22nd to 30th November

22^nd to 30^th November

Not a lot has happened during the past week however there are a couple days worth mentioning. 

Beginning on Wednesday was the start of International College Week.  This comprised of all the International students from the various programs putting together food, fun and games for the next 3 days as part of an interschool activity.  This is compulsory for the students and they are exempt from any classes that might be interrupted by this event. 

The ‘show times’ for this took place during lunchtime or from around 10:30 to 14:00’ish. 

The students in the program I teach prepared food (nothing more pleasing for everyone than tasting various food items.  This has to be one of the highlights of my year, at this time.

All the students would take various shifts and tasks to prepare for these next 3 days. 

Another highlight of the week was today (Friday) when it was time to return to the hospital for an 8-week x-ray follow-up.

At this point I’m slightly worried since last time I was there (4 weeks ago), the Doctor told and showed me how the pins inside had moved outward and he was concerned this could get worse.

I have been diligently attentive of this and being very cautious on how I move my leg and the stress that is put onto it.

So this morning being slightly worried but at the same time feeling good, I go through the procedure of having the x-ray taken then patiently waiting to go inside the office to see what the Doctor had to say.

At first he doesn’t say anything and glares at my x-ray.  I know it is the x-ray of my leg as it’s the same format as the previous one.  This has me slightly concerned then he turns and looks at me with a smile and said the healing of the bone looks good!  Whewwwwf

I couldn’t have been more pleased to hear those words.

I had to shake his hand at that point and say thank you I think at least 3 times.

I could distinctly see the fracture line in the first x-ray and how it had almost disappeared on the second x-ray (taken today). 

I will go back again in 4 weeks but during this time I will apply slightly more exercise/therapy to the leg (more movements) and can now place around 50% pressure on it but need to use the walking supports at all times.  I’m not out of the woods quite yet.  One more month of being very cautious still.  I can live with that.

I will continue going back to the hospital for x-rays each month over a six-month period at which time I’m not sure how often I need to go back.

The Doctor said that full recovery will take upwards to 2 years.  I have a feeling I could be walking with a cane for a while.

The nurse has now input all the information regarding my accident / medications etc. onto my ARC card so when and if I need to go to another hospital (in Taiwan), then my card will show all the necessary information.  This is just another useful piece of support to carry around with me.

I asked the Doctor about having the pins removed in the future and he didn’t really give me a concrete answer but simply said a minimum of 2 years is required for full recovery. At that time he briefly mentioned that it could be my decision whether or not I wanted to have the pins removed or to stay.  I’ll worry about that when the time comes but not anytime soon.

Had to pay for the x-rays (they took 3) plus the consultation = $550NTD = $20CDN

Lee was with me all this time as he needed to ask the Doctor for some specific papers so they can be sent in to the insurance company as we’re confident there will be some form of financial compensation.  This insurance is mandatory for everyone to purchase if they ride a scooter.  So will be interesting to see how much could be given if any at all but they’re confident some form of compensation will be given.

Now that everything is over and done with and I’m as happy as I could possibly be, we head off to Café Bird for a nice latte and visit with Nana. (Lee’s sister)

I ordered a cake from the Opera Café to present to her and her family as a thank you token of my appreciation for everything she does for me and continues to do so.

The pastry and baked goods here in Taiwan are of superior quality and rival any top pastry shop in a major city worldwide.

The day is not over but for me, I’m already riding on a high and it just cannot get any better.

Tomorrow (Saturday) is Election Day here in Kaohsiung (Mayoral) so let’s see what the day has to present.  Will keep you posted.

Sunday (30^th)

Not too much excitement on the streets after yesterday’s election, which I thought there would have been but perhaps most people at home watching the results on TV.

The mayor elect was the continuing mayor (Chen Chu) and I’ve heard various opinions as to that’s good or not, everyone has their own personal opinion just as we do back home.  She is the first female mayor of the city first elected in 2009.

Lee and I decided to walk to the nearby breakfast eatery (it’s closer than walking to the library).  This would be good exercise for my leg and now that I can place the foot on the ground, it’s easier for maneuvering about.

One of the girls working at the eatery recognized Lee (she was the one always delivering breakfast to us).  He told me afterwards she was asking why we walked there..hahaha

Breakfast seemed much more tastier being served fresh from the kitchen as opposed to eating it 15 minutes later, steamed and kept in a box.  I think delivery is now out of the question.

Today I will go over my lesson for tomorrow and simply sit back and relax. (seems I’ve been doing this ever since the accident)

Watch another 1 or 2 movies and enjoy my lattes. 

A new week is just around the corner as is a new month.  The 12^th month of the year and I cannot believe how fast this year has gone by.  Christmas is just around the corner.