Last night I was admitted to the ER of our local hospital as I still had stomach pains since Friday. It turns out that it was definitely food poisoning coupled with good old dehydration, not a fun combo when you are trying to do work as well (ie: surveying families in shantytowns where there is no shade and it is at the height of day). I spent 6 hours between being treated and being released which isn´t bad at all, plus I was treated to many stories and jokes by two of my Peruvian counterparts.
However, this morning I awoke to my roommate and friend being in a similar state of pain but with more symptoms which led her to the emergency this morning and where she is also spending the night under observation. Luckily (or unluckily), our one and only other Canadian team member has also been in the hospital since Saturday night for internal infections so at least the two of them are going to be able to hang out together tonight.
I spent the entire day with both of them whilst everyone else was working as I was off for bedrest today to fully recuperate from my illness. What isn´t cool is that when you are admitted into hospitals here you actually get given a prescription by the doctor for everything that is needed while you are in the hospital´s care (ie: IVs, meds, etc) and half the time you have to check out more than one little pharmacy (imagine the smallest corner store that you have ever been to then halved it) to get everything that you need. So I had a great time this afternoon navigating the Peruvian pharmacy system and I am pretty sure that the 3 sick Canadians are quite well known here.
After such a crazy long day and a serious lack of sleep all that I wanted to do was have some food, go back to the hostal, check my e-mails and go to bed but our team is so amazing and so, after a great vegetarian dinner, I was surprised with a little b-day celebration.
So that´s where today is at.
Political update: looks like there is going to be a strike this Thursday in town so we have the day off again. Don´t know how long it is going to last. Please know that as of right now we are very safe, espcially staying where we are.
Ciao everyone!
About Me
- Hopes Travels
- Why "Hopes Travels"? My middle name is Esperance which means "hope" in french (similarily, "harapan" means hope in Bahasa Melayu). Those who know me, know that I hope for a more tolerant and trusting world. One filled with genuine curiosity for things unknown and a joy to enrich our lives with new experiences. I live and attempt to share this hope and zest for life with all whom I meet.
Oh Christiane! I hope that you are feeling better. What are the temperatures like there?
ReplyDeleteAnd your birthday!! I am sorry that I didn't wish you a happy birthday yesterday. Let's just say that work was insanely stressful and I didn't go onto facebook at all.
I hope you had a nice birthday, even though you were sick :( Be sure to drink lots of water.
I remember when my sister was living in Florida for a year, dehydration and heat stroke were two of the biggest 'illnesses' for the staff. They worked so hard in such hot conditions but didn't drink enough.
Take care of yourself. Thanks for the disclaimer not to worry. Be safe! ♥
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ReplyDeleteHi! Chris,
ReplyDeleteHow you are now? I hope you did not do like your old man, food problem, dehydratation with to add kidney lock...from time to time i still got a hard time with the kidney, but it will not kill me yet.
Yes i laugh with your friend saying"Harapans travel, the movie" with Angelina as you, yes it would be good but if it happen, then you are sure to get me as your top FAN.
How is your composting job going??? growing any thing like Yasi on her balcony yet? Take care, LUV from the islands under the mousson...