I somehow managed to have a little setback to the recovery of my broken leg/ankle over Easter. An infection developed in the wound site where I had the operation to insert the plate, and I have no idea why. I noticed a little bit of redness, which rapidly spread up my leg.
Of course, being Easter, I had to go to an "out of hours" Medical Centre. At least I was considered to be an emergency, so didn't have to wait too long. I got my 5 minute consultation, left with a prescription for a broad spectrum anti-biotic and a bill for $au75. Or Medicare covers $48 of that.
Then went to an out of hours chemist and obtained the medication - at least that was covered by our health system.
.
On Tuesday, I contacted my own doctor, who usually bulk bills me, but he wasn't available, so saw one of his colleagues, who also charged me $au55, another gap fee of $12, sent me for an x-ray, just in case the infection was coming from the bone - gap fee $6. He also took a swab for laboratory testing to see which bacteria was affecting my leg - that was totally covered, so didn't have to pay a gap fee.
Also prescribed another different anti-biotic, to be taken in conjunction with the other.
Back to the chemist, another, this time, gigantic pill to swallow.
Doctor phone me on Thursday evening - I need to see him to change the medication once again. Of course, being Anzac Day in Australia today, I couldn't get another appointment until Monday.
Right now, to me, the wound looks as if it is getting better. There's no more pus coming out and the redness has reduced. Hopefully I don't have an infection in the bone. That could mean another operation.
Just waiting and hoping right now.
Of course, being Easter, I had to go to an "out of hours" Medical Centre. At least I was considered to be an emergency, so didn't have to wait too long. I got my 5 minute consultation, left with a prescription for a broad spectrum anti-biotic and a bill for $au75. Or Medicare covers $48 of that.
Then went to an out of hours chemist and obtained the medication - at least that was covered by our health system.
.
On Tuesday, I contacted my own doctor, who usually bulk bills me, but he wasn't available, so saw one of his colleagues, who also charged me $au55, another gap fee of $12, sent me for an x-ray, just in case the infection was coming from the bone - gap fee $6. He also took a swab for laboratory testing to see which bacteria was affecting my leg - that was totally covered, so didn't have to pay a gap fee.
Also prescribed another different anti-biotic, to be taken in conjunction with the other.
Back to the chemist, another, this time, gigantic pill to swallow.
Doctor phone me on Thursday evening - I need to see him to change the medication once again. Of course, being Anzac Day in Australia today, I couldn't get another appointment until Monday.
Right now, to me, the wound looks as if it is getting better. There's no more pus coming out and the redness has reduced. Hopefully I don't have an infection in the bone. That could mean another operation.
Just waiting and hoping right now.
