We just cant seem to catch a break can we?

Hello readers! Sorry that its taken so long to update the blog. We´ve ran into a couple of issues down here in Guatemala and so I think its time to share them. The story begins with Kristen´s last weekend here in Guatemala. Her, Pai and Liam went up to Semuc Champey which is this absolutely gorgeous natural limestone structure that has natural pools formed from this river as well as caves and waterfalls and things of the sort. I can only describe it because I´ve seen pictures but I know that Pai and Kristen could add onto it. But anyway, at the end of their tour for Semuc Champey the three of them had the option of jumping off of this waterfall into a large pool below. Since you´re only in Guatemala once, why not jump off? So Pai and Liam jumped off and didn´t suffer any injuries except some bruises to the butt and thighs. Kristen however did something to her back when she landed in the water. The waterfall itself was a 45 foot high drop and Kristen went straight in like a pencil like you´re supposed to. However, when she was coming back up she did something to her back where it hurt like hell. She was in pain for the rest of the day and she returned to Santa Cruz still in an insane amount of pain. We immediately called the doctors and they came and took a look at her and gave her strong pain medication and told her to be on strict bed rest for the rest of the week. Well as the week went on, Kristen didn´t improve much. She still said she had a lot of pain in her lower back, especially on her right side. She almost described it as flank pain but then as the days went on she said it was more of a deep, localized pain next to her spine.

Come Friday, she still didnt feel that great and so she was advised to go to Guatmeala City for X-rays, MRI and CAT scans. After all the tests, it was confirmed that Kristen has a compression fracture in T12 in the body of the vertebrae. She stayed overnight at the hospital on Saturday night and had a medical evac straight back to RDU on Sunday. Thank god we have such incredible insurance from UNC because it covers the flight and all medical procedures done to Kristen while she was in the capital and it also covers 80% of prescriptions and tests. The students here have tried to get in contact with her but we think that she´s just either in a hospital or at home in Wilmington. Kristen if you are reading this then we are all thinking about you and we really hope that you are feeling better. I know that I personally miss you a ton and I am incredibly worried about you. You´re in all of our thoughts and prayers here in Guatemala sweetie.

So yes, that´s why we can´t seem to catch a break in Guatemala. There´s more to come following this topic, but I wanted to post quickly what happened. If you fellow MS2s and friends can get a hold of Kristen please let me know how she is doing and I will relay that to everyone here in the clinic. I hope everyone is having a good summer and please keep Kristen in your thoughts and prayers.

Hasta luego,
Neil