Health Care Rocks in France

I just watched "Sicko" the other day, so the awesomeness of French health care has been at the forefront of my mind. Granted, the carpeting/paint job/aesthetics of the offices and hospitals here leave something to be desired, but overall the health care system here is pretty kickass.

As you know, yesterday Mateo got his vaccines. He was unhappy, and today he was even more so. I did lots and lots of breastfeeding because he was very fussy at the boob. In the end, I spent a long time feeding him but I don't think he was eating all that much. Mainly, I think he needed the normal amount of food but an extra amount of sleep, and because he is such a catnapper, this was rather exceptional.

At 14:30, he was deep in a full-scale nap, and I thought I might indulge as well. I had been feeling super tired all day, and plus I had a major headache because I have gone back to clenching my teeth at night (not good). We went to bed together and I didn't fall asleep for another hour or so, my headache was getting in the way.

By the time I woke up at 17:00, I was feverish and weak, so I took my temp. 37,6�C. Not terrible, but not good either. I started feeling progressively worse, and opted to take my temp again. 38�C. Then 38.1�C. Definetly not a good sign. I am almost never sick like this, and it really seemed to have come out of the blue.

As I am the sole caregiver of the little dude, I really didn't want to risk geting any sicker. I looked up the number for SOS Medicins -- a service in France where the doctors come to your house. My left breast was hurting me and I was concerned I might have the early symptoms of Mastitis. When I read on a website that a breastfeeding mother who feels like she has the flu most likely has Mastitis, I decided to call.

The doctor showed up about ten minutes later, and 40 euros after that I had my diagnosis: I was right.

I am so glad I didn't wait, but I am also so glad France has SOS Medicins. I couldn't imagine myself navigating the subway with the baby in order to get to a hospital; I can hardly hold him up right now. Honestly, I think I would have waited until tomorrow or the next day, suffering through the illness telling myself it would pass. It's also a good thing I had read about Aimee's experience with Mastitis, because I had it somewhat in the back of my mind all along.

The Boy is coming over tonight and I am going to make him be my slave until Mateo goes down for the night -- pick up prescription, dinner, etc. I should be feeling better in about 48 hours, according to the doctor -- Mateo has been super sweet and not all that demanding since he woke up from his nap, so maybe he senses something. I hope it lasts, at least until I get some strength back in my arms.