First trip to Peruvian ER

My Saturday started off differently than planned by my first trip to a Peruvian Emergency Room. Erin called me that morning and said that she had gotten a blister from running on Thursday. It was small and red, but now it had gotten larger, was purple, yellow, and draining stuff. That did not sound good. Perhaps the one thing that clued me in the most was the fact that Erin was concerned. She is not a drama queen and very easy going, so if she was concerned then I knew there was a good reason to be. I went over pretty quickly, took one look at it and said she definitely needed something for it (it could not wait for the embassy doc on Monday). I had even brought my dictionary in anticipation for an ER visit.

There was a clinic across the street from where they lived that we went to. I have done extensive research about the medical facilities here in Lima in hopes of working at one eventually. The one next  to her was up to US standards. Miraflores, having so many wealthy citizens and foreigners caters to such a population. I went along to translate. Thank goodness I had studied medical terminology before I came down.

Overall it went very smoothly and we were in and out in about an hour. Doctor prescribed her some antibiotics that were common with skin infections.

I have to say the biggest thing of all was just how nervous she was. Different country, what was going on, would all be okay, etc. I know, from having nurses in my life, it is just nice to have someone there who can reassure you things are normal and to know when to be concerned. I was able to tell her later about some medical situations I ran into while I was in Hungary and how I remember being a little nervous because it wasn't home.

She was doing better by the next day. Course I kept getting after her to keep her foot elevated and to not be bashful on taking the pain medicine.

Either way, glad I was able to do a favor considering how kind and generous she's always been with me. It helped me realize I do miss being involved in the world of medicine, but I hope once I can get my Peruvian nursing license, some opportunity might come up.