Dr. Sawyer Serving with Samaritan's Purse

Dr. Sawyer Serving with Samaritan's Purse
Papua New Guinea

Saturday, June 5, 2010

What's Up Doc...

My apologies to anyone reading this post with a weak stomach, but I wanted to share what surgery is like here in PNG.  This photo is of an ovary and those are my hands in the photo.  The amazing thing is that I have removed four ovaries like this in just one week.

Yesterday in the clinic I saw a young woman who had traveled ten hours to see me.  She is a student at a bible college and the government hospital where she lives has closed it's operating room six months ago.  Just a few years ago the government hospital was a thriving 350 bed hospital with subspecialists in nearly every specialty.  Now for the most part the hospital is barely functioning as a clinic.  She too has a large ovarian tumor that I will operate on in a few weeks.  Patients are now traveling enormous distances from what would be considered major cities to come to Kudjip Nazarene Hospital in the Western Highlands of Papua New Guinea just to seek care.  Perhaps those of us in America should take note of what happens to healthcare when the government takes over the healthcare system.

This past week I cared for two women who had ruptured their bag of water prematurely.  There is a balance between risking infection verses the risks of prematurity in making the decision of whether to deliver or to wait.  Both patients delivered this week, and both babies are doing well and are going home with their mamas.  We were so grateful that our prayers were answered.  Life is so much different here, and so fragile. 

9 comments:

  1. Did you post that picture just for me? Haha. I should never complain again, should I? That poor, poor woman. She must have been in severe pain. Was she able to walk? Was her back killing her? God bless you all. Praying, Janet

    ReplyDelete
  2. Our family will be praying for all the women who need or have received care. What an incredible mission field! I am so deeply humbled by the faith of the people of Papua New Guinea. -The Leshers

    ReplyDelete
  3. I am so inspired by your work! Makes me wish I had something to offer like you do! What a blessing you are to so many people, here in the U.S. and around the world.

    Glad I was hooked up to your blog via Tammy. My daughter is good friends with Ty, and they have known each other since kindergarten. And well.. it really is a small world. Hard to know how you are doing since I only see you once a year ;o) Unless I am having a baby.. which I am not! ;) You are a blessing! Your whole family!

    ReplyDelete
  4. What a beautiful baby! What a blessing new babies are to people everywhere! So glad you all are there and that you are able to provide good care to these women. How horrible it must be to have an ovarian tumor like the picture and have no option for care. We miss all of you and are praying.

    ReplyDelete
  5. I am honored to have you as my doctor! What you do for all of these people, as well as your patients in Arizona is just amazing.

    ReplyDelete
  6. Great stories Dr. Sawyer! I would recommend putting a link in your blog to a Picasa web Album with the more invasive photos for those interested. I would really be interested in seeing some of those photos.

    Keep up the hard work and thanks for sharing your stories!

    ReplyDelete
  7. What amazing pictures! It is wonderful to see how the LORD is using you, your family and the rest of the medical team down there to meet the needs of the people there. I am praying for you and am enjoying keeping up with your journey.

    Great is His faithfulness-
    Vicky Philips

    ReplyDelete
  8. What a blessing that you are there! What a darling baby and it is SUCH a gift for you to give families healthy deliveries (which I know is not always in your hands). Hope you're well! Kelly, Brian, and Selah O'Connor

    ReplyDelete
  9. so amazing what we take for granted in the states! Jeff and I continue to pray for you and your family daily!
    "But the needy will not always be forgotten, nor the hope of the afflicted ever perish." Psalms 9:18
    It is so awesome that you can be the personification of Hope to so many!

    ReplyDelete