Today in the afternoon I went along with a GC staff member to make house visits to two persons living with AIDS who can't make the support group meetings at this time. It was a sobering experience - I've met and supported folks who were pretty sick before, but it's still hard. In both cases the men in question are supported almost entirely by their mothers, who in both cases are very brave and understanding. The men are both former injecting drug users. One is really having trouble eating - the antiretrovirals are causing lots of nausea and vomiting. Ade (the staff person) did a great job helping the mother figure out how to navigate the health care system here to try and get some better answers and perhaps modification of the medication. This guy was really thin and weak - I could see him struggle to breathe as he sat with us, and even talking was an effort. The drugs are making his arms itch too. He's dealing with tuberculosis and hepatitis C at the same time - it's very hard.
The second person comes from a wealthier family which helps, but he's if anything in worse condition. As in the first case, a mother who's a widow who's really caring and supportive. GC is in the process of setting up a support group especially for parents of people living with AIDS - both of the mothers think that would be great to share experiences and tips. This second guy is not having trouble eating, but some combination of the drugs and opportunistic infections is causing horrible, horrible dry peeling skin (at least 1/4 inch thick) on his arms and legs. His feet almost looked like sponges. It's frustrating because they've been going to lots of skin doctors but no luck as yet. And because of this, the person is not really seeing anyone, and he used to be quite active, so people are worried the isolation is making things worse. The mother greeted us and then we used the arrival of an American as an excuse - the mother went into his room and finally he came out. Ade was so happy because this is the first time in a long while that he's seen anyone other than his family. It was good to offer him support - he's having vision problems too.
All this just drives home the point that GC's work is so important, and that there's a need for continued efforts in both treatment and prevention.
2 comments:
Hi Tom! You are amazing! It is so good to read and hear about all the work being done and to yet again read the reminder and the call to action that peole are suffering at such profound levels because of the ARVs, lack of support, money...all of it. Our group from PP is flying back to Namibia tomorrow...it's good to know these small groups are formed and working together throughout the world...I suppose Mead was right about small groups of people...keep doing your amazing work, travel safe, have a good rest of your trip. xo, Mo
Thanks Mo!
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