Summary of "SUFRIMOS un GRAVE ACCIDENTE y NUESTROS PLANES en ESPAÑA CAMBIARON 🇪🇸"

Incident summary

Eva slipped in the rain in Madrid while holding an umbrella and fractured her wrist (distal radius). She experienced immediate numbness and severe pain and went to the nearest hospital. That first center did not accept their private insurance, so they had to find another emergency department by taxi/Uber.

Emergency care and initial treatment

At the emergency department she had x-rays and local anesthesia for realignment.
The ER set the bone and applied a splint.
The orthopedist presented two treatment options:
- Conservative: plaster cast for about 6 weeks.
- Surgical: open reduction and internal fixation (metal plate and screws).
Eva chose surgery.

Surgery details

Performed under regional anesthesia with sedation — she was partially conscious but pain-free.
Post-operative findings and care:
- Intense pain and swelling immediately after surgery.
- Staples/stitches in the wound.
- Mobility exercises for fingers and wrist were started as prescribed.
- Follow-up appointments were scheduled within days; swelling decreased and finger motion began to return.
- Staples/stitches removal was planned for a later follow-up.

Recovery outlook and timeline

Recovery is slow; full recovery estimated up to about 1 year.
Gradual improvement typically starts from the second week.
Physiotherapy and prescribed exercises are crucial to avoid stiffness and regain function.
Expect common post-op symptoms: swelling, scar formation, occasional sharp pains. Report any worsening signs to the care team.

Practical tips, steps and routines

Immediate steps after a suspected fracture

Do not try to force or reposition the limb yourself.
Go to the nearest emergency department for assessment and x-rays.
Expect pain management (IV medication, local anesthetic) for realignment.

Transport and logistics

If transported by ambulance/taxi/Uber: be patient — transport can be delayed on busy days.
Verify ahead which hospitals accept your private insurance to avoid transfers.
Consider registering in the public health system (getting a health card) for guaranteed emergency access at any public hospital.

Choosing treatment (cast vs surgery)

Cast:
- Less invasive.
- May not reliably realign multi-fragment fractures.
Surgery (plate + screws):
- More effective for complex or multi-piece fractures.
- Involves an operation and longer recovery period.

Post-surgery recovery routine

Follow doctor-prescribed finger and wrist mobility exercises (fist-making, tendon gliding, etc.).
Perform physiotherapy and home exercises consistently to reduce stiffness.
Monitor swelling and scar healing; report worsening symptoms to your healthcare team.
Attend follow-up appointments for wound checks, repeat x-rays, and removal of staples/stitches.

Cost-awareness and administrative tips

Keep receipts for small purchases (e.g., wrist brace) and confirm what your insurer covers.
Ask the hospital/clinic for cost estimates if you are uninsured.

Lifestyle, travel and food notes

Private room amenities can improve comfort during recovery: TV, tablet apps, futon/sofa bed, toiletries kit, private bathroom.
Examples of hospital meals mentioned:
- Salmon with vegetables, soup/cream, banana.
- Snack box: peach juice, mini Babybel cheese, wholemeal Serrano ham sandwich.
- Dinner: chicken with rice and curry (noted a strong curry smell).
Short-term plans: some trips and video plans were postponed; activities will resume as recovery allows.

Notable locations, products and people

Location: Madrid, Spain (incident occurred during rainy weather).
Insurance: Adeslas (private health insurance; cost ≈ €600/year per person; covered emergency, hospitalization and surgery in this case).
Items mentioned: wrist brace (€45), medication (~€6), lidocaine spray/local anesthetic, metal plate and screws (surgical fixation).
People: Eva (injured narrator) and Andrés/Andy (partner, assisted with logistics and edits).