long distance

I just wanted to share this photo because I think it sums up the nature of my long-distance relationship. I watch Steve do stupid/funny things over Skype. The pink umbrellas are my desktop background...

on another note: 

I've had a sore throat for 4 days but could not get in to see the free nurse at school because they are swamped dispensing swine flu vaccinations. However, I woke up this morning with a serious earache to accompany the sore throat and hoarse voice - the kind that brings tears if you burp or swallow, etc. 

At 9am I called the pharmacy to see if they knew of a doctor that takes patients on Saturday. The pharmacy referred me to a doctor that is a 7 minute walk from my house. I immediately went to see these Saturday miracle doctors. When I got there, their waiting room was full but they took my name anyway and I sat down to wait. Literally 5 minutes later I was called into the doctors office. Dr. Nicholas checked me out, diagnosed me with tonsillitis and ear infection (neither contagious) and gave me an ample amount of prescriptions to take care of the whole thing. I went to the pharmacy -waited in another line with lots of sick people - and had my prescriptions filled in minutes. 

I wanted to relay this story because it draws such contrasts to the medical care experiences I've received in the states. I do not have insurance or deep pockets but in South Africa, they are accommodating to both. The doctor visit plus 5 prescriptions cost me out-of-pocket $49.30, and the whole thing was taken care of in less than an hour. 

This experience makes me really think about how messed up medical expenses in the United States are. I shudder when I think about going back and dealing with insurance companies once again... with all of their fine print, loop holes and massive amounts of paper work. 

I'm not saying South Africa's system is not flawed. For the poor, R380 is a lot of money, and there needs to be cheaper options. However, I am still thoroughly impressed.