Managua, Nicaragua VE Workshop 2009

My time with APROQUEN

Originally uploaded by interplast

Managua, Nicaragua- Maribel Markines, Interplast volunteer visiting educator.

Visiting APROQUEN has been a true blessing; the staff is compassionate, the center is well established and their interdisciplinary team is ideal for the holistic approach necessary in burn treatment. During my visit we worked on techniques to help prevent the formation of contractures and team building activities. It’s been very rewarding to see the staff adopt the new team building concepts and truly realize that their work is made easier because of the help they provide each other. Some would even hug every day before rounds in the mornings! I hope my time here has helped the staff come together as a stronger team as they continue their mission to deliver the best care for the children they serve.

Pedrito

Managua, Nicaragua- Maribel Markines, Interplast volunteer visiting educator.

 

Today I met Pedrito and was immediately captured by his sweet nature. One would never know the tragic story behind his burns. Pedrito is 2 years old and was both abused and neglected by his parents. After he suffered his burn (to which I still don’t have full details) he and his brother were taken to live at an abused children shelter. Today, Pedrito is recovering well and the success to his recovery is due to the wonderful staff at APROQUEN, the shelter where he now lives, but most importantly to Pedrito himself, who is very cooperative and a smart little boy.  At one point during my visit, he even took the Vaseline gel (good for keeping burn contractures moisturized) and started massaging his legs on his own. Pedrito has gained full functionality and mobility of his legs and is able to do daily activities on his own, like putting on his shirt.  At the end of our therapy session Pedrito gave me a warm hug!

Jefferson

Managua, Nicaragua- Maribel Markines, Interplast volunteer visiting educator.

Jefferson is an adorable 2-month-old who was burned while sleeping in his home. The candle that was lighting the room tipped over engulfing the mattress Jefferson was sleeping on in flames. I worked with a team of physical therapists, nurses and his mother to exercise Jefferson’s burn contractures.
The next day Jefferson’s hip was looser and his fingers were back to their normal position. Jefferson was even able to give me a beautiful thank you smile.

Games as therapy

Originally uploaded by interplast

Managua, Nicaragua- Maribel Markines, Interplast volunteer visiting educator.

This 2-year-old also had the misfortune of falling into a pile of burning trash. Six weeks ago he received surgery to release his burn contracture. Prior to his surgery, his hand was pinned shut which made it difficult for him to use and very painful. During his therapy today we incorporated some games to facilitate the use of his hands and fingers. A day after our therapy session he was better able to pick up items around him!

Felix

Originally uploaded by interplast

Managua, Nicaragua- Maribel Markines, Interplast volunteer visiting educator.

Felix is a playful 3-year-old whose arm was badly burned when he fell into a pit of burning garbage.
He and his mom live in a shelter while he receives his rehabilitation treatment here at APROQUEN. Today, I spent time teaching his mother how to correctly massage his arm and worked with Felix on his hand therapy to better allow him to use his fingers.

Heading to Managua

Managua, Nicaragua- Maribel Markines, Interplast volunteer visiting educator.

My name is Maribel Markines, and I have been a physical therapist for 18 years. Currently I work at the Tampa General Hospital where I have been working for 10 years. This is my first experience going on an Interplast trip as a visiting educator to Asociacion Pro Ninos Quemados de Nicaragua (APROQUEN) in Nicaragua.