Ruth and I have been traveling in different countries long enough that we know things are not done the same as in Canada or the U.S. when it comes to medical situations. But this would be a new experience for Lindsey.
We spoke to our host Daoud. He knew that the kids hadn't been well the last couple of days, so he wasn't surprised when we asked him about a local doctor. He said he would call and see if he would do a house call. We are only 4 kms or so from the nearby town of M'hamid.
But there was no answer. So Daoud volunteered to drive us into town. Ruth stayed behind with Sadie, and Lindsey, Cameron, and I got into the car. Cameron was feeling pretty lethargic, but at least I didn't have to carry him!
We drove to the local medical clinic, but when we arrived it was locked up. Daoud looks at me and says "Is it Saturday?". And of course it was. The clinic is closed on weekends. "That's okay", says Daoud, "we'll just go to his house".
So we drove around the block (it's not a very big town!), but they were doing some construction and the road was blocked. Daoud shut off the car and he and I walked.
The doctor and his family were just sitting down to lunch. But that didn't bother him. He came out and hopped in the car with us and we drove back to the clinic! Lol... picture that happening anywhere in Canada.
I didn't take any photos, but this is a dusty African town on the edge of the Sahara Desert. The clinic was pretty basic!
The doctor didn't speak English, but Daoud translated when Lindsey told him what the problems were. And, we explained that Sadie's symptoms were similar, but that Sadie was a little better than Cameron.
The doctor took Cameron's temperature, but he had no fever. Perfectly normal, so that was good. He ended up giving Lindsey some rehydration electrolyte mixture, with enough for the three of them, and some anti vomit medication. He also said to feed them small amounts of plain white rice and banana.
When it came to payment, it was 200 dirham ($26.50 CAD, $19.25 USD) including the medication and the interruption of his lunch. But he said "you don't have to pay if you don't want to." Lindsey was happy to pay.
By evening, Cameron was looking a little more chipper. Neither one of them had thrown up since morning, so maybe they're on the mend. Today we have to drive back to Ouarzazate, so this whole Sahara Desert thing has been a bit of a bust. Unfortunately these things happen. Oh well.
Haven't heard from them yet this morning, so don't know how they're doing so far today. (Edit: There is a definite improvement. They are not 100% yet, but certainly better, so far.)
Oh, one other story...
Cameron loves bugs and spiders and snakes and lizards... that type of thing. He's always wanted to see a scorpion, but of course there aren't many of them in Canada. Anyhow, when we got here to the desert, he had asked Daoud if they have scorpions here. Daoud said yes, but that it's winter now and they are hiding. He said he hasn't seen one since last summer.
So the other evening, Lindsey reached over to turn on the light in their cabin... and this was about two feet from the light switch!
Daoud wasn't around, but one of the other guys here came in and took care of the intruder. So, Cameron got to see a scorpion. You don't really want to see one inside your room, but that's the way it happened.
Yesterday afternoon ended up hot, and the wind picked up again. To be honest, our time in the desert hasn't been very pleasant, and of course it didn't help that the kids were sick. Today is cooler with a forecast high of only 25C (77F), but there is a stiff breeze. And only a high of 23C (73F) in Ouarzazate.
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And in Canada...
I guess the BRAT (Banana, Rice, Applesauce and Toast) diet is universal. Glad to hear everyone is on the mend.
ReplyDeleteIt must be! We were already trying to do the BRAT diet before even going to the doctor. Everyone was doing better yesterday but Sadie still has a slight upset tummy but at least she isn't being sick. Hopefully today they will be even better.
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