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Sick in Arequipa

July 8th, 2006 · 5 Comments

Last night at dinner Devon complained that his stomach was a little uneasy. After dinner he had to hurry back to the hotel.

About 2 in the morning he called my room, saying he felt really bad. Diarrhea, vomiting, fever, chills, aches. He couldn’t keep anything down.

I had the hotel desk call a doctor, who came and diagnosed him with some kind of intestinal infection. He gave him a shot and 4 prescriptions. The hotel desk sent someone for the medicine at an all-night pharmacy, and by the time they got back Devon was already feeling better, and able to keep a few sips of water down.

Doctor’s house call — $40.
Prescriptions — $10.
My Pervian friend, Oscar, says these are very expensive, but probably in line for a tourist hotel.

It’s now later afternoon, and Devon is still in bed, still a little uncomfortable, but keeping liquids down and feeling well enough to watch TV.

The rest of the group took a 5-hour bus ride up higher into the Andes, where they will be spending the night, but I stayed here with Devon. They will be back tomorrow; hopefully Devon will feel well enough to rejoin the tour then.

Tags: Family Updates

5 responses so far ↓

  • 1 Donna // Jul 8, 2006 at 8:57 pm

    Wow, that reminds me of my experience in Poland. It’s hard to be sick in a foreign country, but glad you have local friends to advise you. I’m sure you were relieved with how affordable the bill was. Tell Devon I sure hope he feels better and that you all can join up with the rest of the group tomorrow.

  • 2 Mom // Jul 8, 2006 at 9:15 pm

    What a “revoltin’ development”. Probably you were too young to remember “The Life of Riley”, but that term sure fits thiis situation. You may never know just what caused this, but I sure hope no one else gets it.

  • 3 Daryl // Jul 9, 2006 at 10:41 am

    Sunday morning, Devon is feeling much better. Still not eating much, but we played cards this morning, and just now he came out with me to the internet cafe.

    Gisele called from the other hotel last night. Several of them are sick from the altitude – headaches and fatigue. I don’t think they are much above 10000 feet, but when you are not used to it that’s enough.

  • 4 Donna // Jul 9, 2006 at 2:31 pm

    Are Gisele and Derek feeling okay or has the altitude gotten to them too?

  • 5 Mom // Jul 9, 2006 at 11:29 pm

    Are you and Devon going to get a trip in the mountains, or will the schedule be too full? I remember when Dad and I slept at Brian Head in Utah, and stayed all night in the camper at between 11 and 12,000 feet. We were so sick when we awoke; our heads felt worse than a hangover head ( I think, never having had one).