Bicycles, Canals and Food Poisoning

Well, what an interesting 10-hours or so it's been here in Amsterdam. Started with an upset stomach at around 7pm local time and then escalated into full-blown food poisoning. Worst I've ever had too, and that includes a bout with it in San Francisco that left me in the care of the hotel doctor, full of antibiotics and meds.

While Amsterdam has a lot of great things, one thing they are sorely lacking is a good 911 system. When one calls it, after having passed out from low blood pressure, they find you a nearby doctor to go to. That is NOT what I want. Taking a cab to a clinic when I can't stand up? Priceless.

But off to the clinic I went, where they didn't give me antibiotics, didn't have any anti-nausea drugs on hand, didn't give me fluids and mentioned that it was 11pm, and they were closing so... you don't have to vomit and poop at home, but you can't do it here.

Another cab ride back to the hotel, more moaning and laying on the cold tile floor of the bathroom. Abby's a frigging saint, running around to get me stuff, dress me, undress me, put me in bed, help me off the floor, and so on. We exchanged a few "this clinic sucks" looks as I lay under my coat on the exam table with my teeth chattering, while I was told I didn't have a fever, and that it was impossible for someone of my build to have been dehydrated enough to pass out.

Course I was, and I did.

The pregnant doctor was nice enough to shake my hand and say "good luck" while I left (not nice enough to have washed her hands anywhere). Now my body clock is off from so many hours being in a semi-conscious state, so I'm writing in the bathroom, trying not to wake up Abby.

Not exactly how I expected the vacation to go. Now I'm starving and thirsty and trying to hold out till sunrise to go get some crackers or something somewhere.

Comments

[DW]

AmsterDAMN!

Ironic you should post your bout of tourista story before you left. I am so, so sorry this happened to you. Can we Fedex you anything of comfort?

When my friend was in Holland at PT school, she always told me that if you were hungry or got sick at 9:00 at night on a Sunday, you were SCREWED.

Please let us know when you're feeling better...

[jenni]

Yes, let's Fedex a care package. What do you want?!
That really sucks- are you able to pinpoint what you ate that got you sick?
I hope you feel better David!! Send the hotel address so we can hook you up and be well.

Anti-nausea drugs? Um, couldn't someone have run down to the local "drug" store and picked you up a little wacky tobaccy?

[jess]

ICK! poor david. you didn't eat the tulips did you? 'cause moses does that and it sure makes HER sick.

anyway, i'm glad you seem to be in stable condition now - hope you're up and at 'em again soon enough to enjoy the rest of your trip :\

[Jonnywhoops]

That story reminds me of this time when I was biking through France with a friend of mine, and we were staying at this little hotel in Blois. I was so sick I fainted on the floor in the middle of the night. Said friend STEPPED OVER ME on the way to his bed without stopping to help. SO SORRY to have gotten in your way, sir...

(Feel better)

[David Schloss]

Jon, get your story straight already....

I stepped over you on the way TO the bathroom, not TO my bed. Sheesh.

[Jenni]

That's love man.