Yes, my friends, it has happened. I'm talking about the worst thing that has ever happened to mankind while studying abroad.
Just kidding. Everyone is alive! But, to ME, the worst thing has happened: I have become very sick. What started out as a "bug" going around a couple of the girls transformed into a full-fledged nightmare for me. I found out I have a fever, bronchitis, and a "dramatic" ear infection, as the British man said.
But don't worry, that doc has me all medicated and on the road to recovery in no time! Nothing a little antibiotics, steroids, decongestant, aspirin, and nasal spray can't fix!
Now that I have my sob story out of the way (can you tell I like to be dramatic?), I would like to focus on my experience with the Italian healthcare system. I must say I am impressed. To tell you the truth, I don't know enough Italian to successfully explore authentic Italian healthcare, but hey, the British doc still has to go through the process in order to practice his work here, so what could be that sketchy? At first, it was nerve-racking as one might imagine- a new country, an extremely uncomfortable situation, homesick, and getting ready to leave in a few days.
Luckily for me, I had a friend who tagged along with to make sure I got there fine. I cannot say how much I appreciate my roommates helping me through this! They have put up with "sick Steph" for a few days now, and being around sick people is just as much of a hassle as it is being sick.
We entered the building somewhat confused, due to the lack of direction leading us to the right floor. A man was entering the elevator and we asked him if the doctor's office was up, and he nodded, so we followed him (he didn't seem too happy to be stuck in a cramped elevator with a "sicky", so I tried not to breathe as much as possible to make him feel better :)). Upon arriving to the correct building, there was no receptionist and my first perspective of the office was, "Really? This is a doctor's office?" It was painfully cramped and the lack of ANYTHING made it hard to take it seriously as a professional institute.
It gets better from here, niente.
Although being in a cramped environment when you're sick is not preferred, I had to consider that ALL doctor's offices are most likely similar here, because of the deficit of space as a city. It's a cultural thing, for sure. It might be small, but damn (excuse my French), it was efficient! There was a main sign on top of the receptionist's desk that gave clear, concise directions for first-timers. All I had to do was fill out a sheet the size of a diary page. At this point, a receptionist did show up, and she asked me a few times what time my appointment was. It was for 10:20, and at this point it was 10:10 by the time I finished filling out the sheet of paper (my mom always taught me to go to doctors appointments early in order to be on time). The receptionist immediately brought the piece of paper back into a mysterious room where she exchanged a few words, came back out, and told me to proceed into the room. I know it sounds silly, but I was very anxious at this point and anticipating entering that room. What would be inside? Torture devices, mean doctors, needles, unsympathetic workers? Who knew, I'm in Italy. It was the exact opposite as you all can predict. The British doc had a sweet accent, a University of London plaque, and an office/doctor room combined. I was comfortable the second I sat down. It was slightly odd at first since it felt like a more intimate doctor's appointment. I seriously was sitting across a gigantic desk where the doc consulted me first before moving me over to the other side of the room to do the check-up. It felt very individualized.
After giving me the diagnosis, I had some news to cheer me up! The insurance card FUA gave me allowed for this doctor's visit to be free! Since it was free, the doc insisted that I come back on Thursday for a re-check up on my ear because it's apparently a very bad ear infection. He is worried about me flying home so soon, which now has me worried, but he added the steroid to help speed up the recovery process I believe.
All of this took about 20-25 minutes. I was out of the office by 10:30.
The Farmacia is properly located right next door, so I was able to pick up my meds there, which took about 5 minutes to fill. Also, for 4 different medications, the total price was only 34 Euros! I couldn't believe it.
I am now on my way to feeling better, so hopefully I will be feeling fine in a day or so!
Thanks for listening to my dramatic story, it's always a little more fun when there are dramatics involved. :-)
Fino a domani,
Steph
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