Good evening from Uganda!
“God didn’t use Isaiah because of his many impressive attributes. He was looking for someone willing. All God needed was a heart that was ready to serve. When He calls us, He Himself equips us. All we need to bring to the table is willingness, humility, and commitment.”
-Text from Brother Solomon, received upon landing in Uganda.
Our day began at 5:15 AM in the hotel conference room with a quick breakfast and briefing as we prepared for our first day in the operating room! We discussed our plan to pray over each patient and to wash their feet before surgery, following Christ’s example of humility and love when He washed His disciples’ feet. We departed for the hospital at 5:45 AM with plans to perform three procedures: two total hip replacements and one total knee replacement.
Case 1: Total Hip Replacement
Our first patient was a 42-year-old female from Zambia. She was connected through Dr. Brock in McKinney, Texas, who met her during a mission trip and later coordinated care with Dr. Miller. Through their efforts, they were able to provide resources to bring her, her caregiver, and a nurse to Uganda for surgery. They will remain at the hospital for the next month during her recovery.
Her X-rays reveal a dislocated hip that she reports has been present since birth. In the United States, a routine newborn hip exam typically identifies this condition early, allowing for treatment in infancy. Because it was not detected, she has lived her entire life with severely limited mobility.
We began surgery just before 8:30 AM and completed it shortly after 9:40 AM. The procedure went extremely well!
Case 2: Total Knee Replacement
Our second patient was a 26-year-old male with post-traumatic arthritis. Imaging showed a healed medial proximal tibia fracture with significant bone loss on the medial side. Dr. Mark assisted Dr. Miller and did an excellent job. The procedure was a great success!
Case 3: Total Hip Replacement
Our final case was a 50-year-old HIV-positive female. Her X-rays showed avascular necrosis of the femoral head and, despite the diagnosis, appeared to be the most straightforward case of the day! The surgery went very well. Dr. David assisted Dr. Miller and performed wonderfully.
It is remarkable that this was the first day this TEAM has worked together. An outsider looking in would have thought we’d spent years together-it was a well-oiled machine. The teamwork and dedication displayed by EVERYONE involved were truly extraordinary!
Returning to Solomon’s message, it is those who are called that must show up ready to serve Him. He does not call the equipped; He equips those who are called. This week at Bethlehem Hospital, our goal is to do exactly that – to serve faithfully and to the best of our ability in whatever way we can.
What an amazing first day in the OR in Bethlehem, Uganda!
God is good! 🇺🇬
