Australia really is an expensive place to live - Looking after my health!

If I'm honest, it's been quite a debilitating week. I had a visit from the big boss in Sydney this week, so have been busy making sure everything was in tip-top condition. I have a wonderful team at work, so I had no reason to worry - the place was looking fantastic. As a business, we passed with flying colours, and I was delighted to accept the praise we were given on behalf of the shop. It goes without saying, how pleased I was with the outcome, and it makes all the hard work I have put in worth it. I have worked long hours since I arrived in Australia and finally my dedication and commitment is paying dividends.

On top of my busy week, I have also been suffering somewhat. Last Monday, I went to the Doctors about a few health issues I currently have. The one good thing about the health system in Australia, is I can pick and choose the Doctor I want to see. Paying to see a GP does have its advantages; it may well cost me $120 a time to see one, but I was able to see a Doctor on the same day I booked the appointment, and as an added bonus, the GP I chose, specialises in men's health; fortunately, I was able to see him, without any difficulty. Unlike the UK, I was allotted a half an hour appointment and was able to explain the various symptoms I have been experiencing, in an understanding and unhurried environment.

As a person, I have always been prone to cysts, they are literally all over my body. These tiny lumps and bumps come and go, and many of them have been with me for years. Since losing weight, I have also become more body aware, and if I get a new lump, I notice it straight away. I also know what a cyst feels like and if I need to see a professional.

Over the last few months, I have started to get some strange lumps on my head, particularly on the crown. I have done everything to get rid of them, but they just will not go. Last week, they had got so big that I just had to go to the surgery. Obviously, living in Australia is a concern, because of the possibility of skin cancer. Having had a skin check done recently and given the all clear, I wasn't unduly worried, but nevertheless, I could not continue walking around with an open sore on my head - a trip to the clinic was most certainly in order.

The new Doctor took one look at the lump and instantly knew what it was. According to him, I had a streptococcus infection, that usually lies dormant in the body, but sometimes, on occasion, comes out in skin infections, similar to acne. Now, I have never had acne in my life, but I can definitely vouch for how bloody painful it is.

In truth, I have no idea what Streptococcus is, but he briefly told me it was MRSA, the super bug that was all over the news in recent times, infecting hospitals in the UK. Suitably alarmed, I asked him what could be done about it. He has put me on a course of antibiotics for four weeks and prescribed a medicated head wash and antibiotic nose ointment. I literally came out of the pharmacy loaded with drugs and at a cost of $80, it wasn't cheap.

On top of the medication, I have also bought zinc tablets to help boost my immune system as well as some extra strong probiotic tablets, for the duration I am on medication. All in all, I am out of pocket by over $300 - it isn't cheap to be ill here, but hopefully it won't be too long, before the strep infection is cleared up.

Today we have been out and about shopping and having lunch, even though I am feeling decidedly under the weather. I have never liked antibiotics, and they really are playing havoc with my system, so tomorrow I will just be taking it easy before my dentist appointment on Monday, and yet more money to pay out!

Australia really is an expensive place to live, but for now at least, it is home!

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