Hi all!
I’ve been traveling a lot in my life and I can honestly say: there is no feeling worse than being sick in a foreign city, when you should be exploring and having fun.
This has happened to me — in frighteningly serious ways — on two occasions.
1st, when I studied abroad in Paris:
10 days into my study abroad experience, in January of 2016, my host-mother went away on a trip to Vietnam.
I had made a few friends, already, and love alone time and independence, so this didn’t seem like an issue to me.
I was happy to have the time to settle into my space. I was excited for independence.
Instead, I got sick.
With a 103+ fever, and no capacity to eat or drink anything for days, I felt frightfully alone. I couldn’t speak any french, and I wanted my new friends to think I was cool, not some disgusting sickling, so I tried to rest and heal with time. Instead, as sometimes happens when I get sick — my face began to swell.
Since childhood, I have suffered from chronic, stress induced, hives, but having swollen shut eyes in Paris is “pas chic” and I was horrified.
Finally, I knew I needed help, and asked my study abroad office to bring me to the hospital. I was given medicine, and I healed.
The second occasion happened just last week, and it was even worse. In Portugal, I became weaker than usual, sore limbed and tired bodied. I thought I was suffering from traveller’s fatigue and dehydration, but that wasn’t all. By the time I arrived in Vienna, I could hardly keep my eyes open and my stomach cramped in horrible ways. I knew I needed a doctor. So I went to the emergency room, but I guess I went to the wrong one!
The people at the hospital were very kind, helpful, and worried about me. They escorted me to a second hospital where tests were ran and it was determined I must have had some type of stomach virus. I was given medicine, and sent home (to a hostel).
I took the medicine, and everything got worse, I couldn’t eat or drink for 2 days without becoming nauseous. I was losing weight and was so dehydrated but terrified to drink water — as it made me feel even worse.
After 2 days, everything was fine and I returned to Paris without discomfort.
The whole process has helped me feel grateful for my health and the comforts of home, and also made me a little homesick!
Anyways,
I have 3 weeks left to go! Let’s hope I stay in good health!
xx Monique