burn burn burn

Second week, and I've been feeling a bit burnt out. not physically but mentally and emotionally.

We've had five in-patients in the clinic. One post TIA/CVA a year ago presenting with worsening symptoms of left sided hemipeligia, difficulty swallowing, and dysarthria for one week and very malnourished- probably another TIA/CVA past the window of tPA treatment .. presenting with probably an ischemic as opposed to hemorrhagic - here for blood pressure control,physical therapy to lessen side effects and nutrition. Second patient, Tuberculosis, parapeligic patient after falling off the roof of his house also malnourished - here for physical therapy and nutrition. Third patient, post 40% fourth degree burn to upper extremity with right arm contracture and malnourished - here for wound care, physical therapy, and nutrition. Fourth patient, 60% fourth degree burn to lower extremity with bilateral leg contractures - here for wound care, physical therapy, and nutrition. Fifth patients, 8 yo female unable to move bilateral legs for 2 weeks r/o polio.

At the HIV children orphanage, brother sister sibling is now in our care after their father passed away two weeks ago from hiv and mother, also hiv, thought they would get better care at Root Institute. During the history and physical intake, the older brother could not stop moving around and talking.. very uneasy.. while the younger sister sat there quite just holding her mother's hands. then when dr. sanjay was examining her abdomen, she bursted into laughter followed my her brother's laughter...

On the fun side, I got a palm reading done by a friend's brother-in-law. some highlights:

palm reading:
I am a creative and artsy person.
I'm always worried about something.. I think too much..
I will not get married and will not take relationship serious because...
I love my self too much and love being free hence ...
I will travel alot
I am extra ordinary (my favorite one)
I will worry about health but...
I will not worry about wealth

I will not be able to return to his house again.. he knows too much...

In the monastery, we lit 3000 candle offerings for Lama Zopa Rinpoche's last night (so we thought). The whole monastery was lit so beautifully. Apparently, he's known for being spontaneous and it's been his "last night" at Root Institute for a week now. We again, got confirmation today that he will not be leaving tomorrow either. I've been feeling like a groupie here following the Lama Zopa around everywhere.