Traits and family characteristics are passed down from generation to generation and although I was blessed with some, I also recieved one that could be considered, undesirable…….bad veins. Not only are they small but they seem to have a mind all its own. As soon as a needle comes near they vanish or they wait until the needle is in my body then the veins will collapse. The nurses say I have “difficult” arms, I prefer zero needle tolerence. I’ve been punctured so many times that my body has declared a revolt against foreign needles, even the accupuncture ones. The poor nurses feel terrible about missing the veins, its not their fault, its always been this way. So they decided to try and get a vein from my foot so I can get my magic juice……..ummm yeah not such a good idea. My whole leg lost its mind trying to dislodge the needle and the tiny nurse holding it. I think I scared her half to dealth. I said sorry and she said ‘try arm again’. Good news, I hear that when it becomes to difficult to find a vein they switch to a shot in the butt…….I’ll take it. But on the whole its more amusing than anything else.
Hope all is well
I’ll write again soon
April 28th, 2007
Well so far China has been a fasinating experience, except for one thing…… the lack of cheese here is ridiculous. If I had known of this unfortunate fact I would have packed an entire suitcase full of it cause there is no such thing as too much cheese. My dad….god love him…..went on a scavenger hunt and managed to find some kraft slices, still different, but at this point I’d eat anything that even claim to be cheese. Curto stock the fridge on May 20th with some cracker barrel old please, I going to make up for lost time.
Just thought I’d quickly express my cheese envy
I’ll write again soon
April 27th, 2007
My apologies for those who have been waiting for this blog, but for those who know me my tardiness comes as no surprise. This will no doubt be long winded for there is much to tell.
The first few days were jetlagged with many general tests and introductions to doctors, nurses, physio staff, admin staff, and other patients from all over the world. Everyone has been wonderful and kind despite some of the language barriers. The people here are exceptionally friendly and wish only to help. There are obvious differences such as punctuality. You are assigned times for physio programs, both morning and afternoon, and are expected to be there promptly (something I have done surprisingly well at…..so far). Meals are not provided as is in Canada, but there is plenty of western food around. McDonalds, KFC, Papa Johns pizza to name a few and there is a restaurant on the first floor that will deliver to your room. The nursing staff are not responsible for any of your personal care, only things of a medical nature. They are a fantastic group of women who are very good at what they do. Most speak only a few words of english, but a few speak very well. Friendships are easily made. They giggle good naturely at my clumsy attemps to speak chinese. Joe is the man to see for any of your technical needs, he’s awesome. The girls in the admin office are in your everyday dealings and act as interpreters to doctors, physio, nurses, and throughout the community. Hats off to you ladies you are wonderful.
The physio program is, for me, an intense program, 6 days a week, morning and afternoon that leaves me ready for bed by 8 o’clock. I’ve worked harder in the past week than the 6 months of rehab I had with my initial injury in Canada. It’s good and it’s why I came. Each program is tailored specificaly to each individual by your physio doctor. My program includes standing twice a day, a workout/balance session on the tables, accupuncture hooked to electrodes, and an electro muscle stim session. Plus everyday the nurses give me an IV of chinese herbal medicine to promote health and circulation. I call it magic juice because two days after I got here I have had no problems with my bladder and thats saying something coming from someone who has been plagued by chronic bladder infections. I also have had problems with severe swelling and now I’ve seen my ankle bones for the first time in about 6 years.
I am having 6 stem cell treatments, 4 spinal injections, and 2 IV treatments. Friday April 20th was my first spinal injection. I was wheeled into a room on my bed, positioned on my side in a ball, given a local anesthetic and a needle placed in my lower back where my doctor took out 30ml of cerebrospinal fluid which was replaced with 30ml of stem cells. I was in and out in 15 minutes. After I had to lay flat on my back, no pillow, without moving for 6 hours. But in the morning when I sat up I recieved the infamous headache. It’s like a pressure headache like none other and is caused by some spinal leakage. It’s not uncommon and is why you must not move, especially your head, for the 6 hours. A small price to pay for the possibilities of this treatment.
Today, April 25th, I had my second stem cell treatment only this one was IV and took all of 30 minutes flushed afterwards by the chinese herbal medicine. No pain or discomfort (except IV needle) from this at all.
The whole 14th floor is the Stem Cell Ward and all the patients here are amazing people. Some are from half a world away, some from home Canada. All with different ailments, but all with one united purpose…..hope.
April 25th, 2007
Almost a week has gone by, sorry about the lack of info. I had some technical difficulties so this is just a test. If it works I’ll write all about the past week.
April 23rd, 2007
