Walk Nicaragua 2016 Day 5

Operative Day 4

Today was our last day of surgeries. We had four patients on the schedule today, but did 5 total knees, as we did our first bilateral (two sided) knee replacement in Nicaragua. Everything went smoothly and we were finished before noon. Our surgeon team left to Granada as they fly out of Managua tomorrow. We are so grateful for their willingness to take a break from their busy practices in the US to bless the citizens of Nica!

We all know that we have some of the most talented US surgeons with us, but they all sure do have a great team behind each of them that makes them shine, not only here in Nicaragua but at home as well! Dr. Schutte brought with him is wife Linda, who is also our pre-op/recovery nurse. She is amazing and our patients love her. Her sweet and calm demeanor instantly places patients at ease even though she does not speak the same language. What a gift she has! Also traveling with Dr. Schutte, and assisting with surgeries this week is Katie Binversie, his scrub tech, Elizabeth Lierley, registered nurse, and Sarah Voges, nurse practitioner. These are members of his “A” team at home and without their efforts preparing for the trip and there execution here, Walk Nicaragua would not have been a success. Dr. Smith brought his PA Katie Smith, and his daughter Emma to assist him. This is their second year with us on the trip. Dr. Jennings brought with him his PA Michael Lashley and his nurse Stephanie Van Camp. This was their first time with us.. Both of these teams are Amazing! You could not tell that we were all a part of separate practices at home. As the OR ran so effortlessly and seamlessly. God truly bless our work here in Nicaragua.

Our nursing/physical therapy team did another fantastic job today educating, assessing and preparing our patients and their families for discharge from the hospital. We will be back in the morning tomorrow to do the same for our last 4 patients.

Tonight the remaining team members took the opportunity of having a short day to take in the sights of Esteli. What a beautiful city, and their hospitality is exceptional!

We would like to give special thank you to our family members at home who are “holding down the forts” so we can be here do what we felt called to do. We can’t wait to share our pictures and experiences with you. It is difficult to see poverty without being changed. We appreciate your understanding as we transition home.