Uncle JJ

Year of the Hospital

Posted on 24. May, 2010 by Johnathan in Everyday Life

Not wanting my spine to get all the attention, my jealous limbs conspired to get me back into the hospital for another set of xrays and CT scans. They waited for the perfect moment where I was inline skating with Hwajung to spin and slam down on the pavement with torque and fury. Drunk off of the ecstasy of a fresh fracture, my right limb sucked up hormonal opiates and was too intoxicated for fine motor control. No chance of tying shoes. So I clomped on over to the nearest hospital, which was one of those magical, endless walks along an infinite path, and found it nestled warmly at the end of my patience.

At first they planned on putting a pin in immediately, followed by 1-2 weeks in the hospital, but opted against it after they had troubles reading my heart rate. They read it properly, but were confused my resting heart rate was 50. Everything seemed a little rash, however it was necessary if I ever wanted to turn my hand properly again. Next, they took blood samples, and the technician, undoubtedly fresh off of her training, squeezed and pinched my arm for a vein. In fairness, this may have been an exercise in out-of-box thinking to leave me with an experience to remember, but it’s a smidge ridiculous with the 3d topographical maps I’ve got on my arms. Locating and mining my veins is, theoretically, a technician’s dream. After pricking my ear and several other tests, they sent me home just past midnight.

The next day, HJ checked around for less competently-challenged hospitals and found a decent one near her work that specializes in my kind of problem, aka orthopedics. This guy was more on the ball and felt surgery would do the same as just throwing a cast on. It would noticeably callous up in three days or so anyway, so it wasn’t really an issue. Either way, I would be good with 80%+ mobility in my arm. WHAT?!

On the phone I went and called a friend of mine (hi EJ) who has one of the coolest medical practices in Korea, neurology, and asked if she knew or could recommend a hospital or doctor to see. Turns out one of her friends is married to a well-respected orthopedic surgeon and he could see me, but I’d have to wait until morning. Um, yes, I’ll take that option please. So I took the next day off work and booked a date with Mr. Right. To my delight and the other doctors’ chagrin, I was sent home believing at least that I’ll make a full recovery.

Now I’m donning an azure cast, inspired by luxury for the spring. Can’t wait for the summer collection. Oh and that pinched arm turned out to be a 9 cm long, 5 cm wide bouquet of golden amber, purple and yellow, peaking at a brilliant maroon. I should have taken a picture in its crescendo.

Well, that’s the story. I’ll be single handed for the next several weeks, so expect a post on the top 10 most difficult daily activities to do with one hand.