For the past few days I have not been feeling that well. My stomach has been hurting and I would vomit after some meals. I thought it was just stress and my body getting used to the food here in Korea. However, on Tuesday night I had some really greasy food and it made me overly sick the next day. Wednesday was hell. Because of this I called in sick for work. My co-teacher (Boyoung) was worried, so she came over and was like we need to go to the emergency room. So I went to the emergency room. Which was an interesting experience.
Like I thought originally, my vomiting was a result of stress and me getting used to the new food. The doctor said to take it easy and try to avoid greasy or spicy food. Which if you know me, the spicy food part is going to be way to hard. I love spicy food. Seriously!!! I am still not feeling the best but I think with sleep and time I will be better.
First of all, the cost was amazing. For an IV, medicine and a stay in the emergency room, it only cost me about 45,000 won (about 45$). That is unheard of in the United States. The other thing that was interesting was the fact that they give you an IV for everything. I don't quite know what was in my IV but it was supposed to help with my problems.
Boyoung stopped by my place after work and brought me porridge, which is a rice mixture that has the consistency of a wet oatmeal but without the chunks. It is something Koreans eat when they do not feel well and it is easily digested. It was bland but I ate it anyways. I thought it was sweet of her to bring it to me. When she was there we were talking about the differences in emergency room costs and actually going to the emergency room. I was telling her that I rarely, if ever, go to the doctor or emergency room (only for regular checkups). She thought it was strange that I never went because in Korea it is common to go to the emergency room or a doctor when you are feeling even the slightest bit unwell. She told me that it is a cultural thing and that most Koreans have had an IV at least once in their life. She could not believe that this was the first time I have ever had an IV.
Today, I am back at work and everyone is coming up and asking me if I am alright and how I am or if I need anything. Apparently everyone was super worried about me and wanted to make sure I was ok. It is nice to know that people care and it kind of makes me feel like a part of the office. The Vice-principle came over and gave me his phone number just in case I need to go to the emergency room again, because he will take me. Although I had people like that in the United States, it is kind of nice to have this here as well. I came in thinking that I would be viewed as an outsider (which obviously I am) but they are so welcoming and willing to help this waygook, which is wonderful and part of the reason I am loving Korea. The people are amazing and caring.
Overall, the experience was interesting but something I do not wish to happen again. I am going to take it easy for the next few days and hopefully get better. :D
No comments:
Post a Comment