Let me preface this with: it takes a lot for me to admit that I’m sick. But for the last few days I have had the energy and strength of an old woman. I’ve done nothing but sleep and lie down. I finally caved and decided to go to the doctor. So yesterday I spent a solid 9 hours at a hospital. They tested my blood and gave me an IV.
Turns out I have *drumroll please* typhoid fever and strep throat.
Woah way to kick a girl while she’s down.
I learned something yesterday. Everyone needs to experience medical care outside of the US at least once in their lifetime. Yesterday was my opportunity. There’s a few differences between hospitals in the US and overseas. Language barriers: explaining symptoms becomes like a game of charades. The most vital game of charades you can play. Cleanliness: when you begin to flick ants off the hospital bed, bucket flush the toilet, or watch your blood get drawn without gloves you quickly remember that you’re in fact, not in the US. Diagnosis: seeing tests being run for freaky infections like malaria and typhoid and then testing positive for said freaky infection.
But I wouldn’t trade it for the world. My eyes are opened and I am so humbled.
The typhoid count on the squad is now up to 4 people. We don’t know where the typhoid is coming from, and it sucks. But antibiotics and green coconuts are working wonders. Please be praying for health and strength over all of us.
