Three weeks after my surgery, I was back in Puerto Vallarta to have my sutures removed.
Lou and Wynn drove me up in their truck on Wednesday night. Mine was still awaiting the arrival of its replacement window.
We had a good night in Puerto Vallarta. Pleasant hotel room. My first good steak in Mexico. A relaxing night of reading.
In the morning, Lou drove me over to the hospital. I forgot my book, so he was off to retrieve it from the truck. The only reason I wanted it is that I am accustomed to waiting in American medical offices -- even if I have an appointment. It took him maybe two minutes to do that.
When he returned, I was gone. The doctor was at the reception desk when I arrived and took me into the emergency room where he removed my splint, examined my foot. And SNIP SNIP SNIP my stitches were out.
Well, it was a little more painful than that. But no worse than slight wasp stings as the sutures were removed.
My doctor's prognosis is that I should walk on crutches for the next five weeks, putting no weight on my right foot. During the next four weeks, I can put some weight on the right foot, but walk with crutches. Twelve weeks from surgery, I should be able to walk carefully on it. The screws and pins will remain in my leg unless I want them removed in about a year.
I certainly hope that will be the case. I have not had any serious pain in my ankle. But when my doctor unwrapped the bandage around my foot, I could feel quite a bit of pain in the ankle.
But here is the best part. For the examination, the suture removal, and the consultation, my bill was $130.34 (MX). Just over $10 (US).
I am preparing myself for the larger bills when I get to Oregon.
Lou and Wynn drove me up in their truck on Wednesday night. Mine was still awaiting the arrival of its replacement window.
We had a good night in Puerto Vallarta. Pleasant hotel room. My first good steak in Mexico. A relaxing night of reading.
In the morning, Lou drove me over to the hospital. I forgot my book, so he was off to retrieve it from the truck. The only reason I wanted it is that I am accustomed to waiting in American medical offices -- even if I have an appointment. It took him maybe two minutes to do that.
When he returned, I was gone. The doctor was at the reception desk when I arrived and took me into the emergency room where he removed my splint, examined my foot. And SNIP SNIP SNIP my stitches were out.
Well, it was a little more painful than that. But no worse than slight wasp stings as the sutures were removed.
My doctor's prognosis is that I should walk on crutches for the next five weeks, putting no weight on my right foot. During the next four weeks, I can put some weight on the right foot, but walk with crutches. Twelve weeks from surgery, I should be able to walk carefully on it. The screws and pins will remain in my leg unless I want them removed in about a year.
I certainly hope that will be the case. I have not had any serious pain in my ankle. But when my doctor unwrapped the bandage around my foot, I could feel quite a bit of pain in the ankle.
But here is the best part. For the examination, the suture removal, and the consultation, my bill was $130.34 (MX). Just over $10 (US).
I am preparing myself for the larger bills when I get to Oregon.
