My Story has taken a turn

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  Guaica, Paraguay
Tuesday, February 14, 2006

It only took 6 days...

Before I ended up really sick.

Going to bed last night, I had an upset stomach. I took some antacid and went to sleep, thinking that would cure it and I would wake up ready for another day of the hot Paraguayan sun. I couldn't have been more wrong.

While I was sleeping, I had a dream. My stomach was hurting and I was being tended to by some traditional healers. Dark skinned people looking over me, running their hands over my belly. One said, "Your belly button is very hard. You have a very fiery infection."

I woke up and "fiery" is really the only word I can use to describe the way I was feeling

Andrea y la doctora

. It literally felt as though an intense fire was burning within my stomach. Groaning and clutching my stomach, I headed for the washroom (which thank God contained a Western flush toilet ) where anything and everything I'd eaten or drank found the closest exit. I was crying, literally green, and in so much pain.

At times like these, you always wish for your mother. Luckily for me, I have an amazing fiancé who stayed up with me as my innards took their revenge. I'm really glad we've been together 3 years and not three weeks, otherwise, it would have been very awkward!

Trying to sleep was useless, I just lay there, literally praying for mercy, waiting for round 2 to begin, which inevitably did. Luc made a great nurse, getting me water, putting cold cloths on my back and head, and helping me believe I wasn't ACTUALLY going to die.

This morning he stayed with me while I finally slept, going out only to find me a re-hydration drink.

At 1:00 Augusto returned to see how everything was going. Systems a bit calmer now but exhausted and sore all over, I chose to stay in our hotel, while Luc went off to work in the community, not before making sure I had Gustavo's cell number. Today was supposed to be the day we went out looking for new children who need to be sponsored. Having an interest in development, I was really looking forward to this. Ah well, along with being a great nurse, Luc takes excellent pictures!

Knowing how fragile my stomach can be, I've taken every precaution. I've peeled my fruit, drank and brushed my teeth with bottled water (we should definitely buy shares), and been careful in general as to what I put in my mouth.

Go figure.

So, here I lay, typing up entries, watching "Lost" on the laptop, drinking nasty rehydration fluid, and waiting for it to all go away.

I hope my next entry has happier news!


Feb 14: The road to recovery

Still not feeling well enough to go out today, the concerned Plan staff brought a doctor to the hotel. My blood pressure was low - a sign of dehydration. If it did not improve, it would be to the hospital for an IV for me. Seeing as I did not drink enough of the re-hydration fluid yesterday, Luc has put me on a strict fluid intake schedule (he is always such a planner!) I have drank over a litre of the stuff already today, have another litre to go before bed and am feeling much, much better!

With re-hydration and a round of antibiotics, I should be ready for a big day of cow milking and cotton picking tomorrow!

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