One Broad Abroad: Single in Sarajevo

Ok so it has been two years since this trip happened and I hope to go back!

It all starts with a wondrous 9h bus ride through the mountains from Novi Sad, Serbia to the east bus terminal in Sarajevo, B-H. (You might want to go back to http://themsnicole.blogspot.com/2015/08/single-on-july-day-part-2-exit-festing.html )
I shared a cab ride with a young Australian backpacker on her gap year. She tried to school me on traveling alone, but..hahah...I just let her talk. She was dropped off in front of her hostel and I continued on to the city centre. The cab driver let me out near the walking street. In his limited English, the friendly driver pointed me to the right street and was on his way.  I had the booking.com app at the time so the hotel name and address was with me, but in the business of the night, the Franz Ferdinand Hostel was still a hard one to find.

The first people that I tried to ask were a couple just sitting around. The female was not too interested in providing information (I get that a lot-- could be the single femalehood, could be the Africa-tan, could be the English that is usually associated with Americans--either way I'm used to it). Her male companion did his best, but was ushered away.

I eventually ran into a police man...military... security..whatever. He sent me on my way and I found my hostel tucked away--sort of. It was in the middle of a bustling area. The staff were very friendly and helped in many ways during my stay--which was way too short!

The hostel itself was filled with historic pictures and modern design. I stayed in a four bed room, which did get stuffy at night, but it was safe and clean. There were lockers and the common room had a full kitchen. Each floor was locked and you had a code to get in. Plus there was free wifi! (what places don't have wifi anymore?!!)

Sarajevo is an amazing city with great food (eat  cevapi!!). Bustling night life, great local brews served in great local bars; this is a city geared for young adults. This could mainly be due to the siege in the 90s. I highly recommend taking a history tour. Myself and a women (also a solo female traveler) went on a tour recommended by the hostel. The man that took us around was about 9 months old when the siege began. He took us a tour that began with the ancient movement of cultures to the area. We visited old towns and graves. Then made our way to the tunnels. Also a highly recommended visit. There original tunnels are cut, but a small bit and some tourist extensions remain.

We were also able to meet Abid Jasar- a survivor. He welcomed us into his home and told us about his time moving supplies around while under siege. He had lost a lot and helped very many. To my knowledge, he has past since my visit but you can read more on his facebook site: https://www.facebook.com/abid.jasar?pnref=story. Abid welcomed everyone and just wanted to meet people and share his story. Plus he loved receiving postcards :) 

Overall, Sarajevo was an amazing visit. I had watched it during the 1984 Olympics (relics of which I was able to visit on my trip); I was glued to the TV during the siege and it was always a place I wanted to visit. Next time I will stay longer. Next time I will do the trip to Mostar. Next time will happen!

( no payments have been provided by anyone mentioned--but I'll welcome the money)

Over-misdiag-dosing

So I’m a great supporter of getting STI tests done regularly. It’s preventive medicine in my books….but I am fascinated by how many people are actually afraid to get tested or live in a lala land about their risk factors. In other words convincing people to make testing a part of their medical routine is still a problem. There could be many reasons for this. Embarrassment, shame, fear and myths surrounding STIs are just a few of the simple ones.

I’m going to add to this the judgement of doctors with poorly guided sensibility. Let’s take my recent routine testing experience as an example. It went to my usual walk in clinic (we’ll just refer to it as one of those MCI places)….I go to this place since their hours are usually better than my family doctor’s and  it is the same place I go for my tests so they have a record of my history. Usually my visits are fine and simple. I don’t get the same doctor twice (since I really only go every three months), but my records are there so they are all in the loop.  This time, unfortunately, I had a doctor that I do not think read my chart and, I’m guessing, missed the unit on STI’s during her MD classes. 

I told the nurse that put me in the room that want to get tested…and then had to repeat this to the doctor. Frankly I think that should just be followed with an “ok, here is the reco, go to the lab”….instead this fool…and there really is nothing else to call her….asks me some simple questions and proceeds to tell me that I have chlamydia….hahahahahaha….what?!!! Here is an excerpt of our conversation….none of which would lead me to believe that I had anything more than a yeast infection: 

 “Are you having any symptoms?”  “Well there is some white discharge and a little scent”

“Ok, is it a fishy odour?”  “No, I’ve had Bacti Vag years ago and it does not smell like that”

“Ok it sounds like you have chlamydia and I will have to give you the antibiotics before you leave here today”  “Can I just get tested first, rather than take something I don’t need?”

“well it could lead to bigger issues with your pelvic area. Are you having pelvic pain?” “no”

“you should take the meds anyway”

---idiot----absolute idiot----first of all the discharge was not yellow, there was no blood, no pain during intercourse….if I was having true symptoms of a full on chlamydia infection I’d have one or two of these…at least. 

What is also stupid is that this doctor (and I use the term loosely) didn’t even look at my last report...I was tested clear in October…approx. 3mths prior. I would have had to be exposed right after that test in order to have a symptomatic infection by now. That’s common sense anyone reading a sexual health website could pick up. 

This doctor didn’t even ask if I was having unprotected sex. She did not even pose the question. She asked how many partners I have had since then, but not about condoms…I guess she just assumed I must not wear them……right…….

Suffice it to say, I’m not an idiot and I don’t think people should just be taking antibiotics for fun. I have an understanding of STI transmission and usually just get tested as a precaution.  I knew it was not chlamydia.  It’s doctors like this that are causing strains of STIs that are antibiotic resistant. …bunch of idiots. 

The worst part is that she is leading people to believe that they are ill when they are not. This reduces my trust in our medial system and I’m not sure who else feels the same way, but it is enough to make you not bother getting tested. This ‘doctor’ did not even follow the correct STI checklist before telling me I was ill…………...and all tests came back negative!! 

The moral of the story is: ladies your vagina will go through multiple states of existence throughout the month..from stinky to odourless; dry to gucky mess. The rule of thumb is to get tested with every new partner or possible exposure to risk. Check your fluids regularly and know what your normal is and don’t let some doctor push you into taking antibiotics when all you need is cranberry juice.

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-Here is a little on myths and facts on STIs in Canada: http://sexualhealthontario.ca/myths/

-Chlamydia among young women: A resource for population-specific prevention (Report form the Public Health Agency of Canada) http://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/std-mts/chlamydia-eng.php#a4-1

 

-Toronto Sexual Health Clinics http://www1.toronto.ca/wps/portal/contentonly?vgnextoid=30865e67bbee0410VgnVCM10000071d60f89RCRD (I usually find the hours and lines to be a bit ridiculous, but they are handy if you do not have OHIP)

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