Under the Weather

Checking in to the hospital

Last week, we had our first real experience with illness here.  J has been sick since we have been here, but L definitely had it worse this time.  After two days of a temperature over 103-104 and several other symptoms, we decided to head to the hospital here.  In the States, you would normally not go to the hospital for a high temperature, but here there is no clinic.  It is the hospital or nothing. 

Everyone in the hospital was so caring and nice.  We had a local from the country come in with us to help with translation.  For some reason everything you learn about a language slips away when you are sick and in the hospital.  She was very helpful and made sure we understood everything that was happening.

The doctors wanted to run several tests once we arrived to make sure they could treat the correct illness.  Because L had severe stomach cramps, they decided to do an ultrasound to make sure it wasn’t the appendix.  Thankfully, we didn’t have to have any surgeries.  They narrowed it down to a bacteria infection from something that was eaten or drank.

Trying to stay positive

We were admitted into the ER and then from there L was taken for the ultrasound.  The ultrasound showed us an enlarged lymph node due to fighting off some sort of infection.

Pleading for J to take me home, so I didn’t have to get the dreaded IV.

L was extremely dehydrated, so they made her have an IV to get some fluids back in her system since up to this point she hadn’t been able to keep any food or drinks in her stomach for 2 days.  L was NOT happy, especially since she has a HUGE fear of needles.

Getting the IV

After a few tears and painful facial expressions, the damage was done.  The IV would stay put for 3 days while we resided in the hospital.  They used the IV to give her 3 bags of fluid and 2 containers full of medicine to combat the bacterial infection.

Waiting to head to our room.  J thought it would be funny to pose in front of the sign and tease our friends and family.

Our new home for a few days.

The hospital was nice.  We had our own room with a kitchenette that we never used, but it was still there if we wanted it.  We had cable TV, which is nice when you can’t get out of bed.  J spent the nights at the hospital because any time I needed to get up he had to help move the IV.

We stayed in the hospital for 3 days because they couldn’t get the fever to go down and the stomach issues resolved.  After the third day, L was full of fluids and well enough to go home.  They sent us home with a bag full of pills to take.

Heading home even though I’m not a 100%.

L is doing much better, but her stomach is still fragile.  She has to be careful what she eats.  She is using it as an excuse to have to eat American food!