Crossing out pediatrics.

Mon 7.26.10

Today, I was in the lab with Pete.  It was a pretty busy day, but everyone seemed to have the case of the Mondays. 

The only thing that stood out about today was this 5 year old girl who came into the lab screaming and crying.  Her mom was gripping both her hands, while she was squirming away with vocal fear.  All she needed was a finger prick.  This is what I would hate about peds. I like children, but I hate being the bad guy. Boo. 

So here she was, screaming.  Everyone outside began looking in the lab with curiosity.  Pete tried to console her and actually performed a finger prick on himself.  She goes wild with the sight of blood.  By this time, I’m trying to console her with beads of sweat rolling down my forehead.  I call for Jimmy from the other room.  He shuts the door and basically threatens her with the option of using a needle or a finger prick.  She sobs as she shakes her head with the sight of the needle.  I then proceeded to try to do a finger prick.  Even then, her mother had to hold her down and grip her hand still.  Whew.

After clinic, we visited the tailor to drop off some more cloth and head to the pool bar for Courtney’s date.  The guy, whom she met a few nights before, wore a shiny shirt and bought her a necklace and earrings.  Dang, girl, get it.  He was a model, actor, and biology student and although new to Mwanza, he seemed to know everyone.   

Dinner at Lucy’s and tonight’s movie: Layer Cake – good, but slow.