I am not the happiest of doctors today. Mrs X came to the office distraught followed closely by her pastor. I had just finished setting the second line for two babies, one one and the other 16months old. Her baby, in her friend's embrace, gasped for air. He was 6month old, plumb and healthy looking. I had to ask in disguise, "what are you feeding him?". " I am practicing baby friendly" came the reply. I immediately directed that a phlebotomy tray be brought and went straight to attempting to set a line and when I realized the baby was only getting worse, I picked him from her, ordered for the oxygen concentrator and commenced CPR on the couch in the office.
Mouth to mouth, ambu bagging, chest compressions, 15 to 2, again and again. 1 hour later, sweaty face and aching back, I stood over a motionless child. Steth in hand to confirm my worst fears. Pen touch disclosed a fixed and dilated pupil. I went silently and sat on my chair, broken. He was the only child of a recent mother. Child had been sick since 6days ago. Watery stool, vomiting, fever, cough and lastly convulsions. I diagnosed childhood sepsis from signs and symptoms. Mother had given ORS and also taken child to a nearby clinic where a quack gave some injections before they rushed here. We lose some, we gain some. I am pained. Child wouldn't get to celebrate Christmas. I prayed under my breathe while I resuscitated, begging God to save this one. He knows better. We tried all we could. The rural doctor initiative will continue to advocate and source for funds that will push more doctors to rural areas where babies like this can be reached before it is too late. Thank you.
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