Went for a surf today around noon thinking I'd head out for a couple of hours then settle into some chores (washing, cooking). Surf was small but fun nonetheless and as I paddled out again after one ride I saw this kid paddling into a wave. I figured he'd seen me and would steer clear by staying on my right as that was his present direction but lo and behold he changes course and turns right for me. My brain fails to comprehend that maybe he didn't see me, even though he appeared to be looking in my direction so I stay on my course thinking he will soon correct his (given that he's riding a wave its much easier for him to change course than it is for me). He doesn't. He ends up running right across me, with his fins slicing neatly into the webbing between my thumb and index finger. He apologised profusely afterwards and as I continued to feel stinging pain in my hand I figured it must have been cut (its hard to tell in the water as any blood is happily washed away).
I paddle in and once I realise the damage done I'm pretty pissed off as my surfing for the day is over (cuts & sea water = infection), and I wasn't sure if it was deep enough that I should get it stitched. I'm cursing the kid as I drive home dreading the giant line that's ever present at the GP. Fortunately, and the reason for the title of this post, as I walk up the stairs in my apartment block with my hand covered in blood now, I overhear a man leaving one of the flats saying something like "just take 2 of those antibiotics a day and you'll be fine". Light bulb - looks like one of my neighbours is home sick and called a GP for a home visit. I ask the obvious question "Excuse me, are you a doctor?". "Yes, I am.". I show him my bloody hand and he advises that it doesn't need a stitch but something like a steristrip. I thank him, shower, then mosey on down to the local shops.
Bought some steristrips, some lunch, and now back on track to start some cooking. :) I didn't get the doctor's name but whoever you are, thanks for saving me a visit to the dreaded medical centre!
