A week in retrospect
April 25th, 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.
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12 Comments Add your own
1. Tracey Dicks | April 25th, 2007 at 9:35 pm
It is so great to hear that everything is going so well for you.
Your in my thoughts and prayers.Rick and the kids say hi .
Love Tracey
2. Kim | April 26th, 2007 at 5:50 am
Hey Les, keeping up with ya here in Nova Scotia. Stay strong, keep working hard! Thinking about ya,
Kim
3. Julie Goodman | April 26th, 2007 at 8:15 am
Well I must say that made for some very interesting reading! Make sure you bring the recipe for that ” magic juice ” home with you….. it’s great that you finally find something that has helped some of your problems. Strange though, the big difference in the physio as you mentioned. Wonder how our healthcare system would respond to that huh? LOL This is the first time that you can say YOU have been going to bed BEFORE me?
Keep up the good work and positive thoughts……luv Julie
4. Janine | April 26th, 2007 at 9:27 am
Les, I like the sound of this magic juice, can you hook up with more for when you return home?
I am glad to hear things are going well. I am looking forward to hearing more!
Love ya girl! Neener
5. Wendy | April 26th, 2007 at 8:27 pm
Hey Basic!
Wow, that was quite the read…thank god I opted for the extra large tea at Tim’s this morning!!
I’m SO glad to hear that things are going well for you. Keep up the hard work and dedication, which I am sure that you will. I look forward to hearing more about your incredible journey. All the best buddy!!
Love Wendy
6. Buck | April 26th, 2007 at 10:07 pm
Hiya Leslie
Just so you know,you are in everyones thoughts here at home. It looks like you might have some orders to fill for this magic juice you speak of. Stay strong and keep us posted
Sir. Shane c. Bailey
7. Bryce and Michelle | April 27th, 2007 at 12:59 am
Good to hear that you are doing well and so positive about your experience. We hope all the best for you and will follow your blog. Thinking of you.
Bryce and Michelle
8. Melitia Penney | April 27th, 2007 at 1:17 am
Leslie,
So glad to hear that everything is going well. All sounds real positive. We miss you and Autumn says a special prayer for you every night.
Take Care,
Melitia and Randy
9. John Beresford | April 27th, 2007 at 3:40 am
Magic Juice eh? I had a friend that owned majic juice…he is doing 10-15 in the Kingston pen right now, but he still swears by that juice. Holy s%&t, 6 hours…I guess hours of listing to us tell you the same stories over and over again on Friday nights prepared you for that kind of monotony.
Great to hear things are going well. I imagine that China is much more modern then I am picturing in my head. Please eat something that Canidians would consider a pet…just for the story.
Hang in there kid, we are all back here waiting for ya.
10. Jocelyn | April 27th, 2007 at 8:53 am
So glad to hear that everything is going well. I can’t believe you can see your ankle bones!!!! That’s amazing. I think about you everyday and I look forward to hearing about more breakthroughs. Love Ya Jocey, Rob and Allie
11. Lynne Owen | April 28th, 2007 at 11:38 am
Hi Leslie….I am honoured that you included me as one of your “Blog” recipients….so now I can tell all my “old” friends what this ‘blogging” is all about!
It’s wonderful to hear about how you are progressing. I’ll look forward to reading as much as you can write.
Take care,
Love,
Lynne & Graham
12. Jen | April 29th, 2007 at 12:46 am
I am just now catching up on your blog. I am fascinated by everything! I am so proud of you Lesie. What an incredible adventure. Im loving your positive attitude and reading about your cheese cravings! If I could ship it to you, I’d gladly make a Costco trip for the biggest box ever! Keep writing! Im thinking about you!
Lots of love all the way from Oakville!
Jen xoxox
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