Back to the Doc

Four days on and showing little signs of improvement both Anita and Bex are back at the Doc. A different doctor at the recommendation of colleagues and hopefully one who knows his stuff a little better.
The problem here is that some doctors are less reliable. They tend to diagnose Malaria and UTI for everyone regardless of their conditions. There maybe some sort of kickback from the drugs companies. Either way Anita has ‘malaria’ and Bex has ‘UTI’, ‘malaria’ and amoeba infection. One or all may or may not be true, but as Anita is still washed out and Bex a raging headache and dizziness to replace the stomach cramps – it’s time for a second opinion. They certainly don’t want to be taking unnecessary drugs and missing out on the necessary ones.

UPDATE
Bex

• has not got Amoeba Infection
• should not have been prescribed one of her drugs – long term use would be dangerous.
• has got a UTI and Gastritis

Anita

• has not got Malaria
• has got a UTI

All in all the previous doctor got it almost completely wrong. Today’s doctor gave a significantly better experience – UK standard (yes the UK does have an NHS to be proud of!)

For local expats – Bio Health Clinic is the place to go and Dr Mubarak the doctor to see!

Exploding the Ebola Myth

There is no Ebola in Tanzania. Africa is a big continent and Ebola is in Sierra Leone, Guinea and Liberia. To put this in context it is as far from Tanzania as London is from Toronto.

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From the map you will see that the vast majority of countries are green – i.e. no confirmed Ebola. The red area in the west represents the outbreak – many thousands of miles from here

However, to here this disease being reported you get the idea that the whole of Africa is affected. People don’t generally travel from West Africa to East Africa and at the moment most countries are imposing restrictions on those that do. There have been isolated cases in the Democratic Republic of Congo (an enormous country which borders Tanzania) but the government here has imposed restriction on people’s movements and on the lakes which share the border the lakes which form part of  the border fishermen face travel restrictions. On arrival in August we were scanned at the airport for signs of fever as we entered Dar Es Salaam airport. So they are certainly taking things seriously here. But there is no Ebola in Tanzania unlike in the US where people have died of the disease.

The problem is that countries without Ebola are being lumped together in one great big pot and so tourism is suffering. On safari last week our guide and others told us of  the big downturn in visitors and that many were cancelling or delaying their holidays fearing Ebola. These decisions stem from a lack of understanding of Geography. Remember Africa is bigger than Europe and US  put together.

Africa vs Europe and US

There is probably more chance of Ebola in London than here in Mwanza and it would be sad if the tourism industry died here because of unwarranted fears.

Washed Out

Yesterday it finally happened my daily blog ritual ended 😦
I have a good excuse though – me!

Feeling Feverish

T Minus 67

One thing I shall not miss about the UK is my annual bout of Hay Fever. Every year from the middle of May until the end of Wimbledon I suffer from the symptoms. If you have never had it you probably imagine it to be like a cold. Those of you who suffer will know that your eyes, ears, nose and throat itch continuously (the eyes and nose particularly so) and you get sneezing bouts that can go on for what seems like ages – it is quite wearing.

To be honest I have generally suffered less over recent years. As a teen and through to my thirties it was much worse. Antihistamines help but only suppress the symptoms, I still get the odd really bad day.

I have spent the past two Sundays in the open which is not the best place for a sufferer at this time of year.

Last week it was Race For Life, yesterday the Car Boot Sale, the latter leaving me quite drained (perhaps due to the early start as much as the pollen).

Still had time for a great Father’s Day meal, but after I was quite rough.

I am hoping that Hay Fever won’t be an issue in Tanzania. I’ll be taking antihistamines anyway – more for bites and stings that anything else. Let’s just hope this is last of hay fever for a while at least.

Lake Run

T Minus 69

I woke up early. So did something I haven’t done for a while (in the morning at least!) and went on a run. I really should do this more often. Caldecotte Lake is a very pleasant lake to run around. The adrenaline buzz is great. Note to self to do this more often.

Photos below we’re not taken this morning but on previous walks.

Monday Night Racquet

T Minus 95

Monday nights are Badminton nights. A chance to let off steam. It’s been a while since I’ve been, Bank Holiday Mondays and the general business of life have taken it’s toll. However, it’s nice to be back. The group comprises members of St Mary’s Bletchley and Whaddon Way Churches plus friends. I’ve been going on and off for six years or so – initially as a way of losing weight, now along with running a way of keeping fit.

I understand there is a Badminton Court in the school in Mwanza so hopefully I can continue overseas. I will miss this group on a Monday night though.

I’ve got a bit of a headache :-(

T Minus 102

A lot’s been going on since January when I got the interview and then the job in 5 days flat for Isamilo School and I think it’s beginning to catch up with me.

Firstly the house clearance – we’ve got rid of a lot but there’s so much more to go.

Secondly the house – on the market, then the viewings and the perpetual tidying (I’m not good at that!), the lack of sale due to solar panels then the dramatic offer of a loan and subsequent purchase ( subject to contract).

Thirdly work with the usual stresses and strains which come this time of year as we push the students to achieve of their best (some more reluctant than others). Today finally the Year 11 and 13 coursework is ready to go.

I’ve been wandering around with a low level headache all day. I’ve kept my health so far this year but there’s a lot happening. So tonight I’m having a night off enjoying a long soak in the bath and keeping well (if I can) for tomorrow. A headache’s not much but I can be prone to migraines at times of stress so don’t need that. I also need to get back into regular exercise which is ironic because this headache is forcing me to miss Badminton 😦

In contrast to the general tone of this blog I refuse to be downhearted and just ensuring the headache continues to subside.

Believe it or not we’re still not half way through the time until we leave the UK. That will be 1 week from now. There’s still a lot of time and a lot of things to do. So batten down the hatches and enjoy the ride. 😉

Do Nothing Days!

T Minus 130

Today is a “Do Nothing Day”, or more strictly a “Do Nothing on the House Day. Time to relax and do other stuff. It’s been pretty intense these past few weeks so it’s nice to have a break.
So what are we doing?

Passing 5K

T minus 135

About a year ago I took up running as a way of losing weight, keeping fit and improving stamina ahead of a trip last summer that was to include trekking in Vietnam and in Cambodia.

It is unfortunate that all the house preparations in recent weeks have prevented me from doing this.  When up to speed (forgive the pun) I usually run between 3 and 8 miles – though I have been known to run 10-12 on rare occasions. My aim and intentions over the Easter break is to get back into running – though a heavy cold at the moment is hampering this goal. I would also like to get back into the 5K Park Run locally – though I realise running in Tanzania might be more of a challenge (I’m no Mo Farah!) and I might need to find some other form of exercise.

 

On the subject of  5K, in all the pleasure I had in sharing my Liebster Award yesterday, and all the Deck Painting. I completely forgot to mention that our blog has now surpassed 5000 views and  is attracting over 100 views per day on most days. As you can see a number of bloggers are visiting from Asia, as well as those from Europe, North America, Australasia and Africa.

Thanks to all those of you visiting my site it’s much appreciated.

Country	Views
United Kingdom	4,797
United States	110
United Republic of Tanzania	52
South Africa	46
Sweden	27
Ireland	24
Australia	24
Germany	22
Thailand	17
Singapore	14
Spain	9
Taiwan	9
Malaysia	8
Greenland	8
Lao People’s Democratic Republic	8
Canada	7
Norway	6
France	6
New Zealand	4
Italy	4
Venezuela	3
Gambia	3
Isle of Man	3
Philippines	3
Uganda	2
Malawi	2
Indonesia	2
India	2
Republic of Korea	2
Netherlands	1
Bulgaria	1
Czech Republic	1
Austria	1
Belgium	1
Portugal	1

 

 

Pins and Needles

T minus 148

A trip to the local MASTA clinic is on the agenda today for the whole family. For those who have not been this is a Tropical Diseases Health Clinic and we have come for our initial meeting and immunisation injections. Luckily for me I had a number last year when I went to the Far East (read more here) Even so this is an expensive trip.

On the menu today it’s a Hepatitis B booster for me and a Rabies booster for Anita. Apart from me, everyone else is getting a Yellow Fever jab, and we’re all getting Meningitis ACWY. In the coming months the others are going to need protection from Hep B, the kids Rabies and Tuberculosis too. All of us are also probably going to get protection from Cholera.

It’s a long list and a costly one but absolutely has to be done.

It is easy to forget how protected we are in the West – from bugs and diseases. We live our lives in a protective shell brought about by decades of investment and developments. We might moan about the NHS but life in the developing world for the sick and invalid is not easy. Sanitation and health care is inadequate. Whilst we will have health insurance we will need to take precautions.

So tonight we’re feeling like pincushions!

Juggling

T minus 183

There are so many preparations it’s sometimes difficult to decide what to do. It’s a bit of a juggle.

Yesterday we had valuations on the house which are encouraging, however we play things in the future. The market is moving apparently which means it’s to the advantage of sellers. Even so the rental market is holding its own – so there are plenty of tenants wanting properties.

The car is a bit of an issue as (in a different world) we bought new in the Autumn. We’ve probably lost money. We could have done with keeping the old one which was on a three-year lease expiring in May. It can’t be helped, but it’s annoying.

Once in Mwanza we would ideally like a car as with a family of 4 it might be a challenge otherwise. Cars tend to be much older, a little pricier than UK equivalent, but hold or gain in value apparently. We need to be able to fund this and many other things in the coming months.

Also yesterday, I spent some time filling in Forms – though some of this was impossible to do (needing clarification) and a need for new passports (see below)

The kids need new passports and we need to get those sorted today. A bit of a chore as we can’t find Bekah’s. The replacement needs us to get her identity certified which was luckily accomplished due to seeing friends yesterday one of whom is a teacher (funny that!). Also Matt has changed so much since he was 7, that he needs to have an authorised photo too! We are seeing the same friend this afternoon (thanks Rowena!).

On other fronts we are looking to see what injections we will need and have therefore booked appointments at the local health centre and with a MASDA clinic. Luckily for me (Graham) I had a number of injections for Cambodia / Vietnam which should cover much of what’s needed.

The Head at Isamilo has helpfully sent a couple of links to international Churches in Mwanza ( Newcastle
Christian Life Centre and Mwanza International Community Church) and I have looked at their websites and Facebook pages. They both look fine and we will be wanting something which has a western flavour and with a good youth program with a good mix of expats and nationals. On first glance these both look fine – surreal that one is a branch of a Newcastle church. We will need to do some more research.

On the clear out front Anita is working on the Lounge and Bedroom cupboards (a bigger job than it sounds) and compiling a list of ‘must haves’ for Mwanza.

The kids both have paper rounds and the weather is sunny and dry (a rarity in recent months).

Even so I have a pile of marking to do (it’s electronic,  it’s actually a virtual pile! ;-D ). Nonetheless I must stop tinkering and get on with it.

For now life in UK has to continue too!