Today my Thank You Thursday post goes out to Dr. Ernesto Fidel Gamboa Cruz. He has been working with me to find a cure to my stomach woes since the beginning of August. What happened? Well, first I got amoebas. Nothing new or unusual for missioners in Bolivia, as I lasted seven months without stomach issues and this in itself was a feat to be admired. But why do people in Bolivia suffer from stomach issues? Simple, really. No access to clean water. For this reason, all water must be boiled before drinking or use in cooking foods. Sounds pretty basic, right? Wrong! Not only does the CDC, and any other scary websites one might read about contractable diseases in other countries, encourage you to boil water 10-20 minutes before use, but also there are other things to worry about. For example, if you are eating somewhere and receive a plate, cup, or silverware that hasn't been dried, there is a good likelihood that you could be exposed to parasites or amoebas. In addition, eating any fruits or vegetables that do not have a hard shell, or especially eating lettuce which is hard to clean, is suggested to be avoided. And what do you have to do with fruits or vegetables that do contain hard shells? Peel them before eating or cooking them, which takes additional time as well. Actually, all fruits and vegetables are encouraged to be cooked in boiling water (for 10-20 minutes) before eating. A lot to think about, right? Unfortunately, this is not where the rubber meets the road. Not only do a small percentage of people have access to clean water, but "according to the Ministry of Water and Environment, sanitation services are available for 47% of the population (54% in urban areas, 37% in rural areas). Moreover, 2008 ENDSA results show that in 6% of these homes in rural areas, water recollection is the responsibility of school-age children, preventing them from attending school or involvement in recreational activities." Now back to my amoebas. I got them twice in several weeks. And what happens when you take antibiotics? Side effects that are sometimes equal to the cause of the problem. So along with my amoebas, I was dealing with other not-so-fun issues. And where am I now? With so much bacteria in my small intestines that the doctor (and others consulted) suspects that I have small intestinal bacterial overgrowth. What does this mean? That along with having a stomach that casi never unbloats, I get to follow a strict diet for two weeks that consists of foods that are intended to starve the bacteria of their normal meals. It is easier to tell you what I can eat than what I can't: certain fruits, certain vegetables, and a certain amount of protein. What foods do I have to avoid? Gluten, corn, rice, potatoes, and milk (including cheese), which pretty much sums up the entire Bolivian diet. In addition, I need to avoid soy, any foods with almidon (starch), and any foods with added sugar (think sweets) or any other additives (think preservatives). It also means that I am restricted to only foods that I buy and cook myself, adding a lot of time and energy to my daily routine. What is the good news in all of these? Besides eating a very healthy diet (although it is hard to eat enough), I go back to the doctor on Thursday to find out the next recommendation. Please say prayers for me that the road to recovery is not long, but please say more prayers for the people of Bolivia who suffer through these kinds of illnesses untreated because of lack of resources on a daily basis.
4 Comments
Aunt Darlene
9/9/2014 01:42:28 pm
I am praying for you sweet lady and for the people of Bolivia. God Bless You!!!!
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Valerie
9/15/2014 02:42:33 am
Thanks so much, Aunt Darlene!!!
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Mom
9/14/2014 07:29:59 am
You are always in my prayers but now I am concentrating on requesting a quick and long healing for you and also that something can be done to help all the others suffering daily with these problems. Love you!
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Valerie
9/15/2014 02:44:58 am
Thanks so much, Mom! I love you, too!!!
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AuthorValerie Ellis, who is in alignment with the Black Lives Matter Movement and everyone whose life is impacted, now or before, by times of social injustice. Archives
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