Surely It is NOT Wednesday !
I am so tired … my body is crying … I ache everywhere … surely it is not Wednesday ! It feels like a Friday, but without the elation that the weekend is fast approaching. Argh !!
Decy’s brother Dona (our 2nd driver) has been confirmed to have Dengue Fever – he’s in the hospital. Sumi is still quite ill – today we take her back for new blood work. I’m almost certain she will test positive – even if she doesn’t have Dengue, she isn’t able to work. So, we are down to 1 driver and 1 maid.
Dona is a natural fighter – and is already eating and drinking to keep his strength. Nunung is not a natural fighter and just wanted to sleep (the wrong answer). However, his brother came to the hospital and helped him along. Both are doing better as of last night – and Dolly (Decy’s sister who works at the hospital) changed their doctors to a better doctor (Yeah Dolly !!)
There is no “cure/medicine” for Dengue – the body has to build up natural immunities to it. That takes about 3-4 weeks. In the meantime, a person needs rest, lots of liquids, food/nurishment, and some pain medication for discomfort. Hospital stays are typically 3-5 days, depending on the type/severity of Dengue – then the gradual recovery period.
Dengue in many ways is similar to Malaria – but not as well publicized. Indonesia usually has ~150,000 cases a year with about 2,000 deaths. Once past the initial few days (while the blood count is “trying” to stabilize) the prognosis is good – its the first few days/week that is touch and go …. plus there are some types of Dengue (hemamorphic) that is extremely dangerous.
I tried attaching/uploading an overview on Dengue Fever (for those interested). I hope the upload works. Overview on Dengue Fever
This is putting emotional and physical stress on all of us ….. keep us in your prayers. Life in Indonesia is “easy” only when everything (or at least most things) works right … once the wheels start coming off … it gets very challenging.
*** On a lighter (higher) note … it is now official … THASYA IS TALLER THAN DECY !! So, I think that means she has also passed Paul … and is now zero’ing in on Josh and me … and to think, she still 13 YO.
Chely worked last night, and will work all week. I haven’t seen her this morning, so I don’t know if she is home or not.
Well, I better close and work on some other things.
ciao ciao
