Operation Quito

Arriving in Quito we decided we needed a plan:

Plan.

1. Get parasites out of Mikes Feet

2. Get to the Galapagos

So straight onto phase 1 of the plan. After calling the insurance company and getting the recommendation "go to hospital asap", we found the best hospital in Quito we could (one where you are not means tested upon arrival).

Asking for an appointment with a doctor we were directed to casualty after Mike showed his toe to the receptionist...

Once they had Mike's passport and got some basic details, it was on with the hospital robe (cool)!

First the head surgeon, then a procession of 5 other doctors were called to examine the feet. They all defered to the head of dermatology who was having his lunch.

Upon arrival he laughed and told us everything was going to be ok... some antibiotics and a quick cleaning of the infested areas should do the trick, sounds easy...

So after three very painful injections of local anasthetic into his toes the surgeon (another one) got out what looked like a massive DC electric convertor and proceeded to cut and burn his way through Mike's toes. Stopping only for a "wow, esta une grande worm!".

1 hour later and with some large plasters on his feet, Mike is parasite free... now comes the 4 weeks of healing for the massive holes in his toes and various antibiotics to avoid infection. "That's the last time I play football in bare feet in the Bolivian jungle".

Booked Galapgos trip for asap (tomorrow) and very excited...