52-year-old Mr Lian, a former private hire driver, brings infectious positivity to fellow patients at SLH’s Day Rehabilitation Centre (DRC), where he often cheers them on with a heartfelt, “You can definitely do it!” His optimism is rooted in his personal philosophy: “If you don’t even try, you won’t get better.”
He vividly recalls the day his life was upended. “I was driving when, out of nowhere, the left side of my body went completely limp,” he shared. Pulling over at a nearby bus stop, he managed to call for an ambulance despite struggling to speak. “Thankfully, the ambulance arrived just in time.”
Diagnosed with an intracranial haemorrhage, he was rushed into surgery and subsequently referred to St Luke’s Hospital (SLH) for intensive rehabilitation.
Determined to overcome his prognosis, Mr Lian set rigorous goals for himself, including a nightly regimen of 300 sit-ups to build his core strength — which his therapists emphasised as crucial to his recovery.
Reflecting on his progress, he shares, “When I was first discharged from SLH, I needed help from 2–3 people just to move from my bed. Now, I can walk around my house using a walking aid.”
While he continues to rely on a wheelchair outside due to balance issues and muscle stiffness which makes him prone to falls, his determination to regain full independence remains unwavering.
Attending rehabilitation five times a week, he focuses on occupational therapy, physiotherapy, and hydrotherapy to regain mobility and strength. While he has regained strength in his legs, his left arm continues to pose a challenge. “I experience pain in my left shoulder and have difficulty moving it, but I’m confident it will get better in time.”
Reflecting on his recovery over the past year, Mr Lian embraces a powerful mantra: “What else can I do to get better?” This mindset has been key to his steady progress.
“Now, I attend hydrotherapy sessions with my physiotherapist, Fahria. Working in the water has improved my balance and helped me control my movements much better,” he explained.
Mr Lian adds, “Seeing how far I’ve come, I’m even more confident that my left arm will regain full mobility.”
