A Bad Week for Thien Nhan

Thien Nhan's had a rough time of it lately. A bad case of flu landed him in hospital twice this past week, as excessive coughing led to severe vomitting. After several days of not eating, he lost a lot of weight. "He looks very sad and thin," reports mom, Mai Anh. "He looks like a dried sweet potato."

As if Thien Nhan hadn't seen enough doctors, on Tuesday and Wednesday he had to go in to the Hanoi French Hospital prosthetic clinic to be fitted for a new leg. A short video clip (link below) reveals just how upset he was, screaming and begging his dad to make the doctors stop applying plaster to his stump in order to create a mold. But of course it's for his own good -- all being well, a month from now he'll receive a new prosthetic. Since he's outgrown his current limb he also had to stop by VietCot to get it extended, which meant more time in a hospital environment -- and more tears!

http://afamily.channelvn.net/20081119104823692tm0ca82/Con-khong-thich-thi-thoi-Video-that-dau-long

Standing Tall

Thien Nhan's prosthetic leg was too short, so he spent the day at VietCot being fitted for an extension. His dad and big brother, Minh, came along too to lend support. The lengthened leg should be ready sometime this week.

Tomorrow Thien Nhan has an appointment with physiotherapist Dr. Chuong, who, all being well, will help to arrange regular physio sessions for the tot. He needs specialized physio to ensure the health of his good leg, stump and spine.

Walking Lessons

Thien Nhan is growing quickly and his prosthetic limb is once again too short, requiring him to balance on a hard book. He can't get an appointment at the prosthetics center until next week. While Thien Nhan used to protest whenever his fake leg was strapped on, he has now accepted that his daily walking lessons are for his own good, and often asks to keep the leg on during his lunch break. "He is very determined," reports Mai Anh. "He often practices balancing from 8.30am until 5pm, and even naps with his fake leg propped up on a little pillow. He wants to be normal."