Sometime in late Jun 09, I was down with high fever. That was the time when community outbreak of H1N1 had just begun. . If I am just a general public, I just need to go GP for advice rather than going to A&E directly. However, as a staff, I was required to “report” directly to A&E for an H1N1 test. The nose and throat swaps that test for H1N1 were not exactly uncomfortable. The wait for the result was 6 hours. I spent like nearly 8 hours in A&E, sitting down and trying to wait as patiently as I can for the results. It was difficult to rest with TV in front of me and in a sitting posture. Luckily I brought along a book that kept me occupied a fair bit. When the results were out and I was declared “free of H1N1”, I felt so relieved!! The last thing I want is to affect my loved ones, friends and colleagues whom I have contact.
On last Thursday late morning, I was hit by a sudden throbbing headache during a meeting that affected the visual view of my left eye. The headache lasted longer than usual. I decided to take the PM off to see a doctor. Hence I proceeded to the staff clinic. I was referred to A&E immediately. I asked to be given MC to rest at home but was rejected. So I went to A&E reluctantly. At A&E, I was given a more detailed assessment and the doctor asked “Which ward do you prefer?” I was like “hmm… you mean I need to be admitted??” Hey, this is getting a bit too much. I did not expect to go A&E and I did not expect to be admitted all the more!! Why are all these happening? The doctors were worried that I might be having internal bleeding in the brain that caused the sudden headache and blurred vision. The first 24 hours was critical. My requests for observation from home or at A&E observation bay were rejected. Hence I was admitted reluctantly.
I chose an A class ward for more privacy. I went through a battery of tests… CT Scan, MRI, 4 tubes of blood for blood tests, eye checks and numerous times of neurological testings. I know the doctors meant well and they were following protocols. So I endured. Fortunately, thanks to God’s grace, all the investigation results showed no evidence of bleeding in the brain or problems with the eyes. To establish that there was no minor bleeding, the doctor advised for me to go through LP (lumbar puncture) which is also called a spinal tap. Oh, this is too much for me… I can’t imagine having to go through this. If it is for childbirth, I do not mind having to inject epidural. Hmm… I gathered that the MRI and CT Scan were evident enough that I am ok. So I requested the doctor to allow me to be discharged without going through LP and promised to monitor myself. So now I have to be good and really take good care of myself. Whatever it is, I am thankful to the care and concern by all the doctors and nurses.
Well, so what I have learnt and experienced from these 2 hospitalisation episodes?
One, I am not a robot. I cannot be working non-stop!! However, my job these days are very demanding. Requires almost 24/7 on standby and have to work shifts at times.
Two, health is really not to be taken for granted. I know this all along, but still did not manage to take good care of myself.
Three, I have experienced God’s healing power again. I am thankful to God for his blessings.
It is probably time that I change to a new job that allows me to have some breathing space, and have a one-month break before starting the new job. Coincidently, I got a call which offers a job opportunity on the day of discharge! How amazing? I know my prayers are heard by God. It’s clear that I should change job.
Last but not least, I am thankful to Wil and my mum for the love and concern and taking very good care of me, particularly Wil. My dear sis was overseas, and I was touched that she almost want to “chiong” from KL back to Singapore to see me. Thanks sis. I am also thankful to all my gal friends (BY, HY, YL, XM, XL, JY) and colleagues for their concerns.
I am resting at home now and glad to do so.
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