Fracture Right 5th Metatarsal ~ Follow-up Report

04 September 2007

Sprained Right Ankle & Bruised Toes
I am rather upset to twist my right foot on 25.7.07 and I have to fall out from my Nanyang Technological University (NTU) School of Art, Design & Media Freshman Orientation Camp School of Art, Design & Media (ADM) Freshman Orientation Camp (FOC) on the evening of 26.7.07 with a sprained ankle. After returning home, the swelling got worse and my right foot was painful and numbed. There was severe bruising at the vicinity of the swelling, on my forefoot and and on the toes. The bruising was particularly bad on my 4th toe, which approximately more than 80% was bruised. I was really frightened from the symptoms and bruises...

Papa and Mumy suggested that I should be examined and treated by a 跌打 (Chinese Physiotherapy) Sinseh (Chinese Physician). They think that Chinese Physiotherapy treatment is faster and recovery is better than the standard Orthopaedic treatment.

Fracture Right 5th Metatarsal
On the morning of 27.7.07, Papa and Mumy accompanied me to the renowned "Tan Chong Shin Chinese Physician" at Bedok Reservoir (Block 744) for examination and treatment. After examining my right foot for some time, Sinseh Tan isn't optimistic with my injury. Sinseh Tan suspect it is a fracture and he referred me to SATA Uttamram Medical Centre (at Chai Chee) for X-ray.

Following the X-ray, we had lunch at Bedok 216 market. It was an uneasy lunch. Although nothing sarcastic was mentioned my folks, the atmosphere was a little different from normal. I can sense their unhappiness. After all, I just recovered from my Left 3rd Metacarpal Fracture and was fully discharged from TTSH last week!

It was a rainy afternoon and the wait to collect my Radiology Report was incredibly long... With a dozen failed attempt to doze off, my X-ray Films and Radiology Report were finally ready for collection. Much to my disappointment, my right foot was diagnosed with an undisplaced fracture of the 5th metatarsal base. This annoyed me as I sustained a 2nd fracture within a mere 6 months!

Upon reaching home, Mumy and I resumed our regime of wrapping layers of cling wrap, towel and plastic bag to waterproof the cast. Unlike the previous metacarpal (hand) injury, water still sneak through the protective layers, which cause my cast to be very damp.

On the following Monday (30.7.07), I returned to "Tan Chong Shin Chinese Physician" to show Sinseh Tan my X-ray Films. He noted the fracture and started treating my injury accordingly. As my cast will become wet after every shower, the nurse advised me to sit on a chair for shower. This method proved effectively, as I am able to elevate my injured foot away from the water...

Mad rush between Home, NTU & Bedok Reservoir
I changed my next appointment to 2.8.07, as I need to attend ADM Freshman Orientation & NTU Freshman Welcome Day on 3.8.07...

For weeks to follow, I have to rush from NTU back home on every Monday (6.8.07, 13.8.07, 20.8.07 & 27.8.07) afternoon after my Literature lecture and take bus #21 to Bedok Reservoir for my appointment. For every Friday (10.8.07, 17.8.07, 24.8.07 & 31.8.07), I have to go for my appointment in the morning, had my lunch, went home, and then go for my Literature tutorial. These additional journeys made my already tight schedules much more rushed, with even lesser time for homework...

During this period of time, climbing stairs is mission impossible. But sadly, ADM (or NTU in general) is full of stairs... Furthermore, walking with clutches is not easy! Walking for just an extremely short distance (e.g. 100m) can be very tedious, tiring and time-consuming...

Treatments at Tan Chong Shin Chinese Physician
Overtime, I grew close with Sinseh Tan and the nurses. We would start having casual chat when the nurses remove the cast and clean my foot.

Treatment by Sinseh Tan is not painful and I like the minty scent of the medication oil applied during treatment. It is quite fragrance and soothing. Pain, swelling, numbness and bruises reduced rapidly after a few treatments. The greatest relief I get is when Sinseh Tan pulled my toes to relief pressure and improve blood circulation, which helps to heal bruises faster...


Fracture Right 5th Metatarsal

Re-discover Bedok Reservoir
Frequent visits to Bedok Reservoir Neighbourhood 7 Centre (N7C) allowed me to rediscover the tranquil centre and reminisced memories of maths tuition days at Mavis, Tour "Go Discover" day 2 -explore east- and recovery after extraction of my lower left wisdom tooth...

The spice shop still smells marvellous whenever I passed by it. I discovered that the bakery shop at Block 741 is good. The colourful egg biscuit brings back a little of my childhood crave for it. The mosaic 'stone seats' at the bus stop is really old school...


old school mosaic 'stone seats' at bus stop in front of Blk 745 Bedok Reservoir Road

The biggest pity is that I do not get to eat my favourite fish ball minced meat meepok at Block 739 kopitiam. I first ate the fish ball minced meat meepok on 19.8.05, 2 days after extracting my lower left wisdom tooth. As I was still recovering then, the fish ball minced meat meepok was one of the few food I can eat then. I have a feeling that the stall might had close for good, which makes me feel very sad...

Recovery
I worked helplessly overnight for my 3D Wire project and submitted it on the morning of 4.9.07. Finally, on the afternoon of 4.9.07, Sinseh Tan told me that my fracture is healing well and today will be my last appointment. This is a great relief for me, as it means I have recovered. I also no longer need to rush between my home, Bedok Reservoir and NTU. But the best feeling would be, I can finally step firmly with both of my feet on the ground again. I also do not need to wrap layers of cling wrap, towel and plastic bag around the cast for a sitted shower anymore...

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Fracture Right 5th Metatarsal ~ Follow-up Report   © 文彬 2004~2024. All rights reserved.

10th Occupational Therapy (20.7.07)

20 July 2007

For the past 2 weeks, besides continuous stiffness from long inactivity and cold room temperature, I still can't crack my fingers and have difficulties counting numbers from inside out. My left wrist and fingers can also still feel the aching. This might be because I did not do the ball exercise for long interval...

This is the final time I'm taking bus #21 to TTSH... While listening to Shiina Ringo's "平成風俗", I am busy snapping shots of the roadside scenery from the bus...

Upon arriving at TTSH, I will always go for a toilet break at the toilet beside Clinic B1A before proceeding to the Department of Occupational Therapy for my appointment. Hand washing is essential before every session and I really love the fragrant scent of the pink soap...

As usual, Pei Fen conducted a Q&A with me. Being the last session, we had longer casual chat throughout...

Although the 15min fluidotheraphy never fail to make my left hand red, this hot grip treatment do help to reduce stiffness of the fingers. This is because the heat improves blood circulation... Like on the bus, I am crazily taking photos of myself while doing the treatment...


fluidotheraphy treatment

Occupational Therapy Review
Next, Pei Fen directed me into the exercise room where I am reviewed on my left hand at the BTE PRIMUS exercise machine. The review compared the percentile differences between my left and right hand through 3 types of grip tests on strength, movement speed and endurance level... Through this review, Pei Fen concluded that my recovery is fast and good, except that I am still suffering from muscle atrophy. I requested a memo from Pei Fen on my recovery for future reference and administrative procedures...

Graduation from Occupational Therapy
As today is the final session, I requested to take a photo with Pei Fen for memorial... I was given an open date appointment period for the next 3 months... Before leaving, I received blessing from Pei Fen and other staffs, who deem it as a graduation. They will welcome me back as a designer or volunteer if volunteering or community service is necessary during university life...

Hello & Goodbye Novena
After the treatment, I strolled around the shops and pharmacy. I had lunch at TTSH Kopitiam food court, eating chicken rice...

Next, I went for a long and satisfying shopping experience at Square 2. I ate a banana chocolate waffle, which is very crispy and delicious. I also drank a cup of green apple milk tea.

Being attracted by the retro-futuristic interior decoration, I walk into "The Attic" CD shop. "The Attic" just shifted from The Centrepoint and is only officially opened earlier today. I had a long and informative talk with the owner on music genre, US Import version and the record industry.

I bought a metallic silver SIGG water bottle for $33 from Outdoor Life at Novena Square...

Shopping at Orchard
I continued my enjoyable shopping experience at Novena with another long and enjoyable shopping at Orchard. I visited various shops like Topman, Gap, Fila, Sony Gallery and Isetan at Wisma Atria; followed by various fashion boutiques at B2 of Ngee Ann City. I also read up "oricon style", researched on summer hair styles and bought "NANA 17" at Kinokuniya. Shopping at Orchard is never complete without stopping by The Heeren for HMV.

I continued window shopping at The Centrepoint. I am surprise to know that "Supreme Audio", the huge CD shop that used to be located at Ngee Ann City B2 had shifted to The Centrepoint. For the longest time, I though the shop had closed for good. I had another long informative talk with the owner, whom I felt is like having a long chat with an old friend. We talked about the decline of J-pop, rise of K-drama and the record industry...

It is really great to discover (or re-discover) 2 great CD shops in a single day, as many familiar stores are closing down one from another. Especially so for CD shops... It is a pity that I do not have any new titles that I want to buy and both stores do not have stock of any item that is on my wishlist...

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10th Occupational Therapy (20.7.07)   © 文彬 2004~2024. All rights reserved.

9th Occupational Therapy & 5th Specialist review (4.7.07)

04 July 2007

It's another long ride on bus #21 before arriving at TTSH... After listening to YUI "CAN'T BUY MY LOVE" during the previous trip, I'm back listening to Ito Yuna "HEART" again for today's journey.

Unlike previous Specialist review & Occupational Therapy combined appointments, which the Specialist review was scheduled at the earlier slot, today's combined session began with Occupational Therapy instead...

9th Occupational Therapy (4.7.07)
As usual, my Occupational Therapy treatment with Pei Fen began with the routine Q&A and some casual chat... Again, today's session started with the 15min fluidotheraphy, which is now situated at a rearranged corner of the room. I had to admit that I have fallen in love with the coffee-like scent of fluidotheraphy...

Next at the metal rack, I would need to shift numerous sand bags of 2+kg up and down the rack for 5min... After which, I proceeded to the BTE PRIMUS exercise machine in the exercise room. I am tasked to squeeze the grip handle, turn the medium screwdriver and the knurled knob, all of a higher force level. In contrast with the previous session, the increased in force level is not as demanding...

The Occupational Therapy session ended after some casual chat with Pei Fen...

Lunch
During the interval, I had lunch at TTSH Kopitiam food court, eating vegetarian food. I also had a cup of warm soya milk from mr bean...

5th Specialist review (4.7.07)
After registering myself at Clinic B1A, I was directed to the Radiology Department to have my X-ray taken. My specialist for today is Dr Gurdeep Singh. After examining the X-ray, Dr Gurdeep stated that my bone fracture has healed and discharged me, which is good news... As usual, I go to Orchard for some light shopping...

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9th Occupational Therapy & 5th Specialist review (4.7.07)   © 文彬 2004~2024. All rights reserved.

8th Occupational Therapy (22.6.07)

22 June 2007

With the end of my 4 months MC, I returned to camp last week. After much rush and a long ride on bus #21, I am 30min late for the session today...

For the past 2 weeks, my left hand is very much overworked. This lead to much stiffness, aching and mild pain at the fracture, knuckles and wrist. There was mild swelling at the fracture; blue-black sensation at my 2nd, 3rd and 4th knuckles and reduced flexibility... Knowing this, Pei Fen noted that today's session will focused on grip strength...

Again, this session commenced with the 15min fluidotheraphy. As I didn't get much sleep in camp, I am really tired and sleepy through the whole session and I nearly fell asleep while doing fluidotheraphy. My tiredness is so obvious that even Pei Fen noticed it...

After fluidotheraphy, I proceeded to the BTE PRIMUS exercise machine in the exercise room, squeezing the grip handle of a higher force level. The increase in force level transformed this exercise into a demanding task. It made my left hand very much redder (it was already red from fluidotheraphy) and blister-like sensation was felt at the centre of my left palm... Concurrently, Pei Fen needs to attend to another patient.

Another therapist requested to use the BTE PRIMUS exercise machine, so Pei Fen brought me to the metal rack and instructed me to shift 4 sand bags of 2+kg up and down the rack for 5min. This exercise was very tedious for my wrist and biceps... Next, I'm back at the BTE PRIMUS machine. Being assisted by a therapist assistant, I would need to turn a knurled knob and a medium screwdriver. For both exercises, weight would be increased gradually. The knurled knob exercise caused mild pain and aching at my mid-joints and at the muscle group between my 4th and 5th metacarpal. The medium screwdriver exercise caused mild aching and tension at my wrist...

In contrast to the previous treatments, today session is among the longest in duration and the most tired. This might be due to physical fatigue and the increase difficulties of the exercises...

Being rather famished, I had an early dinner at TTSH Kopitiam food court, eating lemon chicken rice and a big pau at B2 café before going to Orchard for some shopping...

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8th Occupational Therapy (22.6.07)   © 文彬 2004~2024. All rights reserved.

7th Occupational Therapy (6.6.07)

06 June 2007

Today is the 6th time I'm taking bus #21 to TTSH and the 70min long bus ride has slowly evolved into an enjoyable experience... On the way, bus #21 would bypass Bedok Reservoir, Eunos, Geylang, Kallang and Jalan Besar before reaching Novena. Something unforgettable along the way would be the morning buzz at major bus stops, scenic Bedok Reservoir in the cool morning, busy traffic at Eunos, bustling Geylang Serai, Circle Line Stage 2 construction, funeral in a corner shophouse at Geylang Lorong 36, flats besides Kallang River that are due for demolition, hardware shops at Jalan Besar, City Square under construction, charcoal workers loading charcoals along Serangoon Road and the quiet Mcnair estate...

Besides admiring the roadside scenery, I would listen to my beloved discman playing the tunes of Yaida Hitomi "Single collection" (1st ride 22.3.07), Ito Yuna "HEART" (2nd ride 19.4.07), Every Little Thing "Crispy Park" (3rd ride 27.4.07), Shiina Ringo "平成風俗" (5th ride 23.5.07) and Ito Yuna "HEART" (6th ride 6.6.07) to kill time and prevent motion sickness...

Upon reaching my destination bus stop at St Michael's School, I would need to cross the overhead bridge and zebra crossing, before walking up Sinaran Drive to arrive at TTSH. This brisk stroll up the gentle slope act as an adjustment interval after the long ride on bus #21...

Today's session began with the routine Q&A and measurements by Pei Fen. For the past 2 weeks, there is still stiffness and aching at the joints when I wake up in the morning. Pei Fen explained that it is very common for many patients. I incidentally found out that pain can still be felt at the fracture while doing the wrist exercises to form a fist. I also told Pei Fen about the blue-black sensation felt at my 3rd knuckles, which Pei Fen said that massaging might help reduce that feeling. Above all, Pei Fen told me that my left palm is suffering from muscle atrophy...

Unlike previous session, we have a young secondary school teacher Ms Norshida (phonetic) as observer today. Ms Norshida is here at TTSH as part of MOE's effort to enhance Pastoral Care syllabus...

Again, the 15min fluidotheraphy made my left hand red instantaneously. Next, I am back at the BTE PRIMUS exercise machine, where I trained turning the knurled knob, squeezing the grip handle and turning the medium screwdriver...

Today treatment is a shorter one compared to previous sessions. After the treatment, I had lunch at TTSH Kopitiam food court, eating cai fan, before going to the pharmacy to buy a pink Stitch soft toy for myself... As usual, I go to Orchard for some light shopping...

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7th Occupational Therapy (6.6.07)   © 文彬 2004~2024. All rights reserved.

6th Occupational Therapy (23.5.07)

23 May 2007

While going to bed last Tuesday night, I lost balance and accidentally used my left hand to support myself. This leads to sharp pain at my wrist and at the fracture area. There is visible swelling at the fracture vicinity the next day. But luckily, the swelling subsided after days of massaging... Other than that, there are the usual complains of aching and tension at my wrist, knuckles, mid-joints and at the fracture; plus pain at my 3rd knuckles...

It's another long trip on bus #21... As usual, this session began with Q&A and taking of measurements before the commencement of treatments...

Today's treatment kicked off with the 15min fluidotheraphy, which again makes my left hand turn red instantly... The red power putty exercise followed next, with the same set of exercises as the last session...

Next, Pei Fen brought me to the exercise room where I am introduced to a new exercise. At the gym-like BTE PRIMUS exercise machine, I am instructed to turn a large knock, 5 times each for clockwise and anti-clockwise for a total of 4min. After changing the large knock into a hook-like instrument, I would need to squeeze the hook for grip strengthening...

After the treatment, I go to Orchard for my routine shopping...

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6th Occupational Therapy (23.5.07)   © 文彬 2004~2024. All rights reserved.

4th Specialist review & 5th Occupational Therapy (9.5.07)

09 May 2007

Monthly update
Another month has past... I am experiencing stiffness at the wrist, knuckles and the mid joints. I can't bend these joints, which the knuckles is the most serious. My 3rd finger is visibly shortened and I have problem straighten my 3rd finger. I also have difficulty pushing my wrist backward. Aching and tension can still be felt at my wrist, knuckles, mid joints and at the vicinity of the fracture, but with decreased frequency. Pain is only sensed at my 3rd knuckles. Plus while exercising, I can feel that my 2nd finger is jerking and the "clark-clark" sensation can still be felt at the fracture. In addition, I also experienced unknown swelling weeks ago...

Learning to wite with my left hand again
Since 29.4.07, I have been learning to write using my left hand. I am dexterous and this is my self-initiated exercise to improve flexibility of my left hand. I am born left-handed, but I'm corrected to right-handed at a young age. Although I can still write legibly using my left hand, my left-handwriting remains at kindergarten standard. By learning to write with my left hand again, I hope my left-handwriting would improve to be of equal standard as my right-handwriting soon...

4th Specialist review (9.5.07)
On the morning of 9.5.07, Mumy and I board the usual 70min bus #21 ride and we were actually early...

After registering myself at Clinic B1A, I was directed to the Radiology Department to have my X-ray taken. My specialist for today is Dr Leon Foo Siang Shen. After examining the X-ray, Dr Leon stated that recovering is good and scheduled my next appointment on 4.7.07, with a two months interval in between. Unfit for duty, I was issued another 30 days MC till 7.6.07. Dr Foo also issued an additional "light duty" plus "excuse left hand and upper limb" excuse till 7.7.07...

As my "AQUREA" moisturising cream is almost used up, I requested Dr Leon for another tube...

5th Occupational Therapy (9.5.07)
Arriving at the Department of Occupational Therapy, Pei Fen conducted the usual Q&A and measurement before commencing treatment. To further improve flexibility, Pei Fen recommended fluidotheraphy. For this treatment, I had to put my left hand into a machine filled with sand, which would be circulated by heat to about 43°C. I can still endure the heat initially, but as time goes by, the temperature gets to hot for my hand and I starts getting very uneasy and restless. Furthermore, I do not know how long this treatment would last. After the 15min, the fluidotheraphy ended, my left hand is completely red, which Pei Fen teased that I get red very easily...

Following next is the red power putty exercise. By squeezing the power putty with my fingers against my palm, I would be exercising the flexor muscles for a full grip. The second exercise requires spreading my fingers out fast to transform the power putty into a thick pancake shape and place my fingers on it. This would exercise the extensor and abductor muscles. For the next exercise, the power putty was placed on my palm. I had to dig my fingertips deep into the putty, which trained my flexor muscles and strengthens my fingers to their maximum closure. Lastly, I had to mould part of the power putty around two of my fingers while they are closed together and then spread them apart. This exercise trained the abductor muscles... After the tedious 12min power putty exercise, Pei Fen brought me to a rack and instructed me to move 5 water cans from one level to another for the next 4min...

Yellow stress ball
Before the end of today session, Pei Fen gave me a stress ball, which was also recommended by Dr Leon to reduce stiffness. The 1st and 2nd stress ball exercises are similar to the power putty 1st and 3rd exercise. The 3rd stress ball exercise is to pinch the stress ball between my fingertips and thumb. This exercise is good for the flexor muscles and improve dexterity...


my cute yellow stress ball

Bugis Waterloo Street
After everything is done, mumy and I had lunch at Bugis, before going to pray at Bugis Waterloo Street Kwanyin Temple...

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4th Specialist review & 5th Occupational Therapy (9.5.07)   © 文彬 2004~2024. All rights reserved.

4th Occupational Therapy (27.4.07)

27 April 2007

By making an effort to wake up early, it gives me ample travel time and I am not late for my appointment... Today's treatment started with the usual Q&A. Pei Fen is down with sinus, so she is wearing a mask. Joan is attached with another therapist in another department.

Besides serious stiffness of my left wrist and some aching here and there, most other problems are in better control; or I'm already numbed towards them. For the past week, swelling has reduced. In fact after measurement by Pei Fen, my left palm is now smaller than my right palm...

To improve flexibility of my wrist and fingers, Pei Fen recommends hot wax treatment that almost scares me to death. To ease my anxiety, Pei Fen clarifies that unlike hair removal waxing; this hot wax treatment would not cause any pain or harm my hair. Dipping my left hand into the wax, I'm really terrified as the wax is really very hot. After adapting to the high temperature, I finished coating the first of a total of 8 layers. When done, Pei Fen wrapped my waxed hand with a tracing paper and a towel before returning to my seat. When the 10mins treatment ended, part of the wax is already stucked to the table. Pei Fen removed the wax much like removing a glove with no pain at all and the long hairs are still intact...

Next, Pei Fen wants me to exercise my wrist by turning a wooden reel for 10mins. For this exercise, tension must be felt at respective parts of my hand. As my wrist is still very stiff and, thus it is really tiring after that 10mins...

As Pei Fen is attending to other patients, I get to have a short rest. Pei Fen then helps me to wear a plastic glove and gives me a yellow patty to train soft grip of my left hand. For the next 4mins, I have to squeeze the yellow patty, which resembles play dough and plasticine. Gradually, my fingers start getting tired and the yellow patty starts to look like a pile of shit to me, which almost makes me burst into laughter. Pei Fen seems to notice this and questioned me what is so funny. Upon knowing the reason, she gave me a hilarious reply "shit don't come in this yellow"... For this exercise, I feel some aching, numbness and stiffness at my 4th finger...

After the treatment, I had lunch at TTSH Kopitiam food court, eating cai fan again, before going to City Hall for some light shopping.

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4th Occupational Therapy (27.4.07)   © 文彬 2004~2024. All rights reserved.

3rd Occupational Therapy (19.4.07)

19 April 2007

A week had passed since the last Occupational Therapy session. After a long #21 bus ride, I'm again late for my appointment...

For unknown reason, my hand was very swollen. This is the worst swelling since the injury. This shocked Pei Fen, who instructed me to continue massaging my hand. To prevent the swelling from getting worse, Pei Fen recommended ice treatment and she had her intern Joan to carry out the ice treatment for me...

After the 10mins ice treatment, Joan massaged my swollen hand and she teaches me 2 more finger exercises and a wrist exercise... The first exercise requires bending of the knuckles only, which is very similar to a previous exercise. The second exercise is the bending of all knuckles and joints to form a hook. The wrist exercise is added to reduce swelling and to increase the flexibility of my wrist. It comprises a front-back and left-right movements. But due to the close proximity to the fracture, I am not able to complete this exercise as intended...

After the injury, my 3rd and 4th fingers appear to be about the same length. Pei Fen explained that the fracture had caused my metacarpal bone to overlap at the crack and this causes the shortening. This is very common in fracture... Pei Fen also clarified my query that exercises might more or less affect the wound, but the impact of dysfunction would be worst if I do not exercise my fingers...

For better conformability, flexibility, reduce swelling and to achieve better recovery, Joan adjusted my splint to make my fingers bend at 90º... During this session, I had lots of casual chat with Joan. Joan is a scholar of TTSH. Upon completing her attachment here, Joan will graduate from NYP. She will further her studies at the University of Sydney before serving her scholarship bond with TTSH...

After the 1.5 hour treatment, I proceed to meet Tian An at Orchard MRT station to watch "Nightmare Detective" starring hitomi. As Tian An said he will be late, I spend the time shopping in Kinokuniya. I also took this opportunity to sms Joanne and Wei Zhen on how to go to NTU Medical Centre for my Pre-Admission Medical Examination tomorrow. Suddenly, Joanne called me and we had a long chat over various random issues. As the two of us are hogging the lines, Tian An was unable to contact me when he arrived... At Cineleisure, the 1.50pm slot would leave us with little time for lunch and the 5pm slot is too late. So we decided to have lunch first before checking show time at Shaw House to find out that "Nightmare Detective" is not screen there. Thus, we walked to Plaza Singapura and decided on the 4.20pm slot... "Nightmare Detective" is those typical Japanese movie, which is being filmed too artistically that would easily bored and confused every viewer. I successfully struggled to understand the storyline, but Tian An seems really confused...

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3rd Occupational Therapy (19.4.07)   © 文彬 2004~2024. All rights reserved.

Occupational Therapy (22.3.07)

22 March 2007

After a long but refreshing 70min ride on #21 (that reminded me of TPJC days), I arrived a little late at TTSH Occupational Therapy Department.

Being my first treatment, the therapist explained what occupational therapy is about. Occupational Therapy is a type of treatment that uses activities to help prevent, reduce or overcome effects of disabilities. The fundamental purpose is to maximize functions and quality of life. She said that through Occupational Therapy, I am able to regain 70% of my grip after 3 months time from removal of cast, and chances of 99% recovery after 6 months time from removal of cast is high. Several activities like playing the piano can be carried out 3 months after the removal of cast, while activities like driving a car, riding a bike and playing of woodwind instruments is only possible after 6 months from removal of cast. Most importantly for now, I must not exert strength on my 3rd finger to prevent twisting, because if this happen, I will not be able to form a normal fist and functions of my left hand will be very limited.

During this session, the therapist teached me several finger exercises. But due to the restriction imposed by the cast, the therapist wants me to try these techniques as much as the cast allows. To reduce swelling, the 1st exercise requires me to elevate my hand above heart level and try to spread my fingers apart, then make a fist. Oedema control can also be done through massaging the fingers with moisturiser towards the body in one direction only.

The next finger exercise requires me to keep my fingers and knuckles straight, and then bend the middle and tip joints of each finger while keeping the large knuckles straight. This exercise was the first from a series of similar exercise to restore flexibility to my left hand.

Results for all exercises are best by elevating my hand above heart level, because gravity enhances fluids flow, thus reduce swelling. It would also be good for me to elevate my left hand above heart level whenever possible, like while sitting or sleeping.

To prevent my left elbows and shoulders to become stiff, an exercise consisting of raising my left hand up straight, touching the back of my neck and touching my shoulder blade is included. All exercises require me to hold the position for 3 seconds. I should do a minimum of 15 repetitions per session and at least 3 sessions per day.

The treatment lasted for slightly less than an hour and it was relaxing. Following the treatment, I had an early lunch at TTSH Kopitiam food court, eating cai fan again. After lunch, I went to shop for a while at Square 2, before proceeding to my much awaited trip to Orchard to replenish my stock of music and books to keep me entertained at home.

Upon arrival at HMV Heeren, Amuro Namie's latest DVD "BEST TOUR "LIVE STYLE 2006"" caught my attention. While listening to Hamasaki Ayumi's best album "A BEST 2 -BLACK-", I saw the huge promotion poster of Nakashima Mika's 4th original album "YES" at the rear, which leads me to search for this highly anticipated release, but to my dismay. The store assistants told me that the OS version of "YES" will only arrive later at 3pm, so I decided to try my luck at Cineleisure Sembawang and Orchard MRT CD-RAMA. After purchasing the "世界那么大" book from Kinokuniya and a stroll in Ngee Ann City, I returned to HMV at 3pm to learn that "YES" will only be released later that day, so I returned home.

That night, I received a call from HMV Heeren that my order for Namie's "Baby Don't Cry" is here. I'm happy and upset at the same time, because my long awaited order has arrived, but if it arrived yesterday, I could collect it when I was in the store this afternoon... The next day, I went to HMV Heeren in the afternoon to collect my copy of "Baby Don't Cry" and also bought a copy of "BEST TOUR "LIVE STYLE 2006"", "YES", Utada Hikaru's "Flavor Of Life" and GLAY's " rare collectives vol.2".

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Occupational Therapy (22.3.07)   © 文彬 2004~2024. All rights reserved.