Would you do it again?

I have had a year and a half of gut issues that probably originated when I lived in Nepal. The lack of diagnosis makes the invasive medical tests difficult medicine to swallow, but we know what the problem isn't. It isn't celiac, but if I avoid wheat I feel mostly normal. It isn't a giardia infection. I'm hoping it's not lactose or sugar replacements intolerance, but I'm humoring the GI doc and cutting them out for now, too.

This evening I was discussing said gut issues with my boyfriend who has been with me through the invasive diagnostics but didn't know me prior to January (yes, a little awkward to discuss one's bowels with a new partner, but now I know he's a keeper, right?) He commented that, though he admires the spirit with which I undertook my international volunteer work, he doesn't think he'd ever do such a thing given my and another friend's experience with gut issues after living abroad.

Then he asked if I'd do it again.

And I would, even knowing that I may come home with a completely different gut than when I left, which would preclude me eating staple foods - no pasta for a runner? Blasphemy! - participating in social events - no beer for me - and refreshing my breath after a meal of garlic - well, I am hoping to be able to chew gum again...

I try not to regret decisions I've made or experiences I've had, and this one is no different, even given how many changes I've had to make to my life as a result. If we are afforded experiences that change us forever for the good, then we have to also accept the experiences that change us forever for the bad.


Photos from the last (for now) Durango Snowdown Hash