Kids, say hello to BREG ROBOARM 5000.

I recently got myself a new robot arm. NOW, I’m can blow those kids away at the playground.

God is good. Everything that could’ve been bad about having an operation that was forewarned to me really did not happen. I checked myself in on Friday morning at 8am and was discharged by Sat 2.30pm.

Firstly, a friend told me that he couldn’t eat for 3 days and was coughing blood when he first came to. This is because of the tube that they put down your windpipe to keep the airway open. Didn’t happen.

Second, the surgeon told me that I’ll probably stay in the hospital for 3-4 days for rehab on my elbow. I realise that I was out of the hospital within 24 hrs of the procedure.

Next, the surgeon was also concerned that the pain would need to be managed in order for me to try to move my arm to regain the range of motion. The funny thing is, they stuck a tube into my neck to administer a regional analgesic to help me manage the pain. It turned out that just past midnight into Saturday, the tube fell out and the fluid that was meant for my arm was systematically administered to my shirt instead. I had no LA??!! And at the same time no pain.

The Customer Service Officer at the registration counter advised me to stay in a subsidised ward, were most of the fees would be covered by the government. That’s 1500SGD instead of 6300SGD. I agreed. She then goes on to inform me that there isn’t any space left in the subsidised wards and that she’ll have to put me in the upgraded ward, but reassured me that I will only be paying the subsidised rates. ???!!!?!?!

The staff nurse told me that there was no stock for the wonderful brace (BREG ROBOARM 5000. Please note that the name of the brace is my own…) that the Occupational Therapist (physio) said that they needed before they look at me to start my rehab. I ask them to help investigate what other alternatives there were and they came back to tell me that this cool looking brace was available, and that all of that is covered under subsidised rates and payable by my Medisave. (Read: I don’t pay anything in cash)

By Sat 11am, I get sent to the Occupational Therapist who says that my range of motion is very encouraging. She and the surgeon warn me not to overdo my rehab (they say they read me the same way) and then sent me on my way home.

All I really can say is this: God has been very good to me. This has been the smoothest ride I could have imagined. In fact, it is better then I could have ever imagined.

Ephesians 3:20-21: Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.