By María José Montiel Castillo
From a far-away community – farther than San Pedro del Norte – in the department of Boaco came Elena Rios and her daughter Claudia. They had traveled a long stretch to arrive at Clinica Verde, arriving with closed faces that made it difficult to read their moods. This bearing is common among women in Nicaragua, who present themselves as humble and submissive according to the cultural roles of women and men in society.
Claudia, 17, had come for a consult: She was extremely thin and fragile, appearing malnourished and coughing frequently. Her mother Elena, 38, also appeared worn and concerned for her daughter, who she said had problems with her blood pressure and ovaries.
“The illness made me come,” said Elena, while her daughter withdrew shyly. Together they had discovered Clinica Verde when they passed the clinic on a bus and they decided they liked the way it looked. And, Elena added, they needed to go somewhere where costs were low. Basic household expenses made healthcare difficult.
Both mother and daughter said they were housewives. Claudia was the youngest of seven siblings. Elena said they were also looking for a psychologist for one of her other daughters because she was often depressed. Concern was etched in her eyes as she shared that she didn’t have options because there is no health center near her community.
For Elena and Claudia arriving at Clinica Verde was an odyssey, taking them 2 hours on horseback and 10 by bus. Elena said she wanted only the health of her daughter – it was the only thing she could offer her. She said her daughter wanted a different life, but she didn’t know how to help or please her. Claudia said she had left school. Her mother showed no emotion. Resignation invaded her.
The two women prepared to see the doctor.
This story is simply a snapshot of some of the patients we have the honor to serve. The names of the patients have been changed.
María José Montiel Castillo is a student in the School of Communications at the University of Central America.