July 2004 - A brief illness
So I was doing my utmost best to stay away from Dakar until it was time to leave...ah the best laid plans of mice and Paige! I am in Dakar, staying in the health hut. I got here last night (Sunday) about 9:30 with a blinding headache (I was wearing sunglasses at night to block the light) a cough, and 103-degree fever. No fun! I met the nurse last night and she put me right away on antibiotics, which have already started to help a bit. And today I'm seeing to the doctor about the cough and the headache.
The nurse told me she expects I'll be here for about 4 or 5 days. At which point, I'll head back to Tivaouane, pack, and head back to Dakar to leave for my vacation in the States. I think the headache is actually a hormonal one. As you know they put me on the Pill (ortho try-cycline) to regulate my moods and period. Well I ran out and the office is out of stock, so it could be because of that. Lungs are fine, but there is a tightness in the base of my throat which is causing the coughing. Hopefully the doc can tell me why and all that good junk.
And here's a curious side effect of having a blazing headache and fever: I can't speak French under those conditions. I called a friend last night to tell her how I was doing and she commented that for the first time I sound like someone who doesn't know French very well. I still had the words, but I couldn't pronounce anything. It was totally weird. Anyway, I'm going to see if the doc is in yet and then track down some food. Just over a week and I'll see you! Yippee! Okay, going now.
Much Love,
Paige
Journal #13
Back to journals