She was able to get out of bed and walk about for short distances with the help of a nurse and a physiotherapist on the morning of Aug 31. On the same day, she drank apple juice for breakfast and had some clear soup for lunch.
Traditionally, patients who undergo colorectal surgery get out of the bed only after two to three days to move about and leave the hospital after eight days.
“I can now do some light household chores at home such as mopping the floor,” Madam Chua said.
Madam Chua’s daughter, Ms Jayce Soh, 35, said: “Nurses are quite knowledgeable regarding the drugs, her recovery and nutrition information when I need to ask them. So I don’t necessarily have to wait for the doctor to drop by. They are quite clear on the conditions and what we can or cannot do. I think that was very helpful.”
Another patient, Mr Henry Soh, 64, who underwent a similar surgery on Feb 16, could sit up on the bed and started taking oral supplements one day after his surgery.
He could walk around the ward independently and interacted with other patients in the same ward on Feb 18. He was discharged by Feb 20, without needing medication, physiotherapy or chemotherapy.
“Dr How did a good job. He put me in the Eras ward. No need for chemotherapy or hormone therapy, no medications… I’m eating. My life is back on track. It’s a good testament to tell others to not give up hope,” Mr Soh said.
TTSH’s new ward promotes faster recovery, hospital discharge through early mobility and nutrition
