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November 30, 2005

The Dutch Medical System

Today we're going to learn about the one area of Dutch culture we wanted to avoid knowing about, the medical system. Britta has an appointment with a Dutch doctor at 3pm (15.00). About two days ago Britta started coughing at night. When she coughs she can't sleep and that means Andy and I aren't sleeping either. We've resorted to taking shifts on the couch so we can hold her upright so she can sleep. Last night she seemed to have trouble breathing in before she coughed. I'm really hoping this isn't what I think it is: asthma.

Yesterday I shopped around for cough medicine and children's Tylenol. The drug store had never heard of Tylenol. I was surprised. No Starbucks and no Tylenol. What a strange country! The drug store worker asked me if I'd prefer to give her medicine in the suppository form. We told her no, the medicine goes down fairly easy for Britta. But that was in reference to American medicine that tastes so good the kids beg for it. This medicine doesn't have childproof caps on it because they don't need it, the medicine tastes terrible.

The doctor system here is interesting. Everyone has their local doctor that should be within walking distance. The doctors are in a residential building on the ground floor and is called "Huis Arts." This sounds like a nice way to go to the doctor but in reality I've heard they don't want to see you unless you're ridiculously sick.

I'm going to try to get the flu shot for Britta too. The American pediatrician mom I met here told me I'll need to get a prescription, pick up the shots from the pharmacist and then return to the doctor for the injection. Since Britta didn't get a flu shot last year she'll need to have two this year which means I'll have to carry the ohter vaccination with me back home.

Posted by jana at November 30, 2005 2:48 AM

Comments

Posted by: Michael McDaniel at November 30, 2005 3:39 PM