients with low back pain. On top of this, praying with each patient provided a spiritual component that many needed at this time. I was so moved by the way they responded to our care. Instead of frustration, pity, and hopelessness they were so gracious, warming, and remained true to their faith, highlighting the cultural nature of people in Peru. 

One patient that came to us told her story of how she cannot work in the field due to her pain, which led to her having no money and living off of the small food her field was providing. She started tearing up and was visibly upset. After comforting her and assuring her that we would put our all into getting her back to working with less pain you could feel the connection being made. By the end, she was in less pain, smiling, and was optimistic about her outlook. Moments like these are what I will take away from the 2 days we spent in the Highlands, treating some of the most amazing people I have ever encountered.

-Robbie

Stay tuned for Amber’s take on our fourth and fifth days treating patients on the outskirts of Cusco! Again, we appreciate everyone’s prayers and support as we enter into our second week in Arequipa!