In Qingdao
November 12th, 2011
Well everyone, I’m finishing my 2nd week at Chengyang People’s Hospital in Qingdao, China. I’ve received one I.V. of stem cells and two lumbar punctures-I’ll get three more lumbar punctures & one more I.V. before I fly home to Vancouver on the 30th. Beike has an exclusive stem cell treatment ward here ( 8th & 9th floor) so ALL the doctors, nurses & therapists around you are dev0ted to your particular case. Very comfy, extra large V.I.P. room ( for an extra $1,500 U.S.) gives us a large screen T.V. and a wonderful living room suite with a big sofa, two armchairs & a coffee table. We also have a lovely regular queen size be for the caregiver ( for me , my father ). In fact, it’s so big my son is also staying in our room in an extra bed.
Already, I’m experiencing improvements , abilities that had been slowly in decline are slowly improving. My fine motor skills , balance, speech and leg strength ( especially my right leg ) have improved. BUT, the day after a lumbar puncture is a day to take it easy. Usually , a person feels a bit weak and their muscles might not co-operate also. Drink LOTS of water that day -everyone has a water cooler in their room.
Things to know:
ALWAYS cross the street with a friend-there are very few traffic lights.
Eat locally, the food is great-you can eat at KFC, McDonald’s & the Holiday Inn at home-why do it here? It’s cheaper too.
If you can’t live without coffee, go to Starbuck’s ( across the street), buy the canned variety ( everywhere) or bring your own coffee maker ( can’t buy them here )
Dust blows in from the Gobi Desert , those days you cough from what you think is car exhaust, are probably minute dust particles.
There are LOTS of children here for treatment
You really can’t use Facebook and don’t count on a reliaable internet connection
Walk in all the many beautiful parks
DON”T try using a Chinese squat toilet unless you are an acrobat or have 4 arms….
DO arrange form the Beike van to take you downtown for the day
If you can’t live without watching you favourite T.V. shows, bring yourm own DVDs—you won’t find ANY English language t.v. here-having said that, some of the Chinese shows are excellent!
That’s all for now! More another day… Cheers, Christine
Entry Filed under: ataxia
