Fever. Makes one delirious. It's an interesting journey. Not quite sure what I've got exactly but it's not pretty. Everything is fuzzy, too bright, achey, swollen, distant, disconnected. I don't like my futon anymore. And I'm quickly tiring of this armchair. Can't get comfortable. Waves of cold shivers sweep through but I can't turn the fan off - the still air is stifling. Reminds me of Varanasi where, in a truly delirious 3 day fever, I watched dead bodies pass by my window (some on nothing but a plank of wood, others covered with rich cloth and a million flowers, accompanied by drummers and chanting crowds) and dreamed about dying. What else does one dream about when you sleep next to a burning ghat? It also reminds me of my Mum, who had recurring malaria (caught in New Guinea) through my childhood. She would sit in front of an open fire wrapped in blankets shivering in the middle of the Australian summer. Fever. Hope it breaks soon. Wet cloths to the neck help. Last check, it was 38.4 degrees. I've taken quite a liking to my electronic thermometer. It's crazy the way the temp bounces around when you're sick. Been playing guessing games with each check but I'm wrong every time.
Eiko, the superstar landlady is looking after me most capably. She wanted to give me rum and raisin ice cream with some medicine. She knows my opinion on doctors and Japanese medical care so she hasn't pushed me in that direction too hard. But I do think it's rather ironic that today - the first day I've stayed home truly in bed *all day* due to illness in a very long time - I received approval on my first ever private medical insurance cover since I arrived in Japan (erm, except for the compulsary NOVA in-house cover a few years back). Global Care health Insurance have a rather excellent teachers package. I am now fully covered with a private insurance company for all my medical care needs for the first time in my life. Feels quite comforting.
Generally speaking, it sucks. It's almost mediaeval in its mediocrity.
Doctors medicate improperly constantly, they also over-medicate which is just as bad. They don't investigate their clients health enough and often overlook obvious tests and risks. They just march their patients in and out in a few minutes.
I've heard enough stories to know it would have to be quite serious before I would consider going to a Japanese doctor/dentist - and in fact, I would probably just go back to Australia if I could, and see a doctor who actually stays up to date with new medical developments and technology.
Of course, you can't generalise - there are some great doctors around in Japan - you've just gotta hunt hard.
What's your opinion? Why did you ask?
On May 19, 2007 1:07 AM,
David said:
I hope I'm being unduly alarmist, but one of the Tokyo universities at which I speak of announced yesterday that they are closing for a couple of weeks because of a measles epidemic. They are not the only Tokyo educational institution to do so.
Your symptoms could, of course, be attributable to any number of ailments, but measles, I'm afraid would be one of that number.
a Vaccination, as well as having had measles, would immunize one for life. I hope you have had one of another of those experiences.
And our experiences with the Japanese medical establishment have clearly been different. The doctors I've dealt with have all been professional, competent, caring, and kind.
But then I was hail from one of the few "advanced" countries without socialized medicine.
Yes, I've been hearing about the measles epidemic for a week now, I think there are now about 3 uni's that have closed their campuses as a result. Worrying!
But I did have measles as a child so I don't think it's that. I thought the fever had broken but it seems to be back, dammit.
Thanks Jo, I am definitely feeling better. Not at 100% yet but much better....
On May 20, 2007 11:37 AM,
mark said:
Hi Martine.You did look a bit peaky in Starbucks the other day. I hope you feel better soon and that we get time for a proper chat one of these days.Take care.
On May 20, 2007 8:30 PM,
shimmery footsteps said:
i hope you're feeling better by now too martine! fevers suck, being sick sucks, period. take care
odaiji-ni my friend. Have had a odd cough myself for a few weeks. Was a bad cold but that passed but the cough remains. All this odd weather - hot then cold etc.
Rest up and drink lots of fluids. Remember that paracetamol is one of the best things for breaking a fever - yes plain old panadol.
I too dislike doctors in general but with my "incident" last year I spent quite a bit of time at the clinic. The health insurance was fab as I was 100% covered which was great as the bill was around ¥200,000. They paid within a week of my claim. I have Global Health too.
Mark, Kaori & T - thanks for your kind words. I am feeling much better today, which is a relief - it was taking a long time to bugger off! T, good to hear that Global Health pay the bills quickly. Also a relief.
bloody hell - sounds like you've been having a crap time.
tell you what you need, and trip to Izu.
what you doing the weekend of 9th June? Am planning to go down there with Sandi & her brood.
and, for an added bonus, Mooney's playing at Paradise cafe on saturday night....wannna come?
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