A visit to the doctor

I have experienced a variety of healthcare situation here from inpatient stays to having a baby, doctor visits with the kids and sick visits for myself.  I think the differences and similarities are interesting and figured I would share them.

I have only visited the doctor twice for sick visits so I don’t have a lot of experience, but both visits were quite similar.  Much like in America, you check in at the clinic, complete some simple paperwork, then wait to be seen in a spacious waiting room filled with magazines, a tv, coffee and a variety of teas.  Except in Africa, the nurse does not come to get you, it’s the doctor who brings you back to his/her room and you sit down at their desk for a little chat.  In fact, I have only seen a nurse at the hospital, never in the clinics.   

Looking over my one page history and physical we exchange small talk and he/she asks me what brings me in today.  After our short conversation, we walk about 10 feet over to an exam table which is in the same room as his/her office.  I am checked out and then he/she proceeds to handwrite notes in my chart on what medication I am being prescribed. 

I have been to the same clinic twice to see two different doctors, one in August 2013 and one just this past week.  So far I have 2 pieces of paper in my chart, no formal H&P, and no medication list.  In fact, since it was a year between my visits, I was not even asked to update the medications I had listed down the last time I came in.  No one weighed me, or took my temperature or blood pressure either time.  I was diagnosed with sinus infections each time and prescribed completely different medications.

Both doctors seem to love prescribing medications as I am on 4 medications this time, and 5 last time.  It does not seem to matter what you come in for, as doctors here love probiotics and they come standard with every visit.  The doctors will also write for over the counter medications on your prescription which thankfully the pharmacy will bundle all together for you.  It’s a bummer that the doctor can’t call in medications or send them electronically; instead you must wait in line or drop off your medications and return to pick them up later. 

One thing I love about this clinic despite the fact that they may not be as thorough as my doctors were in America is that of the two times I have called for an appointment, I have been seen within the hour.  I love knowing that I don’t have to wait for good medical care though sometimes what the doctor’s say to me gets lost in translation.  During my last visit the doctor pointed to my nose and said, “Your nose makes you sound stupid.”  I am hoping that was a translation error on his part and not an insult, either way I laughed and shook my head.

It is a nice feeling that we can get comparable medical care, a few minutes from our home for $42 per visit and medications at such low prices you would not believe it.  I feel confident in the doctors I have seen so far, and thankfully I have not had an emergency situation as I am not sure the laid back pace of this country would suit my needs.      

A visit from Nana

At the end of August and beginning of September my mom came to visit us in South Africa.  Since it was her first visit we had to pack in as many adventures as possible.  Luckily she came a few days before Adalyn’s birthday and was able to join in on the party fun.  Like a helpful Nana she held Grant during the party so Mark and I could have both hands free, but I am guessing she did not mind. 

Serval

The first weekend here, we took her to the Rhino and Lion park so she could experience a mini game drive and get up close and personal with all their small animals.  My mom was able to pet 2 serval cubs, a couple months’ old white and brown lions and an 11 year old cheetah.  It was nice to have one stop to knock all those animals off her list.  

Lions

Lion

Cheetah

After we wondered around the park for a while we went to the restaurant nearby to have waffles topped with ice cream, a local treat.  We were able to watch some giraffes eating their lunch, and although I was bummed they were too full to eat from our hands, it was still pretty awesome. 

During the week we took Nana grocery shopping with us, and to watch Adalyn at swim practice.  I think she liked to see what our normal life here is like.  One day we ventures to a local craft market so she could pick up some souvineers.  The vendors heard her accent and offered her the “tourist price”, but luckily I was there and helped her get some good buys.  She did pretty well negotiating with them and I don’t think she really needed my help, though it was fun to shop together.  

One afternoon we went to Hartbeesport Dam area to ride a tram to the top of a mountain and see the breathtaking view.

We enjoyed a nice walk around the top taking in the sights, all while being lead by our trusty guide (Adalyn).  She sure is good at bossing you around, but luckily we did not mind and followed her along the paths.  After stopping for some scenic photos, we headed back down.  

One of my favorite things about South Africa is all the tea gardens you can enjoy lunch at.  A few times I took her to my favorite places to try the Roobois tea and scrumptious sandwiches and salads while we sat outside in what felt like the countryside.  

School was not in session for Adalyn but I did drive my mom by the school so she could see what we have been talking about all year.  Adalyn enjoyed the nonstop playmate she had in my mom, and I don’t think Nana has played so much Barbies, Minnies and colored this much in years.

 Grant got his fair share of hugs and kisses from Nana, showing off his smiling grin and adorable squeals.  

Adalyn, Nana and I spent one morning getting manicures and pedicures and ventured out to the local clubhouse park for the afternoon. 

We enjoyed several walks around the neighborhood and even a drive through our neighborhood reserve to see the zebras, kudu and impalas.

 

The weekend before Nana headed home, we drove up to Ukutula to experience their lion program.  We stayed the night and split the activities up between the days.  On the first day we all were able to pet lion cubs that were about 3-5 weeks old.  Cuddly and cute just like little kittens they were so sweet to interact with. 

Next Mark and Nana went in with the “Little Devils” as the lodge calls them, the lions were about 3-6 months old and so much bigger that Adalyn and Grant has to stay outside their enclosure. 

Though that did not stop the lions from figuring out that small children were on the other side of the wall and they came to greet us anyways.  I was impressed the lions could tell Grant was there since I was wearing him, I guess a cat has some pretty amazing senses.  After the petting sessions were done, my mom and I followed the guide to view the other animals such as cheetahs, tigers, adult lions, servals and caracals.

That night we sat down for dinner and enjoyed the quiet of the countryside intermixed with the lions roaring to each other.  The next morning my mom and I went on the lion walk with 2 lions that were 1 year and 10 months old.  It was awesome to have just the two of us on the walk with no other visitors. 

For 45 minutes we walked behind and sometimes right beside the lions as they enjoyed a stroll through the bush, pausing to catch dead chickens the guide would toss into the air. 

It never gets old being able to get so close to such majestic creatures, hearing their sounds and watching them interact with each other.  After our walk we headed back home for one more relaxing day of playing with nana.

We all enjoyed having my mom come, and I could not have asked for a better visit.  You never know when houseguests come and stay with you for a few weeks with no ability to venture off on their own how it will go, so I am glad we all enjoyed the time together.  I was sad to see her leave for the airport and it made me remember all the friends and family back home that we miss so much.  I wish everyone could come visit this amazing country and get a glimpse into our lives here.  Luckily, Nana is planning a return trip and we have more visitors with my Dad and Steph coming next month. 

Fun turning 4!

This past Sunday, August 31^st, Adalyn turned 4 years old.  To celebrate we rented a couple lanes at a local bowling alley and invited 10 of her friends to join in on the fun. 

We started the morning off with a couple arcade games after first getting her birthday hair cut.  

Super cute I must add. 

With bumpers up and a ball slide in position each kid took their turn rolling the balls.  At times, the slide had to go and then the kids threw with all their might adding some extra bangs and probably dents to the floors. 

The near by bumper cars were quite the attraction

It was quite comical to watch a bunch of 3-5 year olds bowl, sometimes they were not even sure which lane to bowl in and of course each was determined to pick up their own balls.  Thankfully the bowling alley had quite a few 3 pound balls for the kids and everyone could wear their own shoes. 

Once we were finished with bowling, in which Adalyn actually won with a 95

(I guess the bumpers did the trick, or maybe she should take up bowling as a hobby),

 the kids enjoyed pizza followed by cake. 

Having a sweet tooth and not being pleased with the desserts I have found so far in this country, I have been making Adalyn’s birthday cakes.  

I was happy with how her princess castle turned out and it even tasted good. 

Adalyn thought the “Happy Birthday” song was too loud and chose to cover her ears as we all sang. 
Next up it was time to open presents. 

Adalyn’s friends know her well as she now has a new assortment of Barbies, princesses, arts and craft supplies and books.  It was nice to see the other kids be excited for Adalyn to open her gifts.

After a couple hours of fun, most of which Grant slept right through in the arms of Nana, we headed home despite someone not wanting to leave just yet. 

  Adalyn enjoyed the afternoon playing with her new toys, then opened gifts from family and friends back home.

I think this year Adalyn has really understood her birthday, commenting several days leading up to it how many days away it was.  She has made some terrific friends that have celebrated her now second South African birthday. 

Celebrating Adalyn turning 4 is just another reminder of how fast your kids grow up and how quickly they turn into little people and not toddlers anymore.  The long conversations we now carry on and her perceptive nature make me realize that my little girl is developing into a big girl.  Adalyn loves all things girly and has a wild imagination that keeps her entertained, even on her own, for hours.  She is loving and tries to act like a mother to all other little kids.  She is very creative and loves all arts and crafts.  Playing “teacher” is one of her favorites, mostly because she gets to boss other around I think.   Adalyn is a great helper around the house and with Grant, and I am in awe of their bond.  She still has quite the sassy side and can get pretty stubborn if things are not just how she likes them, but we are working on those things. 

I asked my not so little 43lb and 41 inch girl what she wanted to be when she grows up and she replied, "a kid".  I hope she always stays a kid at heart.  Watching Adalyn turn 4 was a fun time and I am excited to see what the next year brings as she continues to grow.