Rachel's turn to talk about vaccines, funding, and whatever else she rambles on about

Does anybody actually know what typhoid does?  Seriously, in our generation?  Elsie and I had this discussion a few days ago.  We know the names of things like malaria, dengue, and typhoid; but as to what they actually are, or the symptoms they cause, we are ashamedly uneducated.  My answer is simply that I think they're probably like the flu.  But worse.  I could educate you all on these diseases now, but since we can all use Google, I'll spare you.  Though you should know about this fun new one name chikungunya.  Apparently it's terrible to get.  Not fatal but if you get it you kind of wish it were.  Bonus:  there's no prevention or cure.  Your best bet is to avoid mosquitos.

Mosquitoes

Speaking of mosquitos, I never knew there were so many types of bug repellents out there with all sorts of levels of DEET (please don't get worried--for as short term as we will be using it, there's nothing for us to be concerned about).  We also found this amazing product to spray on your clothes to help your clothes become bug repellent certified.  Lasts for a few weeks and I'm sure will greatly contribute to how lovely Elsie and I will smell during our trip to Haiti.  Because we're also going after some natural options.  Bring on the garlic pills! 

We really want to avoid mosquito borne illnesses, okay?  (Currently finding myself wondering if these steps will also lead to our team members avoiding us.)

So back to avoiding illnesses, I would like to say thank you to everyone who decided to assist Elsie in making sure I was getting the vaccines I needed.  The constant reminders and questions were...helpful.  :P

Typhoid Rachel

I'm currently on the typhoid pill regimen.  you can either get a shot or take 4 pills.  That was a no-brainer!  Pills it is!

Tuesday, after picking up the prescription the day before, I waited patiently until 2 hours after I'd eaten breakfast then pulled the little foil pack out of the box.  Seriously?  These are the tiniest pills I've ever seen.  All 4 of them equals a regular Vitamin C pill.  I studied the first pill very closely.  Pink and White.  Pretty heavy duty pill casing.  But again, so tiny!  Why do they have you spread them out over 8 days instead of just popping them all at once?

Two hours later, I definitely understood why. 

Can you die from the side effects of a pill for exotic illnesses?  Yes, I may have wondered that.  But my will defeated my stomach's instincts.  I refused to waste the pill I'd swallowed and have to go get a shot after all, but oh. my. goodness. 

I just took the second one a little while ago since it's now been 48 hours since the last one.  Let's just say, I'll be glad to get home where I can dramatically whine over text message to Elsie about how terrible this experience is...and shouldn't she bring me chocolate or something to make me feel better!? 

The Doctor Visit

I'm currently grateful I got shots for the other couple vaccines.  That was a whole experience in itself.  Part of the reason I didn't blog on that sooner was that I needed time to process what all happened during that appointment.  I did laugh when the nurse told me she was disappointed when I didn't cry.  ;)  She seriously was the best ever--I barely felt one of the pricks.

As for the not so fun part of the doctor appointment, let's just say it's a bit ironic to be travelling to a tropical environment with lots of sun when your doctor confirms that you have a skin cancer spot.  It shouldn't be a big deal...I mean, who really needs to keep their face the way it is?  But seriously, I'm learning more and more about how frequently people get these.  Especially if you have similar skin tones to mine (my boyfriend calls it a lovely Victorian pallor--rude, by the way--I prefer porcelain).  So we'll see what happens.  I'm guessing no big deal though of course I will have other tests done to make sure nothing has spread or is occurring elsewhere.

I was initially afraid of what my doctor would say--that this would cancel my Haiti plans!  But it did not :)  While I am under strict orders to be covered up and wear lots of sunscreen, I am approved to wait until I'm back before anything more needs to be done!

And we are so excited to go!  We have met our funding needs, and have had so much wonderful help and generosity extended to us.  We are grateful, and cannot wait to see Haiti for ourselves and make complete fools of ourselves by practicing some of the basic Creole we learned at our last team meeting. 

PS.  Apparently they don't eat that much seafood in Haiti except right on the coast, so I am quite relieved!  Bring on the rice and beans--Elsie and I will be the happiest of travelers :D