Day 18.          Friday 16th June 2017.       Mileage:        0000   Total:  590

From:             Clinique Francois Chenieux Limoges.     To:   Les Buis

Weather:       Sunny.

It would seem Jackie is getting better rations than I. My 'petit dejeunez' consisted of what I believe was a typical French breakfast. Black coffee, bread roll, small individual pot of jam and butter. The roll I dipped into the coffee as the locals do. Some might say I’ve gone native. Jackie’s in comparison was a feast. We are still uncertain whether we will be charged for hers as well.

The efficacy of the staff and the systems here are phenomenal. Everyone seems to know I’m being discharged today. Papers detailing my blood results, which I asked Dr Sodji for last night arrived with my own meds which we brought in. There was also an appointment for mid-July to return for a check-up. This entailed me visiting the nurses station and between four nurses and myself we managed to alter it to ten days time. Paperwork suggests that a nurse will visit me for the next seven days at Angie’s to give injections. The cannula has been removed and the four sticky plasters over the abdomen removed. I’ve had ten staples over four incisions. Jackie quipped “I had twenty-five or more when I had my new hip replacement.”

Through the miracle that is white man’s magic we were able to video conference with Tracey this morning on Whats App. They are away to their caravan in Cornwall later this afternoon.

A few of the nurses had called in to say ‘á bientot’. We are uncertain whether we are victualed in for lunch or not. It would be just like it if Angie and Tom arrive just as were tucking in!

No sooner than my lunch arrived than did Angie

I picked up traps and said farewell to those staff members on duty thanking them for their kindness and patience. It was now down to reception to check out and pay the final bill for the hospital stay. This came to E180 for the room plus Jackie E20. Consultation and anaesthetist fees E56. That seemed to be it. The operation, as it was an emergency was covered by the EHIC card. They will bill the NHS.

NB. Friends please ensure you have a current EHIC card and insurance. It is also helpful if you have your blood group listed within your passport as well as your Nat Ins number. It speeds things up considerably. The only real shock was when I entered the pharmacy  at Nantiat, the small town next to Le Buis to collect the meds I would need next week for nursie, injections, bandages, ointments and a back brace. This came to E186. Strewth. Still.

 

 

Safe at home in Le Buis having a 'cuppa'

We were home in a few more moments after leaving Nantiat sat in Tom's Tea Tent having a 'cuppa'.