My First Surgery Experience 人生初の手術

 

コミュニティだより『あじ』に第16回目の連載を投稿しました。今回は「人生初の手術」について執筆しました。

My First Surgery Experience

"The only way to cure this is surgery." That is what the doctor told me.

It all started around the summer of 2022. I was trying to lift a large stone in my home garden when I heard a distinct "pop" near my lower back. Later, at the end of December, it happened while I was walking up the stairs. A sudden, sharp pain shot through me, and I collapsed on the spot. Since then, a persistent numbness and pain spread from my right buttock down to my toes. At its worst, I could barely walk even a few meters.

I visited various places, including clinics, orthopedic clinics, and chiropractors, but nothing improved. Believing I had to fix it myself, I dedicated myself to yoga, tai chi, stretching, and walking. Yet, the pain remained, and working in my beloved garden became increasingly difficult. I was completely at a loss for what to do.

Then one day, the numbness started spreading to my left buttock and thigh as well. Realizing how serious this was, I decided to do some deep research using AI (Artificial Intelligence) on my computer. Based on my symptoms, the AI actually guided me to a specific hospital and specialist right here in the city of Takamatsu.

I immediately visited that hospital for a thorough examination. The diagnosis was lumbar spinal stenosis. I successfully underwent surgery on 2nd June. Rehabilitation immediately commenced on 3rd June. I was discharged on 12th June and am now taking my time to rehabilitate at home, working towards full recovery. I should be able to resume my normal activities once again in early autumn.

Sakura Sakura on the Shakuhachi

Played Sakura Sakura under our Somei Yoshino Sakura tree with the birds chirping along...  

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XzfcuyIpoTc

2026 Somei Yoshino Sakura blooms

Our Somei Yoshino Sakura tree in full bloom. 
 うちのソメイヨシノの満開です。

Trip back home to Malaysia (2026)

 ちょこちょこばなし

～庵治町とケダ州─遠くて近い「ふるさと」の今～

よろしかったら、読んでみて下さい。

Here is a translation of the Japanese write-out of my last trip back home to Malaysia. You are welcomed to read if you have time. 

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I returned to my hometown in Malaysia after two years. It was a short two-week trip, but I was able to escape the Japanese cold and completely relax.

This time, for the first time, I used Hong Kong Express from Takamatsu Airport, transiting through Hong Kong to Penang Airport in northern Malaysia. Previously, I had used Kansai International Airport or Haneda International Airport, but this route was far easier.

Malaysia is a country of eternal summer. Although I arrived in the middle of the night, the temperature was a comfortable 27 degrees Celsius. My hometown is in Kedah state, which borders Penang state. It's a peaceful region with vast rice paddies, and the rice was just growing, creating a green carpet across the landscape. Seeing this scenery soothed my soul. As a child, I often went into the rice paddies and helped with tasks like planting and weeding. I even caught fish in the paddies. However, I hated being bitten by leeches.

Back then, the population of my hometown was much larger, but now it's significantly smaller. Like Aji-cho, most of the residents are elderly, and children are rarely seen.

I stayed in my hometown for about a week, enjoying short day trips to nearby towns by car every day, savoring local cuisine and durian, often called the "king of fruits."

I stayed in Penang for several days. For me, Penang is a place I never tire of visiting. It has a rich history, and delicious restaurants are scattered throughout the city. It's hot during the day, but strolling around the city in the morning or evening is very pleasant.

Penang's Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a popular long-stay destination for Japanese people. The reasons for this seem to be its warm climate, good safety record, friendly atmosphere towards Japanese people, and excellent Japanese language support.

Shakuhachi at Aji Wai Marche

Playing the shakuhachi at the Aji Wai Marche event. 庵治わいマルシェで、尺八を吹かせてもらいました。（写真提供：藤岡つよかず）