My first broken bone

A morning descent to the river for a swim on November 20th went awry when I stepped down onto a root and slipped sideways. My left pinky finger got caught on something and I heard a crack... After a moment of shock, I moved down into the river to keep the hand cool while I assessed how bad it was. (Silver lining side note: As I sat there, a European otter swam by about 4' in front of me and stuck his head out to look at me before continuing on!) After a short time, Logan and I decided I needed an X-ray. At that time, I was hoping it wasn't broken, but expecting it probably was. We "zipped" to a surgical hospital in Colombo, which took about 5 hours with a private driver... Unfortunately the old Jeep that we started the journey in wasn't licensed to drive on the freeway (that route is more like 3.5 hours). Although there are cities that could have done an X-ray closer, it didn't seem urgent and we suspected the best doctors are probably in Colombo. Plus, Dr. Singhakumara was kind enough to navigate the hospital system, arrange our accommodations, and involve his daughter, who has just finished medical school and is starting her internship. We were escorted through X-rays, a doctor's consultation, and a surgical consultation at a private hospital all without waiting and the whole visit cost about $15. They even gave me fresh squeezed orange juice and an egg salad sandwich with the crust cut off 😉 So, I have a spiral fracture in my 5th metacarpal (I broke the bone in my hand under my left pinky).

X-ray showing the spiral fracture

The surgeon there gave me a choice between a slow non-surgical recovery and a fast surgical recovery. Thinking a second opinion would be helpful, the next morning the Singhakumaras made some *amazingly connected* calls and we were able to take my X-rays to the top surgeon in Sri Lanka (he has performed surgery for the country's President). This surgeon said with absolute certainty that surgery was not necessary and that my hand would heal fine on its own. What a relief! Our family doctor in the states also looked at the X-rays and agreed. So, since that visit, I've been back to Colombo twice for more X-rays, a cast, and follow-up and it sounds like I'll have to make at least two more trips. Everything is healing well and although my activities have been severely limited, I'm still keeping busy and in high spirits. It sounds like I should be out of the cast around New Year's.

My half plaster cast

Getting orchid plants from our neighbor with cast in tow