Christiaan Barnard Memorial Hospital

Dr. Barnard is famous for performing the World's first heart transplant here in Capetown, almost half a century ago, and is a local hero. A private hospital named after him was replaced with a state of the art facility in 2017.. Seemed like a worthwhile sight.

So, on Tuesday evening, I walked into a glass window in the lobby of my own hotel and fell to the floor. Lots of pain with left arm and leg/hip. Managed to get to my room, but in the morning called Canada Life, who very quickly approved my request and sent me here. Very efficient emergency department found I had broken the little knob at the tip of my elbow. Also, bruised hip and a micro fracture of the pelvis. Elbow needed repair, but the hip was minor (in terms of the injury as the quads were so painful I could not walk). Canada Life approved surgery quickly, but the paperwork to have it directly billed instead of me paying and submitting expenses took a few hours. Surgery was done Friday to allow my anticoagulant prescription to clear.
Very impressive facility and medical care and fantastic nursing staff. Food as expected. Operation went well with my latest installation of tungsten. I am feeling well, not much pain.

So I missed my first Namibia to Botswana safari and now plan to continue my trip from the 9th of July forward. This was the more "civilized" poertion compared to Namibia with 3 to 4 star hotels and good roads, etc. I will have to just drop a couple of excursions as I will not want to rush, and I will have a sling on my left arm.

Obviously, it's not a great thing to happen, but I am recovering really well and getting great care, and listening to the advice of my surgical and physiotherapy team about what is safe to do.Leer más