Wouldve posted this on my blog, but putting it here for visibility... As many of you know, I have been in DC on medical evacuation, med evac, for a few weeks now. I have had ongoing medical problems for the past few months, including killer headaches, mild fevers, and nausea with occasional vomiting. I have been poked and prodded by numerous doctors and the conclusion is that I probably had Lyme disease and other than that, Im supposedly physically healthy. Turns out, my physical symptoms are likely psychosomatic. Ive long had bouts of depression and problems with anxiety, though you probably havent heard me talk about it. I like to think of myself as a strong independent person who can work through things, but these are health problems just like other diseases. Theyre embarrassing to acknowledge and many people, including myself, are ashamed to discuss mental illness. I am posting this to update you guys on my med evac, since lots of people are asking, and also to be the change I want to see in the world. Health is health, mental or physical, and illness of either can give you fevers and vomiting. Peace Corps has actually been pretty great as far as healthcare goes. Theyve sent me to all kinds of doctors to address both my physical and mental health. We all seem to be on the same page as far as patching me up and sending me back is concerned. So, good news is I should be back in Senegal by the end of next week. Friends, volunteer or otherwise, dont be ashamed of your health. You dont need the extra stress of lying to everyone on top of everything else going on in your life. PS Thank you Morgen Julia Schreiner for your post earlier this week, which in some ways inspired this outburst.
Posted on: Wed, 21 May 2014 18:00:20 +0000