Archive for August 17th, 2007
This was Dave’s first day of actual treatment and a very full day it was! The day started early with acupuncture at 8:00 for 1/2 hour. This is really not one of Dave’s favorite things to do but we know they do it for a good reason. This was followed by the doctor/nurse visit. Next came 40 minutes of electric wave therapy on his leg muscles. In the afternoon came 50 minutes of physical therapy. Some of this was very difficult for Dave to do, especially for his weaker leg and anything that was directly related to balance. He did a great job, though, and will work his way up to more and more endurance. After a brief rest, Johnny took us to the Foot Bath for a foot/body massage. This was a wonderful way to end the day!
August 17th, 2007
Today was basically a day of testing and evaluating. Blood tests were done, along with a urinalysis, MRI and EKG. We were able to meet with Dr. Mary who wrote up a case history on Dave and we also met Dr. Mike, who is Dave’s main doctor. We also met our new Chinese friend, Johnny. He is 24 years old and volunteers at the hospital during the day (this helps him in learning English) and nights he works at KFC. He is truly watching over us and helps us in any way that he can. Dave also had an extensive evaluation done by Martin, his physical therapist. This evaluation lasted amost two full hours – we were so impressed! Dave has never in his 30 years of living with MS had such an extensive evaluation done in the U.S. After all the test results come back, the doctors, nurses and therapist will design a treatment program for Dave.
August 17th, 2007
Sunday began with a great brunch, then a brief tour of Shanghai. Chinese people are very intrigued by Dave’s size and the fact that we are Americans. The street vendors wouldn’t leave him alone. Finally, after buying 1 fake Rolex watch, 3 Mont Blanc pens and 15 postcards (for a total of $15.00) we were able to get back in the taxi and travel the 2 1/2 hours to Hangzhou. It was a pretty relaxing day after getting checked in at the hospital because Sundays are totally free days for patients. Hospitals in China do not provide any food to patients so the families are responsible for feeding them. Jerry, a staff member for Beike Biotechnology Company took us to the supermarket which is a couple of long blocks from the hospital (we can see it from our room up on the 20th floor of the hospital). In addition to being able to cook meals in one of the two kitchens on our floor, we are able to order carry out meals from several nearby restaurants. Dave & I plan to live off the “provisions” we brought along with us for the first few days!
August 17th, 2007
We arrived in Shanghai, China on Saturday, August 11, after a 14 1/2 hour flight. The flight was very long, but very good. The girl sitting next to us was returning home to Shanghai and spoke some English. She wrote down in Chinese the name of our hotel for that night and the hospital name for the following day. We then just had to give these papers to the taxi drivers, as they do not speak or read English. What a help that was!
August 17th, 2007
