Wednesday, March 21, 2007

Incredible India

After months of planning and eager anticipation, my departure for India is a mere 48 hours or so away. I hoped to be leaving on doody firma, but my digestive tract is in open revolt and not negotiating. Yesterday I showed my friend all the prescriptions I had to fill before I left, including a special one that the travel medicine clinic prescribed just in case of extreme diarrhea.

"How will you be able to tell if your case is the usual or extreme?" my friend asked.

"Oh, the doctor said specifically to use it in the event of bloody diarrhea," I cheerfully replied.

"Why are you going on this trip?" my friend asked.

I did ask myself that at one point while I was listening to all the vaccines and precautions I needed to take for the trip. In the injection department, I had two Hep B shots, a tetanus booster, and a polio booster. On the oral vaccine side, I took a typhoid vaccine and will start malaria pills on Friday. I was told to buy special insect repellent with a higher concentration of DEET and to spray my clothes with a special DEET spray that would last up to 6 weeks. In no uncertain terms am I supposed to ingest any unpurified water; Frommer's India even advises travelers "…do not open your mouth in the shower." I could get bloody diarrhea. It is a bit scary.

Still, the opportunity to see and experience India is so going to be worth it. I can't wait. I plan to travel blog while I am away, so my adventures, observations, and complaints will be posted daily. Hopefully, they will not include descriptions of bloody diarrhea.
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9 comments:

  1. Impossible JaneMarch 21, 2007 at 6:56 AM

    and not to mention food...I will worry about your digestive track for you so you can have fun. Do you know what sorts of foods you'll be able to eat and which ones to avoid?

    I have a lot of similar "issues" regarding my track so I feel your pain.

    Despite all that I look forward to photos and in depth reporting!

    Have fun. Jane

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  2. super desMarch 21, 2007 at 10:58 AM

    FUN FUN FUN

    If I don't talk / type at you before then, have a ggggggggggggggreat trip!

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  3. soccer mom in denialMarch 21, 2007 at 3:30 PM

    Oh how I envy you.

    When I went to South Africa ad got the list of possible side effects for the anti-malaria pills, I thought I would lose my mind (one of the side effects). But I am so incredibly glad I went.

    Bon voyage!

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  4. EddieMarch 21, 2007 at 5:19 PM

    Have a great trip!

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  5. SUEB0BMarch 21, 2007 at 6:10 PM

    I wish I could come with you! Diarrhea advice - take 2 pepto bismol pills in the morning and with every meal. Reduces diarrhea by 67 percent in travelers. Worked for me in Mexico and I drank cactus punch from street vendors that was served from a plastic bucket. And it was gooood!

    Have fun.

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  6. Alex ElliotMarch 21, 2007 at 8:28 PM

    Have fun!

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  7. DeeJayMarch 22, 2007 at 3:53 AM

    You lucky lucky girl, I wish I was coming with you.
    Take care and I hope that your digestive system allows you to really enjoy the experience.

    Looking forward to reading all about the trip

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  8. CrickyMarch 22, 2007 at 6:36 AM

    I look forward to all of your travel stories...but don't be mad if i skip the digestive tract ones...

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  9. karrieMarch 22, 2007 at 8:04 AM

    Ah, you could get bloody diarrhea from eating salad here stateside. Everyone I know who has been to India planned a return trip.

    Have fun!

    ReplyDelete

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