A very hard day

Yesterday was a hard day. It began simply enough – I was supposed to have left for my next stop, but had learned the day before that she would not be ready for me for another day. No problem – stay another day and leave the next day. I helped teach the new arrivals about the ways of Podere Il Casale – breakfast, watering the plants, setting up for lunch and that’s where it all began. I learned a new phrase in Italian yesterday – Ho fatto una battaglia con l’affettatrice e ho perso. If you speak Italian – I am ok. If you don’t keep reading and it will all make sense. We sliced tomatoes, cucumbers, melon and bread. We set the table for the 7 people joining us for lunch.

Sandra had left for the morning and had left instructions that the group wanted a light lunch of fruits, vegetables, bread and assorted prosciutto, salame, etc. I sliced the prosciutto, I sliced the salame and then discovered some small sausages and thought that they would look nice evenly sliced on the meat slicer. I cut about 10 pieces and then my hand slipped. With it, came a piece of my right index finger. I am OK! It was just big, lots of blood – no nerves, no tendons and no bone. Within 3 minutes, they had my in the car with Adriana, a girl who helps make cheese and speaks no English – she and I have established a rapport in the cheesery and have found a way to communicate using simple words. She raced through the Tuscan hills, getting behind a slow driver that I am sure was given some choice words – I was in a bit too much shock to really be concerned about idle conversation.

Within about 30 minutes I was at the ER – we arrived and there was no front desk, just closed doors, people waiting and signs that said do not enter. I saw a sign that said Triage and new that was likely the door to be entered, but Adriana took control and stood by the door waiting for someone to appear while I sat quietly controlling the bleeding. I heard many conversations that seemed to express concern about the lengthy wait, but no one spoke English and my Italian comprehension was in shut down. About 30 minutes after arriving, I saw a porter with lunch trays and though that seemed strange that they would be needed in the ER, but what do I know about the set-up of an Italian hospital. Another 30 minutes passed and the doors finally opened – admitting a man who had been waiting when we arrived. A short time later, Adrian ushered me in – where I presented ID and had the admitting nurse exam my blood soaked hand. I understood her say superficial and felt a sigh of relief – I was not feeling much pain and was unsure if that was shock or truly that it looked worse than it really was. After 15 minutes of awkwardly answering questions in Italian, I was sent to another room – I thought it might be an exam room, but soon learned that it was just another waiting room – quickly filling with people. About 20 minutes into this room, two girls entered that I had seen outside. One spoke a bit of English and we chatted in broken English/Italian to pass the time. Her friend teased in Italian that to resolve my issues that they would simply remove my finger. The bleeding had slowed and I was in a much calmer state and appreciated her lightening the mood.

About 2 hours after arriving, I decided to venture off to find a bathroom; on my return I passed a room with about 7 staff people inside – jovially enjoying their lunch. I returned to the waiting area and shared my findings with the others – no one seemed surprised in the slightest. Another 30 minutes went by as we watched staff members nonchalantly chatting in the halls; no one concerned about the people in pain waiting in the other room. Finally, they arrived and began to move people out. I waited, I waited, I waited – I watched everyone I recognized go away and new ones arrive. The bleeding appeared to have stopped; my pain was non –existent and I tried to explain to Adriana that maybe we should just leave and I could try and clean it up on my own. She resisted; I called Sandra and she explained that they wanted to give me a tetanus shot – something I had guessed was due. I knew that I had last had one 11 years ago and recalled that it might only be effective 10 years; unfortunately, I was unable to get anyone to understand my question. Finally, almost 4 hours after arriving, I was taken to an examining room. 5 people greeted me – no one spoke English. I prayed that the Dr might. A nurse with very kind and expressive eyes began examining and cleaning my finger – I could see that they were concerned, but that it did not appear critical. The pain was excruciating; every few minutes a different person came by and she would show them the wound – each time, the pain was intense – I lay there praying for them to be done; unsure what was being said. Adriana simply watched on, cringing every time they exposed the wound. The Dr finally arrived and he too did not speak English. I lay feebly on the table as they discussed my fate in words that had little meaning. He examined my finger; making me bend it while blood spurted about. Finally, they handed me a disclosure sheet in English about tetanus; which I happily agreed to – a fabulous shot in the butt to prevent getting a major infection. 5 hours after arrival, I was bandaged up and sent on my way without a clue of the prognosis. We arrived back at Podere Il Casale where Adriana rapidly explained the situation to Sandra and finally I found out that indeed all was ok. Rest and my arm in a sling for 4 days; pain meds if needed and back to the Dr in 4 days to check in and have my dressings changed. Adriana sweetly offered to take me to her Dr so I would not be subjected to another 5 hour ordeal. I will remain in Podere Il Casale for now – traveling with one hand out of use is just too much work and going to a place where I know no one seems daunting with my limitations.

I am now very skilled in use of my left hand – I can bring out food to the guests, clear plates and provided instruction to others on how to prepare a meal. I taught Donatella (a new arrival from near Milan) how to make bread and several simple dishes; her cutting skills need work and she is eager to learn. She also wants to improve her English and we have spent hours comparing nuances of Italian versus English. She arrived by car and has been a blessing – taking me to Pienza yesterday to get pain killers (and explore the town and of course have a gelatti). Today, we went to Montalcino – a great little hillside town famous for its Brunello wine – I sampled an amazing Brunello gelatti. Tomorrow, we hope to see Montichiello - there is supposed to be a nightly wine tasting under a church that is an amazing experience.

I have decided to find the silver lining in this all – slow down, relax and allow others to do their work. Now – I have little choice and am happy to be surrounded by some great people who are only too happy to help me in my lessons and to take some of the weight off my shoulders.