Update from Dave and Norma
Hello everyone,
Instead of my writing a broadcast email, Dave wrote his own this time!
Sending it to all as he requested.
Sally
————– Forwarded Message: ————–
From: DAldrich57@aol.com
To: villagecandle1@comcast.net
Subject: Hi Sal please broadcast
Date: Tue, 3 Jun 2008 13:56:08 +0000
Hi everyoneAbout twenty of us are going to a night club tonight as the west invades the east. A twenty one year old man came in today from Romania who dove into shallow water and drown, same as me he came into the PT. room and recognized me immediately from the blog so we shared stories. There are now four quads here with shallow water accidents. I am also now the oldest patient here.The rest are in their twenties or children. My lungs are getting stronger everyday, I can’t stop talking! More tomorrow. Saturday night was a night to remember! After being cooped up on the 8 th floor for the last five weeks I decided to take my stem cells out for a night on the town Dr. Martin led a group of 15 patients and staff to club Paradise about 4 blocks from the hospital. Once we entered the parking area Martin sat on my lap, and drove the w/c chair in 5 th gear through the parking lot, into the club and all the way up to the stage which was quite a sight to see. The DJ welcomed us to the club and we received a round of applause. The night club had a thunderous sound system which would rival or beat any club in the US. There were a ll kind of acts and performances in between the singing and dancing. We enjoyed some TSING-TAO beer which is made right here in Qingdao. The night began with a DJ playing Chinese music when all of sudden (Stayin’ Alive ) By the Bee Gees came on followed by more great classic American hits. I have come to realize that the time has come for me to get on my feet and dance once again. I had not done much exercise out side of PT but every muscle that I wanted to move, moved and I think if I didn’t have the seatbelt on I would have gotten up out of that w/c and dance. I realize now how much strength I have gained in my trunk and both my legs. I really feel now more than ever that I will eventually be able to stand once again. I have gained more control of my muscles I just need to build up my strength. I danced all night as best as I could in my chair. Norma and I left about midnight with Martin sitting on my lap and driving me back to the hospital. We had a great time I could swear it really felt like I danced my legs off! There is an adjoining jazz club which opens this Saturday night and the manager offered us free tickets so we plan to all go out again this weekend.
I had a great PT session on Monday and three of the executives from the US were there and they filmed and photograph my work out. They are all amazed at the progress I have made since I have been here. I was schedule for my last spinal injection on Monday but ten minuets prior to being rolled out for my injection I was informed that my stem-cell injection had not arrive and I would be receiving an IV instead. I was also told that my last IV that was schedule for Monday the 9 nth would have to be changed due to it being a Chinese holiday. We decided to do the spinal this Wednesday and my last IV on Friday.
Needless to say I was not very happy but decided to make the best of it. I was offered my money back for the ninth treatment but choose to squeeze it in. Hopefully the stem-cells will have time to migrate effectively.
WE are now in the home stretch with less than a week left before our departure. It has been quite an experience and now that I look back I feel I have made substantial gains. My lung capacity has increased. All my joints are more limber and my range of motion has greatly improved due to the great therapy and massage. This has also helped to decrease my pain and spasms a great deal. The most exciting part is that I have actually began to regain control of my wrists. I can put my arms out in front of me and begin to straighten my wrist.When my hand is held I can close my index and thumb and partially close the others into a grip on my left hand, my right hand is lagging behind a bit but is showing some improvement. My finger movement has also improved. Hopefully with lots of work this will become a massive accomplishment.
I know sally is very busy with work and family and it has been fun composing these couple letters. I will try to get out one more update before I leave but if that does not happen I will be sending you my next letter from sunny Delray Beach Florida where I will be devouring a Big Juicy American Cheese Burger!!!!!
Love & hugs
Dave & Norma
Add comment June 4th, 2008
