Saturday, August 18, 2007 – Dave & “Mrs. Martin”
Today was a regular day of all therapies. I, Karen, was given a new name by Martin, Dave’s therapist. I am now known as Mrs. Martin because I am assisting on the physical therapy sessions so we’ll be able to continue them at home. Martin is training “Mrs. Martin” to be as strict with Dave as he is. Martin even invited Mrs. Martin to watch as he had to blood-let a hematoma from one of our neighbor’s feet. It was done by using a totally Chinese method. How interesting that was to see! (Dave opted not to observe…you know how squeamish he is with that sort of thing…not!)
Dave is actually beginning to look forward to his acupuncture because we can see the good it is doing for him. He also did his laps around our floor. Today he did a total of eight laps (not all at once). Two of the laps were done with him walking backwards while holding onto my arm for support and guidance. Martin said going backwards will use more of his calf muscles and build them up, which is what Dave needs, especially for his right leg. All eight laps were done without his brace or cane. I have to hand it to Dave – he is so diligent about all of this, even though I can see how exhausting it is for him.
I haven’t mentioned how extremely hot it is over here. It is always in the upper 90′s with a heat index much higher and the humidity is very, very high. I, who am always cold in the US, have a steady stream of sweat dripping down my face! The heat doesn’t seem to be bothering Dave, while in the US heat really bothers him.
Presently, there are six patients on our floor from the US and three patients on the 18th floor from the US. All are here for stem cells for varying conditions. We also have patients from Hungary, Romania, and Italy.
Today we completely ate out of our “provisions”. Tomorrow, however, we will venture off to the local five star hotel for a western/eastern brunch. Talk about broadening our horizons!
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