Ex-Ming Pao editor Kevin Lau reveals long road to recovery ahead
Damage sustained in brutal cleaver attack will take two years to repair; journalist will use a wheelchair and undergo extensive physiotherapy but will walk again
The former Ming Pao chief editor has revealed that the nerves in his legs, which were damaged in a brutal chopping attack late last month, will take about two years to mend.
Doctors have told Kevin Lau Chun-to that he will have to use a wheelchair for some time, but will walk again after physiotherapy and training.
In his second article written from his hospital bed since the attack on February 27, Lau said the nerves that control his walking will regrow 1mm each day. They will have to grow 700mm in total, meaning the recovery process will take about two years.
"Doctors have already reconnected the nerves, but nerves are different from electric wires," he wrote in an article published yesterday on Ming Pao's website.
"Broken wires can work once rejoined, but nerves have to regrow. They have to grow slowly from the broken point on the thighs to the toes … The whole recovery process will be very long. It cannot be hurried."