Day 61 Doctor

Tropical staphylococcus
Polynesian Yacht Services (PYS) helped me make an appointment with an English speaking doctor at Clinique Paofai in Papeete to look at the sore on my leg. Since Mark and Kurt had seen a doctor in Nuka Hiva for a similar malady, I pretty much knew what to expect even though I won the prize for the largest infection.
PYS seems to have connections everywhere so I called Taxi Emily and was delighted to meet a 50-something Polynesian woman who had lived in the U.S. for 12 years (Palo Verde, Alabama and Massachusetts) and besides speaking perfect English, she knew every detail of Papeete including Clinique Paofai.
Dr. Bournes was very knowledgeable about tropical staphylococcus - treating several cases a day. He explained that once the infection starts, it becomes systemic and further infections will follow unless treated with a 5 day regimen of penicillin. During that time, the wounds must be cleaned out and covered with an antibiotic cream and then they must dry out - so no going into the gorgeous water for a while (bummer). Apparently my scuba diving in Rangiroa did not do my healing any favor.
Like the hospital at Nuka Hiva, the doctor took 15 minutes but waiting to have the wounds redressed took an hour. The pharmacy took another half hour and I was ready to find a bank since by then I was out of cash. (Doctor $55, medicine $37, cure - priceless).
Traveler’s checks may be valid everywhere but they are certainly not the fastest way to get money. One hour later, I had $200 in CFP.
By then the morning had passed and I found the “Le Truck” stop to take me South to Marina Taina. If there was ever a missed photo opportunity, this was it. On the bleacher bench on my side of Le Truck there were six people. On the other side there were eight. The two men on either side of me were at least twice as wide as I am. This would definitely have made a great picture.
We spent the rest of day boat cleaning and ended the day sharing dinner with Paul and Lee Ellen from Gato Go.