A Medical Emergency in Hua Hin

[Big Boy]

I had a catheter inserted whilst still in A&E, and it remained until 2 days before departure. I must say, I was in too much pain to take any pleasure out of the process, although it did release a huge amount of pee for me as well.

LOL - it was most likely a relative 'holding your gentleman's sausage in her delicate fingers.'

[404cameljockey]

I had a catheter inserted whilst still in A&E, and it remained until 2 days before departure. I must say, I was in too much pain to take any pleasure out of the process, although it did release a huge amount of pee for me as well.

LOL - it was most likely a relative 'holding your gentleman's sausage in her delicate fingers.'

Haha. Well I was a complete gentleman despite my slightly saucy remarks!

A male bladder can usually hold up to 700 ml, although the feeling of needing to pee can star at around 300 ml. I was definitely over the recommended maximum.

[Big Boy]

Part 6

Warning: Don’t try this at home – it bloody hurts!!!

This is quite a long report, so I have split it up, trip report style.

NB: I have written this report in a light hearted manner. I was in a lot of pain during this process, and I have tried to reflect my emotions as they happened. In reality, I have no complaints whatsoever with any of the treatments I received. In fact, my treatment couldn’t have been better. I’d classify it as brilliant throughout.


Recovery/Learning to walk again

I am not under any mis-illusion, I know this will not be an easy task, and should take at least 6 months if I do as I’m told, and I may never regain full walking again. It doesn’t help that I am overweight – so much extra work for an old man’s upper body whilst he’s a leg down.

At the time of writing, it is only 6 days since the operation, and we’ve already made quite a journey.

Physio Part 1

The day after the op, we were handed a little chit, and told to collect a Zimmer frame as my physio would be starting that same day. My son went straight down to the relevant department, and picked it up, and it sat shining like a new Christmas Present in the corner of our section of the ward.

About 2pm two physiotherapists turned up. They took one look at my shiny Zimmer frame, looked at me, and said too small – it was a Thai sized Zimmer frame. My son was told what he would need to find and buy.

The 2 physiotherapists did go through several exercises I would need to undertake every day during my recovery. This was easy on my good leg, but my operated leg was like a lump of meat in a butchers shop. This task was going to be enormous.

Without a full size Zimmer frame, there was very little more the physiotherapist could do on day 1. They made just one final decision. I was so large, I would need a minimum of 3 physiotherapists per day.

Today was Saturday, the physiotherapists don’t work on Sundays, so the next session would be Monday. If Monday’s session was going to be of any use, we had to have the new frame by then.

In search of a full sized Zimmer Frame

Hua Hin has many suppliers, but all were out of stock of larger frames. The frame would have to be ordered – too long. We could buy online, but it would still waste too many days waiting for delivery. Everyday without a full sized Zimmer Frame would be an extra unnecessary day in hospital.

My son has quite a network of friends and acquaintances through his work. He put out the word, and was offered 2, almost immediately. Even better, offered on a free loan basis. The only problem was they were both in Sam Roi Yod, so it had to be brought to Hua Hin. That wasn’t a problem, so problem solved.

Physio Part 2

With my shiny borrowed Zimmer, I was still not too impressed. Most of the session was spent learning how to stand up. Once I could stand up, I did manage a few steps, but I think I was wanting to run before I could walk. Yes, I was getting on my feet, but incorrectly – something that didn’t really click until a few days later, and I actually realised what was being said to me. I now understand why progress was slow.

Physio Part 3

I was promoted to the hospital’s very impressive gym. Medical checks made before, during and after. What a set-up. I was able to walk quite freely around this area. I think my efforts surpassed everybody’s expectations. Just one more visit required – learning to walk up and down steps.

Physio Part 4

After the previous day’s success, I was full of confidence that I’d be up and down the steps with no problem today. Boy, did I come down to Earth with a massive bump. I managed three 2” steps before giving up. I couldn’t have done this before my accident, and most certainly can’t do it now. I’m not sure what the final answer will be, but with a 9 step access to my house, being able to climb steps is pretty essential. The boss of the physio gym announced he could do no more for me at this stage, and I could go home.

I did initially wonder what the 2” steps were all about anyway – who has 2” steps? Since getting home, I've counted, and we have four 2” steps in our house.

……………………… to be continued.