Trip Log : Week One

Tuesday, August 27th

Arrived at the airport. Met by the translators and transported to the hospital. Orientated on the facility, given a schedule, and met with the physical therapist to do a baseline of my condition. Tanya went to local market called the RT Mart to pick up a few supplies.





Socialized with the residents on the ward. Some from U.S., Australia, Canada, U.K., a lot from Romania. Everyone very friendly and supportive.



Went to bed early due to jet lag.

Wednesday, August 28th

Woke up early due to adjusting to time change. Did physical therapy at 10 a.m. The ward had a scheduled day to work strip and wax all the floors in the ward. Patients required to spend and hour to two hours out of their rooms during this process. Hospital very meticulous about cleanliness. Cleaning lady comes by at least twice a day.

Had first electronic stimulation and acupuncture sessions. Both went well. Felt a lot looser after the sessions.

Tanya and I explored the street in the local area. Found a bigger supermarket than the RT Mart. Picked up a few supplies very cheaply. Did some filming of the area with camcorder. Residents exhibited a lot of curiosity when seeing foreigners, but cordial when greeted.

Still having difficulty adjusting to time change and went to bed early around 9 p.m.

Thursday, August 29th

Had typical physical therapy, electronic stimulation, and acupuncture sessions.

In the evening went to the International Buffet at a 5 star hotel in Qingdao. Hospital staff provide instructions to and from the location to give to the cab drivers. The buffet offered a variety of foods in a high quality environment and set up. Most of the patrons are travelers from other parts of China or foreigners. Most of the staff there communicate well in English.

Friday, August 30th

No therapy sessions today due to scheduled Stem Cell IV at 2 p.m. Nurse arrive at 10 a.m. to insert IV connection in preparation for IV later in day. Nurse had some difficulty finding a vein to use. Needed assistance of another nurse.

Went for Stem Cell IV at 2 p.m. Taken to second floor in a special room they have set up for the IV injections. Only patients and nurses allowed in room due to capacity restriction. Room has three small couches with IV stands near each one. Two other patients were also in the room getting the IVs done at the same time. Process took no longer than 30 minutes.

Later we received my schedule for the next week from Wendy, the services coordinator. I have physical therapy from 9:15-10a.m Monday through Friday. Electronic stimulation and acupuncture will be from 2:05-3:05 every day except Wednesday, Saturday, and Sunday. Wednesday at 2:05 to 3:05 will be my first Spinal Stem Cell Injection. The after the injection I will be on bed rest without a pillow for 6 hours. Can not have any any food or drinks 3 hours before the treatment and 4 hours after. Also, I will be expected to stay on the hospital grounds for the day for observation. Sounds a bit challenging.

Saturday, August 31st

Did physical therapy and other occupational therapies in morning and afternoon. Spent rest of afternoon and evening relaxing in room and occasionally socializing with other patients in the lounge area. Hospital has DVDs available to borrow. Many of the DVDs are from movies that were recently released but not yet officially released on DVDs. Not sure if these are bootlegs or Chinese theatrical release copies. Watched Penelope starring Christina Ricci then went to bed around 10 p.m.



*Note: Dates reflect time change in China.