I ended up moving out of Econolodge on March 10th-only 23 nights spent living at a hotel! Not too bad, right? I spent the next 4 nights at our Country Director's house. It way such a nice change of scenery: a yard, dogs, a refrigerator, microwave, stove top. Just being able to help prepare a meal helped me feel better. Since there had still been no real diagnosis from the doctors, I was informed on March 13th that I was going to be med-evac'ed the very next day. I arrived in San Francisco on Friday afternoon. I have spent the weekend just relaxing with my family. I haven't made it out in the world yet...we went to two restaurants and that was a little overwhelming for me. Tomorrow I will need to drive for the first time, so hopefully that isn't too hard of an adjustment. Thankfully some of my friends will be coming back to Modesto for their Spring Break, so it'll be nice to catch up with people.
I am here in Modesto until further notice. Right now my status is a "Medically Evacuated Volunteer". After 45 days (there is dispute whether those 45 days started in Dar or started in America, so either April 1st or April 29th) if I am still not diagnosed and/or still present symptoms, then I would be "Medically Separated". If that were the case, I have one year from that date to request to be Reinstated. If I were Reinstated, I would be allowed to go to back to Tanzania and finish out the last 18 months I have of my service. However, best case scenario is that the doctors will cure me before my 45 days are up and I will just return to Tanzania right away and return to site. So far this week, I have appointments with a general care physician, neurologist, and optometrist. Hopefully these three doctors will at least be able to feel out the situation and then maybe refer me to specialists.
Thank you everyone for the concern and support. This is all I know at this point. Everything is still very indefinite, but time will tell.
I still remember the time our then-PCMO told us during Pre-Service Training that most Volunteers complete their service with no major health issues. As if it weren't ludicrous the moment it exited her mouth, I don't think this is true anymore. I don't mean to scare any potential future Volunteers out there that might be reading this, but you shouldn't go into service thinking you won't get sick. My theory is that you will come away from your 2 years with at least one signature "health event" that will dazzle all your friends and be the centerpiece of conversation at any soiree you ever attend in the future -- so long as such topics aren't considered dreadfully revolting or inappropriate. Whether you set the in-country record for consecutive nights spent in the Econolodge or end up with a grandma seat over your squat choo, you'll have people wincing with horror or laughing hysterically at your misfortune.
ReplyDeleteThe best "health events," however, turn into good stories, because they make us realize that all the stings we suffer make us stronger, not just physically but spiritually. For your sake, Aly, I hope this turns into a good story. One where the doctors find a solution and you get to go home. I can only imagine how much you miss Newala, so I'll be sending up some prayers for you this week!