I broke a tooth today. Not very happy about this. At all.
Rice here is sold by the kilo and comes loaded with tiny sticks and rocks. It must be cleaned and thoroughly washed before it is cooked. Apparently today, I wasn’t being as vigilant cleaning as I should have been and am now kicking myself as the oversight cost me a solid quarter of my back left molar (which I promptly swallowed). It surprised me how little it hurt initially. I chomped down on the rock and definitely felt something but continued eating. It wasn’t until I noticed the new jagged precipice with my tongue that I decided to check things out in front of a mirror. I opened wide and freaked out a little. I mean, a significant chunk was missing. Now, I can feel it. My tongue is raw from rubbing the rough edge of my molar and there is a dull pain that begins at the back of my jaw and extends to my chin.
I called Peace Corps medical to inform them. No one answered but I am dreading the return call. I’m guessing this incident will require a trip to Dar. I just got back from traveling and was looking forward to getting comfortable and just kicking it in the ville until our mid-service conference in September. Furthermore, school is back in session now and I really need to be in the classroom teaching. Blah…maisha ni mlima, for real.
I’m also overjoyed to announce I have a staph infection…again…for the third time. No lie, I’ve had staph three times and each time it’s less and less amusing. Slash, I’m not thrilled at the prospect of yet another round of antibiotics. At home I feel like, on average, I probably take antibiotics once annually, usually around flu season. But here, every couple months or so some weird and random ailment requires me to take them. That can’t be good, right? But alas, staph is gross and I’m tired of having it so I do what I’m told.
Maybe, if I have to go to Dar, I’ll treat myself to another box of Special K. I feel like that will be warranted.
hi cessie, this is Mary Puent and I just read your blog and now I am going to be your prayer warrior. You are in need of some extra attention and I’ll assign myself to you until you are back in the states.
I’m so proud of what you are doing and I know you are making a big difference in the world so I will say some extra prayers for you and offer up some good works for you as well.
Let me know if you get any special blessings especially with your tooth.
We saw your folks last night and your brother and grandmother and aunt and uncle,. The shower was so neat with so many wonderful people it was so fun but we missed not seeeing you. I understand we will see you for the wedding, yeepee! We really liked Sara Beth too.
So blessings for now and much love , Mary and ron too
OMG! Cessieeee!! 1 the tooth problem is horrible!! and 2 STAPH thats some serious stuff and all those antibiotics are wiping you clean of all your natural bacteria.. can lead to lot of other problems.. ill prob gross you out if i go into it but you might be able to figure it out if you catch my drift!! Girl, go get some yogurt ASAP or some acidophilus pills! Trust me…. You got me worried about you now! lol. I know you are tough tho and will be fine! love you!