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Medical Help without Doctors!

Well, I have been doing very well physically staying away from the dreaded Montezuma's Revenge you hear so much about in third world countries.  Last Saturday, though, I wasn't so lucky!  After a full day of classes, I got home just in time for severe stomach cramps and fever with chills.  Not a good feeling!  The fever confused me, so I didn't think I had gotten into any bad food.  And, at lunch, we had eaten at a very prominent restaurant that catered to the tourists. 

But after a week of not feeling good and trying things from the Botica (pharmacy), I decided I needed to see a doctor.  All the English speaking doctors Mark knew were conveniently out-of-town.  He suggested we just take specimens to the laboratory ourselves.  When I got the results I could just take them to the pharmacy and they would give me what I need!   WOW, diagnosis without the middleman!

Mark took me by the lab to drop off the specimens.  We just walked right into the lab where men were looking at stuff under microscopes and gave my little package directly to a lab tech.  I thought that was a little primative, but my brother informs me that is really what happens in the States; we just don't see it!  The results were going to be ready by 3:00 that day - not bad for Peru time!

The results were ready on time and only cost 20 soles (about $6.50).  Luckily, the results showed a bacterial infection (which is easily treated) and not something more serious.  It had to have been that chicken shish - ka- bob I had that Saturday.  I will be more careful in the future, even at reputable places.  You never know what lurks below!

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