Doing Shots with the Gashes
Our preparations for six months in Africa have generated more than a little stress as we attempt to ready our house for five renters, line up the kids’ school work, and determine what we will bring with us in the two suitcases we each get. As a consequence, the five of us have taken to doing shots together. Unsurprisingly, Joline was the clear winner. It wasn’t even close. I was the biggest lightweight of all of us. But to be fair to me, I had already done quite a few shots over the past year, so I already had a head start.
I am, of course, talking about the vaccinations that we have had to get in advance of our travel, which is now less than two months away. Last weekend, we ventured to a shot doctor to make sure we had all the shots recommended by the US State Department. In order to be permitted to enter Uganda, one has to have proof of being vaccinated against Yellow Fever within the past ten years. It is also recommended that travelers get a series of Hepatitis A (two) and B (three) shots. Add that to the polio booster, the Tetanus-Diphtheria-Pertussis, and seasonal flu shots, and you have the makings of pin cushion. Wash it all down with a four-pill series of live Typhoid virus, and we are set to go. Well, except for the daily (constipating) Malaria pills we will be taking for seven months (including the month after we get back). The good part is that none of it is covered by insurance, so there goes $2,500 . . .
I am planning on laying out naked at sunset, drinking from a public toilet, getting a half-dozen tattoos from a street vendor, and licking my fingers every few minutes when I am visiting the children’s prison just so I can make sure to get my money’s worth.
Next Post: Waka Waka
Maladrone?? Yuck! Has everyone in your family taken it before? If not, it’s probably worth talking to your doctor about what to do if someone has a bad reaction. Bad reactions are pretty common and sometimes get worse, not better. Fortunately, the drug can supposedly be used to kick malaria as well. Granted, I know this only from the owner of the safari camp who convinced me to stop taking it when my symptoms got bad. The guy is not someone you question on anything related to Africa, but I’d still check with a doctor before doing that at lower altitudes than we were at. If I end up there this summer, I’ll definitely be looking into alternative drugs.
Then again, I’m sure those crayon band-aids will protect everyone from feeling sick! 🙂
We are actually using Doxycycline (spelling?), rather than Malarone. When I first went a couple years ago, my doctor prescribed these daily pills and they seem to work well, other than the, well, periodic work stoppage. Since I haven’t gotten Malaria on any of the five trips I have taken while on Doxy, I have decided to stick with it. I have since learned that Malarone is probably better and is, indeed, used in higher does to cure Malaria once contracted. It also has the benefit of only needing to be taken once a week. It is also dramatically more expensive than Doxy. All in all, it is probably the better choice, but I am a creature of habit, so I (we) are sticking with the Doxy.
(I should have clarified – When I say bad reactions, I don’t mean anything scary. I got nausea, headaches, and fatigue that started very mild and got a little worse everyday.)
May Jehovah divinely protect you from all harm and may He command His angels to guard you in all ways, and to do His bidding on your behalf! How VERY exciting! What a great opportunity and experience. You are blessed [to be a blessing]. Now THIS is a field trip ~ the best kind of education (experiencial). May you impact this nation with/for CHRIST JESUS!
Thanks, Ginny, for your kind words of encouragement and for your prayers. We are grateful to you for following along on our journey.
Jim
Way to be tough Gash Family. By the way, I’m sure you’ll get a $2,500 insurance check when ObamaCare kicks in.
This was a great read. Do please post at least one photo of the drinking from the toilet :). Praying for your precious family!!
Deal. I might use a straw, though.