Wednesday, July 13, 2011

THE HILLS, THE CONTRUCTION SITE, CONDOMINIUMS AND BRICK FORESTS

4TH DAY in this new apartment.

Our belongings are still in boxes, suitcases and plastic bags.  We shall wait till this week end to sort out which are to remain intact, which ones going to Cyber Jaya, going back to campus in  Johore and following me to my new house.  Deep inside, especially after writing the previous post, I sensed the nostalgia.  I feel so deeply about those trees and plants I had left behind.  How I have wished that I could take them all with me  Though I told them that I couldn't bring them along, I felt chocked inside... they too must have missed me.  I believed this reciprocates. They grew for me, flowered for me and made me happy each day I woke up and looked out of my window. 

The ones in the Eastern side, would greet me as I drew the vertical blinds when night falls.  Lush green leaves greeted me each morning and evening.  I could see squirrels coming up the electrical cables to get their breakfast on a tall "unnamed" tree which provided them beautiful little fruits. I am sure they are sweet and succulent. 

But first, the birds started having their breakfast.  Chirpy sounds of big and small ones absolutely make my life just as cheery chirpy.  They were  very loud.  They came in all sorts of colors and sizes.  Slightly later, came the family of monkeys.  Jumping about racing through the branches cheekily, picking up little fruits.  Little ones would tease each other until a couple fell off to the fence down below.  Oooo what a sight.  I am missing them so much now.  The are not here with me any longer!

I occupy the room hidden away from the evening sunlight.  If I look out, I could only see well dusted windows of my neighbors' from my floor up.  If I look out of the lounge, I could see new wonders!  There is a hill nearby that looks almost "bald" from the work of those builders.  Yesterday I caught a glimpse of a beautiful sight of sunset.  Full view this time, so unlike the former house that hid it away amongst the trees.  At last, there is a good consolation point to mention here.  Alhamdulillah syukur to Allah for giving me this.  He is Forever The Most Fair and The Most High and Mighty.

Condominiums coming up!  The multi-storey is painted with beige color on its front.  I guess that must be the lobby area.  Only this morning I noticed them working on it as I was outside attending to my "little minute" garden. I was watering the plants, removing little unwelcoming shrubs that took a ride with us the other night.  I came across one little tiny snail.  Pressed it flat.  Instantly it died.  Cruel?  Nay. It has been eating my "bakawali" plants that was given by my good old friend JAM, till the leaves are gone.   A little while later, I saw its partner climbing up the light green wall, presumably going for a crawl.  I did not follow its journey.  I hope it was migrating to the floor up or the floor down below.  I transferred the deep purple "butterfly" plants into a pot.  The now empty pot is occupied  by beautifully-smelled pandan plants.  I arranged the pots according to the heights of the plants and eventually, got the floor cleaned.  Folding the newspaper that housed the shrubs I pulled out earlier, before taking a trip into the bin.  One obvious thing had pinched and wrestled in my heart.  In this new house I can no longer feed the chicken and the birds and the squirrels with my left overs.  They are to be well wrapped and thrown into the bins.  What a waste.

"Long-necks and short pipes" as Harith called them are seen busy working.  (Harith learned this from his little "books").  Lifting  heavy items up and into the floors above.  Noisy sounds from the machinery replacing the sweet sound of the birds in the morning.  From far I could see a man on a tractor doing his job, mixing sand with pebbles ready to be mixed into concrete.  Lorries and trailers carrying long metal rods were seen since last evening, climbing up the precariously- man-made rugged and uneven routes.  Another was heavily laden with bags of cement.  As I was watching, my thoughts went "home", the home that I have left behind,  everything I had there are in contrary to this new surrounding.  Life is changing as time flies.  It moves on no matter whether I like it or not.

The gray new brick forests are fast coming up.  I certainly hope they would not cut the hills that display and offer me the only greens from my balcony.  I feel like going up and tell the trees how glad I am to see them up there although they are very far.  The hill housed the workers make-shift-houses.  From a distance, I could see them walking about, hanging their laundry, going about working, some are up on the gray brick forests.  A few long-necks are parked below, close to my apartment.  Long-necks are Harith's terms for cranes!  LOL!

I feel like going out to mend my slightly crooked specks but... my pic (partner in crime) is so engrossed with her "Harry Porter" on her laptop.  I won't wish to spoil her moods.  She has been a Florence Nightingale since I was warded until now.  Its only fair that I should let her be on her own.  She had done three washings and now the hangings are right inside our house.  I just love the fresh smell from the "softener".  At the vary least, it blocked away my view from the construction site and the diesel smell form the heavy machinery.

When Tasha called this morning asking how I am today, she reminded me to take at least two weeks proper resting from normal house work, lifting up heavy things (Ops!, done) and a few others to which I replied:

"Thank you doctor for the info and reminding me.  It's 6 days after the surgery and I am only reminded now?"...LOl! I was giggling away and so did she.

(What had happened to the doctors attending to me less than a weak ago?  No one had told me anything except one lady doctor... "You will feel some discomfort after this"...)


Apparently, Harith was asking her "why was he not in aunty Zaza's house when he woke up this morning"?  He had refused to go home last night.  He wanted to sleep with all of us.  He managed to persuade his Mama to drive him here late last evening.  I know just how much he misses being with us.



TAKING MY LAST AND FINAL LOOK

LATE EVENING THE 11TH JULY, I braved myself walking behind Diyanah and Hafiz, turning right into the lift which is only a couple of feet away from our main door and down to the car park seven floors down.  There appeared to be no one else around.  I guess some have gone out working while others are out and about running errands like us.  The opposite lane was still empty but five minutes after we left the guard house and as we got into the Mont Kiara-Solaris area, traffics began to snail crawl.  The obvious crawl was eminent at the inter-change from Bukit Kiara, Seri Hartamas and Mont Kiara.  Patiently we slowly got into bumper-to-bumper-drive.  Could this be a normal scene daily? Probably... except on Saturdays and Sundays.

I am not taking my last look in this journey to our old home, am sure.  As soon we reached No, 1 Jalan 16/10, Petaling Jaya, Harith came out to greet us with his widest grin ever.  He held my hand, gave me a huge hug and kisses. Missing me terribly, am sure.  Just as much as I miss him ,his cries, his hunger, his jokes, his singing and everything!  

"Wan, don't take off your slippers. Come on inside with them on!"  said he.
"Harith, do you miss me?  A lot?", I asked and he nodded vigorously.
There were still some belongings that the movers did not take along as the lorry was full.  They would surely fit into these three cars and perhaps another trip would complete the task.  Plants?  Oh dear!  Not everything could come along.  There is only a ten-feet balcony waiting to welcome my pots.  Much to my dismay, with a sinking heart, helplessly looking ... I just silently bade good bye to them all.  I took a last look at my hellyconeas (urgh!  I cannot find the correct spelling) which were blooming in red-yellows in rows and rows.  I did not take any pictures of them!!! Shame.  Deep inside I felt chocked!

After our last photo-shoot session in the house, we left with the left-overs that filled up our two cars.  One more car went its separate way.  Tasha and her family went for a two-month-transit to her in-laws which are not so far from her work place.  Harith gave me a few huge hugs and one "little hug" and lots of kisses.  I now miss him terribly.  He was heard saying that he loved this house and did not want to move out.  

It was a huge house (only by my standard... not others)... with a huge compound but no one could enjoy the space.  Outside, sharing our yard,  were huge mosquitoes, surrounded by huge and small trees and of course the old faithful wild monkeys that came by once in a while looking for food.  Not forgetting also, there is a family of lizards, a family of squirrels, a family of wild chicken, stray cats and dogs, some exotic birds and bees. My lush plants left behind were going to be "cleared" soon to make way for the new tenant... Huge pots that wouldn't go into the cars were left behind too.  I hope someone would continue taking care of them just like how I did.

WE MOVED ON.  By 11:00p.m a few potted plants found their way into our new apartment.  Was I happy?  Obviously. Thank God for making this possible.  I took a peep to see "who" came to join me here...and then I went off to bed. 

I MISS THEM ALL... and now I shall lock in my memory every little bit that went through with me from July 2006 - July 2011... I shall ponder sweetly upon them especially the left behind plants that share my happiness and joys...  There goes the dwelling that used to shelter us from the sun, rains, hailstones, thunders, lightnings and everything.  I MISS the trees around me, the lush green of the grass that smells fresh and crisp in the early mornings, the chirpy birds from sun up till sun down, the sunset from behind the leaves and I shall miss everything that have been part of my life and that have walked into ME.

Thank you Allah for making it possible for me and my family to live a full five years life in this dwelling which has left us countless memories.  It was extremely convenient, centrally located with very pleasant surroundings.  Not forgetting the obvious fact that we were just a few minutes drive to the wet market, hyper market, the university campus, Harith's kindergarten  and the medical centers.

Monday, July 11, 2011

D Day 8th July 2011

Fresh smell of coffee had caught my nasal sensory cells.  A tray of breakfast packed with toasts, fruits and a cup of coffee found its way into our cubicle.  Politely, we told the young lady who wore crisp white shirt, black head gear and black trousers to take it away as we were all fasting.

With Sally very much complaining of getting hungry and thirsty and that her ritual is to have an early morning coffee, we just tolerated her with huge smiles.  A couple of times I could hear her making phone calls, talking in loud and speedy Mandarin language which I couldn't at all understand.  I wasn't in fact listening to her at all.  All that got into my ears were noises from her conversations.

Anyway, her distraction was warmly welcomed.  I needed that.  I wouldn't know what to expect in a little while myself.  By 8:00a.m, my children arrived to give me moral supports and making prayers for me.  My grandson, Harith also came.  By the time the "transporter" was ready to take me to where I was supposed to go, Zaza helped me climbing up the chair with a small stool found under the bed Diyanah was going to sleep the night before.   The stretcher-bed was so comfortable.  I lied down faithfully like any good girl going on a trip into the "dream land".  LOL!

At the corner of the ward, I caught a glimpse of a well dressed little Harith who is now 3 years 8 month, who had not gone to school because Wan aka ME was going to have an op.  He made sure he was present and waited until I was done with.  So faithful of him.  I am touched at his reaction.  Very thoughtful for such a little child whom I have helped to care and raise for three over years.  My little adorable baby...  He speaks fluently, making jokes interestingly and sharing ideas intelligently.  Excellent at making excuses when he did not feel like going to school.  On joyous days, he used to sing out loud most songs taught in the nursery school.  One particular remarkable rhyme went like this:


"Ok children, now stop song.  If you song, I put you in the corner!" 
Gosh!  What language was that?  We knew whose words were those.

Tasha, Harith's mom was making du'a (prayer) and wishing me well outside the lift.  Zaza by then was holding Harith up high to catch a glimpse of me.  Diyanah and all of them, were in fact following me into the op theater area.  We were passing through which route I was not sure but I saw people sitting, waiting patiently for their turn to see the doctors.  Obviously, the journey was so fast. No sooner, I was in a greenish area and there were no more familiar faces following me except the two nurses in their light green uniforms.  Suddenly I saw Tasha by my side, smiling and holding my hands.  That was my little girl, my eldest daughter who is working in the same hospital for the last 8 years.  I guess she was with me for a good 45 minutes or so and then came the anesthetist. In the end, the op wasn't done at 10:00a.m as mentioned.  There was probably another patient in the same op theater before me.

Shall I mention this?  Before the doze was given to me, I tried hard to remember the du'a made by Prophet Abraham Alaihi Salam as he was laying the stones to build the Holy Ka'bah.  I asked Tasha, but she too was lost for words.  Until a few minutes later, it came to us... RABBANA TAQABBAL MINNA INNAKA ANTASSAMI 'UL'ALIIM.  He had recited this du'a with each stone laying until he completed the building.  I guess, I have asked for forgiveness from Allah, saying my own prayers for the safety of the small op, for my safe "return" after the "doze" and of course for the surgeons, so that their work was smoothly done, no untoward occurrence of accidents and many many more were asked.

The opaque nose mask was over my nose shortly after.  Tasha was still there, besides me.  I just knew how she must have felt at those particular seconds.  I felt the same jittery wave down my spine, strong thumping of my heart and was high in anxiety when Hafiz was in the same place for "removing" of his tonsils some years back.  I sat outside the op theater reciting the Surah Yaasin for him so that he came out alive, no complications occurring and especially no effects from the sedatives to his asthma.  I knew I did not want to loose him so soon.  It was also Tasha who had the chance to see him first hand just as they had it done on him.  I was ever so relieved that Allah has given back my son after more than an hour's op.

Then it was history and everything had happened in the "land of blankness".  I went off.  Not dreaming of anything at all.  It was two hours in total that I have left my bed side.  When I opened my eyes, there was a nurse besides me and she said one simple word "Done" and I replied "Done? Alhamdulillah syukur".

Thank You Allah FOR giving me back: my faith, my life, my soul, my body, my instincts, my health, my senses and most of all myself!  It was like waiting for the taxi driver at the airport.  Once done and "all aboard", I was ushered back through the same tunnel, I saw people looking at me as I was passing.  They were probably the same people still waiting for their appointments to see their doctors or they were probably new people that have just arrived.  I was half asleep then.  The journey was quick.  Tasha and Diyanah were tagging behind fast.  AND,  I again caught a glimpse of little Harith, still faithfully waiting to see me by the lift just outside my ward on level 10.  He refused to leave. Not until he saw me out and alive from the OT.  Such a sweet heart of my life!  I saw Zaza there holding his hands.  I waved at him and gave my little weak smile.  Honestly I wouldn't know how he must have felt, what he had thought and what he had expected.

REACHING the cubicle... Sally was not there.  Diyanah told me, she saw her going to OT just as I was just leaving.  I hope she would come out just fine. The nurses were shifting me back into my bed and they left shortly after with the "stretcher-bed" to pick up another patient.

Florence Nightingale - Diyanah.
She had started to do things for me since last night.   She helped to get this and that for me while I was still "slightly drowsy".  Got me my drinks, my food - the lunch that was there before I returned and assisted me with so many things.  She was an angel.  It was also  good for her to practice helping the three of us.  I hope by the time she graduated from her Medical School, she wouldn't be so hesitant to lend helping hands whenever required of her.  The University she is studying at the moment, seems to be the only one in the entire world with a Motto "Young Mercy".  They have a very structured  curriculum and since the beginning, they were sent out to all kinds of surroundings to give aids to the community.  They are trained not just to be doctors in hospitals but they must be prepared to go deeper into the remote areas to reach out to the sick, the poor and the needy.  They are sent to The Old Folk's Home every once a while to observe, assist and give simple medical care.  This is one criteria not many urban-under-graduates qualify.  They were asked to leave if they are not prepared to work in such environments later.  I am glad my little girl qualified this.

TRANSIT NO.ONE:

By 4:30 p.m I was told to be discharged from the ward.  WHY?  Tasha had thought I was only given half  and not full GA.  Much earlier, I received a couple of visitors who are Tasha's colleagues.  One of them mentioned that she was "on-call" that night.  She would come by and chat with me later.  I was so excited to stay another night there so that I get to recover fully from the GA.  Confused with all the fuss, I just remained quiet in bed.  My friend Salina has just received some news that there would not be any surgery for her as it was getting late in the evening.  Apparently, the female patient before her was a cancer patient and she was in the OT for 4 hours.  Doctors were afraid that there might not be sufficient helps assisting in her surgery.  She was also to be discharged.

Once, things were in order at the discharge counter and  with the medication taken from the pharmacy to take home, Diyanah took a wheel chair for me to sit. She was asked to leave her identity card at the counter. (perhaps ... and in case the wheel chair never returned).. I began to feel dizzy by then and couldn't look down at all.  Here comes!  The effect of the sedative??? Perhaps it was.    We went through the lift down to where Zaza and Harith were waiting, at the "drop off bay".  Once in the car, I sat there stiffly.  Diyanah had to go up to the 10th floor again to deliver the wheel chair and get back her IC.  Meanwhile, little Harith has fallen asleep at the back of the car.  When Diyanah arrived, we left.

WHY the transit?
WE did not go home.  Why?  Zaza who was always thoughtful, earlier on checked me into a hotel for a proper resting.  

In our house... The boxes were piling up high and well scattered. ready for the movers to send to their destinations.  There was not a suitable place for me to sleep and take my rest.  Since the early morning my children and friend's children were busy dismantling all the furniture, fixtures and fittings ready to be shifted to my new yet temporary transit point.  My newly built house isn't ready to be occupied just yet.  I have started packing up my staffs, which were the most in the house, since the last fortnight.  They have been accumulated like wealth since I started living on my own. How I wish I have the same amount of wealth like those mountains of stuffs. Diyanah was helping too.  We collected boxes and boxes which totaled to  more than a hundred from a factory outlet where my niece is working.  Over the weeks we strapped them all up with masking tapes, filling them up with our personal belongings, labeling them and got them sealed.  Still there were too many things to be packed.  But we decided to let each one of us, do their own at their free time and choice.  Ready ones were transported out by car to Zaza's apartment for temporary transit.  This is a test for my children's ability to mobilize and plan logistics.

I am still amused at my neighbor's remarks just the other night, 
"Aunty, let your children have the headache this time.  Let them handle things and you just sit back and relax and watch them", that was Dr.Goh who lives uphill.  Sharing her thoughts.

As the car accelerated, I knew I was going into trouble. A painful one.  I began to feel my "best and worst of friend" coming by from deep down of my gullet.  Hastily, I asked for plastic bag (now, this is a real best friend and truly a friend in need indeed) from Diyanah and just on time as opened it up, the "visitors" arrived with all the lunch I had tucked up earlier.  The hotel was just 10 minutes away under normal traffic flow but it took a little longer as the traffic was heavier at evening rush hour.  Once emptied, which took a while with much pain from my tummy and throat that felt like a knife cutting through, I felt quite relieved.  Harith took no notice of the going ons as he was still deep in his sleep.  He was really participating with me this time... from the morning till evening.  When the car pulled over at the lobby of The Eastin Hotel, swiftly Diyanah got out of the car to get yet another wheel chair.  She was really performing and having a practical training this time.  She was ever so efficient.

Out of the car, into the lobby we got.  While waiting for the lift to arrive "another painful-energy-driven episode" came by.  I never knew that I couldn't and mustn't sit upright!!!!!!!!! Rule number ONE.

The four of us trudged along the long corridor with only the dim lights greeting us.  Oh yes!  Not forgetting the bell boy... a young man actually!  He was along with us shoving our luggage which were not big but many small bags.  Once the door flung opened, heaven was waiting!  There was comfort, the air was cool and the fresh white sheets were so welcoming.  Thank you Zaza for booking a luxurious transit point for Mummy and Diyanah.  

Now The Florence Nightingale  was working even harder.  Getting hot water boiled for Mummy, getting mineral water out for Mummy, helping Mummy into the bathroom and making sure Mummy was safe all the time and not falling down.  Such an angel.  After a nice warm bath, I took a nap.

Dinner was sent by Tasha, little Sofiya, little Harith and Rizal my sil.  Our house was just around the corner, about 5 minutes drive to this place.  They left shortly after for a much needed rest and sleep. 
No breakfast at this hotel.  So the next morning, we had it delivered by Zaza and Hafiz.  I was still feeling dizy and kept wondering why the rush to discharge me the evening before!  Then I knew.  The misunderstanding was between me and Tasha over the GA which was administered yesterday.  

Exactly this was how she had asked me:
"Mummy, is it half or GA?" and I gave her a nod.
She could have read from my folder to find out the accuracy of the info.  But she didn't.  Anyway, it was meant to be this way and it is a reward for us from Allah too...  To have a real good rest in this hotel.  Perhaps it was so deserving.  Otherwise, if I were home, I would surely get up and try to meddle with the packing that was still going on.  Alhamdulillah Ya Allah.

Just before noon, Tasha was on the phone with me:

"Sorry Mummy, we have to check you and Diyanah into another hotel because this one is fully booked for today.  By 2:00p.m we should be there fetching you".

"Oh ok with me.  Suits me fine.  But thanks for going through so much trouble for me", said I.  I pitied all of them.  Amidst the tons of self belongings to be packed, they still have the time for me.  Alhamdulillah Ya Allah. 

TRANSIT POINT NUMBER TWO+ 9th July.

(GOODNESS me... something has just turned a strong chill down my spine.  I have wrongly pressed on delete and Wow!  I thought the whole story went off just like that.  Luckily the "unfamiliar" new set ups lead me to the "draft" and they are intact... Alhamdulillah syukur Ya Allah, Subhanallah... am now sweating a little for that slight panicky moment.)

This time, I knew the trick with the journey by car.  I requested my sil,  to  recline the car seat and it proven  much better.  I had a comfortable short drive into The Crystal Crown.  As soon as I got into the wheel chair (again?), I was quite confident my "friend" from deep down wouldn't come up!  Rizal was giving me a helping hand ...BUT, the lift was a few minutes late and I was sweating from my forehead down...despite the air conditioning.  I knew it, I knew it.  There we go again!!!!!!!!!  Diyanah was so well prepared.  She had a plastic bag ready in my hands.  As we opened the door, IT greeted me!  Not much but the pain was enormous. Rizal left us both alone in this other luxurious hotel room to get back to Tasha and his children who were faithfully waiting in the lobby.  Little Miss FN played her role all over again.  She put up our luggage on the rack, getting the water to boil, turning the lights on and giving me some mineral water to quench my thirst and to comfort my hurting throat.

There were milk and juices to be put into the mini bar.  Much to her surprise there were three beer cans inside.  We found it rare to have these cans in there.  Nothing amusing about them.  I heard her calling our "teacher", Dr.Abdullah Yasin to obtain some opinions about the content and the unexpected presence of those cans.   

"Ustaz, I want to find out something from you.  There are three beer cans in the fridge when I was going to put my boxes of milk and juice.  What should I do?"asked her diligently.
"Just remove them and since none were opened and not mixed with your drinks, it's alright.  Just remove them and there was no need to clean the fridge", came the solution.


So, she called the house keeping to come over and collect them cans.
"Hello, I am from room xxx( I have forgotten the room number), am a Muslim.  There are three liquor cans in the mini bar and could you please help me taking them out?  Thanks"  was her order of the day!   From far, I watched my little girl handling things.  I knew I could trust her well.  

Within a few minutes, one of the boys arrived and took them out.  She put all our milk and juices inside the empty mini bar.  Ok, I told her, to go and get her bath before I require further assistance.  Faithfully, she did.  Almost 8:30p.m Zaza arrived with Hafiz and Harith to send us dinner.  She had smuggled the rice cooker up into our room.  The dinner was from my good friend who had invited them all, over to her pent house for lunch that afternoon.  We warmed everything up had a sumptuous dinner of beef soup, basmati rice, mixed veges, pickles, taufu in soya sauce and... ops!  They have finished the chicken.  Meanwhile, Harith has tucked himself under my blanket and did not want to go home.  He had wanted to sleep with me.  But eventually, he was taken home after half an hour deep sleep.

That leave the two of us to a very comfortable night.  I did not wake Diyanah up at all until morning.  As usual my waking up time is 5:00a.m.  From my bed, I just watched her and being so very thankful to Allah for giving me such a beautiful child.  She too deserved the best.   I knew she must have been very tired, taking care of me since the 7th July.  She was every I went.  My little angel.

The next morning, as she went down to have her breakfast at 9:00a.m., I had some porridge (beef soup mixed with rice)  from the rice cooker that Zaza brought up last night.  They were still good.  WHY?  Because they were given by a friend, a very sincere friend who has a heart of gold.  We had kept everything else except rice in the fridge the night before, so they won't go bad.  An hour past!  Diyanah was not up yet.  What might have happened to her?  Not long after, she was back.  She had "smuggled" up some fried rice and an omelet.  So!  That was why, she was a little late.  Apparently she was planning a little adventure on her way up... LOL!

At 2:00p.m, she called the bell boy for a trolley and a wheel chair.  This time, the plastic bag was in my hands but Thanks to Allah... nothing happened.  Little Sofiya was enjoying the short ride in my lap, out of the room, into the lift and out into the lobby ready to check out.  While Tasha was at the counter, settling the bills, she was enjoying a photo shoot with me and Diyanah.

TRANSIT POINT NUMBER THREE...10th July.

Alhamdulillah syukur.  By 2:30p.m we reached out transit point number three... this one would shelter us a couple of months before we finally shift into our new home.

Before we went to sleep, almost at 1:00a.m, I heard Diyanah saying this:

"Kak (sister) Zaza, thank you for giving us this shelter".... I did drop a few tears at this note.  I felt totally touched at her gracious gratitude.

I meant to drop a lot more (tears) seeing all my children turning into marvelous great kids of their life time but I withheld them... I did not want this emotion and my "fragile" state mixed them up and become something unwelcoming.  I must be strong to go through this ordeal of handling the after effects of GA... which I was NOT at all told how and what to expect.

Thank you children for your kind hearts and deeds.
there might be more coming but after taking two hours intermission from writing, I have to stop here for now.  Until the next episode... see you soon.

Sunday, July 10, 2011

Thursday 7.7.2011

7.7.2011.  I WAS GOING to the hospital.  ( I am forcing myself to write this posting to test my speed in typing and memory, (neuron in particular) after a GA a couple of days back).

A fortnight ago, in the clinic labeled 6 on its door... while reading my history from the folder, the gynecologist found something was not "done" back in 2009.  She had appeared surprised.    What about me?  Was I supposed to be too?   I did not know what was their findings then.  Or?  I have forgotten what went on then.  Being one of those "innocent" patients, I became quite often ignorant of the medications prescribed to me, never asked further about their effects, how long should I take them and so forth and so forth!  Indeed, I was ignorant.  I seldom ask.

This time the doctor commented that I was one of the "rare" and  most jovial patient she has ever had.  I was laughing away at her remarks and responded pretty well to her inquiries.  I was asked to go into another room with the scanning machines on.  Then she asked me to lie down on the bed... that was when the laughter went even wilder.  Even the nurse had shared it with me.  I was wondering why the pillow was short of the total length of the bed.  Get what I mean?  It was placed not even in the middle of the bed.  When I knew where and what I was supposed to do, then another roar of laughter broke!  But I shall not describe you what had transpired next.

After the scanning machine gave her some images, she asked me to wait outside.  But before I could settle on the seat, she was already calling me into the number 6 clinic again.  While she was explaining about the follips  that she has just seen, I went quiet. She took a quick look in the log book for a suitable date for me. Mentioning the date for a small procedure to be done to take them out for testing sent me even dumb-founded.  She commented politely:

"Now you are quiet at the mention of a small operation.  No more jokes this time.  Are you sure you are alright with this date?"

"Yes, I am fine with it.  I was quiet because the 9th was supposed to be the day we move our stuffs out of this present house"... It was also the day "people" would be out in the streets, protesting for some unsatisfactory matters which I doubt, I knew what they were.

"So, you think you are going to be busy then?"  She further asked with much concern.

"Oh no, It's okay with me."  Thought I.  This time I have to be selfish and think for myself. Sooner or later I still have to go through this procedure.  And with Ramadhan soon coming, I wouldn't want to miss the fasting. 

THREE DAYS before the admission, I was deeply worried inside and deep down.  I did not talk about it.  I just went on packing as usual like nothing is going to happen.  (excuse me, now I have to turn my body around, I am getting back pain typing in this position).

The fact what bothered me so much was the story of a little toddler who went to the nursery so much alive in the morning and half day through, the mother had received a call mentioning of her demise!  Bang!  That left an extreme pressure inside me.  Same thing could have happened to me.  Once they apply the GA (general anesthetic)... I was not sure if I were to come out alive!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! LOL!

ON THE DAY of 7th July.
Those worries sent me with a 149BP on Thursday.  Gosh!  Did I have something wrong, saltish or what at breakfast???  No, this could have been my own "accumulated" active thinking cells about the little toddler's fatal incident that I have just read about.  What next?  My weight read 81kgs.  Gosh!  Was I that bloated up?  Or was it the breakfast that I have just tucked in?  Height?  No change.  Obviously. So, there is no reason for any alarms.  Satisfied?

I was led into the first cubicle, a few inches from the "rest room", over looking a beautiful scenery of my housing area with the bed number 1035 and my name next to it.  Next, change into the hospital uniforms?  A pair of extremely thick long loose skirt and a weird looking blouse with straps and studs which came loose after being much laundered. 

Just as I was about to get to know my chatter mates, I was called to go for an X-Ray.  The three of us were chaperoned through the long winded way along the corridor, out of the "restricted" doors and into the lift.  I did not pay much attention which way I was going as I knew the chaperon must be an expert there.  We did not wait long.  First the ECG reading was taken and the "graph" looked good and consistent on mine. ( It was the adverse to little Hafiz's graph some 24 years back (my third child).  It was extremely deep like a crater as he went into "fetal distress" on a Wednesday, 10:00 a.m 20th May 1987.... He was born in the afternoon on the same day by CS).  Then I went into the X-Ray room for a couple of minutes.  Once done, the three of us were chaperoned back into our ward on level 10 of the Main Tower Block of University Hospital.

Next, came the lady with a short hair in brilliant white uniform asking me what meals I would like to have the next day.  Oh, before I forget.... which I should not HAVE forgotten.... my Florence Nightingale was there with me... ever so faithful wanting to sleep with me in the hospital.  Diyanah, my youngest daughter is on a holiday.  She had brought along her change of clothes, pillow, blanket and all her necessities.

MEANWHILE...

Sally!  (So ashamed we did not get any of our pictures taken at all!!!!!!!!!!). The younger lady opposite my bed, has never stopped talking since I came back from the little trip.  She was to remove something from her "body" the next day too!  I was the first, then her.  She had introduced herself, talked so much about many things which I by now I couldn't recollect!  The doctors came by and she kept complaining of so many things.  They spoke in Mandarin and I couldn't understand much although long time ago, I too had learned a little bit of this language. 

Before she settled comfortably, she told me she was going to have her bath.  I made a quick remark.  That she was sure had not taken her bath when she came to the hospital. She was ever so agreeable to it.  Right after her bath, I told her to keep quiet and lie down because probably, soon she was going for her ECG and X-Ray.  True enough, she went off for a good hour.

Then came the "good deed" from her.  It was possibly after our tea time.  She was complaining of the cold "rubber" bed sheet that was under the cotton linen which would get colder by night time.  This is according to her.  She was suggesting us to request from the nurse but no one had come by.  Suddenly she disappeared!  A few minutes later, wearing the widest smile ever seen in a hospital, she had two woolen blankets folded tightly under her arms.  One was for her, and one was for me!  Absolutely for me!  LOL!!!!! She had the older white one pulled over right under her pillow as her second bed sheet and the new blue one became her blanket.  Then she came over to my bed and did the same.  A real joker  she is!  About an hour later, she went off again.  Disappearing to the right side of our cubicle and a few minutes later came back with another woolen blanket.  This time, it's for our friend Salina.  

Speaking in Malay quite awkwardly she said:
"The nurse was asking me, what would I wanted to do with the third blanket?" (as am writing, I heard myself chuckled, honest). 

"She had noticed you doing this? What did you tell her?", I asked while laughing at her.

"It's for my other friend lo".  Sally herself was laughing out loud.
 
We broke into laughter after laughter with Sally's mocking. It was true as she had said, the bed was warmer with an extra linen on.  Clever Sally.

DOCTORS' VISITATIONs

One for my BLOOD. NOpe! Two!
I couldn't recall all the doctors' name.  But there were all from different nationality.  Born into 1 Malaysia.

First the one who needed my blood.  She pricked into my blood vessel with a "push and pull" method of the syringe.  Is there such thing?  I have never seen my eldest daughter doing as such each time she needed some for cholesterol testing.  One funny question from one of the doctors who was so bothered that I became a patient in UH for the treatment of cholesterol.  Repeatedly he was asking me:

"How come you come to this hospital for your cholesterol to get Simvastatin?"
I was adamant with his curiosity.  I was almost asking him back:

"Is it a crime to get treated in UH for cholesterol?" But politely, I replied:

"I was a patient here since 1984.  Hence I did not get any treatments elsewhere since".  I was pretty annoyed.

An hour later, another doctor came:
" We have sent your blood for testing but it did not give a good reading.  Am sorry but I have to get some blood now"... how come it was so?

Without hesitation, I just surrendered to her my left arm.  I would do anything since I was already under their "surveillance" there.  LOL!

Doctor 3.
Explaining to me how the procedure should be done tomorrow.  If things were to go wrong and the wall of the uterus is ruptured, then the op would be from the outer "ring road" of my belly!!!!!!!!!!  WHAT?  Would I be expecting such a risk from such a "small" procedure?  Worried sick, was I.  Naturally!  Obviously!  Absolutely!

"Anything you want to ask me about?"  asked him politely.

"How long would it take?"

"Only 15 minutes" said he.

"Any risk, anything to expect from this?"

"Most unlikely except the above.  If there is no complication, you can go home soon after that".

Sounds even simpler BUT that was sufficient to send me into "chilling" mode! 


Doctor 4, an anesthetist.
"If you don't have any heart problem, you are not diabetic, not with high BP then nothing should be worrying.  But I would give you a GA. "

Gosh?  He was giving that for a minor and such a "small" op?
He did not ask me to ask him anything.  Meaning HE did not explain anything at all about the after-effects of GA.  Am I right?  Right.

Doctor 5.
There was only briefings to the "students" about ME.
That's done with all the doctors until the next morning... I hope.

CAME THE SLEEPING time.

She, Sally was so concerned about Diyanah.  First suggesting the empty bed next to her.  Then we noticed the bed was tidied up with fresh new pillow and its pillowcase and flat sheet.  Sally had taken one pillow from there for herself.  Then when the nurse turned up and put another one, she took it away and gave it to me so that I sleep better.  She knew it too that the bed was adjustable... LOL!  There was so much fun this time in this hospital.

There was going to be another admission later.  We all agreed to our good guess. There was not a single chance for Diyanah to get any comfortable sleep in bed tonight.  So Salina and Sally were offering their visitor's chairs for Diyanah to sleep on.  There were two arm chairs and one without any arms.  She had cleverly arranged them looking like a camping bed, so that she wouldn't fall off in her sleep.  Carefully lying the sheets and her pillow, she soon dozed off.  Sally went quiet as soon as I drew my curtains around which were in soft orange colors.

We were supposed to have out last drop of water by 12 midnight.  But Salina has started her fasting by 8:00p.m.  She was going to have a major op tomorrow, removing her womb!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Gosh, Goodness gracious!

We were told, my turn was at 10:00 a.m, Sally's at 12:00 noon, then there would be another patient after her and then by the evening, it was supposed to be Salina's. 

To BE continued..... until then, do enjoy reading my posting.

Friday, July 8, 2011

Salam

Salam. How are you doing?