A pain in my... big toe

Definitely a case of the Mondays yesterday. I was standing at the kitchen counter slicing bread when the cabinet door, which hides our washing machine, fell off its hinges and directly onto my big toe. I was just in the right place at the right time. Thankfully it was me and not 6 month pregnant Maria or Marshall.

The scene of the crime

Like a good patient, I immediately began the RICE regime. Then I wondered when I can go to Bikram Yoga again. I've been going almost daily for awhile and you really need your big toe to balance!

This morning the swelling and bruising hadn't gotten any better. It was painful and hard to walk.

As I have travel medical insurance, Seven Corners, I looked online for the nearest healthcare provider. They cover private hospitals! (The NHS, National Healthcare Service, which was so strangely celebrated in the Opening Ceremonies can only help you so much.) I called and was able to get a lunchtime appointment with a foot surgeon. Lucky me!

The Wellington Hospital's Platinum Medical Centre was like a posh hotel. After taking the bus, I limped up to be greeted by the doorman in a 3-piece suit and top hat! He would have valeted my car if I had driven. I proceeded to the Welcome Desk where a suited woman directed me to the Reception Desk. More smartly dressed staff at computers ready to check me in. I took my paperwork upstairs to the Outpatient floor.

The nurses were chatting away pleasantly at the desk like any other doctor's office. They asked me to take a seat in a sleek white leather chair as the doctor was running a few minutes later. 10 minutes later, a nurse showed me to his office. Doctor Herron or "Mr. Herron" as they are called here, was in a blazer seated at his desk. The small exam area was to the right. I sat in an arm chair answering his questions about myself - work, hobbies, etc. (Wait is this a date?) All before getting to my medical issue.

When I explained the situation, I was treated to British humor, medical style.
Doctor: "Was the cabinet door heavy?"
Wynne: "It was to me!"
Doc: "I bet that hurt."
Wynne: "It did."
Doc: "Let's have a look then... I suspect it's just soft tissue that's injured."


He sent me down to X-ray conveniently located in the basement. After a brief wait, the cheery technician had me hop on the table for 2 quick X-rays. When I returned to the Outpatient area to wait for the X-rays to be emailed to the doctor, the nurse offered me tea or coffee. Not even 3 minutes later a friendly woman presented a little tray with a full coffee set-up including Walkers shortbread cookies. Not a bad way to wait for your results!

X-rays confirmed it's broken. Non-displaced fracture between the knuckle and the foot joint. The bone should set fine and heal straight in 3 weeks.


Doctor: "You know the Crunchie bar - hard on the outside with a soft honeycomb center? Well your toe is like that. The break is in the honeycomb but hasn't gone all the way through the chocolate."

Big toes are like Crunchie bars.

Doctor: "Does it hurt to walk? Now's not the time to be brave."
Wynne: "Yes."
Doctor: "I can prescribe a walking boot air cast."
Wynne: "I walk a lot. I would like that protection (from both myself and strangers)."
Doctor: "Ok. Wear it for 3 weeks. It's rather thick soled so you'll need to wear a thick soled shoe  to balance you out.  Like a trainer (sneaker) or wedge."
Wynne: "And after 3 weeks?"
Doctor: "Be careful with it. The bone will have set but you'll need to wait another 3 weeks before doing anything high impact like running."
Wynne: "Ok, so 3 weeks in the walking boot then another 3 weeks before high impact exercise."
Doctor: "Right, no kicking people for another 6 weeks. Well small children in 3 weeks."

Yes, both the wedge suggestion and the kicking of small children comments came out of the Doctor's mouth!

Giggling, I hobbled off to see the Physio (Physical Therapist) for my air cast fitting. A chatty Kiwi, he instructed me on strapping my foot into the brace. Complete with an instruction manual and a  "hand bulb" for inflating and deflating the aircells, my SP Walker Air Cast is very comfortable. Like a pillow for my toes. And interestingly enough, the "device" was imported from America and made in Mexico. Point for North America.

SP Walker Air Cast - Fall's must-have footwear

Hands down, the best hospital visit I've ever had. Can't wait to see the bill.

P.O.D.

Post-Olympic Depression

I've been suffering since 12:30 AM BST Monday at the conclusion of Closing Ceremonies. I have many fond memories and even more pictures to whittle down to "the keepers". So bare with me. I will post the highlights.

Overall I'd say London 2012 was more than I, or almost anyone who was here, expected. The volunteers were highly trained in hospitality with smiles and friendly "hellos" at every pass. It felt more like Southern hospitality than British hospitality. Perhaps they were wearing hidden Coca-Cola IVs? The weather even cooperated for the second half of the Games! Cabbies didn't have much to complain about as the traffic was lighter than normal. Public transport ran really well too. And spectators were patient and jovial about the entire experience.

Much like Atlanta in 1996, London was a 2 week long party! She really was at her very best! So now we're dealing with the hangover.

Always looking on the bright side, the Paralympics start on the 29th. Hope to score seats to a few events but again tickets are hard to find.

Opening Ceremonies

Let the Games begin!

Laura arrived Friday morning from Raleigh. After a nap and freshening up, we went to a friend's flat near Hyde Park for an American pre-party. Our hosts were fellow Miami alumni. Allyson had quite the American spread... homemade fried chicken, adorable cookie and pretzel dumbbells, Chex Party Mix (harder to find that you would think) and mint juleps. Leave it to me to bring British alcohol, Pimm's, a Summer staple! We really got into the spirit courtesy of an American medley of "Born in the USA" and "Proud to be an American".

Then a quick stroll down to Hyde Park for the BT London Live Concert. Each of the 4 musical acts represented different countries of the UK: Paolo Nutini for Scotland, Duran Duran for England, Sterophonics for Wales and Snow Patrol for Ireland. At 20:12 at Olympic Park, the RAF Red Arrows flyover took place. A few moments later, they soared across Hyde Park leaving in their path a stream of red, white and blue.

The Opening Ceremony was broadcast live on numerous big screens. During the Parade of Nations portion, Snow Patrol performed. We missed Team USA's entrance (but caught that online this morning). Snow Patrol did take a break for Team GB's parade to be shown and the remainder of the Ceremony was broadcast live. Amazing energy to be with 80,000 people celebrating the start of the Games!

Visitors

I love living in an international destination. It means visitors. And that means an excuse to try new cuisine.

Aunt Elaine was in London for a few days during her Great Gardens of England tour. We had a lovely dinner at a brilliant pub, The Abingdon, in South Kensington. It came highly recommended my friend and did not disappoint!

The national drink - Gin and Tonic

Gem salad in the bowl; Soft shell crab on the plate

Sticky Toffee Pudding

Requisite tourist picture

My good friend Katie's fiance, McKay, is stationed at an Air Force base outside of London. In town for a show prior to his deployment, we met up for dinner. As a proud Korean-American, McKay was thrilled to find a Korean restaurant in Victoria. 

Proud Americans

That's bibimbap in the stone bowls. The key is to let the rice at the very bottom continue to cook in the hot bowl. Then it's crispy and still warm at the end of your meal!

 

And it happened to be Memorial Day. Thanks for your service McKay!

Photo Shoot

That's right. By a professional. At Bake with Maria. I was a model. Complete with hair and make-up.

The consensus was Americans have more practice than other nationalities in smiling. This was voted on by the crew - a Dane, German, Palestinian, Mexican, Indian and Brit. I tried to explain that I also have more practice than most being a sorority girl. ADPi represent!  

Until the professional images, here's are a few of my snapshots. 

Professional equipment

Hair and makeup for the star.

Ishay shoots Maria with her breads.

Next time the blueberries will glisten (apricot glaze).

Mieke, the professional model.

That's a wrap! Chow down time for the crew.

Getting sorted

I've been busy the last few days getting settled or "sorted" as the English say.

IKEA
Although I'm closer to the homeland, Ikea is still the same. It sucks you into the maze, where you wonder for hours, loading up on cheap items, only to be surprised at check-out with the expense of it all! Instructions with cheerful stick people are the same too.

Rec Center
Excellent idea... live in the borough and pay dues for the local recreation center with a swimming pool, fitness classes, gym equipment, "soft play" for kids, squash courts, climbing wall, sauna, etc. Unfortunately, residency in the borough is not enough. You must also have a UK bank account along with 2 utility bills in your name proving your address. Yours truly does not possess any of those.... still I am a proud member of the Rec Center!

Since this is a different country with their own way of doing things, it wasn't so easy. Thanks to a lovely Membership Coordinator for offering to do something "dodgy". He loved looking at my American passport and was easily distracted by the loud infuriated American woman (not me) yelling at his colleague. When I conspiratorially explained that her obnoxious behavior was embarrassing me, he decided to do me a favor and set up my illegal membership. Thanks cranky American lady!


Clarification - That American woman was not me! I've been here before. I know that American-style customer service does not exist here. Brits "can't be bothered". The more someone yells and fusses, the calmer they remain. They'll never offer a refund and don't care about the scene being created.  To the British, you're a crazy American who will be laughed at later. 


Mobile
Ah, the feeling of connection after activating my smartphone! (Actually the device is on loan from Maria.) After a confusingly simple £10 SIM card purchase, I have unlimited internet, 500 MB data limit and 300 text messages for the month courtesy of my pay-as-you-go plan! Again, no UK bank account, no monthly account option. The bizarre thing is that after almost a week of use, I still have the same £10 balance. Apparently I only get charged when I go over my data limits or make calls. Receiving calls is free. That counts towards the other person's minutes. Point for London.