Out sick

#nextchaptervietnam

I can't think of many things worse than being sick when living abroad. Over the last 10 days, several times, I thought about packing my bags, getting on a plane and heading back to Canada. 

It all began last weekend when I started feeling not quite like myself after a school event out in the sun. Throughout the week, I was struggling to make it through the days and in fact, I left work early two days in a row, once at lunch time and another time by about 10am. It's not like me to miss work, but I had no choice as I could barely function. Of course, I was being stubborn and I didn't really want to take any medications, so I was trying to heal my body with natural things like fruits, ginger, honey and apple cider vinegar, but it just wasn't enough. Eventually, I caved and took some cold medicine and tylenol, which I thought was working for a couple of days. Unfortunately, that too proved to not be enough. 

This past weekend, while away visiting the beachy town of Mui Ne, I noticed that things were beginning to get worse again. My whole body was hurting, my chest was feeling incredibly congested and my sinuses felt beyond blocked. I was trying to enjoy my mini-vacation, but it got more and more difficult as I was feeling worse and worse. 

Day 1 in Mui Ne - pool and beach lounging

Day 2 in Mui Ne - sand dunes, fairy stream, pool, beach and LOTS of sleep

Finally, today, upon my return to HCMC, one of my new colleagues ventured to the hospital with me where I visited the ENT doctor and got lots of drugs. 

Tonight, as I take my pills, eat my comforting grilled cheese and Campbell's chicken noodle soup; I am more hopeful than ever that I will be feeling better very soon.