From Something To Everything (Bounprem)

3. Surgery

Prem was sitting area of the orthopedics department. He was waiting for his turn to consult the doctor.

Sammy was sitting next to him busy texting someone on her phone.

It was day two after Prem had left his team and he was already feeling frustrated.

The last day was spent in moving into his new condo near the university. Thanks to the damn disease, Prem's right hand couldn't be used. He had to move and arrange everything with his left hand which made him take thrice the time and effort in settling down.

Prem cursed himself for declining Sammy's offer to help him arrange his things.

After he was done unpacking and arranging stuff, he was so exhausted that he fell asleep as his head hit the pillow.

"You didn't have to accompany me today." Prem turned to Sammy who was giggling as she was scrolling through her phone.

"If I don't accompany you here and not make sure that everything is going as planned, I won't get peace of mind," Sammy said to her childhood friend.

"So concerned about me. Why? Have you fallen for me?" Prem teased.

"Looking at how you can still make such lame jokes, you don't seem worried at all. I was concerned for nothing." Sammy scoffed. "And one more thing I am a one-man woman. My loyalty lies with my boyfriend."

Prem chuckled upon hearing Sammy's declaration.

"Warut Chawalitrujiwong" the nurse called out.

"Hey, it's my turn."

Prem and Sammy entered the doctor's cabin.

They greeted the doctor.

"Please take a seat." The doctor said.

"Khrab" the duo sat down opposite the doctor.

"Your results look good. The ultrasound is also fine, Khun Warut. We can proceed with the surgery today itself if you don't have a problem." The doctor said after going through the lab results of the tests and scans Prem took earlier that day.

"Khrab Khun Mo [1]. We would like to have the surgery today itself." Prem answered the doctor.

"Khrab, as you wish. As we told you earlier, this is just a minor surgery. It will take only half an hour in total. We will be administering regional anesthesia so can get discharged today itself."

"Khun Mo Khrab, is there anything we have to take care of after the surgery?" Sammy enquired.

"I was getting to that part." The doctor smiled.

"For the next two weeks avoid lifting anything which weighs more than one kilogram. You should also not do repeated hand or arm movements like typing or using a computer mouse, chopping food, cleaning, etc. Also, avoid using power tools and activities that may cause vibration."

"Khun Mo Khrab, how long will I have to keep this splint?" Prem asked feeling a little nervous all of a sudden.

"In normal cases, if there is no significant swelling, you can remove them in a few weeks. You can do it at home itself, but I recommend coming to the hospital to confirm the recovery before removing them permanently." The doctor answered.

"Post-surgery, you have to keep your hands elevated above your heart and move your fingers to reduce swelling and prevent stiffness. You also have to apply ice on the surgical region for a small amount of time, a few times a day."

"Khrab Khun Mo" Prem nodded.

"Khun Warut, I understand your worries. But you have to know that recovery from carpal tunnel surgery takes time, from several weeks to several months. In a severe case like yours, it may take even longer. As an athlete, you should take the follow-up procedure seriously. You will have to get physical therapy to strengthen and heal the wrist and hand. The recovery mainly involves the splinting of your wrist."

Prem and Sammy listened carefully. She noted down the doctor's words in case she forgets them.

"Also, during the therapy section, you should avoid drinking alcohol and smoking. Your food habits actually don't affect you much. But still, I would recommend avoiding spicy and oily food. Keep your meals as light as possible. Remember to eat more greens. Broccoli, spinach, and asparagus all contain vitamin B that helps in nerve regeneration and improves nerve function."

"We will keep that in mind Khun Mo."

"If you don't have any more doubts, you can follow the nurse to the operation theatre."

"Khrab. Thank you, Khun Mo". The duo waied before following the nurse outside.

"You go, I will wait here," Sammy said as she patted Prem on his shoulder.

Prem nodded and followed the nurse.

The nurse took Prem to the operating theatre after doing some basic tests like blood pressure.

After making sure that his vitals are normal, they administered anesthesia to his right hand.

Half an hour passed in a blink of an eye.

The surgery was completed successfully.

Prem was asked to wait for a bit before leaving the operation theatre.

After coming out of the OT, Prem headed to the locker room where he changed out of the hospital gown. He then picked up the phone to call Sammy and let her know that he was done.

After a few rings Sammy picked up. She was on her way to the pharmacy to pick up medicine for Prem. She told Prem to wait for her for some time.

Prem lazily walked to the waiting area to find a place to sit. His stomach was growling in hunger. He hadn't had much food since morning due to nervousness. He felt too lazy to go down to the hospital cafeteria. Well, he knew that the food there sucked.

Prem felt pity for himself. He sighed and looked around trying to find a way to distract himself from thinking about food.

Prem's eyes started glowing when he noticed a vending machine at the other end of the waiting area.

Without thinking twice Prem stood up and walked over.

Putting in the coins he chose his favorite peach-flavored drink.

Picking up the can of drink, Prem walked back to the waiting area and found a seat.

Since it was a weekday afternoon, there were not many people. Prem sat lavishly in the seating area.

As his right hand was still under anesthesia, Prem had to use his left hand alone to open the can which he found extremely difficult.

In the past, he had seen people open cans with a single hand. It looked quite easy when others did that. However, he was having a hard time opening the can.

He was too afraid to try hard because every time he tried; the can would shake. He didn't want to open a Shaked carbonated drink and get it all over him. Especially when he is still wearing the splint.

Prem was planning on giving up trying to open the can and wait for Sammy's arrival and to make her open the drink for him.

Prem suddenly saw a long hand grabbing his drink.

He was a little taken aback. He turned around and saw a lanky blonde wearing a black mask with his hospital gown reaching out for his drink.

Prem subconsciously lets go of the drink.

His phone dinged. Prem pulled out his phone see a text from Sammy asking him to go to the front lobby. He placed the phone back in his pocket and looked at the blonde.

The blonde opened the can and passed it back to him.

Prem reached out and received the can of drink. Thanking the blonde, Prem walked to the front lobby.

[1] Khun Mo- Doctor