Typhoid

Tuesday 6/25/2013

Ruth has typhoid.

On Sunday she woke up sick and stayed in bed all day.  It was weird to see her like that, because she’s such a vibrant little girl, always dancing, humming, and asking us questions.  Her father, Mama’s brother, came to visit for the day and took her to the hospital to get antibiotics.  It’s interesting that they go directly to the hospital for all illnesses, since most doctors work at hospitals rather than individual offices.

Ruth specifically asked to have her father come, because—in Mama’s words—she’s a “daddy’s daughter”.  That made me smile.

On Monday she was still feeling sick and stayed home from school.  This morning, I mentioned to Mama that it seemed like Ruth wasn’t getting any better.  Mama said in a small voice, “I know…I don’t know why…I am beginning to worry…”  It made me sad to see her so concerned about how little she could do to help Ruth.  I felt helpless, too.

Ruth’s mother took her to the hospital again yesterday, which how we finally figured out she had typhoid.  I must admit I was shocked by the diagnosis.  Typhoid is unheard of in the US, and although I received the vaccine before this trip, it feels strange to personally come in contact with it.

Kristen took the live typhoid pills instead of the vaccine, and she said it was awful.  The live pills are supposed to give mild symptoms, but Kristen said she was in so much pain she couldn’t move or do anything.  I can’t even imagine how Ruth must feel with full-fledged symptoms, but I can see it on her face.

Thursday 6/27/2013

Today Ruth is going back to school, so it seems the cloud has lifted.