05 September 2008

'On va l'hopital'

THAT WAS THE text message I received from Kerri this afternoon. Why? Because Patrick experienced a 'first' today: his first trip to the Emergency Room.

Kerri went to pick up the kids from school for lunch as she usually does when one of Patrick's friends came running saying that Patrick had fallen. Kerri wasn't too worried -- it's not like kids don't fall from time to time. When she arrived at the scene Patrick was been helped by a couple of teachers who had managed to put some bandages around his right knee had the bleeding under control (although there was quite a bit blood running down his leg). The teachers suggested a trip to the doctor to check it out.

I'll make this longish story short by cutting to the chase. The docter sent Kerri and all the kids to a hospital in Cagnes-sur-Mer where Patrick received 5 stiches to close the wound. And he wouldn't be happy with this post unless I mention that he also received 2 larges doses of iodine ('worst pain ever,' were his exact words) and a numbing shot directly into the wound -- with no laughing gas ('worst pain ever, except for the iodine', were his exact words). But he did great in the hospital and dealt with the whole situation very well. He was also thrilled to learn that his dad has never received a stich in his life.

Since this is our first real brush with French health-care system I must point out that Kerri was pretty impressed with the whole ordeal. The trip to the doctor was great; the trip to the hospital was great; the paperwork was minimal (virtually none); and the cost was 105 Euros -- which we'll get back via direct deposit into our bank. That Michael Moore might be on to something.

We are American, however, so we're checking with some attorneys to see if we can sue anyone!
CJS

1 comment :

Anonymous said...

Tell Patrick he's got a ways to go to catch up with Tobe! He has three stitch episodes (75 or so, 13, and 10 stitches).

And he would tell Patrick that it's better *not* getting the novocaine shot when they take out the stitches.