Finding Good Painkillers in Japan...

  ...is like trying to find a waterfall in the desert.


   Last week I went on the kindergarten sledding trip to help out.  Because the hill was so icy and the stopping area was so short, my job was to help stop kids as they came barreling down the hill on sleds.  I wasn't given any training, so I just had to try my best to stop them.  When one sled came flying down carrying two boys, the stronger male teachers were stopping other sleds and since I was the only one in the area I had to stop it.  So I stood in front of the sled and tried to stop it from a standing position.  Big mistake.  I flew up and over the sled, landing on my back and side.  I was in a lot of pain immediately, but tried to shake it off or ignore it.  After going back to work to teach my class in the evening, I was really in a lot of pain.  I went to the doctor three days later after the pain did not get any better, and the doctor told me I had bruised my ribs.  Ouch.


  I've been taking it easy and resting as much as possible.  I was in so much pain Thursday night that I was in tears: I have a pretty high tolerance for pain, so I went to see the doctor again.  I know he couldn't do much for me, but I thought maybe he could give me some stronger drugs or an anesthetic shot.  Nope. Do you want to know what Japan's answer to intense pain is?  A SUPPOSITORY!!!!!!!!!  That's right -- pain medicine you have to stick up your butt!  Are you kidding me?!?!?!?!  This is one of the most developed countries in the world and you are telling me that THIS is the best you can do?!?!?!  Well, if they were worried about people getting addicted to pain medicine, don't worry -- I CERTAINLY won't be getting addicted to this!  And for the the trouble you go through to take this "stronger" medicine, it is still a far cry from the relief that Percocet, Vicodine, or a shot could give.  Normally, I try to stay away from those medicines -- I like to know where my pain limit is naturally so I don't overdo it and harm myself more; however, the pain I feel just sitting, lying down, walking, or raising my arm is so strong that I really do wish they would give me something better.


  Also, as a side note, I would like to say that hospitals in Japan are not at all what you would think.  For whatever reason, all the hospitals I've been too look like a scene from the 1970's.  If I didn't know this was one of the most advanced countries on earth, I'd seriously be concerned about the quality of health care.  I think it's because Japan is not huge on comfort or frills; so all of the counters, waiting rooms, exam rooms, etc all look like they've been frozen in time since the '60s and '70s.  The nurses even wear the white dresses, white stalkings, and little caps.  SERIOUSLY!


   I would like to say that through all of my visits to the hospital and my injuries, the staff at MeySen has been incredibly helpful.  Each time I needed to go to the hospital, one of the English-speaking assistants came with me to translate and fill out all the paperwork.  They have been so kind and helpful and are more than willing to be an advocate for me at the hospital.  I could not imagine having to do all of this by myself if I were in the JET program or teaching at another school.  I am truly blessed to be working at MeySen and to have the kind of amazing support that I have.  My supervisors have also been very understanding when my injuries have limited me.  I am so glad that God put us here!