Apologies that it has been a while since an update on the general status of Mustafa’s health and treatment. The days have been busy.

Last week we learned a lot in several appointments. Here’s the summary: Kidney and bladder function– Mustafa’s right (now only) kidney is working well. That is great news. It will be important to preserve the function of that kidney — i.e., preventing infection and keeping his bladder empty on a regular schedule. The injury caused a loss of much of the nerve impulses that make the bladder work. So, in order to keep the bladder emptying adequately, Mustafa requires catheterization every 4 hours. It is not a fun thing, but both Mustafa and Ahmed are adjusting to this routine in an amazing and dignified way. Much of Mustafa’s pain (and the fever)at the start of their time here was due to the bladder/kidney situation. It is so wonderful to report that he is now pain and infection free!

Colostomy — The colostomy is functioning well. It also was causing periodic pain prior to the surgery, but now that it has been revised, it is pain free and much easier to care for and keep clean.

The heroes of the above good news are the Surgeon (Dr Zallen), Urologist (Dr Skoog) and the Nephrologist (Dr Al Uzri) — all from OHSU and ALL waived all fees for Mustafa’s care. Garret Zallen especially deserves our gratitude as really enabled this project to happen. We will have a recognition dinner/event for all the care providers who have been so kind and generous in a few weeks. Hopefully, some of them will be able to come to the party at the Bilal Mosque this weekend.

Orthopedic issues–Mustafa has started his care at Shriner’s (where the care is totally donated). Due to the extent of the injury–well up into his pelvis, he is not a good candidate now for a prosthesis. The orthopedic team were pretty clear that they did not think he would do well with a prosthesis and that making one that would work for him would be extremely difficult or impossible. The goal is to help him ambulate to the best possible extent and a prosthetic leg isn’t the solution due to how cumbersome it would be. It was a pretty hard thing to hear for a guy who dreams of being a soccer player. I must say, though, both Ahmed and Mustafa do not fail to amaze me in their adjustment to these things not turning out the way they had hoped or dreamed for. They are amazing teachers.

One issue for children who have lost so much of their pelvis is that their posture and support are very unstable and lop-sided, putting them at high risk of scoliosis. So, Shriner’s is now making him a sitting support that he will use when sitting to keep him more upright, and, hopefully, prevent the spine from curving. He also now has a nice small wheelchair that he can propel on his own and he is quite zippy! Mustafa also now has a walker and next week he will see how he can do on crutches. He will go back to Iraq with all of these supports to allow him to ambulate. It was amazing at the PT appointment when Ahmed was asked about the accessibility of their home, he said they have steps to the front door. But in the next breath, he said how he had already figured out construction of a cement ramp so that Mustafa could easily get in and out. His dedication to his son and his resourcefulness are inspiring.

Emotional issues — I think it is fair to say that all of us spending time with Mustafa were VERY worried during his hospital stay and in the weeks after about his fears, sadness, all the effects of the trauma he has endured. It is so wonderful now to see him having a chance to be a child! There is still, of course, a tentativeness, but more and more he is connecting and smiling. He loves to play, loves sports, is very funny and is a great tease. He is incredibly verbal, and, I’m told by the Arabic interpreters that he has an amazing imagination and vocabulary. He is getting more comfortable in his surroundings and is just wonderful to be around and to play with. He comfortably zips all around Ronald McD House (RMH)in his wheelchair and has made a few friends both there and through the NMV group. He is so incredibly bright and ready to learn.

EVERYONE at Ronald McDonald House is totally in love with both Mustafa and Ahmed. They are extremely considerate and respectful residents there. Despite the lack of common language, there is MUCH in common among the families staying at RMH. Everyone there is involved in the care of their ill or injured children. All have a story to tell. That creates such meaningful bonds. One day recently as Ahmed, Mustafa and I were about to leave for something, Ahmed, upon seeing another father in the kitchen, stopped, turned around and walked back into the kitchen and said to him, “Baby – hospital — okay?” he was asking about that father’s 4 month old baby who had heart surgery the day before. Ahmed is very good at reaching out–he really gets their common bonds. He will point to another child staying there and touch his own heart to show he is connecting to them. They certainly do not appear to be isolated, but rather are very comfortable and, again, resourceful in figuring out things like the dishwasher, washing machine, labeling their food, etc. So many there have said to us how much they are in love with Mustafa. We all live to see his smile, and we are seeing it more and more. Whew…

Highlights — Mustafa playing wheelchair basketball, going to the zoo for the first time in Ahmed’s and Mustafa’s lives, playing on the play structure at the SW Burger King (who would have thought…!), discovering parks with swings, making new friends with Jack and Lucy and Bedoor, singing Habibi Da (Salee’s favorite song) to the CD as we drive along, learning about carving jack o’lanterns, watching Iraqi soccer on youtube, eating French fries, taking ridiculous pictures with the new camera bought by Cleveland High School students, decorating the room at RMH, eating dolmas, and just plain teasing the adults who do silly things. We all have cried and laughed and NOBODY has left visiting without their heart feeling totally full.

Ahmed reminds us all daily that there are thousands of Mustafas today in Fallujah and how many thousands more in all of Iraq and Afghanistan. He says that he (Mustafa) is one of the lucky ones as he is getting care here now. Iraq once had an advanced and state of the art medical infrastructure, but it has been destroyed and is not being re-built. So, be sure to vote, if you haven’t already. Then, after next Tuesday, we will need to press ahead with making sure policies and funding goes for more Ronald McDonald Houses and Doernbechers and Shriners, and parks with swings — and NEVER AGAIN for even one more bomb or war.

Enough for now…

Try to come to the wonderful celebration for Ahmed and Mustafa this Sunday 4:30 at the Bilal Mosque. Potluck dessert (or bring that left over Halloween candy). If questions, call (503-234-3501) or email.

Thanks to all who are supportive in so many ways with this incredible experience.

Peace now,
maxine