Here's the health update:
No malaria - or any other abnormalities that would easily explain my symptoms. However, on consultation with a specialist in infectious diseases I have been deemed "interesting" so I have to go see them next week. And have an echocardiogram the week after. Until then I'm supposed to rest.
The doctors are obsessed with the idea that this is linked to my field season - I think they might need to get over that, but hey, what the hell do I know?

It's been a while since I posted. I've been very busy. And lately I've also been very sick. Sick enough to finally drag myself over to see a doctor. And based on my symptoms and recent travel they think I have malaria. (Stop laughing.) Seriously - I freaked out the residents and the attending physician over at the hospital. They think I'm very "interesting" - this is never a good sign. I was in a room with a sliding glass door and as the resident who did the primary exam came in and out of the room asking me questions, he left the curtain open a little. A few seconds later about 8 residents sitting at a work station across from my room all suddenly turned to stare at me. I refrained from slapping myself against the glass and going "ooogha-boogha." So, the upshot is lots and lots of blood tests over the course of several days - I think I'm running out of blood (and other, less pleasant tests). I should find out Wednesday if science has a cure for what ails me. Never mind that the travel clinic and every official and unofficial source I consulted before and after my trip said that malaria preventatives (or prophylactics, if you prefer, but I'm not sure how to fit a condom on a mosquito) were unnecessary for travel to Egypt for the areas I was going and season I was there. My advisor has every so reassuringly suggested that it might be "some other tropical disease" - thanks, I needed that extra anxiety, I'm not tired enough.
In addition, I've been sick enough to get seriously behind on my work, which has led me to have to go to my varous professors and ask for extensions because I have a disease that hasn't been common in the US since, oh, the early 19th Century. Maybe I should just tell them I have the vapours.
By the way, feel free to laugh hysterically at the irony of my illness (if it is in fact malaria). I think it's pretty damn funny - almost a weird archaeological badge of honor. Of course, this is before an official diagnosis or treatment. I may not be laughing on Wednesday.