"Work" had to be started, not only all over again, but from minus square one!!.
Franklin worked magic with his hands. I felt better each time I leave the clinic. But the "magic" got eroded with passing days. Fortunately, the residual "magic" was accumulative. After a number of physiotherapy sessions, the Pain on my left said goodbye and left me. The right side of my body remained hurtful but made good progress.
Then DISASTER struck without the any warning.
It came in the form of a sudden weakness in my right leg.
"P-R-O-N-K", I fell suddenly. The fall sent me crashing heavily, hard & fast onto the concrete floor.
When it happened, Ling, was happily chatting and walking besides me.
Upon recovering from her surprise, she tried unsuccessfully to pick me up. (Try picking up a size 18 female who is neither light nor petite) The pain at my swollen, right knee was excruciating. I tried standing with her help . She laughed at the funny situation that we were in.
"Don't laugh at me", I chided, but couldn't stop myself from giggling.
2 male staff on the premises where I fell, borrowed a wheelchair from the concierge. Then they helped Ling to help me, into the wheelchair & later got us into a taxi.
At the clinic, I wasn't unduely concerned. The X-ray that was done, showed no broken bones. The doctor send me home with some pain killers. Both the doctor and I ignorantly, expected my early recovery.
As my knee/knee cap were recovering, I tried standing. BUT the moment I stepped on the floor, a sharp pain shot down from my back to my right foot, bringing tears to my eyes.
I went to the doctor again.
The doctor referred me for "an early appointment" to see an orthopaedic surgeon -- An appointment that I rejected. The "early appointment" (big joke) was to be 3 weeks later!! It was also one week later than the day that the orthopaedic surgeon (who was treating my initial pain in my back, butt and leg) at the hospital was to review me. Moreover, my faith in doctors, particularly orthopaedic surgeons, had been much eroded over the past 15 years. Experience told me that they are "scapel happy" and are the last people to consider any alternatives to surgery.
Further, I was due to see Franklin.
The sight of Franklin with his ready smile, was enough to raise my low spirit 2 notches up. He contained his surprise to see me, in a wheelchair. Then he took over the wheelchair from my maid, wheeled me into the privacy of a consultation room before asking what had happened to me.
As Franklin re-assessed me, I shared my fear of a long confinement in the wheelchair. I was then when he responded in a comforting tone and assured me that I should eventually walk without any aids.
He was right.
I could walked again, without any form of help/support. (Albeit for a short distance)
In the interim, I was seen by the orthopaedic surgeon. I was still in the wheelchair then. After hearing about my fall, and that the X-ray showed no broken bones, he ordered for a "MRI" to be done before seeing me again. (Appointment: next month). During that consultation, the good doctor spent, all of 2 minutes with me.
On the other hand, I spent 3/4 of an hour in the process of registering/waiting to see the doctor. An equal amount of time was spent in making payment, getting appointment for the next review & appointment for "MRI". The collection of pain killers from the pharmacy took 28 minutes. Total time spent at the hospital: 3 and a half hours.
If I'm to take into consideration that I was escorted/assisted by my brother, the number of hours (for two persons) doubled to 7 hours. That is equivalent to almost a full day's work for a working adult.
I wondered how many work-days were thus lost, DAILY, in the various hospitals' corridors.
How much does this loss in time costs the economy??
Saturday, 30 June 2007
I can walk!!!
Jun 29th, 2007
This morning, I found that I could walk independently!!
I walked without supporting myself with a quad stick!!.
EVEN though the distance covered was short. EVEN though my right leg chosed to give way within a minute or so of the walking.
I was thrilled to bits to find that my therapist’s assurance that I would eventually WALK, came true.
His “prediction” came as a comfort and assurance when he noted my fear of being confined to a wheelchair.
Most importantly, I OWE MY RECOVERY to him, physiotherapist, Mr. Franklin Chng of Emmanuel Physiotherapy.
“Call me Franklin” he said as self introduction, when we first met, during the end of 2006.
Meeting Franklin was by chance/fate.
I had a dull ache in my left shoulder. I saw different doctors and Chinese "sinsehs" without improvement. Then I developed a pain in my left lower back, butt and leg. Finally a doctor decided to refer me to an orthopaedic surgeon at a hospital. He, in turn, referred me to the physiotherapist who would see me 2 weeks later.
Elder daughter, Peng, suggested that in the meanwhile, I should seek alternative treatment at the chiropractor. When I went there, the chiropractor's clinic was closed for lunch break. Just next door, Emmanuel Physiotherapy was opened.
Franklin, a tall, handsome, young man, greeted me warmly as I stepped in. I informed him of my symptoms and enquired whether Emmanuel Physiotherapy could treat me. He responded in the afirmative & brought me into one of the consultation/therapy room.
As I laid down onto the examination couch for his examination, I remembered being nervous. At home, any movement would bring on pain. I wasn't sure what he was going to do by way of treatment & whether it was going to be painful. Franklin, in his soft, gentle, reassuring and professional manner, put me at ease. He was very careful & skilful as he moved me/my limbs.
After the examination/assessment, he proceeded with massaging a certain spot on my neck. 5 minutes or so, later, my right shoulder was okay!! (Remember: It was troubling me for months & I'd been to various doctors & Chinese "sinseh" to no avail.)
The pain in my left lower back, butt & leg was reduced.
Over the months that I “worked” with Franklin, he never failed to smile, regardless of how hectic his clinic was. His boss, another pleasant, cheerful physiotherapist, must be making a bundle. Slowly, under Franklin's care and management, my pain was almost gone.
Then I developed a bad cough which led to an asthma attack that required my hospitalization.
Upon discharged, I found that the right side of my body decided on replicating my condition on my left! Talk about a double whammy!!
(To be continued)
This morning, I found that I could walk independently!!
I walked without supporting myself with a quad stick!!.
EVEN though the distance covered was short. EVEN though my right leg chosed to give way within a minute or so of the walking.
I was thrilled to bits to find that my therapist’s assurance that I would eventually WALK, came true.
His “prediction” came as a comfort and assurance when he noted my fear of being confined to a wheelchair.
Most importantly, I OWE MY RECOVERY to him, physiotherapist, Mr. Franklin Chng of Emmanuel Physiotherapy.
“Call me Franklin” he said as self introduction, when we first met, during the end of 2006.
Meeting Franklin was by chance/fate.
I had a dull ache in my left shoulder. I saw different doctors and Chinese "sinsehs" without improvement. Then I developed a pain in my left lower back, butt and leg. Finally a doctor decided to refer me to an orthopaedic surgeon at a hospital. He, in turn, referred me to the physiotherapist who would see me 2 weeks later.
Elder daughter, Peng, suggested that in the meanwhile, I should seek alternative treatment at the chiropractor. When I went there, the chiropractor's clinic was closed for lunch break. Just next door, Emmanuel Physiotherapy was opened.
Franklin, a tall, handsome, young man, greeted me warmly as I stepped in. I informed him of my symptoms and enquired whether Emmanuel Physiotherapy could treat me. He responded in the afirmative & brought me into one of the consultation/therapy room.
As I laid down onto the examination couch for his examination, I remembered being nervous. At home, any movement would bring on pain. I wasn't sure what he was going to do by way of treatment & whether it was going to be painful. Franklin, in his soft, gentle, reassuring and professional manner, put me at ease. He was very careful & skilful as he moved me/my limbs.
After the examination/assessment, he proceeded with massaging a certain spot on my neck. 5 minutes or so, later, my right shoulder was okay!! (Remember: It was troubling me for months & I'd been to various doctors & Chinese "sinseh" to no avail.)
The pain in my left lower back, butt & leg was reduced.
Over the months that I “worked” with Franklin, he never failed to smile, regardless of how hectic his clinic was. His boss, another pleasant, cheerful physiotherapist, must be making a bundle. Slowly, under Franklin's care and management, my pain was almost gone.
Then I developed a bad cough which led to an asthma attack that required my hospitalization.
Upon discharged, I found that the right side of my body decided on replicating my condition on my left! Talk about a double whammy!!
(To be continued)
Thursday, 28 June 2007
Recent news
Took a break from the internet & went through a week’s worth of newspaper instead.
Did “speed reading” — my heart missed a beat when I thought I saw that we could only withdraw our CPF minimum sum at age 65, the new retirement age.
On a second, closer look, found that the rule is yet to be implemented.
Took a breathe of relief.
I have been waiting for the “longest time” to enjoy my CPF minimum sum when I turn 62. Any sudden change in ruling would upset my plans.
Another relief came about when I read that the number of cases in dengue fever has dropped. Phew.
Then, I shared the sense of grief that a young triathelete died on the field. What a painful loss to the family in particular n to our country. May his other siblings who have the same interest in event be blessed with safety.
Did “speed reading” — my heart missed a beat when I thought I saw that we could only withdraw our CPF minimum sum at age 65, the new retirement age.
On a second, closer look, found that the rule is yet to be implemented.
Took a breathe of relief.
I have been waiting for the “longest time” to enjoy my CPF minimum sum when I turn 62. Any sudden change in ruling would upset my plans.
Another relief came about when I read that the number of cases in dengue fever has dropped. Phew.
Then, I shared the sense of grief that a young triathelete died on the field. What a painful loss to the family in particular n to our country. May his other siblings who have the same interest in event be blessed with safety.
Tuesday, 26 June 2007
Piglet painted by Little Darling
“Por-por, l-o-o-k, this is Piglet” said Little Darling, holding up her latest painting, to show me.
“Oo–ooh, is that Piglet from Hundred Acre Woods?” I asked, as I took the painting over to have a closer look.
“Yes, she is Tiger’s & Eyore’s friend. Nice?” she asked.
I responded with “Yes, Darling, it's very nice. Good job.” and planted a kiss on her little cheek.
What do you think, folks??
Why? I’m leaving a legacy that money can’t buy.
Jun 26th, 2007
R-r-ring, r-r-ing, the doorbell rang.
I found Ann, my neighbour was at the door, yesterday.
“Chris, whad are you doing? I’ve not seen you outside for days”
“Busy. Venturing into the the internet & blogging”
“You crazy or whad?
Such stuff is for the young and reckless.
It’s exposing your life to the unknowns, out there!
So dan-ge-rous. WHY are you doing that?” came an outpour of questions from Ann.
“I agree, many young people blog. They blog on stuff close to their heart –music, games, ……… stuff that you and I may not identify with. At times, what they said, came across like a new language to me. Nevertheless, it is refreshing.
On the other hand, I’m not a rare oldie blogger. Countless blogs are done by the old and not so old. I understand & identify with their sharing better. Since I started blogging, I have found a couple of friendly, sincere bloggers. They have been very supportive and willing to help with tips on how to make my blog better.” (Folks, you know who you are & I’m listing YOU as my friends).
“I don’t see danger but have been learning daily” I replied.
“I still don’t see ‘Why?’ Your time is better spent over tea with me” rebutted Ann.
I continued “When I was younger, I kept a diary for a while. Then came other priorities.
In recent years, as the pace of my life slowed, my brain seem to slow in tandem. Perhaps due to lesser use and practice**, I am losing my English vocabulary and the ability to express myself in the language. Just a couple of days back, I tired my brain with the overload of information from the net.
Little Darling observed that and asked, “are you okay, por por?”
All I could find words to say, was “my brain is tired”.
“Oh, was your brain doing exercises?” queried the Little Darling as she got distracted by a butterfly and gave chase to it.
It took me half a day to find the appropriate term “mental fatigue”. In my head it went “mental something, wazit?” for hours.
Blogging should keep the language that I spent years to learn, alive.
It would be a journal of my golden years, n a record that I may refer to, to help me remember events.
PLUS: One day, when Little Darling learns to read on her own, she could gain more insight about me and my venturing into the internet.
It is going to be a unique legacy that money can’t buy” I added with a wink and a smile.
:)
Then I went over to Ann’s place for our afternoon tea.
PS **Husband & my two daughters communicate with me in Cantonese. Most of my friends use Singlish.
R-r-ring, r-r-ing, the doorbell rang.
I found Ann, my neighbour was at the door, yesterday.
“Chris, whad are you doing? I’ve not seen you outside for days”
“Busy. Venturing into the the internet & blogging”
“You crazy or whad?
Such stuff is for the young and reckless.
It’s exposing your life to the unknowns, out there!
So dan-ge-rous. WHY are you doing that?” came an outpour of questions from Ann.
“I agree, many young people blog. They blog on stuff close to their heart –music, games, ……… stuff that you and I may not identify with. At times, what they said, came across like a new language to me. Nevertheless, it is refreshing.
On the other hand, I’m not a rare oldie blogger. Countless blogs are done by the old and not so old. I understand & identify with their sharing better. Since I started blogging, I have found a couple of friendly, sincere bloggers. They have been very supportive and willing to help with tips on how to make my blog better.” (Folks, you know who you are & I’m listing YOU as my friends).
“I don’t see danger but have been learning daily” I replied.
“I still don’t see ‘Why?’ Your time is better spent over tea with me” rebutted Ann.
I continued “When I was younger, I kept a diary for a while. Then came other priorities.
In recent years, as the pace of my life slowed, my brain seem to slow in tandem. Perhaps due to lesser use and practice**, I am losing my English vocabulary and the ability to express myself in the language. Just a couple of days back, I tired my brain with the overload of information from the net.
Little Darling observed that and asked, “are you okay, por por?”
All I could find words to say, was “my brain is tired”.
“Oh, was your brain doing exercises?” queried the Little Darling as she got distracted by a butterfly and gave chase to it.
It took me half a day to find the appropriate term “mental fatigue”. In my head it went “mental something, wazit?” for hours.
Blogging should keep the language that I spent years to learn, alive.
It would be a journal of my golden years, n a record that I may refer to, to help me remember events.
PLUS: One day, when Little Darling learns to read on her own, she could gain more insight about me and my venturing into the internet.
It is going to be a unique legacy that money can’t buy” I added with a wink and a smile.
:)Then I went over to Ann’s place for our afternoon tea.
PS **Husband & my two daughters communicate with me in Cantonese. Most of my friends use Singlish.
Monday, 25 June 2007
Heh, heh, I beat you again ......
Jun 25th, 2007
Hi, friends.
Please accept my apologies for failing you.
For the past few days, you have visited, but saw nothing added in my blog. I am so sorry.
What happened?
Well, I was very, very busy exploring the internet.
It was quite a journey. I was buffeted and carried away, by wave after wave of information, information and more information as the “mouse” went “click”, “click”,”click”.
Very often, the ad infinitum of pages after pages of information had links that led to yet more pages of related information.
Problem: I got lost in that sea of information. After a number of “clicks”, I couldn’t find my initial page.
Fortunately, losing my initial page was unlike losing Ling’s 2 hrs’ worth of work (about a year ago.)
The loss then was a painful, heart-ache; but the loss now, on the contrary, is fun, fun, F-U-N.
I didn’t go to Ling for help. Instead, I enjoyed myself, day after day, clicking a link here and a link there. I got amused, each of the numerous times that I got “lost”. Then I hit on an idea. Viz: whenever I saw something that I liked to retain, I printed it.
Aha!
No loss now if I am lost – there is the hard copy in my hand.
Heh, heh, I beat you again, you computer, aka “thing”, aka “monster”.
Hi, friends.
Please accept my apologies for failing you.
For the past few days, you have visited, but saw nothing added in my blog. I am so sorry.
What happened?
Well, I was very, very busy exploring the internet.
It was quite a journey. I was buffeted and carried away, by wave after wave of information, information and more information as the “mouse” went “click”, “click”,”click”.
Very often, the ad infinitum of pages after pages of information had links that led to yet more pages of related information.
Problem: I got lost in that sea of information. After a number of “clicks”, I couldn’t find my initial page.
Fortunately, losing my initial page was unlike losing Ling’s 2 hrs’ worth of work (about a year ago.)
The loss then was a painful, heart-ache; but the loss now, on the contrary, is fun, fun, F-U-N.
I didn’t go to Ling for help. Instead, I enjoyed myself, day after day, clicking a link here and a link there. I got amused, each of the numerous times that I got “lost”. Then I hit on an idea. Viz: whenever I saw something that I liked to retain, I printed it.
Aha!
No loss now if I am lost – there is the hard copy in my hand.
Heh, heh, I beat you again, you computer, aka “thing”, aka “monster”.
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