Was told to prepare for an indefinatedeployment in Mosambique!

[JessicaH]

I admit, I have seen a LOT of stuff and places in the last 6 years with this job and I have loved seing all sorts of places that I'd never had a chance to.  Being part of the response after the flooding in New Orleans was really cool and so was having such a large part in the BP spill. The most FUN time was flying to LA and renting a Mustang convertable and driving the Pacific Coast HWY to Santa Maria for a 5 day project.

This project has me a little nervous though. My boss called me yesterday and said, "We need you in Africa to help set up and open a new  location. My mind immediately assumes Sierra Leon because we have interests there and I am  thinking in tactical defense mode and I'm thinking about what armaments, armor and security personell I will need.

I was rather relieved when he said "don't wory, it's in Mosambique, not Sierra Leon."  Then he proceeded to tel me how pretty it was and nice, etc. I'm not sure how nice it will be with one of the lowest GDPs in the world of $460.  Then I start thinking, " I'm 9 months into HRT and I will either have to find a way to get enough meds to take, stop or figure out something.

Stopping really isn't an option but the idea of work and family not seeing me slowly change over 6 months may present a challenge and get me outed so I may have to find a different job and a place to live when I get back. I guess it will depend on how long I'm away. Two months shouldn't be a problem but 6 months or longer will.

I'm sure it will be a chance to make some really good bonus pay which would be nice to pay some stuff off. It also sounds like the experience of a lifetime unless I get killed or catch something nasty like yellow fever, dengue fever, typhoid, malaria, etc. I have an appointment to get a whole bunch of imunizations in the morning so hopefully that does the trick.

So, has anyone else found themselves in this situation and have some good advice to offer? (lol)

[Ann Onymous]

I know when we had a client that went to Iraq with one of the Halliburton subsidiaries many years ago, he generally was flown back to the States about every six or eight weeks (or to another destination of his choice).  My guess is that you would have similar opportunities, which at least allows you a chance to replenish prescription stocks...

Oh, and that client made MAJOR bank during the time he spent over there...although it carried a LOT of risk (think Blackwater).

As to basing expectations on GDP, remember that a dollar can go a lot further in some parts of the world than it does here...and the parts of the world where there appears to be disparities in income still have some relatively nice areas that contrast with the slum/ghetto image conjured up by the GDP. 

[Julie Marie]

It sounded like you joined the service!   

Yes, nine months more on HRT and no one seeing during that time, you will probably cause some raised eyebrows when you get back.  But often we find out people we think didn't know actually either strongly suspected or knew.  They were just waiting for us to confirm.

As far as the meds, maybe they could be shipped to you.

[SandraJane]

I have an appointment to get a whole bunch of imunizations in the morning so hopefully that does the trick.

So, has anyone else found themselves in this situation and have some good advice to offer? (lol)

Hey girl, plan to take at least the whole day off if not the next also, after getting about a half dozen shots! Oh, make sure they give the shots in your non-dominant arm (you were never in the military, were you?), you''ll see what I mean.

[JessicaH]

I did my time in the military and yea, I remember all the damn shots and everyone being somewhat sick for a few days. Luckily with my position, if I'm sick I just send my boss a text or email. I think 2-3 months will be likely but things can change if our business is booming.

[AbraCadabra]

Once there, you be a stone throw from South Africa's big cities, Durban, Pretoria,  and Johannesburg, were you get most or all your medical needs filled.
May say hello when you there...

Check out the map, it's just a few hours to drive.

Good luck,
Axelle

[JessicaH]

It would be a pleasure to meet up with you if I can arrange it, Axelle. I don't know what part of the country I will be in yet but I suspect that it will be several hours north of Maputo, closer to the newly discovered gas fields.  I have seriously thought about looking into some medical tourism into South Africa so maybe you can help me out with some referrals.

[JessicaH]

My trip has expanded from Mozambique to add Uganda and Kenya which means I need to get a yellow fever vaccination and I am concerned that I need  to take a yellow fever vaccine (live virus) which isn't recommended with a medication that I take since I could possibly GET yellow fever from the vaccine. I'm finding it very difficult to get statistical information in order to make an informed decission as to if it's worth the risk.

At least if I get yellow fever from the injection, I'd rather get it here in the US instead of BFE Africa. I think I may go get the injection today which is a week til my next Stelara injection so timing wise the Stelara will be the weakest and vaccination will have it's best chance to work and build an immunity.

[Julie Marie]

Can't your doctor advise you on this?

[SandraJane]

Jessica, check with the Infectious Disease Clinic or MD your company contracts with, or check with that "Travel Clinic" I told you about...remember?

[JessicaH]

So far, the only answers I can find are a regurgitation of what the manufacturer advises. There are a few things that are DO NOT but the vaccine is a "not recommended".  How bad can a hemoragic fever be?    Just a little bit of organ failure and blood loss from abnormal places...

[SandraJane]

So far, the only answers I can find are a regurgitation of what the manufacturer advises. There are a few things that are DO NOT but the vaccine is a "not recommended".  How bad can a hemoragic fever be?    Just a little bit of organ failure and blood loss from abnormal places...

A) Who's giving you the "answers"?

B) It can be FATAL. What do you think ORGAN FAILURE means?

C) Stop being hard headed.

Hugs,

SJ

[JessicaH]

A) Who's giving you the "answers"?

B) It can be FATAL. What do you think ORGAN FAILURE means?

C) Stop being hard headed.

Hugs,

SJ

Thanks for your concern, sweetie. I am very aware of how serious getting yellow fever can be. It has a fatality rate of about 7% if untreated. I also realize there are can be severe (lifelong) complications even if it's not fatal. I knew YOU would have some input on what I posted!  LOL

Hugs, Jess

[SandraJane]

Of course I would darlin', and as usual you would, with prompting, answer your own questions...for the most part