21
Feb
2011
Hi Xander,
A heads up from a GM who became terribly ill at Columbus with bronchitis back in 2003 (and as a result, lost a week's scuba diving - agh!
):
There is a doctor available, but he only visits the island once a week. Yes, there is a scuba doctor at the Club, but he normally only helps scuba divers - if he can. IF the scuba doc will treat you, he only has penicillin. So if you are allergic (like me), you just have to "tough it out" until the thing goes away. SO - before you leave, you should see your GP, explain where you're going and get a prescription for antibiotics you can tolerate (promising only to take them if you have a fever and after a day or so, it's not getting better). I would do this even if I wasn't allergic to penicillin.
I would also bring a supply of band-aids, cough syrup and other medical stuff. Yes, there are nurses, but they have a limited supply and you'll probably prefer your own stuff. Basically, you should prep a pharmacy as if you're going to be camping for six months. If all goes well, you won't need it, but trust me: you'll be a favourite with the other GOs because somebody is always getting a little injury. It just happens with all that sea, sun & sport. (And further to the Serge Gainsbourg song, "Sea,
Sex & Sun", it's a good idea to bring a supply of condoms
).
It goes without saying that if you're female, definitely bring a supply of tampax, etc. And if you have favourite shampoos, etc., bring those, too. There is a small grocery store, but as Adria said, everything is imported and it gets very expensive quickly when you live there.
Hopefully, some other GOs (present and Ex) will chip in, but for sure, plan for the above.
And BTW once you're there: if you need some urgent medical thing and the nurses don't have it, be sure to check if Adria is around. That lady carries a REAL pharmacy in her suitcase and she is very kind about sharing! I should know, since my old full-foot fins began mascerating my heels last summer and I depended on her for giant Band-Aids!
- Trish
Dive now; work later!
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