Trip Log : Week Two

Sunday, August 31st

First free day. No physical therapy, acupuncture, or electro stimulation. It rained throughout the day. We sampled some of the local Chinese barbeque. We spent the rest of the evening relaxing in room.


Monday, September 1st

Made a trip to one of the local supermarkets. Weekday mornings seem to be the best time to avoid the crowds. While shopping we had lunch at KFC. The menu resembles the KFC menu in the U.S. to a certain extent. There are some menu items that appeal to Chinese appetites.


Tuesday, September 2nd

Went out for Korean barbeque. Very similar to the Korean restaurants in the U.S. except that they cook their meat differently. When we go out we usually bring a card from the hospital to show to the cab driver in order to get back. We forgot to bring it with us, by fortunately enough we were able to communicate to the owner of the restaurant where we were going. He even had one of his drivers take us back.

Wednesday, September 3rd

Had a scheduled spinal stem cell injection for the day. Wasn’t given the confirmed time until the early part of the afternoon. The cells normally shipped in that day from the lab because they have a limited lifespan outside of the lab environment or the body.

I was still scheduled for physical therapy earlier during the day, but did not have acupuncture or electro stimulation.

I was in a semi-conscious state during the procedure which lasted for 30 minutes. Afterwards I had to be lying on my bed for approximately 6 hours.

Thursday, September 4th

No complications noted from the stem cell injection from the previous day. Spent most of the day on grounds due to 48 hour community restriction after spinal injections. Did physical therapy and acupuncture as scheduled.

Friday, September 5th

Stayed on the unit again for the day for observation. Watched some DVDs picked up by Tanya for the day. Tanya made arrangements for group trip to the coastal area of Qingdao.
Saturday, September 6th

Took day trip to coastal area of Qingdao. Visited a temple. Went to the beach area and explored. Had lunch at a Chinese food restaurant specializing in seafood. Visited May 4th Square, landmark of Qingdao Olympic torch, before returning back to hospital.







*Note: Dates reflect time change in China.