13 August 2013, Tuesday
The day of my orthopedic surgeon appointment has finally arrived. O and I are up early and on the road by 7 am. We make good time driving past scenic Atlantic views towards Sydney, such good time in fact that we stop for breakfast at the Clucking Hen where we read a sign with the following quote:
“I dream of a better world where chickens can cross the road without having their motives questioned.”
We have a simple and delicious breakfast of eggs, hash browns, porridge toast and jam – with coffee of course. We arrive in Sydney by 10 am, stopping at Dr. Collicutt’s office first, as instructed, to pay our bill and are then directed to the ortho clinic at the Sydney Regional Hospital across the street. We are sent directly to the clinic and advised not to register with the hospital. The “boys” in the clinic (two very friendly men) have been warned we are coming. “Oh, so you’re the American,” said in a gently kidding voice suggesting we are nothing but trouble. They ask where we are from and, when told home is Pennsylvania, ask if we know who Sid Crosby is. O and I look at each other confused. Now aware of our ignorance, the men tell us we’ll have to go. It turns out Crosby is a native Nova Scotian and captain of the Penguins ice hockey team. When we explain that Philadelphia is over 300 miles from Pittsburgh we are excused for our ignorance.
When Dr, Collicutt finishes with the patient before me, we are shown into his tiny office. He takes a brief history and sends me off for an x-ray. Once at x-ray we again pay our bill in advance and are then shown to a crowded waiting area. People are generally in good humor, and within a half hour I am taken to the x-ray room. At this hospital they are taking digital x-rays, unlike Saint John Regional in New Brunswick where they are still using film.
O and I are guided through the hallways back to Dr. Collicutt and the ortho clinic. From here I am sent to the general clinic waiting area where we wait for about an hour and a half. I comment to O that I think I am doing penance for all the patients I have kept waiting over the years. “And just how much penance do you think you have to do?” he asks.
Eventually we are called back to Dr. Collicutt’s office. He takes some notes and looks at my x-ray on his computer. He asks if I’ve been weight-bearing. “No,” I answer. He explains that this is “an inherently stable fracture.” He would have had me weight bearing already. He inquires as to our travel plans. I explain we are catching a ferry to Newfoundland next Tuesday. The doctor gives me a choice. I can have the cast removed today – but no weight-bearing until next week, or I can begin weight-bearing in the cast and return next Monday to have the cast off. At that point “I’m done” – no boot needed and no follow-up appointment needed. I choose the latter option. The “boys” will see me to “pop the cast off” next Monday morning, and Dr. Collicutt will see me for a brief check at his office across the street right afterwards. I am quite pleased with this option and hobble out of the hospital, putting weight on my left foot. My left knee is fairly wobbly after 4 weeks of no work.
We drive back to Broad Cove, taking the Englishtown Ferry route on the way back. The ferry crosses a very narrow spot on St. Anns Bay and runs continually during the day. The actual crossing takes about 5 minutes and costs $7. It’s fun to do at least once. The road going around St. Anns Bay and Harbour is longer to drive, but the time taken is about the same either way.
At camp we are getting out supper ingredients when our Delaware friends come over once again. Phil is in need of some first aid. With O and Carolyn assisting, the problem is resolved. Our camp neighbor from Quebec is watching the proceedings with interest. He asks if this is part of “Obamacare.” We all laugh. After dinner Carolyn, Phil, O and I sit down for a chat over a dessert of Aucoin blueberry loaf that Phil and Carolyn bought on today’s drive. Soon it’s time for bed again. Phil and Carolyn will have to be up early tomorrow to catch the Newfoundland ferry.