Health Check

It's been a while, and while I have several events to catch up on, my recent diseased state has prompted a quick post for the current time.  As is the common occurrence when teaching small children, I managed to pick up one of the many germ-fueled sicknesses carried by one or many of my students and I woke up one morning with laryngitis.  I didn't used to get get laryngitis when I would catch colds, but when I started teaching my sicknesses would almost always develop sooner or later into vocal impairment.  My standard course of action is what any normal American would do: find relief in OTC meds and ride it runs its course.  After 5 days of struggling to keep myself heard over the din of 20 kindergartners and trudging through afternoon classes.  I went in to work only to be scolded by my Taiwanese co-worker about the state of my health and my oversight of seeking professional consultation.  The typical response of most East Asians when they wake up with a dry throat and mild cough is to seek immediate health care from their local clinic or hospital.  Considering the amount they pay for a clinic visit (next to nothing) and the total they pay for prescriptions (nothing-most of the time), why not?  My co-worker's concern was mainly that it had been a week and I still had signs of a cold "That is very serious," she told me.  Apparently, colds are no laughing matter over here.  So, I finished work that night and went across the street to the clinic (open until 9pm!) and checked myself in for an appointment.  I presented my National Health card and paid 200 NT (approx. $6.90 US) up front.  I was given a number (just like at the deli!) and sat in the waiting area.  There was a little seating area across from me with several nebulizer machines shaped like polar bears waiting for asthmatic children (or adults!) to be hooked up to them. When my number came up the nurse came out to show me which room to go into.  When the doctor saw me come in he said, "So, English, okay?"  All of the doctors who in Taiwan who attend Taiwanese medical school use English textbooks.  So they know all the English medical terms.  Sometimes their layman's terms are awkward but they know things like runny nose, cough, sore throat, etc.  I tried to tell them I had sinus pressure, but it took some extra explaining until they understood.  Their conversation is sometimes a little stiff, but I usually feel confident that my concerns are understood.  After discussing my current complaints he gave me a little bottle of solutions which I was instructed to use as a nasal spray.  He actually intended to nurse to explain to me, but the most she got through was acting out how to use it, but stopped when she tried to tell when to use it.  Usually the nurses don't have as good a command of English as the physicians.

a typical haul

When the exam finished, he suggested I return for a follow-up in three days and sent me back to the front desk.  They told me they sent my prescriptions to the pharmacy next door sent me to go pick them up.  The pharmacist spoke some English and was able to give me clear instructions on how to take my (several) medications.  With my National Health card, I paid nothing for any of my prescriptions.  One of my prescriptions is something called "Liquid Brown Mixture".  That's all that's listed on my list of scripts.  The only ingredient listed is opium.  All I know is that it is the most horrid tasting stuff I have ever taken, but I sure feel relaxed after taking it!

It has definitely been a different experience living somewhere where healthcare is so easily accessible and affordable.  Even a few months back, when I was hit by a car on my scooter, I got an ambulance ride, Emergency Room care, an x-ray, and pain meds and my bill came to 680 NT (approx. $23.50 US).  I've been told my insurance can even get me discounts on contact lenses.  I have yet to try this out, but I do need some new ones soon.