When I started planning this trip nearly a year ago, I had no idea what I would be putting myself through to make sure I don't get some strange disease while we are gone. We started the summer getting our shots - Tetanus, Hep A and B, Typhoid, and Measles. After getting my Tetanus, I whined like a baby for a few days since my arm was so sore! Denzil was fine. When I got my Hep and Measles vaccinations,, I started to pass out. My face felt hot. I felt naseous. I had tunnel vision. Half an hour later, after lots of apple juice, I was allowed to go home. Denzil, again, was fine. For my Typhoid shot, I was prepared. I drank my apple juice beforehand. I didn't pass out. Success!

Then came the Dukarol - to prevent travellers diarrhea from cholera or E. Coli. It consists of a live vaccine mixed into fizzy "raspberry" flavoured water. And there were two doses, one week apart. After choking down the mixture which tasted anything but like raspberry, I went to bed. The next morning after I took each dose, I woke up with a nasty headache, a fever, abdominal pains, and nausea. For 2 days each time I could barely get off the couch. I had all of the "mild" side effects listed. And guess what. Denzil was fine.

Today was my last day of Doctor's appointments. We are all stocked up on our anti-malarial pills. Side effects are upset stomach, and nightmares. Yay. Can't wait. I have recently been struggling with a very sensitive stomach. No gluten, or dairy, or anything that tastes good. Ive also been very sensitive to medications. It is going to be great. Upset stomach. In the desert. Camping. Where we will have no toilets. But at least there will be a 95% chance I won't get malaria!

And then there is the antibiotics in case I come down with an infection while I am there. My anti-anxiety meds. My lorazepam for the long flights. I'm bringing my own drugstore it seems!

But it will be worth it. I cannot wait to explore and witness the wildlife and the culture. It will be great.