Another first for the Caulfield family. And an original one at that.

Another first for the Caulfield family. And an original one at that.

As you read this you are probably thinking..... Wow that must be having such a good time that they have forgotten about us....

Alas, no such motive is ascribed to our relative silence.  

Bold bits below tell the story  

 Initially it was getting around to a Airtel retailer who was knowledgeable enough to tie us to a 1 month relatively unlimited data usage, at that was done in a place called Rudrapura.

The journey from Haridwar to Monseri takes two days, probably because the roads are so crowded, generally in average to poor conditions especially through the towns, and to make 80 kph is an achievement, and with all the animals, not limited to dog, horses, donkeys, monkeys, cows, bullocks: people not limited to, pedestrians, cyclo riders, bicycle riders, three wheel taxis (saw 12 people in a five seater) of various configurations, buses, trucks ( usually Tata and belching and with extraordinary horns ) bullock carts, donkey carts, horse drawn carts, people drawn carts, and then pilgrims.  

Pilgrims are a category of their own.  Radiating from Haridwar carrying on, an exceptionally decorated over shoulder pole with a bucket of Ganga water in each are singularly and often in large groups of up to 30, in procession.  They walk with these buckets back to their home towns, which may be hundreds of kilometers.  

We travelling in a 'Bolero' which I think is a Great Wall vehicle like a Pajero, but very very basic, and does not seem to have a first or second gear, no rev counter, 30 deg    Movement of steering wheel before anything happened.  The driver, however, was wonderfully patient and very safe.

Anyway we stopped at the home of Suyra's brother's, in-laws just out of Rudrapura.  

We met Suyra's sister in law, and nephew, who clearly loved his paternal grandfather, and didn't Ajay rub it in with Kiskinda.  

Anyway back to the drama....Before bathing in the Ganga NJC though her foot was sunburnt, and thought nothing more of it.  But a small blister onthe underside of hrs foot had burst allowing an infection to get in?  Over two days, despite early oral antibiotics, from the university dispensary, on advice from medical authorities back home, the foot did not get better,resulting in a horrible journey for Nathalie, fever, vomiting and pain, and after getting just past Nanital (actually in the Himalayas ) at the overnight stop it developed, into a creeping cellulitis, and a high fever.  

So on Monday the 14th, deciding hospital was the only option, Ajay organised for us to turn around and go back three hours to the next major town ( probably makes for two Melbourne's)which was Haldwani.

Went first to the 'Government approved' hospital but a lack of enthusiasm, grottyiness, and an offered 2 hour wait until the specialist could come, didn't impress us, and we went with plan B.  To the private hospital down the road.  NJC was somewhat out of it at this stage, so time was of the essence.

I am told that the Brij Lal hospital and Research Centre in Halwani has 4.3 out of 5 stars on Google, whatever that means.  But we were greeted by an interested Doctor, relatively clean ED, and a quick diagnosis of creeping cellulitis and necrotising something or other.  

For the first time we have taken out travel insurance other than that which is provided with the credit cards...spooky.  Initial discussions and emails to the insurer, they wanted to know stuff we had already told them in the application process...a bit frustrating.  They initially thought it would be good for us  to get to Dehli to see 'their' recommended Doctor....Obviously no idea what travel in India is about or appreciation of the seriousness of the condition.

They were told where we are at, and that it is a strictly cash only process, no credit cards.   Hopefully their people will talk to the hospital people at Brij Lal, and sort something out, lest the ATM be maxed every day, and I'd rather not have to name the insurer.  Maybe it will be named.  

Spoiled rotten

Whilst by Australian standards it is not exorbitantly expensive, everything has to be purchased at the pharmacy,with cash, and brought by the patient to the room, some of the antibiotics are very expensive too.  But obviously we would pay whatever it takes.  I get the impression however that money would not be a problem if cash access was an issue, so generous and giving the people of the Mata Gaytria  Pariwar foundation are, and Ajay seems to know someone everywhere.  

We have have more visitors than the golden temple (or so it seems) every one of the visitors having a look at the leg, medical and non medical alike, and are genuinely concerned that we had had this happen to us in their country.  The visitors, especially Doctor Gupta, has provided meals, kind thoughts and a genuine caring.   The major benefactor of the foundation, All World Gayatri Pariwar, also visited.  This man donated the land that the Monseri Temple that is to built upon.  He found out that we were here through the grape vine. 

The room or suite is two rooms, the ante room designed for family gatherings and for family to sleep, the main room is quite basic, but functional.

As the only westerners on site, we have been visited by what seems to be nearly every doctor and nurse in the place. Including the gaggle of nursing students who go around in flocks of six or seven.

Please be assured that we are (relatively) in the best place possible,the medical care is different to our expectations but still top notch, and according to our best advice back home medication is as should be.  At this stage it seems the diagnosis is cellulitis, with necrotising fasciitis.  There is no way we can leave here under a week, as the course of ab have to run their course swelling reduced and NJC be able to travel. Hey we might even spend an extended holiday here.... Lovely as the people Are, hopefully not.    As far as being protected, we could not be in better hands with Suyra's mum running interference,and being the mamma.  Upon our very strong insistence, Ajay has gone to the Temple for a few days..... We're not going anywhere but Kisnkinda was vehement that she would stay.  

I know you all want to provide best wishes and thoughts and thank you.  Our children and parents have been advised.   There is nothing that can be done other than what is happening, it is in the hands of our insurers and the doctors here.  Be mindful that bandwidth is limited and wi fi unknown.  All communications will be through data hot spot on phone.  Very limited.

Will update as we can and love youse all....