Additional/Unforeseen Benefits of BE Forum
May 21st 2021, 2:16 pm
#1
BE Enthusiast
Thread Starter
Joined: Dec 2019
Location: Lagos and Hong Kong
Posts: 572
Additional/Unforeseen Benefits of BE Forum
About a year and a half ago I did a google search to find information on moving to Portugal and I came across the BE forum. Since then I have been able to learn many things relevant to moving to Portugal, becoming resident and carrying out the multitude of other things I needed to do to become legal. I have learned many, many other very important things during that time. some of which I wish I'd learned sooner.
Just over two weeks ago I fell off my bike going quite slowly on a public road and ended up in Portimao Hospital for two weeks with a broken leg. The doctor told me I couldn't have done much more damage to it as the bone was broken in three places and there was also extensive soft tissue damage. Because of the swelling from the soft tissue it was nine days before surgery took place, but I'm glad to say that I am home now.
The ambulance people and rescue service were first on the scene (in the pouring rain) and worked hard and professionally to stabilise me and to get me into an alliance. The doctors, nurses, physios and also the orderlies at the hospital were kind and sympathetic, and almost all spoke a good level of English. There were a few things not to my liking but they are not important now so no need to comment further.
Basically I know very few people here and certainly do not have family any closer than the UK, so I was very much on my own in hospital. On day one when I asked for water an orderly got me a paper cup of tap water. When I asked for another one later the (local) guy in the next bed reached over and gave me a 1.5ltr bottle of water, and wouldn't take no for an answer. He spoke zero English which matched my Portuguese, but we were able to communicate. I later learned he's been there for a very long time.
By commenting to a thread on this forum and explaining where I was I received offers of help. I also received a PM from a member telling me that the sender knew what I was going through as she had gone through an horrific car accident about five years ago and was hospitalised for four months. Her husband was also severely injured. She asked me what I needed and the following day went to a property agent to get a spare set of keys to my apartment and brought me clothes, phone charging cable, fruit, water and other bits and bobs to make my stay more comfortable (her husband had to wait outside as only one visitor is allowed due to covid).
She visited again after that for a top up of supplies, possibly twice, and yesterday when I was finally allowed to be discharged she came to the hospital with her husband to take me home, but not before searching high and low around Lagos yesterday morning to secure crutches, a zimmer frame and a wheelchair, all of which I will need on a daily basis as I am not allowed to put my foot down for the next three months.
After arriving at my apartment they then went off to get my prescription and then on to the supermarket to buy provisions for my fridge. And if that wasn't enough they then went out and bought pizza for dinner!
I had never met these people in my life and I didn't know them yet they went miles out of their way to come to my rescue in my time of need. Honestly I wouldn't have believed such people exist in the world we all now live in but my faith in humanity has been restored to a very high level. I have no idea what I would have done had these wonderful people not been there to help me. Even the thought of that makes me want to weep.
I owe them a huge debt of gratitude and I'm happy to say that I now have two true friends in Lagos; two people who I'm confident I will be in regular contact with for the future.
My membership to the BE forum paid off in a way I could never have imagined, and wouldn't wish anyone else to have to go through.
Richard
Just over two weeks ago I fell off my bike going quite slowly on a public road and ended up in Portimao Hospital for two weeks with a broken leg. The doctor told me I couldn't have done much more damage to it as the bone was broken in three places and there was also extensive soft tissue damage. Because of the swelling from the soft tissue it was nine days before surgery took place, but I'm glad to say that I am home now.
The ambulance people and rescue service were first on the scene (in the pouring rain) and worked hard and professionally to stabilise me and to get me into an alliance. The doctors, nurses, physios and also the orderlies at the hospital were kind and sympathetic, and almost all spoke a good level of English. There were a few things not to my liking but they are not important now so no need to comment further.
Basically I know very few people here and certainly do not have family any closer than the UK, so I was very much on my own in hospital. On day one when I asked for water an orderly got me a paper cup of tap water. When I asked for another one later the (local) guy in the next bed reached over and gave me a 1.5ltr bottle of water, and wouldn't take no for an answer. He spoke zero English which matched my Portuguese, but we were able to communicate. I later learned he's been there for a very long time.
By commenting to a thread on this forum and explaining where I was I received offers of help. I also received a PM from a member telling me that the sender knew what I was going through as she had gone through an horrific car accident about five years ago and was hospitalised for four months. Her husband was also severely injured. She asked me what I needed and the following day went to a property agent to get a spare set of keys to my apartment and brought me clothes, phone charging cable, fruit, water and other bits and bobs to make my stay more comfortable (her husband had to wait outside as only one visitor is allowed due to covid).
She visited again after that for a top up of supplies, possibly twice, and yesterday when I was finally allowed to be discharged she came to the hospital with her husband to take me home, but not before searching high and low around Lagos yesterday morning to secure crutches, a zimmer frame and a wheelchair, all of which I will need on a daily basis as I am not allowed to put my foot down for the next three months.
After arriving at my apartment they then went off to get my prescription and then on to the supermarket to buy provisions for my fridge. And if that wasn't enough they then went out and bought pizza for dinner!
I had never met these people in my life and I didn't know them yet they went miles out of their way to come to my rescue in my time of need. Honestly I wouldn't have believed such people exist in the world we all now live in but my faith in humanity has been restored to a very high level. I have no idea what I would have done had these wonderful people not been there to help me. Even the thought of that makes me want to weep.
I owe them a huge debt of gratitude and I'm happy to say that I now have two true friends in Lagos; two people who I'm confident I will be in regular contact with for the future.
My membership to the BE forum paid off in a way I could never have imagined, and wouldn't wish anyone else to have to go through.
Richard
May 21st 2021, 2:32 pm
#2
BE Enthusiast
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 515
Re: Additional/Unforeseen Benefits of BE Forum
Good to hear you are home and about your Good Samaritans
May 21st 2021, 2:32 pm
#3
Concierge
Joined: Jan 2013
Location: Western Australia
Posts: 21,139
Re: Additional/Unforeseen Benefits of BE Forum
About a year and a half ago I did a google search to find information on moving to Portugal and I came across the BE forum. Since then I have been able to learn many things relevant to moving to Portugal, becoming resident and carrying out the multitude of other things I needed to do to become legal. I have learned many, many other very important things during that time. some of which I wish I'd learned sooner.
Just over two weeks ago I fell off my bike going quite slowly on a public road and ended up in Portimao Hospital for two weeks with a broken leg. The doctor told me I couldn't have done much more damage to it as the bone was broken in three places and there was also extensive soft tissue damage. Because of the swelling from the soft tissue it was nine days before surgery took place, but I'm glad to say that I am home now.
The ambulance people and rescue service were first on the scene (in the pouring rain) and worked hard and professionally to stabilise me and to get me into an alliance. The doctors, nurses, physios and also the orderlies at the hospital were kind and sympathetic, and almost all spoke a good level of English. There were a few things not to my liking but they are not important now so no need to comment further.
Basically I know very few people here and certainly do not have family any closer than the UK, so I was very much on my own in hospital. On day one when I asked for water an orderly got me a paper cup of tap water. When I asked for another one later the (local) guy in the next bed reached over and gave me a 1.5ltr bottle of water, and wouldn't take no for an answer. He spoke zero English which matched my Portuguese, but we were able to communicate. I later learned he's been there for a very long time.
By commenting to a thread on this forum and explaining where I was I received offers of help. I also received a PM from a member telling me that the sender knew what I was going through as she had gone through an horrific car accident about five years ago and was hospitalised for four months. Her husband was also severely injured. She asked me what I needed and the following day went to a property agent to get a spare set of keys to my apartment and brought me clothes, phone charging cable, fruit, water and other bits and bobs to make my stay more comfortable (her husband had to wait outside as only one visitor is allowed due to covid).
She visited again after that for a top up of supplies, possibly twice, and yesterday when I was finally allowed to be discharged she came to the hospital with her husband to take me home, but not before searching high and low around Lagos yesterday morning to secure crutches, a zimmer frame and a wheelchair, all of which I will need on a daily basis as I am not allowed to put my foot down for the next three months.
After arriving at my apartment they then went off to get my prescription and then on to the supermarket to buy provisions for my fridge. And if that wasn't enough they then went out and bought pizza for dinner!
I had never met these people in my life and I didn't know them yet they went miles out of their way to come to my rescue in my time of need. Honestly I wouldn't have believed such people exist in the world we all now live in but my faith in humanity has been restored to a very high level. I have no idea what I would have done had these wonderful people not been there to help me. Even the thought of that makes me want to weep.
I owe them a huge debt of gratitude and I'm happy to say that I now have two true friends in Lagos; two people who I'm confident I will be in regular contact with for the future.
My membership to the BE forum paid off in a way I could never have imagined, and wouldn't wish anyone else to have to go through.
Richard
Just over two weeks ago I fell off my bike going quite slowly on a public road and ended up in Portimao Hospital for two weeks with a broken leg. The doctor told me I couldn't have done much more damage to it as the bone was broken in three places and there was also extensive soft tissue damage. Because of the swelling from the soft tissue it was nine days before surgery took place, but I'm glad to say that I am home now.
The ambulance people and rescue service were first on the scene (in the pouring rain) and worked hard and professionally to stabilise me and to get me into an alliance. The doctors, nurses, physios and also the orderlies at the hospital were kind and sympathetic, and almost all spoke a good level of English. There were a few things not to my liking but they are not important now so no need to comment further.
Basically I know very few people here and certainly do not have family any closer than the UK, so I was very much on my own in hospital. On day one when I asked for water an orderly got me a paper cup of tap water. When I asked for another one later the (local) guy in the next bed reached over and gave me a 1.5ltr bottle of water, and wouldn't take no for an answer. He spoke zero English which matched my Portuguese, but we were able to communicate. I later learned he's been there for a very long time.
By commenting to a thread on this forum and explaining where I was I received offers of help. I also received a PM from a member telling me that the sender knew what I was going through as she had gone through an horrific car accident about five years ago and was hospitalised for four months. Her husband was also severely injured. She asked me what I needed and the following day went to a property agent to get a spare set of keys to my apartment and brought me clothes, phone charging cable, fruit, water and other bits and bobs to make my stay more comfortable (her husband had to wait outside as only one visitor is allowed due to covid).
She visited again after that for a top up of supplies, possibly twice, and yesterday when I was finally allowed to be discharged she came to the hospital with her husband to take me home, but not before searching high and low around Lagos yesterday morning to secure crutches, a zimmer frame and a wheelchair, all of which I will need on a daily basis as I am not allowed to put my foot down for the next three months.
After arriving at my apartment they then went off to get my prescription and then on to the supermarket to buy provisions for my fridge. And if that wasn't enough they then went out and bought pizza for dinner!
I had never met these people in my life and I didn't know them yet they went miles out of their way to come to my rescue in my time of need. Honestly I wouldn't have believed such people exist in the world we all now live in but my faith in humanity has been restored to a very high level. I have no idea what I would have done had these wonderful people not been there to help me. Even the thought of that makes me want to weep.
I owe them a huge debt of gratitude and I'm happy to say that I now have two true friends in Lagos; two people who I'm confident I will be in regular contact with for the future.
My membership to the BE forum paid off in a way I could never have imagined, and wouldn't wish anyone else to have to go through.
Richard
Wishing you the best of luck as you fully recover Richard, and I'm so glad that you've found your wonderful new friends.
May 21st 2021, 2:58 pm
#4
BE Enthusiast
Joined: Nov 2017
Posts: 569
Re: Additional/Unforeseen Benefits of BE Forum
Glad to hear that you got some help 👍👋👋
Hopefully you can recover quickly and get back to normal
Good luck
Hopefully you can recover quickly and get back to normal
Good luck
May 21st 2021, 3:56 pm
#5
BE Enthusiast
Joined: Nov 2017
Posts: 777
Re: Additional/Unforeseen Benefits of BE Forum
Good to hear you have been helped and that there are some wonderful people in this world.
May 21st 2021, 4:16 pm
#6
Just Joined
Joined: Jul 2020
Posts: 13
Re: Additional/Unforeseen Benefits of BE Forum
About a year and a half ago I did a google search to find information on moving to Portugal and I came across the BE forum. Since then I have been able to learn many things relevant to moving to Portugal, becoming resident and carrying out the multitude of other things I needed to do to become legal. I have learned many, many other very important things during that time. some of which I wish I'd learned sooner.
Just over two weeks ago I fell off my bike going quite slowly on a public road and ended up in Portimao Hospital for two weeks with a broken leg. The doctor told me I couldn't have done much more damage to it as the bone was broken in three places and there was also extensive soft tissue damage. Because of the swelling from the soft tissue it was nine days before surgery took place, but I'm glad to say that I am home now.
The ambulance people and rescue service were first on the scene (in the pouring rain) and worked hard and professionally to stabilise me and to get me into an alliance. The doctors, nurses, physios and also the orderlies at the hospital were kind and sympathetic, and almost all spoke a good level of English. There were a few things not to my liking but they are not important now so no need to comment further.
Basically I know very few people here and certainly do not have family any closer than the UK, so I was very much on my own in hospital. On day one when I asked for water an orderly got me a paper cup of tap water. When I asked for another one later the (local) guy in the next bed reached over and gave me a 1.5ltr bottle of water, and wouldn't take no for an answer. He spoke zero English which matched my Portuguese, but we were able to communicate. I later learned he's been there for a very long time.
By commenting to a thread on this forum and explaining where I was I received offers of help. I also received a PM from a member telling me that the sender knew what I was going through as she had gone through an horrific car accident about five years ago and was hospitalised for four months. Her husband was also severely injured. She asked me what I needed and the following day went to a property agent to get a spare set of keys to my apartment and brought me clothes, phone charging cable, fruit, water and other bits and bobs to make my stay more comfortable (her husband had to wait outside as only one visitor is allowed due to covid).
She visited again after that for a top up of supplies, possibly twice, and yesterday when I was finally allowed to be discharged she came to the hospital with her husband to take me home, but not before searching high and low around Lagos yesterday morning to secure crutches, a zimmer frame and a wheelchair, all of which I will need on a daily basis as I am not allowed to put my foot down for the next three months.
After arriving at my apartment they then went off to get my prescription and then on to the supermarket to buy provisions for my fridge. And if that wasn't enough they then went out and bought pizza for dinner!
I had never met these people in my life and I didn't know them yet they went miles out of their way to come to my rescue in my time of need. Honestly I wouldn't have believed such people exist in the world we all now live in but my faith in humanity has been restored to a very high level. I have no idea what I would have done had these wonderful people not been there to help me. Even the thought of that makes me want to weep.
I owe them a huge debt of gratitude and I'm happy to say that I now have two true friends in Lagos; two people who I'm confident I will be in regular contact with for the future.
My membership to the BE forum paid off in a way I could never have imagined, and wouldn't wish anyone else to have to go through.
Richard
Just over two weeks ago I fell off my bike going quite slowly on a public road and ended up in Portimao Hospital for two weeks with a broken leg. The doctor told me I couldn't have done much more damage to it as the bone was broken in three places and there was also extensive soft tissue damage. Because of the swelling from the soft tissue it was nine days before surgery took place, but I'm glad to say that I am home now.
The ambulance people and rescue service were first on the scene (in the pouring rain) and worked hard and professionally to stabilise me and to get me into an alliance. The doctors, nurses, physios and also the orderlies at the hospital were kind and sympathetic, and almost all spoke a good level of English. There were a few things not to my liking but they are not important now so no need to comment further.
Basically I know very few people here and certainly do not have family any closer than the UK, so I was very much on my own in hospital. On day one when I asked for water an orderly got me a paper cup of tap water. When I asked for another one later the (local) guy in the next bed reached over and gave me a 1.5ltr bottle of water, and wouldn't take no for an answer. He spoke zero English which matched my Portuguese, but we were able to communicate. I later learned he's been there for a very long time.
By commenting to a thread on this forum and explaining where I was I received offers of help. I also received a PM from a member telling me that the sender knew what I was going through as she had gone through an horrific car accident about five years ago and was hospitalised for four months. Her husband was also severely injured. She asked me what I needed and the following day went to a property agent to get a spare set of keys to my apartment and brought me clothes, phone charging cable, fruit, water and other bits and bobs to make my stay more comfortable (her husband had to wait outside as only one visitor is allowed due to covid).
She visited again after that for a top up of supplies, possibly twice, and yesterday when I was finally allowed to be discharged she came to the hospital with her husband to take me home, but not before searching high and low around Lagos yesterday morning to secure crutches, a zimmer frame and a wheelchair, all of which I will need on a daily basis as I am not allowed to put my foot down for the next three months.
After arriving at my apartment they then went off to get my prescription and then on to the supermarket to buy provisions for my fridge. And if that wasn't enough they then went out and bought pizza for dinner!
I had never met these people in my life and I didn't know them yet they went miles out of their way to come to my rescue in my time of need. Honestly I wouldn't have believed such people exist in the world we all now live in but my faith in humanity has been restored to a very high level. I have no idea what I would have done had these wonderful people not been there to help me. Even the thought of that makes me want to weep.
I owe them a huge debt of gratitude and I'm happy to say that I now have two true friends in Lagos; two people who I'm confident I will be in regular contact with for the future.
My membership to the BE forum paid off in a way I could never have imagined, and wouldn't wish anyone else to have to go through.
Richard
May 21st 2021, 4:49 pm
#7
BE Enthusiast
Joined: Nov 2017
Posts: 866
Re: Additional/Unforeseen Benefits of BE Forum
Sportpix said "Because of the swelling from the soft tissue it was nine days before surgery took place"
So that explains why you had to wait so long for the fixing of your leg/ankle - nasty injury!
So pleased that you were able to get back to your flat and hope the recovery goes well, though that IS going to be a long job - no Olympics for you this year. Your new friends have been a godsend to you in your hour of need and it sounds like their help to you was much appreciated. An "ill-wind" blew in your good samaritans! Keep well and take it easy. Can you stagger as far as your balcony for a glass of the red-stuff in the sunshine? Cheers!
So that explains why you had to wait so long for the fixing of your leg/ankle - nasty injury!
So pleased that you were able to get back to your flat and hope the recovery goes well, though that IS going to be a long job - no Olympics for you this year. Your new friends have been a godsend to you in your hour of need and it sounds like their help to you was much appreciated. An "ill-wind" blew in your good samaritans! Keep well and take it easy. Can you stagger as far as your balcony for a glass of the red-stuff in the sunshine? Cheers!
May 21st 2021, 5:00 pm
#8
BE Enthusiast
Joined: Aug 2009
Location: Wales/Ribatejo
Posts: 575
Re: Additional/Unforeseen Benefits of BE Forum
Very best wishes to you on your recovery. You have made 2 wonderful friends I think. So nice to hear that there are still people like those 2 out there.
Have a couple of red ones!! Take care.
Have a couple of red ones!! Take care.
May 21st 2021, 10:15 pm
#9
BE Enthusiast
Joined: Aug 2017
Posts: 657
Re: Additional/Unforeseen Benefits of BE Forum
Chwarae teg (fair play) as we say in Wales.
May 22nd 2021, 7:55 am
#10
Resident Cynic
Joined: Aug 2013
Location: Suffolk,UK; Alentejo, Portugal
Posts: 14,960
Re: Additional/Unforeseen Benefits of BE Forum
Forums can bring out the worst and best in people..... for every "armchair warrior" there is someone else ready to help. I'm pleased you encountered the latter - and that it may have a longer-term positive impact on your experience in Portugal.
Your recovery may take some time, but luckily you are in a good place for it - enjoy some good food and drink and some good company.
Your recovery may take some time, but luckily you are in a good place for it - enjoy some good food and drink and some good company.
May 22nd 2021, 9:56 am
#11
BE Enthusiast
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 970
Re: Additional/Unforeseen Benefits of BE Forum
So pleased that you are now back home and that you have met some lovely, helpful people. There are still some left in this world.
Take care of yourself, be careful and keep that leg up x
Take care of yourself, be careful and keep that leg up x
May 22nd 2021, 11:10 am
#12
BE Enthusiast
Thread Starter
Joined: Dec 2019
Location: Lagos and Hong Kong
Posts: 572
Re: Additional/Unforeseen Benefits of BE Forum
Sportpix said "Because of the swelling from the soft tissue it was nine days before surgery took place"
So that explains why you had to wait so long for the fixing of your leg/ankle - nasty injury!
So pleased that you were able to get back to your flat and hope the recovery goes well, though that IS going to be a long job - no Olympics for you this year. Your new friends have been a godsend to you in your hour of need and it sounds like their help to you was much appreciated. An "ill-wind" blew in your good samaritans! Keep well and take it easy. Can you stagger as far as your balcony for a glass of the red-stuff in the sunshine? Cheers!
So that explains why you had to wait so long for the fixing of your leg/ankle - nasty injury!
So pleased that you were able to get back to your flat and hope the recovery goes well, though that IS going to be a long job - no Olympics for you this year. Your new friends have been a godsend to you in your hour of need and it sounds like their help to you was much appreciated. An "ill-wind" blew in your good samaritans! Keep well and take it easy. Can you stagger as far as your balcony for a glass of the red-stuff in the sunshine? Cheers!
May 22nd 2021, 11:25 am
#13
Forum Regular
Joined: Sep 2010
Location: Haworth United Kingdom
Posts: 162
Re: Additional/Unforeseen Benefits of BE Forum
Thanks RA. I well remember reading about the Good Samaritan when forced to go to Sunday school, however I never expected to meet not one but two of them in person! I had a "moment" after arriving home from the hospital and when then Samaritans, already exhausted from the day, set off once again for the pharmacy to get my meds, when it dawned on me I had absolutely no idea how I could have got home and acquired the three essential mobility devices had they not done it all for me. I wept. As I've got a bag full of pills and other stuff that need to be taken for the next week and more I'm avoiding the red and just having a zero alcohol beer at night. I don't want to do something silly and undo the highly professional work that the medical people have done on my behalf. That would be an insult to them and I won't do that. Many thanks to all who have commented with get well soon messages. I appreciate you taking the time. Richard
May 22nd 2021, 8:38 pm
#14
BE Enthusiast
Joined: Nov 2017
Posts: 866
Re: Additional/Unforeseen Benefits of BE Forum
Thanks RA. I well remember reading about the Good Samaritan when forced to go to Sunday school, however I never expected to meet not one but two of them in person! I had a "moment" after arriving home from the hospital and when then Samaritans, already exhausted from the day, set off once again for the pharmacy to get my meds, when it dawned on me I had absolutely no idea how I could have got home and acquired the three essential mobility devices had they not done it all for me. I wept. As I've got a bag full of pills and other stuff that need to be taken for the next week and more I'm avoiding the red and just having a zero alcohol beer at night. I don't want to do something silly and undo the highly professional work that the medical people have done on my behalf. That would be an insult to them and I won't do that. Many thanks to all who have commented with get well soon messages. I appreciate you taking the time. Richard
Anyway, you are on the mend now - but take it easy!!!!
May 22nd 2021, 9:41 pm
#15
BE Enthusiast
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 970
Re: Additional/Unforeseen Benefits of BE Forum
When I broke my ankle, 9 years ago, Faro Hospital did a half cast. Never seen it before, but it was open at the front - easy for scratvching lol