Lourdes accompanied me. We signed in downstairs and were told we were 6th in line, but the Dr had not yet arrived. Here, there is no such thing as an appointment time to see a Dr. You go early, sign in, and hope that you are seen before office hours are over for that day. If not you go back the next day and wait in line again.
The dermatologist came more than an hour late, but we did get in to see her so that it what matters. I thought she was really good. She wants to do blood work, just to be sure it's not related to anemia, hormones or thyroid problems. I feel healthy, so I think I am fine. Actually, last night I remembered that in June I got a really bad sunburn on my scalp. I am guessing that is the cause, because the timing would be right. Apparently with hair, it takes 2-3 months to fall out and then 3-6 months to grow back. Who knows. She said not to expect immediate results or I would drive myself crazy and end up bald from the stress.
She prescribed all natural things to help, which I like. Amino acids and antioxidants in a shampoo, a cream that I have to put on my scalp every night and a special vitamin to take every day. Can't take any other vitamins with it. I read up on antioxidants and amino acids for hair. It said to have a lot of vitamin C, eggs, dairy products and eat certain food combinations like beans and rice, rice pudding, or cheese sandwiches. I already eat all of those things regularly, so I don't think it's a diet thing. But I stocked up on yogurt, ice cream, beans, fruit, and cheese today. Last week I bought the makings for rice pudding, which is good because this week the raisins were no longer by the popcorn at the store.
Jairo took me to several pharmacies, but the Dr had warned us that the medicine would be hard to find so we ended up having to go the the pharmacy she recommended. They didn't have the lotion, so they had it sent in and then I took a cab back there this morning and got the lotion. I was going to have my first venture to the mercado, where all of the fresh veggies are sold every Friday night and Saturday morning. But the more I thought about it, the more I wanted someone I know to come with me. There are so many fruits and vegetables here that I am not familiar with. I don't know when they are ripe or how to pick the best one. My taxista agreed to go with me, but I would rather wait until someone I know can go and help me pick out things that I will know how to eat. So I chickened out.
Lourdes, Eunice, Jairo and I did a little shopping yesterday. We really didn't buy much, but I have started to pick up some small things to mail out to my sponsors and friends when I get back to the states. Lourdes is hand making some of the gifts I will send. I know people will love those, especially because they were made by Lourdes. I hate having to go out and search for gifts, just for the sake of having something to give. But it is so fun when you see something and immediately think of a special person who would like/need it. THAT is how gifts should be given. We stopped and Eunice bought us all coffee. I can't drink coffee due to my nightly habit of teeth clenching even without caffeine in my system, so I had a guanabana slushy. Yum! Guanabana is a fruit that I really like, but have never seen in the US. Then we sat and discussed my diet and weight over coffee/slushies.
I believe I am a healthy weight and have a healthy diet. I do eat more sugar here than in the US. Jairo and Eunice say I don't eat enough food. They would like to see me take larger portions. Now I am under watchful eyes every time I put food in my mouth (or don't). Since I can't take vitamins I plan to be more aware of what I'm eating. Jairo brought up the point that gringos eat their big meal at dinner, while here they eat their big meal at lunch. I assured him I am eating a big meal at home for dinner every night. They didn't seem convinced. At least they care about me.
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| Honduras played Panama today. Pierre, Yareli and I showed our support. |
Clara has been in the hospital for a month now. She was supposed to have surgery on her back, so she was in the hospital, waiting for the surgeons to have an opening. She was scheduled for surgery last Wednesday, but right before the surgery they found out she was anemic. With her blood count so off kilter they couldn't do the surgery.
They did a bunch of blood work and had it sent away for testing. Then the Dr's asked for family to come in to be with Clara while they spoke to her. We knew this was not good news. Last night we learned Clara has leukemia. People from the church have been visiting every day, bringing food and water and clean clothes. It is a long trip from Los Pinos to the hospital. I am happy that Clara's friends from church are being so supportive. The church is helping in every way possible. Since she got the news she has been understandably upset and discouraged. Until this point she has had an extremely optimistic attitude. I will go with Lourdes to visit her next week. Clara has two teen aged daughters who are really struggling in their own ways. Please pray for this family.
The good news is that Pat Pike should be moving to a rehab facility any day now. We saw a picture of him a few days ago and he looks great. It was so nice to see his smile! He is up and walking and talking. We are very excited about his progress.
