Sat 16th - I’m not dead: Still in South Africa.
Got up early Friday 15th.
Henk, checked on me early and told me the Doctor responded at 1:30am and said be in his office at 9:00am. At this point I’m coughing up even more lung, blowing out more infected sinus junk, headache, 3 hours sleep, tired, and trying to figure out how well I need to be to travel home. I use my inhaler and have a light breakfast.
Henk let me know this Doctor was very good and very capable at a nice clinic. We didn’t talk much on the way in. I had no idea what to really expect.
I was relieved not to have to go to a Hospital or clinic in Moz or Bots. After spending the last few days in Botswana and seeing the conditions that many bush suspsistence farmers live in and actually have nothing, It makes one appreciate how blessed we are to have access to great medical care. That was part of the other reason I didn’t want to post about not feeling well; I generally feel that it’s better to practice grace. "I cried because I had no shoes until I met a man who had no feet”.
I’ll remind everyone that this report is to provide as much first hand information as possible, through experience, to those whom may benefit. For me the hunting is a privilege, but part of a greater process.
It’s interesting to consider that we are in a third world country in South Africa with first world privileges. That said, I wandering what this clinic will be like, how experienced the doctor may be, if they will have the medication I need, how challenging will it be to get, and how much will It cost.
Big surprise. The clinic was modern with pleasant staff. Not busy, but appointments were starting to show up. The doctors office is in the clinic, but a private practice. Doctor Gerhard Kritzinger greets me in his office for a sit down interview and first thing he does is ensure me he is not a bush doctor
and can provide the level of care to at a minimum get me fit for travel! I received a sit down brief review of my health history, including my prescriptions. I got a thorough examination. He tested everything he could to make a prognosis, we discussed options, and he identified that I had wheezing and congestion complicating my asthma symptoms, sinus and respiratory infections, and bronchitis. There was no guessing and he could have done more tests if I add the luxury of more time for tests results to comeback that would result in a different treatment plan. So we agreed the time frame was not reasonable and I need a plan to become more comfortable and start treating what he understood was the problem.
This type of visit was very comprehensive and more than I expected. I received several prescriptions that would be considerate of the fact that already started Malarone and had a Z pack, as well as prednisone. Top tier service from an exceptional experienced doctor.
I told Dr. Kritzinger that with all due respect, if I needed long term care, it would be better for me to have it at home with the support of my family and use of facilities that are familiar to me and doctors that understand my medical history and that my private health insurance would cover! I told him I only wish I could bring him with me! Such a humble, yet experienced doctor with the most pleasant disposition and bedside manner. I received about 10 new prescriptions to use with prednisone and the Azithromycin. Some were over the counter. Doctor visit, exam, tests, prescriptions was $92! Follow up visit Monday.
I later learned from Henk that Dr. Kritzinger was a former general surgeon who lost vision in one eye and instead of retiring, started his own practice to care for people. I believe he is in his mid 70’s. You wouldn’t know it to look at him or talk to him…
The pharmacy was friendly, fast, and the pharmacist was experienced and a pleasure to deal with. Total cost of prescriptions $65.
Good thing I was with an outfitter that was prepared and willing to jump into action. I was likely heading for a hospital stay.
Feeling better today after a good night sleep. No alcohol, no coffee, no unnecessary sugar and rest. The goal is to get fit to travel and get home, but not travel early in a way that can exacerbate my condition. So I need to let this medication work and do something I’m not good at; relax.
If you are ever in the Waterberg Biosphere area hunting, or an area near Lephalale in Limpopo and need a great doctor, Doctor Gerhard Kritzinger:
https://slimdoc.co.za/ will provide you great care!
I’m still tired, medication is making me dopey, but it could be worse. I’m hopeful…
