Abubakkar is standing taller

By Missioner and  Occupational Therapist Karen Roeming.  Karen was a member of the July 2018 mission team and coached Mercy nurse James how to mold thermoplastic splints for Abubakkar. 

Abubakkar is standing taller!  

Abubakkar continues to progress and he is standing straighter and taller.  He is even gaining some weight. As you might remember, Abubakkar was burned over two thirds of his body in December, 2016.  He was brought to Mercy Hospital in March, 2017 where he continues to receive care. After being enrolled in the Child Rescue Centre, Abubakkar and his brothers were all able to return to school in September, 2017.  Abubakkar passed his class five tests in June, 2018 and promoted to class six.

Abubakkar has been living at home with his family but still comes to Mercy every other day before or after school for wound care and dressing changes.  The wounds on the backs of his legs are healing nicely requiring less care. As his wounds heal, the normal skin is replaced with scar tissue that will continue to shorten and contract limiting the ability to straighten his knees and put his heals down on the ground.  This scar is less amenable to stretch as he grows compared to his normal skin.

Abubakkar’s goal is to be able to run and play football again. To help stretch that scar and allow Abubakkar to stand taller, his nurse, James, used a sheet of low temperature thermoplastic material softened in heated water to mold directly to his legs.  The plastic cools and holds its shape so Abubakkar can be gently stretching his knees and scars while he is sleeping. This is not the most comfortable way to sleep but Abubakkar is standing taller and having fun playing with his friends during the day.