Beware the Biting Chair

Well, in over 3 years of cumulative travelling (Cathy's time only), I guess it had to happen - a little visit to the local hospital. On Sunday night, after sending a few emails, Edwin and I decided to go for a late snack. We went to a restaurant near our hotel, and as I pulled the chair closer to the table, while hovering over it, the top cushion and wooden frame of the chair came away from the base - I sat down with my left ring finger caught underneath the frame and cushion. I sliced about 3-4mm of my finger almost clearly off. Right through the nail, and hanging on by a flap.

Luckily, the hospital was just around the corner, and they took me in right away (well, after paying the 150 Rs - $3 consultation fee). The doctor was very nice, and spoke excellent english. I was given a local anesthetic, and he sewed my fingertip back on for me - only 2 sutures, one on either side. We were a bit concerned about the cleanliness, but everything seemed OK - the needles came out of sealed containers, etc. Edwin tells me little details that I missed (as I was lying down) when he thinks I can handle them - like how big the tip was that was cut off, and the fact that someone came in to watch who was eating popcorn - apparently he was shooed away! I didn't lose too much blood, and as it was sewn on right away, I think it's going to be OK. The first thought that went through my mind was what about playing guitar?????

I went back yesterday morning, and they changed the dressing for me. It appears to be healing well, and we are still planning on going trekking on Friday. There is a hospital on the way, and they can remove the sutures next Sunday or Monday. So, another glamorous accident for me - first I dislocated my shoulder when I was barely moving skiing, and now bitten by a chair!

Location: Kathmandu, Nepal