Fine, although I haven't quite yet been indoctrinated into the Danish public health system (I am currently awaiting my CPR number - which serves as a national ID number which just about everything in this country relies upon), I have seen the edges of it and I've had a taste of the private health system here. And boy is it good! There is definitely something to be said for good ol' socialist ideals!
Following my visit to a GP for my medical I enquired about getting a referral to see a hand surgeon to get my wrist attended to. Given that I don't yet have a CPR number (and also have health insurance through work), I was advised to go to a particular private clinic that specialises in sports injuries. I called up that day and got an appointment to see the hand surgeon the next day (yup, that's what I said, the NEXT day). I went to see the surgeon the next day (who was running almost on time), he made me feel super comfortable, I could tell he knew his stuff, and he was even most impressed with the surgery conducted in Australia (as per his reactions when looking at my old x-rays).
The next step was to get more x-rays to see if the bone was starting to heal and nothing bad was happening. He sent me to the x-ray clinic down the road (a public clinic). I walked in, waited around 10 minutes, had the x-rays, waited another 10 minutes, and walked back to the clinic with CD in hand. Waited around 15 minutes to see the surgeon again and finished the consultation. Unbelievable!
Anyway, the good news: everything is looking good. No unexpected problems and there are even signs of the bone healing. So I made an appointment with the physio at the clinic that specialises in hand work for the next day and started rehabilitation exercises.
So I'm finally on the home stretch! I can now start for a few hours each day not having the splint on, doing some more exercises and stretches, and continuing with regular treatment. Hopefully within a couple of weeks I'll be given the tick of approval to join the locals and start riding a bike.
Unfortunately, since I have effectively not moved my wrist much in 3 months now, and consequently not used my left arm for any significant work, the wrist is extremely stiff and I'm sure my muscles are quite week. However, I'm very excited that I can finally see the light at the end of the tunnel.
Hoorah to being able to brush my teeth & hair with my left hand again. To being able to shave with my left hand. All the basic things. Finally.
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