Apparently there were more things they found out the last time I was at the hospital besides all the pre-ulcers in my stomach. I have two different serious problems. I have severe gastritis, which means the entire first layer of lining in my stomach is gone. It's completely eroded away. That's why the pain is so bad. There's naturally acid in everyone's stomach but apparently my stomach doesn't know what to do with it. It makes it extremely difficult to eat (most days I eat only once or twice) and if I don't eat, apparently the acid does more damage. (A very frustrating dilemma when it comes to eating..)

As if that couldn't be enough, there's more. She also said that I won't be feeling "back to normal" (not that I remember what that is) for at least six months and that I won't really be feeling better for at least six weeks. To top it off, we talked also about my leaving the country any time soon. I explained to her how "on the go" I would be once I got back and she explained her fears about that. She said obviously I had to make my own decision but that she doesn't feel I'm well enough to go back yet. Especially since at this point, we're still in the process of figuring out what meds work enough to get me through the day. She's afraid such a schedule and crazy African food might jump start this whole process all over again. And then of course she wouldn't be able to help me, and really, neither would the African doctors (from what I've seen). I have another appt in four weeks, to see how I'm doing.