May 24th, 2023

After nine days in hospital and two operations lasting over three hours each, I can finally leave today. At 6 a.m., I receive my last dose of antibiotics by infusion. My blood pressure, heart rate, temperature, and oxygen saturation are checked, then I’m given a cocktail of pills. The catering team had anticipated my departure and prepared a hearty breakfast, both hot and cold. They also handed me a bag of little gifts: chewing gum, mint pastilles, a notepad, pen, refreshing wipes, plus a lovely bred and some honey, a very touching gesture!

The medical team who has looked after me throughout my stay come by for a final check-up. They give their recommendations and explain the next steps. They change the bandage on my two scars. After my wash and packing, I head to the lounge for a coffee while I wait. At 10 a.m., I say goodbye to the nurses, so attentive, professional, and kind. They accompany me to reception, where a taxi is waiting. I leave my scooter at reception, it was only lent to me, and take the taxi with my crutches. I wonder how I’m going to manage all this at home…

Back home, Deniz, my Kurdish colleague, welcomes me and helps with my bags. I’m happy to finally be in my own four walls. I start sorting my mail, paying bills, filling out a form for my supplementary insurance, and printing a registered letter to send to KPT. I had already contacted my legal protection insurance to explain the intolerable situation with this insurer, who remains silent to this day. They, too, are appalled by their attitude.

Around 2 p.m., my mother comes to pick me up by car. We first go to the orthopaedic shop, where my new scooter is waiting, and load it into the car. Then it’s off to the pharmacy to collect a bag full of prescribed medication, along with a waterproof cover to protect my cast when I shower. My “dear” KPT refuses to reimburse this cover (28 CHF), preferring instead to offer a caring service at 50 CHF an hour plus travel expenses. No wonder insurance premiums keep rising when the service is so disappointing! The last stop is the post office, where I send my registered letter to the KPT management.

Back home, delighted to finally use this scooter which makes getting around so much easier, I lie down as the pain in my foot begins to make itself felt. Being housebound for the next three months, I subscribed to Netflix to keep myself occupied.

The evening passes in bed in front of the TV. Deniz returns around 11:45 p.m. from work, we chat for a while, then he goes to bed. He will stay with me over the coming weeks to help with daily tasks. I am deeply grateful to him. Finally, I fall asleep in my own bed. It doesn’t have all the features of a hospital bed, but it’s comfortable!