Michelle F. Posted November 17, 2009 Report Share Posted November 17, 2009 I am scheduled to go to Tanzania, Africa from 12/3 to 12/28. I have known for a few months, but I have not been vaccinated because I wanted to be sure I felt up to the trip first. I think I can do it, so I need to move forward with my plans...which include vaccinations. The Yellow Fever Vaccination (YFV) is required for re-entry into the U.S., unless you have a medical waiver. I don't know if I should have it or not. I don't know how to find a doctor who can reliably tell me I should not...if that's the case. I have a new neurologist who has run MANY tests, but I won't have those results until next week. From them, I do know that I have carpal tunnel and the eeg showed some slowing on the left side of my brain. I am 43 years old. Anyway, if I have the YFV, I need to have it at least 10 days before possible exposure. I see the doctor for test results on the 10th day before my departure. One of the conditions the neuro is ruling out is Myasthenia Gravis. This is one of three conditions specifically mentioned for not having the vaccine if you have it. I called the neuro and the nurse said he said that I should be able to take it. I just don't feel I have enough information yet to make an informed decision. I don't know if the benefits outweigh the risks for me. I don't know how to pursue a waiver if I need it, either.Any advice, information or input?? Anyone?Thank you!Michelle F. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MomtoGiuliana Posted November 17, 2009 Report Share Posted November 17, 2009 1st of all very exciting that you are going on this trip! What will you be doing there? I lived in Botswana for 2 yrs and travelled all over southern Africa. A place that is still very much in my heart.I am not sure I have any advice for you--sounds like you need to talk to a dr about the risks and benefits--you don't want to get YF either--it's a viral hemorrhagic fever which can cause liver damage and other serious complications. I had the YF shot in 1990. I remember it made me pretty sick for about 24 hrs (upset stomach, fever, chills, etc.). But I didn't have any other problems.B/c you will be there in the beginning of the rainy season it is probably especially important to be protected. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Michelle F. Posted November 17, 2009 Author Report Share Posted November 17, 2009 Thank you for your response. I will be in Arusha, Tanzania and surrounding areas on a mission trip with my family. Three of my family members went in May and now they are taking us all back. It is now in their hearts, too. Any and all information is greatly appreciated!Michelle Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
juliegee Posted November 17, 2009 Report Share Posted November 17, 2009 My husband has begun flying to Africa, south and central recently. Very interesting- I can't wait to go. He had the yellow fever vaccination back when he was a military pilot and he became VERY ill with what looked like the yellow fever. He got a high fever and was incoherent for a few days. I suspect that he may have some autonomic abnormalities (Mack gets it from both sides!) Bruce had a history of fainting when he was younger, extreme fatigue when younger, and very loose joints still. I suspect the batch he was given (by the US government!) was bad as many of his fellow pilots also became very sick. No lasting ill effects.You have a tough decision to make. I'd do it with your PCP at least. I think it's best to have your neuro results and be a day or two behind in coverage (if that's possible) rather than blindly getting the vaccination. Best of luck & bon voyage!Julie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Michelle F. Posted November 17, 2009 Author Report Share Posted November 17, 2009 Thanks, Julie. I am so up and down with this decision! Your advice to delay until all the tests are in is a good one. I can see me giving that advice to someone else, but common sense is sometimes hard to use with myself when I am right in the middle of it. Thank you. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MomtoGiuliana Posted November 17, 2009 Report Share Posted November 17, 2009 I was also vaccinated through a govt program (Peace Corps, it was once I had arrived in Africa). I read that 20% of people vaccinated get sick. And it was probably about 10 of us out a group of 50 volunteers who were pretty sick for 24-48 hrs. You probably want to plan for being potentially out of commission for a day or two after the shot, if you do get it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ramakentesh Posted November 17, 2009 Report Share Posted November 17, 2009 Ive been vaccinated for yellow fever and typhoid and taken meds for malaria all with POTS without any problems. The alternative would be worse (IE catching one of these guys).More importantly, watch the airflight. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sue1234 Posted November 18, 2009 Report Share Posted November 18, 2009 Yep, I grew up around the world as my dad was in the Air Force. Our family jokes that we grew up with so many vaccinations against things never seen in the U.S., that that's why we never get sick! Of course, I'm the lucky one to get POTS--I would rather get my average number of colds per year instead! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Michelle F. Posted November 25, 2009 Author Report Share Posted November 25, 2009 Thanks so much for everyone's input. I waited until I met with my new neuro yesterday and he gave me the all clear. So, today, I had the vaccines. So, I guess it looks like I really may be sailing bon voyage for most of December. Michelle Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ramakentesh Posted November 25, 2009 Report Share Posted November 25, 2009 Yep, I grew up around the world as my dad was in the Air Force. Our family jokes that we grew up with so many vaccinations against things never seen in the U.S., that that's why we never get sick! Of course, I'm the lucky one to get POTS--I would rather get my average number of colds per year instead!Yeah I wish I could make some kind of deal with my body - ok you can catch x amounts of colds a year or two migraines a week if I can swap that for POTS. LOL Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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