Day 16 - recovery

Recovery

Apologies for the distinct lack of posts recently. I have had a pretty rough bacterial stomach infection, probably most likely equivalent to the Norovirus in the UK.

This manifests itself in a number of ways - namely constant diarrhea and vomiting. This makes it impossible to eat or keep any water down, which leads to a lot of dehydration and a lot of heartache and weakness.

It's an amazing example of how our guts are accustomed to certain types of bacteria, and hence when you upset the natural balance of this you are likely to be in for a pounding.

That said, after supplying a sample to the local clinic the doctora estimated that I had a nasty bacterial infection, that is to say it wasn't just the difference in where I was, it was the difference in where I was and I had eaten something truly stomach busting.

Antibiotics - 500mg - Giles Crosse

These antibiotics are tough fellows and hit you for six...

Probiotics - some 10 million bacteria - Giles Crosse

It's also a good idea to get some rehydration solution down you pronto...

Suero oral. Don't leave home without it. Giles Crosse

However, it was only possible to get this lot down me after two litres of rehydration fluids, anti emetics and antibiotics via IV drip at the local clinic. It's an astonishing reminder of just how potent stomach illnesses can be and a good illustration of how quickly dehydration can set in.

The locals here are highly experienced at diagnosing and dealing with dehydration, as they might well be given the weather conditions and the humidity. It is categorically not like England.

So back to normal service now with a bit of luck, more pics forthcoming, blogs, heading upriver soon, lots been happening so keep you updated.

A little illness goes a long way towards developing a sense of peace and humility. Certainly in the UK it is easy to forget just how luxurious let alone how foreign the concept of a national health service is to the vast majority of people on this planet.

Maybe rather than excerbating a global arms race, Nation States might be far better advised to look at the metrics and the realities of healthcare within their territories. After all, health is the ultimate bottom line that levels rich, poor, clever, stupid, weak or strong. We all share a fundamental human need for kindness and care when we are ill.

Maybe investigating this further could help us see what it is that binds us together, rather than separates us.