By Ching-Yuan LIN | Senior Occupational Therapist
“At first, I felt like I was making very slow progress, with each day feeling the same as the last. But looking back now, I realize how much I’ve improved!” says A-Min, reflecting on his ten-month rehabilitation journey.
After suffering severe burns, A-Min’s skin became extremely fragile. Even simple movements like turning over in bed could cause new blisters and wounds. Despite the excruciating pain, he had to endure it to prevent his joints from contracting further. When A-Min first arrived at the Taipei Rehabilitation Center, his body was covered in wounds. He recalls, “It was very painful! Everything hurt, even getting out of bed was a struggle. I just wanted to lie still.”
With 80% of his body burned and bedridden for over seven months, A-Min left the hospital unable to stand or walk, relying entirely on a wheelchair and his family’s assistance. He was eager to recover quickly but was constantly hindered by the pain, affecting his mood and making him feel like his progress was slow.
“The scariest part of rehabilitation was probably the tilt table,” A-Min shares. “My legs couldn’t straighten, so they had to be strapped to keep my knees from bending, and my feet had to be flat. Standing up was painful and uncomfortable, but I got used to it. As my feet gradually flattened, walking became easier!” Over time, with the support of his therapists, A-Min progressed from standing up from his wheelchair to walking with a walker, then a quad cane. He even practiced shopping and using public transportation, steadily moving towards his goal of returning home.
Watch A-Min's progress doing rehabilitation
During the Lunar New Year, A-Min took the high-speed rail back to Chiayi for the first time since his injury, feeling immense joy and freedom. “When spring comes, I want to return to Chiayi for good!” he said confidently. A-Min hopes to continue his rehabilitation to improve his squatting ability and eventually regain his woodworking skills, finding hope in life once again.
Before A-Min returns home, the Taipei Rehabilitation Center’s social workers will coordinate with the Yun-Chia Center to ensure a smooth transition, allowing A-Min to continue receiving comprehensive physical and psychological rehabilitation services.
Thank you for your support, which helps us provide burn survivors with complete rehabilitation services!
By Marie-Claude Pelchat | Project Leader
By Chia-Jung WU | Social Educator, Yunlin-Chiayi Service Center
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