Location: Los Alcázares, Murcia, Spain
Summary: A week of slow healing, daily dressing changes, unexpected power cuts, insurance battles, kind neighbours and the comfort of being back in my own home, where recovery finally began to feel possible.
Friday, November 12th
Back home, better food, and a quiet salute to a friend
I woke feeling better than I had in days. It’s amazing how simply being in your own home lifts you. Breakfast was porridge with banana and blueberries, absolutely fantastic after days of cold tostada in the hospital. It’s funny how your taste seems to return as you start to feel better.
I went to the doctor’s surgery to have my dressing changed. The nurse told me to return on Monday for the next one. Back home, I raised my mug of chamomile tea in honour of my good friend Paul Hooper, whose funeral was today. My thoughts were with his family.
In the evening I watched England beat Albania 5-0, all but securing their place in the World Cup Finals.
Saturday, November 13th
A power cut, an expensive fuse, and a tiring shopping trip
I woke and made porridge, but halfway through eating it the power went out. It happens occasionally, so I checked with my neighbours, Christine and Liz still had electricity.
I tried contacting Nordic, my supplier, only to discover they’re closed at weekends. Iberdrola handles outages, but they don’t speak English, so Liz helped me call. They said they couldn’t communicate with my meter and would send an engineer.
He arrived quickly but was maskless, scruffy, arrogant and rude to Liz. He eventually reached the meter, which I can’t access, and found a blown fuse. Because it was after the meter, I had to pay 72.50€ for the repair. A steep price for a fuse, but at least the power was back.
Liz then took me to Mercadona for groceries. It was nice to get out, but by the time I got home I was exhausted and sore.
Sunday, November 14th
A full day of rest
After yesterday’s excitement, today was spent entirely in bed watching television. My only exercise was walking to the kitchen or bathroom.
Monday, November 15th
A gentle day, a kind nurse, and a 10,0 England win
I felt a bit better after resting all day yesterday. Healing will take longer than I hoped, and I need to adjust to a slower pace.
At the doctor’s surgery, a very young and very pretty nurse changed my dressing. The gentle way she cleaned the wound would have made any man feel better. I booked another appointment for Wednesday.
In the evening I watched England beat San Marino 10-0 to qualify for the World Cup Finals.
Tuesday, November 16th
Furniture plans and an insurance shock
I could finally get out of bed without too much pain, so I decided I could return to my own bed instead of the higher spare bed. I called Bob to arrange for him to move the furniture back tomorrow.
Later, my translator called, the hospital had contacted her to say my insurance had refused to pay for my stay. She forwarded me the bill, and I forwarded it to ASSSA with a complaint.
Wednesday, November 17th
Dressing changes, furniture moved, and insurance relief
After breakfast I walked to the doctor’s surgery in the rain, it eased off just enough for me to avoid getting soaked. A different nurse cleaned and redressed the wound and told me to return tomorrow.
Not long after I got home, Bob and Connie arrived to move the spare bed back to the spare room and return the sofa to its rightful place. Bob looked very smart in his black Arsenal crescent T shirt. Thank you both for your help.
Later I received a message from ASSSA confirming that I am covered for my hospital stay, I have the highest level of cover. They will contact the hospital and sort the bill. I spent the rest of the day watching films and resting before sleeping in my own bed for the first time in weeks.
Thursday, November 18th
A good night’s sleep, a short walk, and a return to normality
I slept really well and felt better than I have in a while. I’m still sore, but improving. Being back in my own bed and having the apartment returned to normal makes a huge difference.
I walked to the doctor’s surgery, only a short walk, but it felt good. The nurse cleaned and dressed the wound again and told me to return tomorrow.
On the way back, I stopped at Liz’s for a cup of tea and a chat, which perked me up. The rest of the day was spent catching up on website work that had been on hold while I was in hospital. It felt good to be doing something normal again.
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