My Most Traumatic Travel Story [Podcast Ep. 19]
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Listen to This Podcast Episode About My Most Traumatic Travel Story
In this Episode…
One of my most requested travel stories about when I had to get an earring surgically removed in Vietnam.
Timestamps
- 1:00 – Traveling to Vietnam
- 2:32 – Backstory for My Ear
- 3:07 – Scuba Diving in Hoi An
- 5:43 – That’s Not How My Ear Should Look, Right?
- 7:45 – Finding a Hospital in Ho Chi Minh
- 11:45 – Remove the Earring…But Make It Traumatic
- 16:55 – Post-Op Terror in Cambodia
- 20:43 – Tarantulas and Suture Removals
- 23:19 – Could This Have Been Handled Better?
Warning! I will be showing pictures of my gross ear. If you are squeamish or don’t like medical pictures, I would suggest going to a different episode.
Read The Full Story
Watch the YouTube Video
Overview of My Most Traumatic Travel Story (Episode 19)
Ever had a picture-perfect vacation turn into a complete disaster?
While my trip to Vietnam brought many tales of adventure, it also brought something else too…
It turned into a harrowing tale of resilience, medical nightmares, and unexpected adventures.
This episode of Tick It Before You Kick It takes you through every twist and turn of my unforgettable journey.
Scuba Diving in Hoi An
My adventure begins in Hoi An, a city known for its beautiful lanterns and skilled seamstresses.
After enjoying the local culture and getting a custom coat made, I decided to go scuba diving. I am a mermaid, after all.
This was supposed to be a highlight of my trip, given my long-standing love for diving.
However, a mishap during the dive dislodged my still-healing helix piercing. Blissfully unaware, I continued with my dive.
Getting Lost While Drift Diving
Getting lost and separated from your dive group and buddy is anything but ideal.
While making friends with a clown fish, I was separated from everybody, causing me to emergency surface and blow up my “rescue sausage”.
During my involuntary float, I was eaten alive by sea lice.
However, I drowned my woes in mouthwatering Vietnamese food and idyllic beaches!
I Don’t Think That’s How My Ear Should Look…
The real trouble began when my ear started to become inflamed as I became desperate to find medical attention.
From communal hospital rooms to power outages, the episode sheds light on the challenges and unpredictability of seeking medical help abroad.
I was then told that I would have to be hospitalized with antibiotics in Vietnam.
Reluctantly, I refused medical care.
The infection worsened, and I found myself in another Vietnamese hospital where an x-ray revealed that the back of my earring had been absorbed into my ear.
Surgery to Remove the Earring
Faced with the horrifying prospect of losing part of my ear, I consented to surgery.
The procedure was a 45-minute ordeal performed without anesthesia. I was pinned down, in excruciating pain, and left traumatized by the experience.
Throughout this ordeal, I was fortunate to have the support of my travel companions and a helpful Vietnamese guide.
Their assistance was invaluable, and their kindness made a difficult situation a little more bearable.
Despite the medical drama, I continued my travels.
Post Op in Cambodia
But the nightmare didn’t end there. I had to hunt for antibiotics in a dubious area and continue my journey to Cambodia with a heavily bandaged head.
When I had to get the bandage removed. The doctor had used regular gauze instead of non-stick gauze, which meant that the bandage had adhered to my wound.
It took an hour to cut the gauze out of the wound, an experience that was both physically painful and emotionally draining. Yet, I pushed through, determined to make the most of my trip.
Adventuring Gone Wrong
In Cambodia, the adventure took another turn when I had to get my sutures removed. The hospital didn’t have sterile tools, so a nurse had to bike to the next village to get them.
During this time, I even tried a local delicacy—a tarantula. While not my favorite culinary experience, it added another layer to my travel story.
Adventure Doesn’t Always go According to Plan
The episode concludes with some lighthearted anecdotes and hard-learned lessons. I emphasize the importance of being prepared for medical emergencies while traveling and share tips on how to stay safe.
Despite the traumatic experience, I found humor and resilience, which helped me navigate through the chaos.
In the end, my Vietnam adventure taught me that travel isn’t always about picture-perfect moments.
Sometimes, it’s about pushing through the pain, finding humor in difficult situations, and learning valuable lessons along the way.
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