Focus on the positives!

As promised, I will now tell you about the ‘accident prone’ side of me. Well, that is not actually true, as I have never been accident prone, but this trip to Korea makes me rethink it!

I do not usually share personal issues and I do not seek sympathy… please spare me! haha The reason I am sharing is to tell you about the wonderful service I received in the local Korean medical care.

After the terrible slap on the water at the water park, I had another encounter… different day, different situation. In the evening of August 4th I was walking back to the hotel and it was already dark. And to set the record straight, I was NOT drinking. Completely sober, I tripped on an uneven sidewalk. I fell. The sequence of the fall was awkward and catching myself did not work out as well as I would have hoped. It happened quickly and as I reached out with my left hand to break my fall, I experienced a full body slam to the concrete.

With the most excruciating pain I have ever felt, I sensed that something was broken or torn. I got up rather quickly and as I held my left arm with my right hand, I realized that my arm was dangling and I could not use it. In my mind, I had either broken my shoulder or torn my rotator cuff.

I managed to get back to the hotel and to my room. I suffered through the night, and early the next morning I sought a doctor. The hotel staff referred me to a doctor just across the street. After about 30 minutes, the doctor told me that he did not see any broken bones but said the rotator cuff is likely torn. He then referred me to the hospital where an MRI could be taken.

The hospital was also convenient, being about a 5-minute walk from the hotel. I went directly there and the staff could see that it was a rather urgent matter. Very soon I was talking with a doctor, and he sent me to the MRI. A 20-minute ride in a tight tube is NOT fun! I was observed in the MRI, under xray and a few other machines and all verified that my rotator cuff was torn. Each and every step of the way, I was escorted through each department.

In consultation with the doctor, I had to make a decision. I knew that I could go to the Yongsan Army base for medical care, or I could go back to the USA where it would likely take me weeks to get surgery. With the Army, I am not sure what to expect and with a return to the USA my vacation is either cut short or I spend it in misery. Waiting for an operation in the USA would likely lead to more permanent damage due to waiting for surgery.

In my mind, there was only one good choice. I told the doctor I wanted surgery at his hospital. He set up my appointment for 9:00am the next morning! I was surprised when the doctor told me the operation would take about 20 minutes. Of course, that does not count the before and after activities.

The doctor could speak pretty good English. The staff could not, though there were a few that could manage a little. Thankful again for translation tools, I had no problem with the staff and their instructions.

I showed up at 9:00am on August 6th. The process began. I was taken to my cubicle, in a room with three others, and I changed into the clothing provided. The surgery did not take place until early afternoon.

Once I was taken to the room for surgery, there were several aides there. One person standing next to me was handling my feeding tubes and I asked for two favors….to please make sure the doctor worked on the correct / left shoulder, and to ensure that I do wake up! They did not get the humor, and within a minute I was out cold! They are fast!

Soon thereafter, I was back in my bed relaxing, and it was not long before I had a nice meal brought to me. All Korean, all good. I spent one night in the hospital for observation. Breakfast was good and so was lunch. It was mid-afternoon when I was able to leave the hospital, and every two days I would go back to have the doctor check my surgical wounds, and have them cleaned and dressed again.

I was originally scheduled to return to the USA on August 13th. My stitches were to come out on the 14th. I made the decision to extend my time in Korea to stay on that schedule, and also to participate in some physical therapy. Further to that, I will have more time to spend with my friends.

Results were good. The doctor has been pleased with the rapid recovery. The skin was ready to give up the stitches five days early. My inflammation has been minimal and my arm movements and extensions over my head are days ahead of expectation. However, with all the positives, I will still take 2 – 3 months to carefully exercise to full use of my arm. No need to hurry and risk damage.

I can not say enough good things about this doctor and hospital. Dr. Hyungtae Lim has a dynamic personality and is very focused on patient care. His aides in every department were friendly and helpful in every way. Here’s a big shout out to Dr. Lim, and to Seyoon and Yi-seul, the two young ladies that took good care of me while I was in the ‘overnight’ ward. Many heart-felt thanks!

Now for the positives…

I did not want to fall. I did not want to hurt. However, without this incident, I would likely never have met this fine doctor and the aides that have become my friends. Oh, what a way to make friends! I never focus on the negatives. I truly seek the positives. I am blessed to experience the new friendships.