Last Treatment
Well, it’s hard to believe that we’ve been in Qingdao for 3 weeks already. Time has magically flown and Chris and I have just finished packing and leave for the airport in two hours. What have we achieved? Three significant events. Each one in itself deserving of our complete attention for three weeks, so when combined at the same time I know why I am feeling a bit weary.
This trip to China has been the most wonderful experience of my whole life. Today we leave for Australia with good memories and many friends close to our hearts.
1. 4 X I/V TREATMENTS
As I mentioned before, I elected to have only I/V injections of stem cells this time because of my hectic schedule. I did not have any rehabilitation either. The spinal injections were not possible because of lack of time. Over the next few months it will be interesting to see what improvements I gain with only having received the I/V stem cells. I already feel full of life and everyone says that I am glowing. Yesterday I thought that perhaps I had a bit more feeling in my legs and that my hips were not so tight and heavy. But at this stage who knows. But watch this space as I will definitely keep my blog updated to progresses gained in the forthcoming months.
The new Chengyang Hospital facilities are excellent and very comfortable and wheelchair accessible. I had no problem getting around. The nurses were all very caring and willing to make all us foreign patients feel at home and comfortable. In the VIP Ward life is very social with everyone from all over the world sharing experiences, food and support.
2. THE PARALYMPIC SAILING COMPETITION
What a breathtaking event. Well done China, and especially Qingdao. The regatta was unbelievably successful in every respect. I was saying to Chris a few days ago that a big difference between Western society and the Chinese is that here in China every person strives to make every action perfect. While often in the West, close enough is good enough. Thank you to all the volunteers, officials and sailors who have made this such a memorable event. Today is the final goodbye to BOCOG who will send a bus to take us to the airport with Katey. We have certainly been treated exceptionally well.
3. SAILABILITY CHINA
Early next summer we will be back with a small fleet of Access Dinghies that Chris is donating to start Sailability China. The first branch will be here in Qingdao then spread out. We have had numerous meeting to get things under way. We met with:
- Deputy Mayor, Madam Zang who gave us good advice.
- Dong Yong Quan, General Manager/Commodore of the Qingdao International Yacht Club
- Mr Shi of the Qingdao Disabled Persons Sports Federation
With the support of our good friends Mr. Dai, Donghai and Mr Hu we have the basis for a Sailability China Steering Committee. Things are moving at a rate of knots. I’ll upload some photos once I rmember how.
Add comment September 20th, 2008
