I woke up this morning with a wet pillow, 100% hearing loss, a swollen face and radiating pain. I just saw the doctor on Saturday so to say this is was a surprise is an understatement. It amazes me how quickly things can take a turn for the worse.
And so my excursion into the realm of Taiwan’s medical system got a jump-start. I grimly determined that if I am going to be in this much pain, I might as well be poked and prodded by the best of them. After conducting a quick but useless search on the Internet, I called my friend, Queenie, and asked her to help me locate some ENT specialists. She suggested going to see my regular doctor first and then going to National Taiwan University Hospital for a second opinion.
I went to see my regular doctor at 9am. By the time I got to him, my ear had swollen shut completely and the area around my ear was rock hard. I’ve never had anything persist with so much pain and burning.
I couldn’t even bear to have him touch the left side of my head. He tried to swab it down and I lost it. Imagine a hot poker being used like a swizzle stick and you might get an idea. He gave me an injection for the pain and then packed my head in ice. Two hours later, he sent me home with another round of meds.
I slept for a few hours and then we made our next trip to National Taiwan University Hospital, where I saw a team of specialists. The swelling had subsided slightly and they were able to use a microscopic camera to determine the damage. They couldn’t see my ear drum, which is bad news. They also did a swab but we won’t know the results of that until next week. Then, they inserted a tube to funnel the medicine in. The tube stays in until next week and in the meantime, John will be administering meds for the next seven days. I will be trying to get as much sleep as possible. It’s been hard trying to juggle work, Chinese lessons, and visits to the doctor. I’m tired of crying everyday and being in pain. And I’m worried. Plain and simple. I can’t see the light at the end of the tunnel yet. There is light. I know it’s there. I’m just doing a lot of stumbling around trying to get to it.
The good news is my trip to the hospital only cost $561 NT ($18.50 U.S). That includes the procedure, a swab and meds.
When I commented earlier this week about Taiwan’s Universal Health Care System, this wasn’t quite the introduction I had in mind.
On top of all this, I’ve started this new website and I haven’t had any time to make it look great or even to write anything of interest. All I seem to be writing about these days is my health. This blog was started to keep in contact with family and friends back home. I’m trying to keep people informed but I’m also aware that my other regular readers would like to see more of my regular travel-related content. I regret that I haven’t had the time or energy to keep up with my posting. I hope I can start entertaining you all again shortly.
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My goodness Carrie! I hope you get better soon!
Terrible news.. Don’t think about blog now. Your health is more important. Take care of yourself Carrie.
That sounds painful and frightening. Hopefully everything will be over soon and your new friendship with the healthcare system can be put aside. Take care, and don’t worry about blogging… we’ll still be here when you have recovered!
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Hi Carrie,
Oh no!!! I did listen to that NPR link you sent and it sure was interesting to see how much better health care is in Taiwan. Imagine that… I left Taiwan to come to the States… hmm…
Glad to hear you’re OK so far, keep us updated
I personally think you’ve done great on the web front. Site s looking clean and proper – I think it should be the least of your problems now. Heal up, and I am sure we’ll see more of your works in time.
Take care C
Entertain us? Entertain us you will,but not until you get well/better/best. That is the priority now, blog and readers will be here. take good care of yourself.
Sweetheart – entertaining anything but the path towards health is the only concern you should have right now! Blogs can wait! I’m happy to know all of this isn’t costing you an arm/leg/ear, hopeful the treatment and specialists can bring you comfort & most of all sending you all my best, feel better Carrie! That’s all that matters.
Thanks everyone.
OMG this sounds so scary. I agree all of the above comments. Blog updates can wait and we will be here whenever you get back to your normal self. I sincerely wish this gets sorted out sooner than you expect. And thanks one again for the wonderful comment you left on my blog. Take care and take lots of rest.
Sorry to read you’re in so much pain! It must have been really hard and frustrating on you the past few weeks. Don’t stress too much about the other stuff, certainly not the blog, everybody understands that your health is #1 priority now. I do hope you feel better soon. A big (virtual) hug!
Carrie! I’m sorry you are in so much pain. Please take care of yourself, and don’t worry about anything else. I hope you feel better soon.
That’s terrible. Hope you’re fighting fit again soon.
Hello everyone,
Thanks for your support. I’m starting to feel a little better. I’m not sleeping as much, but I don’t have much of an attention span at the moment. I keep forgetting what I’m supposed to be doing. I can’t tell you how much I’m looking forward to getting this stupid tube out of my head. It’s driving me bonkers. I think I might be the worst patient in the world. John is going to take me to the park today. I’m looking forward to sitting out in the sun for a change.
Oh crap I’m just catching up on events. Sorry to read about your troubles! The gang here is correct, don’t sweat the blog. It, and we, will be here when you feel better. I can’t even imagine what you’re going through right now…yikes!
Hang in there, kiddo!
Hi Jim,
Thanks for your support. Things are finally starting to look up. I woke up this morning and actually felt like doing something other than taking a rest. I’m going back to the hospital tomorrow to have the tube removed and hopefully that will be the end of it!
I miss you on Twitter. I hope you’re putting your time to good use out on the open road!