Chicken Pox Dilemma

As I have said on my timeline my Varicella titer came back "Equivocal" meaning I'm neither positive or negative for chicken pox antibodies. This is just a bit annoying that they have this category, but I understand. After a flurry of e-mails to the pre service nurses I was able to determine that if my doctor states I have had the disease before (Yay chicken pox parties*) and I get a booster shot I will be fine.

The pre service nurses must absolutely hate me by now. Over the past 14 days I have sent and received a total of 16 e-mails with various (and repetitive I'm sure) questions about clarification on every minutiae detail. To their credit they are always very helpful and have great answers.

For anyone going though the peace corps application process I have a few words of wisdom:

1. If you think its easy, think again.
2. Each step from the initial application to the medical (and I'm sure right up to completion of service) gets more and more difficult. That said the rewards are also important to note. I know more about my medical status than I think I ever would have (though it has cost me about 2 quarts of blood, and 60 hours of my life. . . I'm not even kidding).
3. I think these steps are here for more than one reason. If you really want to be part of the Peace Corps you will find a way to complete this time/money/bodily fluid consuming process, if not...well it's probably good you stopped here.
4. While you are going through getting your exams do not, I repeat, do not be afraid to ask the nurses questions. They are there to help you through this and its better to catch mistakes now than after you mail out your packet. You already have to wait, no one wants to wait even longer.
5. Finally, while I filled out my initial application, everything, and I mean everything, I checked 'yes' for, they sent me additional forms to fill out to explain. And no, they don't reimburse for these extra services. That said, this accurate information is essential. They need this information for reference should anything go wrong overseas. Just be honest and try to prepare yourself and your doctors for the eventual incoming forms.

I'm excited and anxious for the stages to come. They wont even look at my legal status until my medical clears which wont be for 1-6 months after they receive my complete medical packet. Remember not only is patience a virtue, its a volunteers pre-requisite. 

*I in no way shape or form advocate chicken pox parties in today's day and age. They are a very dangerous alternative when vaccines are available. Vaccines are there for a reason and save lives.