Life Begins at 88: A Tribute to My Physiotherapist

Retired school principal and avid writer Mr Yap Koon Chan has nothing but high praise for HCA Senior Physiotherapist Charlotte Heng, whom he credits for his rehabilitation progress after the amputation of his left leg.

“She is one of the healthcare professionals I respect most,” Mr Yap says. “I am grateful to her.”
Last year, Mr Yap had to undergo an above-knee amputation of his left leg, and two toes on his right, after gangrene developed – a devastating reality he had difficulties coming to terms with initially. “It started with swelling and a burning sensation in my legs,” he explains. “There were blisters on my toes, and it felt as if there were worms wriggling away.”

Mr Yap distinctly remembers that his operation took place on a Friday. “For two to three weeks after the amputation, I could not see beyond the loss,” he shares. “Thankfully, my children were very encouraging.”

Mr Yap (centre, in blue) with his family, whom he enjoys a close relationship with.

He had enjoyed basketball in his younger days, and led an active lifestyle. “After losing my leg, I could not get out of bed or even flip onto my side on my own,” Mr Yap recalls. “But Charlotte taught me how to use a plank to transfer myself onto the bed, and practical exercises that allow me to flip on my own.”

Reflections in Words

There is no doubt that Mr Yap has led a storied life, replete with chapters of trials and tribulations, and great accomplishments, in equal measure. As a young child, he endured the ordeal of the Japanese Occupation, eventually carving out an illustrious career as an educator, writer and Chinese literature advocate.

Over the decades, Mr Yap, who is the founder and past president of the Singapore Literature Society, has captured reflections of these memories in his books, authored under his pen name, Luo Ming. His latest Chinese-language publication Life Begins at 88, illustrates his journey with illness, from being afflicted with renal failure, to amputation, and his experiences with various healthcare professionals.

Mr Yap’s latest book Life Begins at 88 details his illness journey and reflections on life. It is available for purchase in local bookstores.

In the chapter Mr Yap dedicated to Charlotte, he wrote of his initial scepticism towards physiotherapy, and how he grew to trust Charlotte when the exercises she taught him proved effective. Likening her to a teacher, Mr Yap wrote, “A teacher has to be capable, in order to win over others. I may not have expressed it verbally, but she has thoroughly earned my trust.”

With his latest book, Mr Yap hopes to demystify hospitals and healthcare, and inspire others who may be grappling with illness too. Most importantly, he wants to accord healthcare professionals the utmost respect they deserve. “I think nurses have it the hardest,” he muses, “Without perseverance, it would be difficult to continue.”

“I did not really understand HCA’s services before I was referred, but I have grown to appreciate the team’s great attitude, patience and passion.”

Goals at 88

Mr Yap may be pushing 90, but age is no barrier when it comes to achieving his goals of authoring even more books. Over the decades, Mr Yap has penned 38 books, and aspires to add two more to the list.

Some of the books authored by Mr Yap over the years.

One of Mr Yap’s greatest masterpieces is a collection of 10 volumes, comprising lost works published between 1930 to 1948 by writers residing in Singapore.

Mr Yap (left) at the launch of his book collection.

It was a labour of love that spanned more than a decade, and took him to different corners of the globe in search of these precious works. Mr Yap’s feat is a true affirmation of his pen name Luo Ming – to learn about the world bit by bit.

It is evident that Mr Yap’s spirit of perseverance has remained unwavering, even as he adjusts to life after the amputation.

After all, life begins at 88.