The Waiting Game...is Killing Me

So I haven't posted in about a month and a half and I wish that in that time I would have some exciting news to impart, like being medically cleared or the like, but alas the only that revelation that has come is the unwavering fact that I will not be finding out anything for quite some time. Like months.

After receiving word from the PC that they were concerned with my BMI, which frankly after coming face to face with the number I was too, I complied with their request for the lab results of my blood sugar, cholesterol, and thyroid functions. Fortunately everything came out relatively normal (my LDL is slightly "abnormal" at 112) and I sent in all the info, including my new weight, 12 lbs less than I had originally had on my paperwork. Hoping that since they had already been looking at my file, the PC would quickly come to a decision about my clearance and relieve me of the agony of not knowing if I'm in or not. This has not been the case.

I have learned from the forums at Peace Corps Folks that many people are actually not medically cleared until 2 months before they are slated to leave! Which, of course, means that they don't receive their invitations for another 3-4 weeks! The PC justifies the intense frustration and uncertainty they place on you by claiming that this is all lesson in patience and flexibility that a volunteer must have in order to be successful in their mission. That's all fine and good, but, dammit, I wanna know!!!!! If only for my sanity and the safety of those around me....

Marco Polio

In more medical/dental clearance hold news appearently the PC doesn't pay for Polio boosters like I had hoped that they would. I guess I'm not surprised. But! The good news is that Passport Health will give me the shot for $75, which a hell of a lot better than the $350 that my crock doctor wanted to charge me. And now I'm thinking that I was grossly over charged for my tetnus shot that ran me $50. I also have to either get another MMR shot or be tested to show that I have been immunized for it. Though it sucks to have placement holds put on my application because I am DYING to find out where I'll be sent, it's nice to have some sort of correspondence with the offices. To know that my files are being looked over and that I'm so close to being done with the medical clearance gives me a little peace of mind.