Got fairly good sleep on Saturday. Woke up to find someone visiting with freshly made roti-prata, smelled really good, except that I had no appetite. In the late morning, a young doctor tried to remove the wound dressing alone, but caused another severe cramp of the leg. Finally, with the help of nurses, he removed both the bandages and the drain line and pot. Removal of the dressing revealed a shrunken leg and a swollen knee. Another physio came in and with her support, I could ambulate around the room slowly with crutches. In the late morning, I was wheeled into the Rehab Centre, also known as Ortho Gym, to try stair climbing - but couldn't as I was too weak. On Sunday, I felt much better. Have been exercising on the CPM for 2 to 3 times a day. In the evening a doctor came in to remove the infusion needle & plug on my left hand as it was no longer required. It was much more comfortable without a needle sticking into your hand.
4 - 5 Jun 07, Mon & Tue. D6 & D7, Feeling Good.
Have been on semi-liquid diet for the past 6 days as I have no appetite and I had not moved the bowel yet. Doctor prescribed stool softener and laxative. Later nurse inserted suppository into the rectum and finally all accumulated wastes were flushed out with great relief! Also took the first shower in days. Went to Ortho Gym in the afternoon and was able to climb several steps of the staircase, but needed great efforts and someone’s support. On Tuesday, I started eating solid food after 7 days of soft food such as porridge, soups, 'mee-sua' mee-hoon soup, etc. Tried a variety of Chinese, Muslim and Western foods, but all were not too tasty. Exercised on the CPM machine 3 times. For the first time today, could feel the quadriceps muscle strengthening – was able to lift the leg slightly. Did some walking on crutches. Someone brought dumplings, it was something different and nice.
6 - 7 Jun 07, Wed - Thu. D8 - D9, Isometric Exercises.
Woke up at 5 am, got adventurous and did all kinds of isometric exercises. I could now turn in prone position and lifting the leg backyard. The Prof came in and check on my conditions and said that I could be discharged on Friday. He instructed that the range of motion on my brace should be locked at no more than 30° for 6 weeks. Was very happy to hear that I could go home soon. Redoubled my isometric exercises the whole day. However, I had to shorten the 10pm CPM session owing to pain in the knee. Silly of me to have overdone the exercises. The pain worsened by midnight and I had to call in the staff nurse at 1am as the pain had become unbearable. She gave me a painkiller jab which reduced the pain within 30 min and I went back to sleep. Woke up on Thursday morning feeling much better, but skipped the morning CPM. Physio came in with a pamphlet - The Prof had instructed to rent a CPM machine for home use for 3 to 4 weeks. I have to arrange with the supplier to deliver on Fri evening in order not miss the exercise session after discharging from hospital. The rental rate was S$15 a day.
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