Being Sick in Amman

Hey folks,

So I finally got sick and not just like a cold sick, like really sick. After returning from Turkey on Saturday I felt fine all throughout the rest of the weekend but come Monday morning I was not doing so hot. I woke up with intense stomach pains and a splitting headache. After 3 hours of hugging the toilette I decided it was time I called someone for advice. I called CIEE who immediately told me to go to the emergency room at the Arab Medical Center. Here I was met by Dr. Amy Khouri, a Dr who has worked with CIEE patients before. Blood tests revealed that I had a white blood cell count of 25,000 which should normally be at 12,000 and I was severely dehydrated. I was admitted to an overnight room in the 2nd class where I remained for 2 nights and three days while receiving copious amounts of fluids and anti-biotics.
What did I learn from this? Private hospitals in Amman are too expensive. Either I was taken for a ride or something needs to be fixed here. Instead of going to these hospitals I learned that average patients receive free ER treatment at public hospitals and had I gone to Jordan University Hospital I would have had free care, but who knows of what kind or how efficiently. What I learned about the private medical care in Amman is that it is very good. People come from all around the region to seek medical care in Amman and I now understand why. It could have been part of my white privilege but while in the hospital I felt very well taken care of by very intelligent nurses and doctors.

That's all for now. I need time to catch up on everything and decide my sumer working/living situation. turns out, I 've had a little too much fun abroad (meaning I'm broke) and may have to return homeward come the end of the semester; a trip I'm not so sad about, in fact the prospect of some "normalcy" is tempting. We shall see, we shall see. For now, school. Fun later. Oh, but I am going to Dubai this weekend. I guess that registers as fun...

Love,

Wylie of Arabia

Here's some picture lovin' for yah: