RUTH GETTING HER INFUSIONS

There are two types of infusions given intravenously to help strengthen the immune system. In one instance, Ruth's blood is drawn, treated, and then returned to her. In the other instance, a yellow-colored combination of vitamins and other good stuff is fed into the veins.

Ruth, on the right (for those of you who haven't yet seen her with her short hairstyle she may look rather different without her braids), has a red bottle, getting back her own blood. Some of the vitamin bottles (yellow) are awaiting the arrival of more patients. Infusions are usually done on Tuesday and Friday.

This process takes several hours, which gives one time to socialize with other patients or read or write in one's journal. Incidentally, there are signs posted that tell patients NOT to talk to others about their illness or their treatment. Such conversations would not be beneficial to either party, nor conducive to changing one's mental attitude.

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On the left is Ruth's doctor, Dr. Martin. At the clinic doctors do many of the things now done in the United States by nurses, and in some instances, by nurse's aids. Every Thursday each patientmeets with the doctor to fine tune the treatment. Some of the German patients, covered by their insurance, stay for two or even three months. Patients keep written track of all bodily measurements and functions, including pulse, temperature, any nausea, bowel movements, etc. The sheets are turned in every morning and examined and recorded by the medical staff monitoring the patients.

Twice a week patients weigh themselves on a digital scale. Also included in treatment is psychotherapy, group counseling (in German only), art therapy, and exercise (usually in the form of walking in the park).