Pap test la

Clinic has definitely picked up since the middle of last week, such that we are now averaging some 50-60 women per day. Not surprisingly, mornings pass by in a blur of activity: people coming and going, translators rushing around, nurses scurrying for more supplies (namely speculums (specula?) as there never seem to be enough), previous patients returning for results, while current patients make small talk and ask questions. Factor in the top floor of the clinic, which is still under construction, and you get a background noise laden with hammering, sawing, pounding and yelling. And then, of course, there are the continual sounds of Leogane, itself… the persistent honking of tap-taps and motos, Haitian music blaring nonstop from the La Perfection hotel/nightclub just across the road, mixed with Sri Lankan tunes originating from the UN basecamp opposite the main thoroughfare (one day I even caught strains of “I Will Survive.” I got very excited). Through the windows, one can smell any number of charcoal fires burning; the exact fare fluctuates with changes in the wind. Overall, it is not the setting I normally associate with clinic, though in the past few weeks it has become the norm.

Where do I fit in the chaotic scheme of things? I was helping the physician/nurses obtain specimens (there are two HPV tests for each patient) and prepare/label them accordingly. Yes, it is as glamorous as it sounds, but in all honesty, is not as boring as one would expect, as the continuous flurry of activity does not leave all that much time to think. However, over the past two days, I have actually been performing the exams, perhaps to the dismay of the ladies—I am sure—secondary to my inexperience. But I am getting better:having done a dozen or so sample collections yesterday and over 50 (yes, I was proud) today, I am significantly more proficient (if not efficient with regards to time).

My only gripe at this point remains my complete inability to learn Kreyol. While I have some key phrases down (for example, the Pap test = Pap test la (which interestingly is not the test we are doing, but most women call any vaginal “test” a “Pap”)… I can also count to 50… useful in clinic but not really anywhere else), I cannot effectively interact with the patients or staff, which is extremely frustrating. It is somewhat annoying to never have any clue as to what is going on or being said, and it becomes all too easy just to tune it all out. Dr. Merisier says it is time I start speaking Kreyol to every patient… so, I’m working on it. Particularly in the past two days, I have increased my repertoire (to a grand total of 25 or so words) and am feeling slightly more confident, which I hope will help.

A quick note, sorry for the delay in posting as of late (to the 4-5 people who actually care =) ); it was mainly due to a combination of busy-ness (we took a trip to Port-au-Prince this past weekend and there is currently a group from Duke visiting for the week) and general laziness (the slooooooooowness of the internet is nothing short of painful).