Rita (Update)

When Chris last visited the island December 2005, he had to take Rita back to hospital as her leg had developed an abscess.

The abscess on Rita’s leg enlarged and became infected with maggots; attempts to remove them failed, as somehow the maggots knew they were trying to get them, and would retreat back into her leg. Rita always tried to hide the pain, as she knew from past experience that many adults would have to restrain her whenever they cleaned and dressed her wounds.

Chris says 'On the way to the hospital, the bus stank of her wound, it was very embarrassing and awful for everyone. The abscess was seething and a red/black liquid was bubbling under the dressing like boiling blackcurrant jam and was running down her leg. I was very worried that she would soon develop septicaemia.

When we arrived at the hospital they decided to operate almost straight away, I was asked to assist and anaesthetised Rita myself. The Surgeon cut down each side of the shinbone where he found two cavities each of which held some 20 mature maggots'.

Do you remember that this was the hospital that had asked Chris for permission to amputate her arm and leg some time ago? Chris thought at any moment he would say that her leg must come off. But to everyone's relief the doctor could see the bone was not badly infected, also the maggots had actually helped by eating most of the dead flesh, and so the abscess was cleaned out and sewn up. Our faithful worker Penny cared for and chaperoned Rita in hospital over Christmas right into February.

If you would like to donate to Rita's cause please click the "Donate" button below, thank you.