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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