Totally Tokyo

3 Days, 2 Nights and Transportation Included!

So at some point last week I guess i must have said subconsciencly that I have not experience Japan completly... what more can I do to get a real experience....Oh I knew what I hadn't done, and what no one else has done yet on our semester abroad: Get rushed to the hospital in an ambulance! (Before we get too deep in to this jounral entry, I am A-Ok now! No worries)

It started at 6AM last Tuesday morning, I woke with stomach cramps, maybe indigestion? I did not. But I did know that I couldn't walk, sit, sleep or talk with out having to vomit. I stayed home from school, but when it only got worse and it was 12 hours later, I called a hotline to find english speaking clinics, when I told the lady what was wrong she said I needed to be picked up by an ambulance. Being from America, I didn't want an ambulance, but I was informed that it was no cost (Oh how wonderful japan is!). It came and got me, and my friend Leanne joined in for the ride along with her camera. The ER was empty, I had all of their attention. I had a bed, tests done and doctors spoken to all with great speed. However, the language barriar proved to be a problem. But the higher up the doctor it seemed the more english her or she spoke. I was admitted for 3 days, visited by friends and workers for TUJ. Temple was amazing and was in contact with my family and teachers. It was possible food posioning and maybe an infection of my intestines and appendeix. Whatever it was, I was let go because I was feeling better and my blood test showed my infection had passed due to my count of white blood cells lower. The hospital and all of its workers were amazing. Everything was orgainized and it was so impressive. When checking out, I only had to pay 30% of my bill due to the fact that I got Japan National health insurance for about 8 dollars a month, amazing, I know. But, I didn't have any money on me, and they let me leave and when I came back the next day they had everything right there (regardless of the fact that no one at the check out counter spoke english)! My goodness, another check for loving Japan. Now here are Leanne's pictures (disregard my smile, I was truly in pain, I just couldn't help but love that she was documenting everything). Enjoy!



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posted by Stephy-ru @ Wednesday, October 11, 2006