Bloooooodddd

I met with the tropical disease doctor at one of the Government hospital in Durban. The hospitals in South Africa used to be top notch but have gone downhill - fast. But fortunately I went to a clinic which although part of the hospital was separate. As this protocol that is used for treating these weird diseases is not approved by mainstream doctors, I was instructed to tell the receptionist that I was there for "a friendly visit" with the doctor, so I didn't get registered into the system.

Dr. Boysen works with Dr. Jadin who is based in Johannesburg and as it would have been a real mission to get there by today, we decided that I would see Dr. Boysen here and have the blood drawn, which would then be couriered to JoBurg. Dr. Boysen was very thorough and I had taken my medical records from Port Townsend. "Very interesting," she said and I thought, "Oh no, not again!" as this is what I heard from the doctors originally. But she was nice and I will see her again, with Dr. Jadin in Pietermaritzburg on May 26 when the blood tests are back.

Well, it seemed like the tech at the lab drew pints of blood - there were a total of 29 tests required and 12 vials of blood. Had to go have a fruit drink after that!

So now I wait.

But the weather is absolutely divine as they say here :) and I have been sitting out in the sun so am not so lily white any more. I also went to a water aerobics class this morning with Zoze and some of the "girls" and once again I was the youngest one there!!! They all noticed how much weight I have lost, which is gratifying. I don't think I have been this slim since my early 30's. Of course, not everything is in the same place...

Farmers Market tomorrow - and there will be pix.

And don't forget to visit The Organic Gang website which is now live.

Tropical Diseases

Tomorrow is a big day - I get to visit the tropical disease doc who quite possibly will find out what the hell has been bothering me for nearly three years. This is one of the reasons I came over. Blood tests and results in about 10 days, then treatment if needed. Maybe I can get to the root of the problems. At first it sounded as if I was going to have to go to Jo'burg on Friday and we were trying to figure out the best - and cheapest way to do it but then it turned out I could go to Durban for the initial consultation and have the blood drawn there which made everything much simpler, and a lot less expensive. Debbie really helped me out by using her connection to get me in so quickly.


Spent the morning with Zoze, went down to Pinetown, they bought a TV as they are more or less moved into their little place. We were going to go for a walk, but I was feeling sort of punky so came back to Biff's and worked on the site a bit. The stress that I am feeling is from Scott and his lack of paying me for the work I did. I am just so pissed off at him.


Anyway, went outside a while and picked up all the macadamia nuts that had fallen. They have to dry a bit before they can be cracked. It's quite a mission to do that - you need to find a nice little rock with a hollow in it to put the nut in, then a hammer to whack it! But they are soooo worth it.


Tonight Biff and I are going to dinner at his partner's house. I haven't met them but they sound nice. I talked to my old childhood friend Graeme yesterday. He lives in Jo'burg and hopes to be able to come down for a quick visit. He has a completely different view of where this country is going. He is very optimistic and thinks the new government will do very well. It all remains to be seen.