Being ill is no fun wherever you are, but being in a very different place just adds to our Peace Corps adventure.
For about a week, Mary wasn’t feeling well. Sore neck, swollen neck glands, loss of appetite, hot, that tired achy feeling; all somewhat less than noteworthy. However when her temperature reached 103, we went to the local doctor in Savaii who said it was probably a viral infection and would clear itself. Nothing again noteworthy here, except his office did not have an aquarium or magazines to read.
The next morning, October 10, we noticed a large rash on her leg. The temp again very high. We went to the doctor again who diagnosed cellulitus. Mary could hardly move. The Peace Corps Medical Officer said she had to come immediately to Apia, an arduous ferry ride and 45 car ride away. Thankfully, the Peace Corps had a car and driver waiting for us at the ferry wharf. She was quickly admitted to a private hospital where meals are catered.
From the next four days, she received heavy doses of antibiotics and IV’s to combat her dehydration. She was released from the hospital on October 14, and is now at a hotel next door to the Peace Corps office. She is expected to be released this Friday October 19.
It seems that Mary had a blood infection of both staphylococcus and streptococcus bacteria. This type of infection often comes about from a small cut or bite on the skin. One can think of the tropics as a giant Petri dish in which all kinds of bacteria easily grow on your skin.
We are really happy for Peace Corps insurance and medical staff who acted quickly and professionally upon learning she wasn’t feeling well, the local doctor on Savaii who treats Peace Corps, and the mayor of our village made a one day long trip just to see Mary.
Mary being Admitted
A Room with a ViewFor a more in depth perspective on medical practices, you may want to refer to my blog entry of September 1, 2007 , "Healing".
4 comments:
Oh, poor Mary! What a relief that the PC medical staff is on top of things. So sorry she had to suffer through that. I have great respect for the traditional healers of Savai'i and the world for that matter. At the same time, I'm very grateful Mary had more than massages with various leaves and oils available to treat her staph/strep infections. Whew!
Wow, almost makes one say "Come Home!". Glad all is well.....as well as it can be.
Love,
Ben Hansen
Mary--That picture of you reminds me of the time Don Hollerich had some minor surgery and when the book club stopped by to see him he was "recovering" on the couch all hooked up to tubes and bottles with his head wrapped in gauze,lying under a sheet and looking like death warmed over. I think you screamed in shock. Of course it was all a typical Hollerich gag. Anyway I'm glad to hear you're heading back to the village. I hope you're fully recovered. Take it easy. Ann
You know, Mary, your view from the Samoan hospital is quite different and far superior to the views to be had at Fairview Southdale.
Love,
Teri
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