over, but not really

Some views from the ward during my visits.



My dad is finally home after spending 4 days at the hospital. He needs a shot of insulin twice a day, but all is well as he is home. With a twist of bad luck, the blood sugar level tester we bought is faulty. I will have to make a trip to the hospital pharmacy to get it replaced. I cannot remember the amount of money we spent in the past few days but it was not little.

This incident has changed the history of aviation forever...... Just joking, but there are changes happening at home. I do think this is a wake up call for us personally.

First of all, we have been taking our health for granted. I now do watch what I eat more carefully and also strive to do more exercises if time permits. You should too.

Secondly, we have been taking our loved ones for granted. Not literally, but in the sense that we tend to forget that they will leave us one day. We always think, "we still have tomorrow". Truth be told, I was really afraid that my dad might leave us when the thing happened. It was a harrowing experience to be calling for an ambulance, going to A&E and arranging for hospital stay, without knowing the outcome of the event. All I did was just keep asking questions and following the flow of things. I am so glad its all over now.

As for now, I am now equipped with new knowledge. How to judge diabetic conditions, injecting insulin, use of blood sugar readers, some hospital procedures and tips for healthier eating.

To my surprise, this was not something new. At work, after I related the information to my colleagues regarding my urgent leave of absence, I found out that many of them have parents who were diabetic and were fully aware of the treatment and prevention.

After I told a colleague the restrictions on food for diabetics, he commented that this is a sickness for the wealthy, and that life is fair to all. Over-indulgence in sweet stuff earlier in life and you will have to cut back on them for the rest of your life once you get this condition. You have been warned.

Bad weekend

Came home yesterday to find out my dad was really sick. He was vomiting and in a daze. I had to skip school to bring him to visit the clinic near our place. The way he talked and acted was worrying me. After the doctor gave him a jab to stop the nausea, we headed home.

He was thirsty and asked me to get him a drink. While I was buying him a small bottle of mineral water, he vanished. I finally found him at the playground nearby. He wanted to sit down for a rest. Took him to my void deck table and we sat there for a while.

When I decided to bring him home, he started to pour water out of the bottle onto the table and acting like a kid being amused by the water flow. Brought him home and made him eat a little food before taking his medicine. He went to sleep after that.

Later, i heard some commotion in the room, so I went to take a look. He was trying to undress himself and almost ripping apart his undergarment while peeing uncontrollably beside his bed. We cleaned him up and put him back to sleep. At this point, I was suspecting a minor stroke since the symptoms were similar.(It was only after the diagnosis that we found out about the high sugar levels in his blood, which will cause the patient to be like in a drunken stupor and will lead to comatose and death if medical attention was not given) I called Bjorn for a second opinion and he came over in 10 mins to assess the situation. Jasmine came over to help out also when Bjorn informed her of the situation. If not for them, I would be at a lost, given that we do not encounter this kind of situation all the time.

After looking at him, we decided to send him to the hospital via ambulance for a check up since he was immobile. Called for a non-emergency ambulance and they were here in 45 mins. (Standard time for non-emergency) The medics proceeded to do some checks, found the blood pressure was way too low at 60 plus and immediately put on oxygen for him while preparing to stretcher him out. The good thing was, one of the medic used to be a doctor in Iran, who assessed the situation to be critical for the call. (He married a Singaporean and join the ambulance services not too long ago) My neighbors who saw the commotion helped to hold the lift while we brought him out of the house.

As the ambulance was on the way to Changi hospital, Bjorn took it on his own to help block traffic for the ambulance to get there in record time. A&E dept took over from there and we had a short chat with the medics. I think they have done a very fantastic job and with professionalism.

The tests showed that the sugar levels in his blood were at a dangerous high and they tried to keep it under control. He was warded and after the paperwork was done, we went to see him at the ward for a while before heading home. It was 2am then. Mum went home in a cab while I rode the bike home to check on them before I pop over to simpang bedok for some food with Eugene and co who were there. I was hungry and needed some time to slow down after the fast paced events.

The next morning around 9am, I visited him at his ward. I was really relieved to find him sitting on his bed, talking to a cute nurse. We had a short conversation and the nurse was telling us about diabetes and the measures to control it. Since the family is having two diabetics now (my mum is also diabetic), I asked if there was any kit we could buy so we can do the test at home. (Since we have a blood pressure monitor already) Since my dad was warded here, he can purchase the blood sugar monitor at a cheaper price which I went to get immediately. My uncle came and I left to do my stuff at home.

Fell asleep on my bed not too long after, which is probably due to fatigue and the relief. Visited him again in the evening and popped over Bjorn's place for some high level home cooked briyani by his mum. (The briyani was so good till we actually cleaned out the pot) After that, we went for some bike wash and kopi with Eugene and Jasmine.

I want to express my heartfelt thanks to the following:
Bjorn - for the prompt response, helping to block traffic and company
Jasmine - for the much needed help with the paperwork, procedures and company
The ambulance medics - for their professionalism and fast response
My next door neighbors - for extending their help and holding the lift
Eugene - for the much needed nasi lemak and company
The nurses at CGH ward 18 - for their friendly attitudes, professionalism and choosing this line

It is in times like this when you appreciate the friendships, which were fostered over the years, although hardened by time but will always be there for you.