Wheelchair PrincessI left Bangkok on the overnight flight back to Zurich last friday (00:40). It really was time to leave the hotel - four weeks is a long time away and things get repetitive and boring after a while. The Doctor provides a certificate to have a wheelchair provided at the airport - and this is a really good option which should really be taken. I had already requested one during my booking process - however the check-in assistant thought I looked 'too fit' for one. The certificate unlocked that issue very quickly.
We arrived at the airport at 21:30. I had booked Thai Business Class, and was really glad of this, as the queues for International Economy Class (all airlines) were massive and chaotic. The Business Class area is separate without queuing
. There is a baggage security directly beside the Business check-in, and the lounge is directly behind. Being wheeled through security was fun, with a quick pat down whilst sat inside the wheelchair. I really did feel like a Dusit Princess..
The lounge was worth it - free wifi, cakes, soups, pastries and drinks. Comfortable armchairs and sofa's. I know many people taking the Bangkok SRS option probably wont want to pay the additional price of the Business Ticket - but I saved additionally for it, and considered this as part of the overall package. The ability to have a nearly horizontal bed when flying 12 hours was very soothing; and I managed a couple of 2-3 hour sleeps. I also booked the ticket about 4 months in advance, and paid approximately 1.8x an economy ticket (3200 CHF vs 1700). Im sure other cheaper deals can be found.
The wheelchair experience also means you get to board early, and have a wheelchair provided at the arrival airport. And a guide to move you around. Take the time to enjoy it. Even if you feel able to walk, sudden wobbly legs after jet lag is not what you need now.
So now I have been home a couple of days, getting into my own rhythm in my own place. This is more deeply relaxing than at the hotel; knowing you can eat, sleep, dilate and relax whenever you need. The medication also stops this weekend - no more anti-biotics or anti-inflammatories. I did notice that I became more wobbly in the evenings, and that tiredness creeps up suddenly to jump on you unexpectedly. But I can retire to bed when I need and relax.
Sitting is not really a problem - although some of my kitchen chairs still need the partially inflated neck pillow cushion (more in a minute). However trousers are definitely an ouch - swelling still exists around the pubic bone / clitoris and trousers tend to apply too much pressure there - compared to the flowing skirts I used mostly in Bangkok. Unfortunately the temperature here is a measly 20C when the sun is out - compared to the regular 32C (feels like 36C) of the city (even when cloudy). So I have to learn... or use Reiki to apply heat to the swelling area to help it go down. In reality this is going to take a long time.
Dilating at home is much easier than in the hotel. You can fit the sessions into your own schedule, not waiting for breakfasts or the nurse. I also appreciate having a slightly darkened room and warm quilt which helps me relax much more than the air-con blasted room in the Dusit Princess. I also returned to 3x 40 minute sessions a day. Although it takes up more time, I found that it helps the muscles relax more, so that stent #2 slides in much easier than with 2x60 minutes. Although you do end up using more lubrication gel, and cleaning up each time is annoying. Dr Chettawut made it clear that it is better to take your time and ensure dilation is smooth and easy before moving up to stent #3 (and after 3-4 months, #4). Being cold, or having a tense body does not help at all, and it is nice to be able to wrap up warm in a slightly darkened room, and zen out on some meditation and music.
