Over the last several days I've had a series of doctor appointments to make sure that I am "all systems go" for this trip. First, I had to be sure that my anemia was still under control, since I haven't had a follow-up on that since February. That report: EXCELLENT. My hematologist told me that I had plenty of iron in the blood, my blood cells were fat and healthy, and - I quote - "Go climb a mountain!" That was very good news, indeed. When I first went to see him, my iron was extremely low and my blood cells were thin. According to my lab report, a "low limit" is 36 for iron, and mine was 12 last year. Yesterday I saw the new report, a year later, and it was 114! I'm solidly in the normal range for now.
Next, I had my regular doctor visit yesterday for one last check-up before I go and to get all of the prescription meds I need for the trip. He gave me a good, clean bill of health, and a long - LONG - list of meds to take. I will be taking meds to prevent malaria for several weeks, even after I return. I chose to use doxycycline for this purpose rather than a specific anti-malarial. The reason I made this decision is because the doxycycline is an effective and approved option, and the added bonus of using it is that it will provide some coverage against other possible bacterial infections. I am bringing along a medicine called Diamox, which will be used to alleviate altitude sickness problems. According to my dr., I don't need to take this preventatively, but rather will start it if I feel symptoms such as headache, nausea, etc. I'm also bringing along a few other preventative-type meds. All totaled it is six prescriptions, plus my OTC pain killer of choice (Excedrin) and, of course, Imodium - just in case!
In this last three weeks before departure I am just focusing on training as much as I can, working on plans for my mom to follow (who'll be helping out at home in my absence), purchasing last-minute items, and just generally getting excited! I'm not sure there is anything else very specific for me to blog about before I leave, so check back around the first of July for my pending departure comments! Also, if you have any questions about this, feel free to ask!
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