Sickness

I've been really sick for the last few weeks. I've had incredibly intense stomach pains. I haven't had any other symptoms which made a diagnosis hard. I went to PC medical and they sent me to the "western" hospital where I saw a Ugandan doctor. He diagnosed me originally with ulcers and then secondly with an excess acid problem in the stomach. This didn't seem right to me. Ulcers seem like the typical diagnosis for Ugandans when dealing with stomach pain. So I went on the no acidic, no oils/fats diet and took medication just in case. Nothing happened. I was still in pain. I wasn't sleeping because the pain was so great especially in the night. Annet told me I looked like a 90 year old woman - dark circles under my eyes, stooped over in pain all the time and ashen skin.

I went back to the doctor on Friday. This time I saw the British tropical disease specialist and it was discovered that I have an acute case of amoebas! I never thought I'd be so happy to have amoebas. I'm just relieved to have a tangible diagnosis and something so clear that can be treated.

This morning when I got up Annet told me my face was beautiful again and I must be getting better. In truth I felt great. I thought for sure I'd had an overnight miracle with the one night of treatment. However, a little bit later, I was doubled over in pain again. It's hard core medication and then a slow recovery. Only these days of medicine and time will heal. But again, I'm just so happy to know I have amoebas!