Jarda got a fever Friday night. The ambulance came, we managed to lower the fever. We got to Marbella at the hospital, and the long wait in the ER started. The Spanish pace was slow, but nothing stopped: urine, urine, back X-rays, interviews with doctors and other waiting for results. Karl and I stayed there all night and even longer.
We were satisfied with European public health insurance for the necessary treatment. It was important to know that we are not without help in a foreign country - it is only necessary to assume that the emergency room has its order and time.
The examination ruled out infection and acute lung problems. The doctors have confirmed that Jarde's condition is very painful, but not life-threatening. X-rays showed long-term spinal changes associated with his pain. After stabilization he received treatment and the doctors assessed that he could return home with the escort.
We met another gentleman while we were waiting. He was 80 years old, had Parkinson's disease, bandaged his head, and blood residue on his face. He's been waiting in the ER since tonight. When he needed to use the bathroom, the staff put him in the chair, and then he stayed there because he couldn't go back on his own.
Karl and I started talking to him. He wanted coffee, something to drink, and just lie back down. All of a sudden, we weren't talking about one grandpa in the ER, we were talking about two. We helped him talk to the staff, and things started moving again. Slowly, in Spanish, but move.
After about 30 hours up, we got Jarda back to the apartment. And that includes a printed medical report, medication, and assurances that he's capable of flying. PhotoPak came preparing the trip, airport assistance, flight and return home. He needed more medical attention when he arrived, but he was already back in the environment where he was being followed by help at home.
This expedition doesn't end in a hospital. It ends with us making it. Not because nothing happened, but because when it happened, we weren't alone.