When I was in the PC office in Dar, getting checked out medically, on my way back to the US, Barry asked why I hadn't written on my blog in a great while. The answer: a lot has been happening and I've hardly found the time to think let alone write what I'm going through.
I am writing this entry from my home in Ithaca, NY. I officially concluded my Peace Corps service on June 4th 2009. I could no longer justify to myself, the taking of the malaria medications that go against my fundamental health philosophy. Basically, after I failed Mefloquine (everyone who's been on it knows why that drug is problematic) it was like dominoes coming down. Doxycycline was dangerous for me, and Malarone...Well, I wouldn't take it for more than 28 days folks.
Anyway, I believe I made the right decision. I only have one body to pollute, so I'm extremely sensitive to changes in my physical condition. Unfortunately, I'm still on drugs (Primaquine to kill malaria in my liver), but at least I am not having suicidal dreams or violent thoughts toward my cat Nyuki. Yeah, those are the reasons Mefloquine stopped being an option.
So, leaving TZ was an unreal experience, but everyone in the PC office was extremely supportive, especially Thomas, our Program Director for Education. I've been telling everyone not to be too sad about my leaving early, because it's not an ending really. I'm planning on having a long, meaningful relationship with Tanzania. There is much work to be done in the health sector, and I think it's high time that I begin specializing in doing what I know I'm meant to do. Medicine.
I've just called a radiologist in my area and I'll be able to learn more about medical imaging. I'm applying to volunteer positions at the local health clinics. I'm also volunteering my time for high school students who need tutoring in physics. Other hours of the day are devoted to chilling with my folks and relaxing because speaking so much English is exhausting.
Well I'll be closing this blog, but it's ok, because now I can devote time and bandwidth to using youtube, and new blogs. There is much to show the world about my experience in Tanzania.
2 comments:
welcome back. In a couple months surely you'll become less exhausted from all the English!
Hi Schuyler - Don't know if you remember me, but it's Rebecca - the PCV from Njombe who ETed in December. I just saw on your blog that you left due to the side-effects of the Mefloquin. I just wanted to say that after I got home and finished the at-home drugs I stopped having anxiety attacks and my mental state returned to normal. It was then I realized that the drugs were the main culprit behind me leaving - although my mental state was not clear enough at the time to realize it. It's nice to know I'm not the only one who left for those reasons. I really appreciated you talking to me through PSDN before I left, too. Welcome home!
Rebecca
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