Midnight Run

 
One of the places to avoid here in Zambia is the hospital because there are very few options for quality care. However, sometimes a trip to it is required, especially in the middle of the night.

Long story made short~Tracy loves mushrooms, but it seems he has developed an allergy to the ones that grow in our yard. As a result of eating them last week he became violently ill to the point of dehydration. Two weeks prior he'd eaten them with a mild reaction. We thought it was the butter. (I know, Julia Child, silly of us! I had eaten the same mushrooms with no problem.

In the middle of the night last Monday I had to call teammates and a neighbor to help me get Tracy into the car. He was so weak from dehydration that he could not stand.

Even a visit to the hospital can be a cultural experience. MKP, a partnership between Malaysia and Korea, is a modern, professional hospital. But, there were differences to ones in the States. Hospital workers apparently sleep in unused hospital beds on the wards; understandable, but hope they change the sheets. Before being admitted, the nurse shows the healthy person the room options, complete with prices. A room for the night differs greatly than our American counterparts~for a one-bed room, complete with bathroom the cost was less than $200. There were no flattering hospital gowns with gaps in the back~he was allowed to wear his street clothes. To release air in the IV fluid bags, the end of a hypodermic needle was inserted into the top of the plastic bag. No food is brought to the patient (true, Tracy wouldn't have eaten). The patient's family must bring food to the patient if he or she is to eat. 

We were pleasantly surprised by the care Tracy received at MKP. The lab technicians were professional and skillful. Test results were received in less than 30 minutes. The diagnosis was spot on. And after receiving two bags of IV fluids, Tracy regained enough strength after 10 hours to go home.

Two things are the same, though~it took FOREVER to be released. And, the doctor wasn't on time. Still, we're praising God that Tracy has recovered and is doing well. But, you can be sure he won't be eating mushrooms any longer!