A Creative Spirit in Portugal
Over the last few weeks, my mobility after a total knee replacement operation eight weeks ago has plateaued. Despite physical therapy twice a week and plenty of home exercise my knee bend has not improved beyond 90 degrees. Yes, I managed to dispense with one crutch but the lack of muscle around my knee means... Continue Reading →
My new knee finally arrived from the U.S and my operation rescheduled for Thursday 20th August The big day arrived and as per strict instructions I checked into Alvor hospital at 7.30 am with nothing but what I was wearing, a writing pad, pens, iPad, phone, kindle and crutches. Thanks to COVID the hospital provided... Continue Reading →
I am chewing a wasp! I should be in hospital now with my operation behind me. Wednesday 12th, the day before my operation at Hospital Particular do Algarve in Alvor, I went to the hospital again for another blood test. This time for my pre-op crossmatch in case I need a blood transfusion. Fortunately, I... Continue Reading →
Once my knee replacement operation was scheduled for the 13th August at Hospital Particular do Algarve, Alvor, I was advised to go into social isolation for 14 days prior to surgery - leaving home only for essential situations. I was also advised to wear a surgical mask in closed spaces and ensure a social distance... Continue Reading →
After my experience in a Portuguese hospital this week for an operation on my meniscus, I am back on my crusade to lose weight. Before I was wheeled down to the operating theatre I was given a gown and a pair of paper modesty pants (knickers). Now, before I continue this story, I'm not huge... Continue Reading →
A few weeks ago I broke one of my back molars on some crusty Portuguese bread. For the uninitiated the crusts are rock hard so lethal if you have crowns, false teeth or indeed any other form of dentistry! Despite my aversion to dentists, the noise of the drill and that enormous needle they inject... Continue Reading →
Normally, you have to wait about a month to see a Doctor at our local Centre de Saúde (Health Centre). Even then, you can’t guarantee the Doctor will actually turn up! Probably the scarcities of appointments are due to people booking appointments on a ‘just in case I’m ill’, basis. You can imagine my surprise... Continue Reading →
