When I planned our trip, I certainly did not anticipate including hospital visits. Between the surgery in India and bandage changes, with consultations from doctors and surgeons in Nepal, Bhutan, and back home in Canada, I visited ten hospitals in just 22 days. One of these visits involved a two-hour drive to see a surgeon for some major debridement while everyone else went on a hike.

I have been battling an ugly infection for most of this time. I am currently on my third round of antibiotics prescribed here at home, and this one is finally proving to be most effective.

Yesterday, I was assessed by a surgeon at the Royal Alexandra Hospital. When his nurse unwrapped my finger, she chuckled and said, "Now that's a great Halloween finger!" We laughed and agreed that if it weren't so grotesque, it would be funny to hand out candy with my finger on display.

This visit was the most encouraging. The X-rays revealed multiple breaks at the end of my finger, a ruptured tendon causing a swan neck deformity, and we discussed the tissue infection that made my finger resemble a Halloween prop. However, the surgeon provided positive encouragement regarding my recovery. With 8 to 12 weeks of splinting and physiotherapy, my finger should regain close to normal function.

Despite the injury, I truly enjoyed my trip, but I am grateful to be back home. I was treated very well at every hospital I visited, and I now realize just how diverse the facilities and their approaches to care can be in different countries.