November 28,2008
November 28th, 2008
The stemcells arrived late wednesday night, around 8pm. I was wheeled up again in the elevator with the usual bunch of chinese trying to look nonchalant with someone lying in bed next to them. When we got to the ninth floor, Anthony who was ahead of me was being wheeled out and I was next. Dr. Tony was doing the spinal that evening. They injected the usual amount of valium and the local anaesthesia in the back. I did not go as deeply unconscious as I did the first time. I thought “holy crap” I’m going to feel everything. But then the local and spinal kicked in and when the needle went in I didn’t feel a thing. The whole thing was over in a few minutes, no pain. I thought to myself that having the spinal in the evening would be good because the six hours in bed would overlap with my sleep time. Unfortunately, after five hours I woke at 2am, and the neural growth factor seemed to act as a stimulant which kept me awake for the next five hours. So not much real sleep. The next day, a mild headache, not too bad. Because I was tired, PT session went really bad. Probably due to lack of sleep and the headache. In the evening we all went to a Thanksgiving dinner which Joanne will describe later. The following day I had a good night s sleep and pt was moved up to 9am on friday. I don’t know whether it was the rest or the 3 stemcell treatments, but my dizziness is slowly getting better and the PT session went very well. Happy Thanksgiving to everyone. – Al
First, a little background on a meal in our room in the hospital. Plates in our lap with plastic utensils. Thanksgiving dinner at the 5 star Holiday Inn which has only been open for two months was an experience we will never forget. The menu was sweet corn salad, mixed mushroom salad, green salad, cream of pumpkin soup, Roasted Turkey with stuffing and giblet sauce, Gama Ham(fresh ham), sweet potatoes, cranberry sauce and pumpkin pie (really a torte that was to die for). The manager would stand at the head of the table and ask permission to clear the table for the next course. Merlot wine was also part of this extravaganza. The gal who organized this event suggested we go around the table to say what we are thankful for. I will never forget what Al said – he was thankful that his wife was here with him. He couldn’t imagine being here without her. We all were grateful to have the opportunity for hope where there was none, for meeting extraordinary people and for stepping out of our comfort zones and experience life so different from what we are used to. To top this off, the manager arranged to have the hotel cars take us back to the hospital. Don’t think we didn’t go home with doggie bags. He had so much food left over that he packed us each all the leftovers as well as a beautiful package of cookies. The cost of this sumptuous meal was 555 rmb which translates to approximately $75.00 american money for each couple. -Joanne
P.S. I forgot to mention that two chefs carved the meat at the table and plated our dishes which were served by the manager and staff. How elegant. A little aside, I met a chinese female doctor who is visiting this hospital and I mentioned to her how impressed we were with the chinese people who were so anxious to please us and make us comfortable and help us any way they could. She said “it is our duty”. And they perform their duty so very well.-Joanne
Entry Filed under: ataxia,Uncategorized
5 Comments Add your own
1. Chris | November 28th, 2008 at 8:25 pm
Good morning Al,
Whoa, the feeling that you weren’t fully “going under” must have been quite uncomfortable. So glad that the Valium and local kicked in. Also, very happy to hear that for whatever reason the dizziness is diminishing. How are you feeling all in all, at what could be called , the halfway mark? And was wondering if acupuncture was still part of the routine. I am hoping that mom is filling you in with my daily reports from here.
The best part of our Thanksgiving wa having Omri with us. There is nothing more joyful than having a two year old running around laughing to make one count their blessings. Much love, Chris
2. Helen & Sam Merlo | November 28th, 2008 at 11:30 pm
Thanksgiving Evening
After a superb meal at Jane and
robert’s, Rita announces that she is going to be shopping at Marketplace Mall at 5:00 am.She was looking for a volunteer to commpany her. You can guess who accepted the invitation. It is now after 10:00 pm and the wine was much too good.
11:45 pm Thanksgiving Night
Before preparing for the short evening’s rest, I study the newspaper ads with glee and delight.
3:15 am Black Friday
I am awaken by the alarm clock, which has become an instant enemy. What have I done?
A quick cup of coffee, a last check on the coupons, and the adventure begins. I am surprised at the traffic at 3:45 am. I likes like early morning rush hour as head to the mall. What are all these people doing at this early in the day.
First Stop
I arrive at Sears at 4:15 am; only about 50 people in line. I call Rita on the cell phone. She rushes to join me in line. Since she forgot to bring a hat and gloves, I run to my car for the “buffalo bills winter bag” and bring the stuff to her. Is is now about 4:35 am, and have to wait only until 5:00 am for the doors to open.
On your mark go!!
Only the opening we rush to find the bargain..
blu ray disk player at half price. What a bargain
we get the last 2. The saga will continue..no more space.
5:08 am
Rita can’t find her credit card. She rushes home to check if its there. I go to Walmart for computer special to save $180, and to buy 2 hp printers for $29 each. But no parking spaces are to found in the entire parking lot.
I finally park somewhat legally and rush in the store and find someone checking out with a basket. Life is good, but the aisles are jammed, no place to wake, let alone move a large basket.
Survival of the fitest
Luck has it that I see a computer that I wanted in a baske of a lady. When I told her that I wanted one, she everyone was moving in the wrong direction and that there was grid lock.
I change direction and escape the grid lock and get the second last computer and the 2 printers.
The true warrior
Arrive home at 6:15 am. Head for bed and rest, asking only, never again! Wake up 3 hours later. After a quick cup of coffee, helen is ready, and off we go to do her shopping. I really should have stayed in bed much longer!!
3. Helen & Sam Merlo | November 28th, 2008 at 11:39 pm
Hi Joanne and Al,
I hit the wrong button and submitted the document instead of proof reading it first. Oh well – got to get moving. There are still bargains out there!!!!! 10:30 a.m..
4. Linda Slade | November 29th, 2008 at 4:03 am
Dear Al and Joanne,
So love reading your blog. Glad you were able to experience Thanksgiving so far from home…..sounds good too!
Al, you have the right attitude and I am confident that is a large part of the process.
Love and prayers to you both!
Linda
5. Nicole & John | November 30th, 2008 at 4:51 am
Hello Joanne and Al,
Your Thanksgiving celebration sounds great, I had to cook the turkey and everything that goes with it, I am kidding I love to do it, we had a good time and Steve and Valarie send their love. Al we are very glad that you are experiencing significant improvements, even with the tortures you have to go through, it is almost medieval!!! Take care, Love, Nicole and John
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