Still in hospital, I’m afraid. Had the op last Tuesday (or was it Wednesday?), but the damage to my ankle was greater than they had anticipated, so they had to work on it for several hours. Apparently it all turned out OK, but it has left me with some impressive scars and stitches, and unable to walk for at least six weeks. And having to take 40 pills and two injections a day. They’ll let me back home next week; and with help (at home) from Stockholm’s social services, which should ease the burden a bit on Kajsa. 

So far Sweden is comparing pretty well with the UK in this (public health) area; but relying in much the same way on foreign labour – in my case nurses from Kenya, Uganda, Eritrea and Armenia; a Kurdish doctor; cleaners from the Phillipines…: all terrific, and – as Kajsa points out – linking me up again with the Empire!  The hospital food is very poor – another similarity with Britain – but K is allowed to bring me in some tastier dishes from our local Thai and Indian takeaways. (Why have I never seen a Swedish takeaway, anywhere in the world?)

I have ideas for a couple of proper blog posts; but will need to work on my fitness first. The op (and the food, and possibly the pills) have rather taken it out of me. But a physiotherapist is coming along tomorrow, to teach me to walk – or, rather, hop – again.