My back’s still giving me trouble. But now the nervy stabby pains are shooting down into my left arm’s elbow (the funny bone) and wrist. I went in search of pharmaceutical aid. Unfortunately, none of the pharmacies (apteka) would sell me muscle relaxant pills without a prescription (although one kind of hinted that he might?). One pharmacist recommended that I go get a doctor to examine me, in case there was something wrong with my spine.
The pharmacist marked down on my map a street that was within walking distance. She said that numerous doctors have their practices there. When I got to the area, I saw a bunch of buildings with medical-sounding signs in Polish. I’m not sure if I ever did find a proper hospital in that area.
Another pharmacist suggested walking up to the hospital on Kopernika street. The day was overcast and cool, but still pleasant, and I worked up a bit of a sweat walking over. The activity also helped loosen up my muscles, although they still gave my nervous system a poke every so often.
The hospital was actually a campus of medical services distributed over many buildings. The signs were again only in Polish, but I was able to guess at some. Nefrologii? Urologia? Nah, probably not.
I finally found signs pointing to an emergency room, but I couldn’t identify the actual entrance. Fortunately, there were a bunch of medical students from America hanging out in front. They confirmed the emergency room, but advised me to try a private clinic on Łazarzas, not that far away. The wait would be much shorter.
I was able to see an orthopedist at the private clinic within fifteen minutes of arrival. The visit cost 100 zł (a little over $30), which I thought was quite reasonable. The English-speaking doctor conducted a brief interview, then checked my spine (no problems) and back (weak and flabby). Nothing so serious that some mild activity and back massages and time won’t fix. Wearing my backpack shouldn’t be a problem, either.
I filled a prescription of 150mg Biprofenid, a stronger painkiller and anti-inflammatory than the ibuprofen I had been using. Luckily, I now know where I can find a bunch of pharmacies.
I’ll see how it goes…
Didn’t I tell you to get a massage?! Again…you don’t listen to your big sister!!! : ) See you in a few weeks!
You’ve been trying to get me to listen to you for my entire life. When will you learn?!
I’ll try it again. I haven’t been getting much sleep – I can’t find any comfortable positions.