A stitched up day

 July 14, 2023

Woodhaven CG site F11

Hammonds Plains, NS ( near Halifax)

Momma and Dad had a follow-up appointment with the audiologist this morning.  After studying Dad's finger, a decision was made to locate a facility to get some stitches after that appointment.  There was just no way those steri-strips were going to close that gaping cut with the meat hanging out.

Travel insurance had been purchased before heading out of the country.  It looked like it would be put to use today.  After contacting the insusrance company and getting a list of in-network providers, Momma programmed the GPS and they set off.

When the GPS said you have arrived, the sign read NSHA East Coast Psychiatric Hospital.  What???  Psychiatric???  Momma decided to ask for assistance.  The nurse/receptionist directed Momma to Darmouth General Hospital.  She informed Momma that urgent care facilities do not do stitches and that the emergency room was the right destination.  Then she added.  Bring some drinks and snacks because it will take 6-7 hours.  That's just the way it is.

So now that the rest of the day had been planned, they followed the directions to the emergency entrance at the hospital, picked up their parking ticket from the machine, and received a mask at the door.  First stop on this adventure was triage where the gal removed our makeshift bandage to take a look at the issue.

Second stop was the registration window where information was gathered and entered into the computer.  Well, that was handled quickly and efficiently.  Just maybe this will go smoothly.

And now they were ready to join the others who were waiting....and waiting...and waiting.  A sign stated that the hospital follows the Canadian health guidelines instead of first come, first served.  Dad was encouraged when an hour and a half into their wait, his name was called.  They told Momma, due to limited space, she needed to wait in the waiting room and they would return Dad all stitched up.  So another two plus hours later, Dad came out of the back area ready to roll.  This is the only hospital that allows parametics to perform stitches.

 Thirteen stitches later, sporting a nice clean white bandage, they were headed back to me after being away for 6 hours.  Long day to accomplish only two items.

Of course getting home was a challenge as well because once again they found themselves in that late afternoon, long line of vehicles trying to share the road, as they neared the campground.

Uncle Steve and Aunt Carol had a different adventure today.  They headed off to a tourist attraction area that Momma and Dad have already seen....Peggy's Cove.  Take a glimpse to their day.

Here's a pic of the sailing club that they stopped at along the way 

and some wildlife that greeted them

So as the day came to a close, Auntie Carol delivered her nightly treats and the gang shared their stories of their day's adventures while Dad kept his hand elevated. 

Dad was told the stitches should be removed in 10 days at a clinic.  Dad told the parametic that he could remove them himself and the parametic said,  "I didn't hear that but here's a kit."  

Maybe Dad will let me zip out those stitches. 

I'm Chloe