We had our 1st experience with the Belgian medical system. Nate tore open his left calf in 2 places and needed a little fixing. We have to go off base and out into town… which means foreign and language barrier. Some American friends drove while I kept pressure on the wounds…. good thing because I would have been forever lost in a crazy, busy downtown Mons while my son suffered in the back seat!
Anyway…. the ER was good, but medical is VERY different here. We were in and out in 40 minutes!!!! Sounds like a minor scrape, huh? Well, not exactly… they did X-rays to make sure there were no breaks (none, thank you), then a few minutes of laughing gas and 10 STAPLES later…. yes, let me say that again, 10 STAPLES later!!! No numbing up of the area, no talking to patient or mom, just pinch the skin and clunck, clunck, clunck, clunck….. WOW! Good, fast service, but a different ball game here.
Well… Nate was up and moving around (limping because he refused to let me carry him) within an hour. He has now been glued, stitched AND stapled back together. Special “Thank You” to Tim, Justin and Eric and Kim Campany for the extra help!
