Under the knife...
Trip Start
Feb 28, 2006
1
125
Trip End
Aug 20, 2008
Perth, Australia
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
Truth be told, I was very, very nervous - I've never been good with hospitals, and despite giving blood as much as I can when I'm in the UK, I don't particularly enjoy any visit to the doctor or medical premises... I was due to head to the St. John of God Catholic Hospital in Subiaco on the morning of the 15th of August (better not tell them I'm a Rangers fan!) for the procedure - removal of veins from both legs and then several weeks of pain, discomfort and exercise avoidance - fat clothes here I come!
The operation itself seemed to be a success and as I drifted out of the anasthetic, there was a distinct lack of pain - god bless drugs (probably shouldn't blaspheme in a catholic hospital, eh? Heh, heh, heh...)
Back in my room the pain started to hit me a little bit, and with the heavy bandages there was no realy movement of my legs, or awareness on how bed the cuts etc were... At least until I tried to get up to use the 'facilities' and my right calf started to bleed through the bandages... Luckily I'm not squeamish at the sight of blood - at least not other peoples blood... Mine had me a little bit dizzy and obviously concerned! Cue helpful nurses to re-bandage me up and get me back safely to bed.
I was kept in overnight to keep a check on me (every hour - wasn't like I NEEDED sleep!) and then the next afternoon I was ready to be checked out. Removal of banadages and shower time ended in disaster with a massive 'arterial' bleed from my left calf liberally redecorating the shower room... That was quickly dealt with by the nurses and I was re bandaged before putting on the lovely compression stockings and being allowed to go home with Sophie.
The first few days were seriously painful, with attempts to walk anywhere having me look like a complete invalid, or possible 90 year old. I managed to get myself showered and all the important stuff like that without crying too much - even getting quite good any putting on the stockings over my damaged legs (although I should point out I'm not enjoying wearing the stockings - so don't worry Mum!)
Having to lie around all day is definitely taking its toll, but today (Citizenship Day) I managed a half hour walk up the road to Mount Hawthorn to the shops there, so can't be doing too badly.
I've also made a big decision on the work side of things, turing down a position with GE (Vetco Gray OIl & Gas) and taking up the role of Business Development Manager, Asia Pacific for The James Fisher Group - working as a consultant / contractor for RMS & PumpTools... Looking forward to getting started on the 8th of September, hopefully all healed and ready to go.
So, despite the pain of this recent surgery, I'm looking forward to ending one 'era' of my time here in Australia and starting a brand new one after my ceremony this evening with a new job, new legs and a new country...
That's the end of this 'Travel Bog,' but I'm sure there'll be many more photo's, travels and stories to follow as I start life as an Aussie-Scot! :o)
