I miss celebrating Thanksgiving! We used to have the turkey and pumpkin pie and all. We carved pumpkin into faces and really had fun.
Malaysia doesn't do all this. This is the difference between the country I grew up in and the damn place I'm stuck in now. I find the country is in a mess now. It's suppose to be democratic but if the heads don't listen to the citizens, what kind of democracy is this?
We are encouraged to promote our country to our friends overseas but how can I when this is the country that i'm suffering in now. I'm a victim of a controversy of opinions. Until now, I have no final diagnosis. I've arranged to see a dr in Singapore 1 March 2010 to have a diagnostic test done to either confirm or rule out a possible diagnosis. Yes it's expensive going all the way there just to see a dr. His consultation fee alone is like over RM300 but i don't have much of a choice. I'm fighting with Great Eastern for my TPD claim. If they pay me then i won't be so financially burdened with all these medical costs.
I have been in so much pain for so long i don't even remember what being pain-free is like. I don't have any fond memories of or in this country. I've even wondered if I was a baby mix up since my hair is a different colour from everyone else in my family and no one else has this demyelinating condition! It's only ME!
Thursday, November 26, 2009
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
Color Deficiency??
After being referred to the Opthalmology department for additional tests-the drs in the neurology departmentfeel there has to be something physically wrong with my eyes, I was put through numerous tests, one mainly for color blindness. I know I can't be color blind as, well let's just face it, my world has been full of color for 26 years except for the short period when I had a flare-up of ADEM when all I saw were shadows. But that only lasted a number of days!
When the optometrists opened their book to ask me to take the Ishihara test, I shook my head. That was the same type of test I had to take fpr my driving license and though I passed last time, I had difficulty telling the examiners years ago what # was the page. To me, when people ask me what I see, I tell them lots of spots with colors on it. A rather direct response but that is what I see. There are certain pictures wherby the contrast in colors is more apparent so I see the numbers immediately but there are pages where it is really hard to tell.
The nurses then concluded that I had a colour deficiency. A senior optometrist scolded the other juniors for simply concluding like that. She made me take another test. This one involved like mini paint bottles and starting with 1 that was blusih green, i had to find another bottle that best matches it, then another bottle that best matches the 2nd and so on. There were around 15 bottles to arrange. They tested me 4 times. All four times, I got 100 % so the fact that I was able to decipher hues of colours is already proof that I am not color blind. They were asking if I had any other bothers who have the same problem or if my parents or siblings have this problem. I said I have no idea. They were saying this problem was due to some error in my chromosome and that because I am female i will definitely pass it on to my kids too.
Heck, I didnt say it out loud but how the heck am i suppose to even have kids with the medicines I'm currently under that causes birth defects? When I asked anohter close friend of mine if she had problems with the clor test for her driving test, she said she had the same difficulty as me! At least I know I'm not alone.
The next day, they made me go back for more test and to get more senior doctors to give their opinions regarding my case. One of the seniors said the arrangement of hues test is definitely more accurate than the Ishihara test. The fact that I am able to get 100% 4 times is already proof I'm not color blind. She just can't explain why I cant seem to tell what number is shown on the pages.
When I got home, I tried taking the test online and realized that the numbers are clearer if you dont look at it so closely! That's why I can see the numbers now! At the hospital, they just put a book in my face and asked me what I see. That's why I just see colors most of the time.
Perhaps I may have some colour deficiency but heck its not so much that I have to worry myself to death thinking I'm color blind. The funny part was when the senior dr responded to the junior that he, the junior, couldn't tell what's the number on all the pages too. Would tht mean he also has the same color deficiency as me? The senior said at least she can arrange the hues 100% every single time so that is no coincidence.
Of course the thought did run through my mind as to whether my high degree of astigmatism had anything to do with my visual acuity, especially in seeing those numbers since I know my cornea isn't round. I did ask the specialists if a neuro patient like me could go for Lasik to correct the high degree of myopia in my eyes but they are more concerned in me solving my neuro problem 1st. They also feel I have MS and asked if I were on interferon but again I said no I am not on interferon since the doctors upstairs are keen to change my diagnosis.
I've an appointment with the Neuro dr later today. I'm going to ask her to fill out an OKU form for me since a friend is encouraging me to apply for that card. I need to admit that I am physically impaired now. if the card is suppose to help me in any way then I feel it will come in handy especially when I finaly resign from my job.
When the optometrists opened their book to ask me to take the Ishihara test, I shook my head. That was the same type of test I had to take fpr my driving license and though I passed last time, I had difficulty telling the examiners years ago what # was the page. To me, when people ask me what I see, I tell them lots of spots with colors on it. A rather direct response but that is what I see. There are certain pictures wherby the contrast in colors is more apparent so I see the numbers immediately but there are pages where it is really hard to tell.
The nurses then concluded that I had a colour deficiency. A senior optometrist scolded the other juniors for simply concluding like that. She made me take another test. This one involved like mini paint bottles and starting with 1 that was blusih green, i had to find another bottle that best matches it, then another bottle that best matches the 2nd and so on. There were around 15 bottles to arrange. They tested me 4 times. All four times, I got 100 % so the fact that I was able to decipher hues of colours is already proof that I am not color blind. They were asking if I had any other bothers who have the same problem or if my parents or siblings have this problem. I said I have no idea. They were saying this problem was due to some error in my chromosome and that because I am female i will definitely pass it on to my kids too.
Heck, I didnt say it out loud but how the heck am i suppose to even have kids with the medicines I'm currently under that causes birth defects? When I asked anohter close friend of mine if she had problems with the clor test for her driving test, she said she had the same difficulty as me! At least I know I'm not alone.
The next day, they made me go back for more test and to get more senior doctors to give their opinions regarding my case. One of the seniors said the arrangement of hues test is definitely more accurate than the Ishihara test. The fact that I am able to get 100% 4 times is already proof I'm not color blind. She just can't explain why I cant seem to tell what number is shown on the pages.
When I got home, I tried taking the test online and realized that the numbers are clearer if you dont look at it so closely! That's why I can see the numbers now! At the hospital, they just put a book in my face and asked me what I see. That's why I just see colors most of the time.
Perhaps I may have some colour deficiency but heck its not so much that I have to worry myself to death thinking I'm color blind. The funny part was when the senior dr responded to the junior that he, the junior, couldn't tell what's the number on all the pages too. Would tht mean he also has the same color deficiency as me? The senior said at least she can arrange the hues 100% every single time so that is no coincidence.
Of course the thought did run through my mind as to whether my high degree of astigmatism had anything to do with my visual acuity, especially in seeing those numbers since I know my cornea isn't round. I did ask the specialists if a neuro patient like me could go for Lasik to correct the high degree of myopia in my eyes but they are more concerned in me solving my neuro problem 1st. They also feel I have MS and asked if I were on interferon but again I said no I am not on interferon since the doctors upstairs are keen to change my diagnosis.
I've an appointment with the Neuro dr later today. I'm going to ask her to fill out an OKU form for me since a friend is encouraging me to apply for that card. I need to admit that I am physically impaired now. if the card is suppose to help me in any way then I feel it will come in handy especially when I finaly resign from my job.
Monday, November 9, 2009
Lack of Knowledge in the Medical Profession These Days
Unlucky as I am, I was just discharged from a government hospital today. During the period, I witnessed first hand the lack of knowledge in the medical profession these days. Doctors today graduate young, most of them lacking vital experience to even handle serious cases.
A fellow patient who is of age. staying in the same row as me has a swollen stomach. Everytime anyone touches it, he complains of severe pain. This afternoon, the staff pushed him dowm for an ultrasound. When they pushed him back up, he started having difficulties and even with the group of drs and nurses around, they weren't able to save the man. When his family asked what went wrong, the staff just said he started having difficulty and attempts to save him failed.
Just a thought to share, I suspect he may have blocked heart arteries. As blood can't flow through, this puts pressure on the blood vessels causing vascular issues-swelling of the veins. This can cause severe pain and was also perhaps the reason why his stomach was so bloated up. How do I know about this? Well someone I know faced a similar situation. The doctor said he need to have bypass to unblock his arteries and reduce the pressure in his veins as soon as possible or he may die if his blood vessels/vein explodes.
I, on the other hand, was in the hospital for IVIG treatment. Everyday, I've housemen and even more experienced doctors asking me if there's anything new. I had minor chest pains since the 1st day but did not complain as it was considered minor to me. The pain got worst on the 2nd day but I was still able to lie down during the drip. By the 3rd day, I couldn't even lie down as the pain in my chest was just so excrutiating. It hurts when I inhaled and even at the end of my esophagus-in my throat. If I lie down the pain shoots up to my head too. I was told by the doctors this is gastric. I told them gastric pain isn't like this. When a specialist camt to see me today, he also said I had Gastroesophogeal Reflux Disease (commonly known as Acid Reflux). I told him the pain I'm feeling isn't like Acid Reflux but the response I was given was 'then what do you think it is' and I was prescribed Omeprazole (commonly used for ulcers, gastric and GERD).
When I got home, I decided to read up on IVIG Therapy out of curiosity. The 1st site I found proved my point-Adverse effects are reported to occur in about 15% of patients receiving it. Among the effects listed which I suffered from were chest pain. headaches, and shortness of breath (since I've difficulty even breathing). These effects are not all bad. It is a normal immune mechanism involved in healing. The aggreagation of immunoglobulin in IVIG triggers this response. I'm just shocked that none of the doctors knew about this.
I'm not out to point out who's right and who's wrong but I just wish doctors would humble themselves and discuss things with patients. Communication is a 2 way process. Knowledge is also a continuous process and being a doctor requires the candidate to be able to balance it all. I know it takes years of hard work just to graduate in this line but as new advances keep emerging in this field, complacency gets a person no where.
Perhaps it's just due to my interest in Medicine and Health-realated issues that I read up on these things alot. In the past, during my college days, I constantly attended health seminars/talks on various topics held at hospitals. One of the Health talks I attented 4 years ago was on GERD.
A fellow patient who is of age. staying in the same row as me has a swollen stomach. Everytime anyone touches it, he complains of severe pain. This afternoon, the staff pushed him dowm for an ultrasound. When they pushed him back up, he started having difficulties and even with the group of drs and nurses around, they weren't able to save the man. When his family asked what went wrong, the staff just said he started having difficulty and attempts to save him failed.
Just a thought to share, I suspect he may have blocked heart arteries. As blood can't flow through, this puts pressure on the blood vessels causing vascular issues-swelling of the veins. This can cause severe pain and was also perhaps the reason why his stomach was so bloated up. How do I know about this? Well someone I know faced a similar situation. The doctor said he need to have bypass to unblock his arteries and reduce the pressure in his veins as soon as possible or he may die if his blood vessels/vein explodes.
I, on the other hand, was in the hospital for IVIG treatment. Everyday, I've housemen and even more experienced doctors asking me if there's anything new. I had minor chest pains since the 1st day but did not complain as it was considered minor to me. The pain got worst on the 2nd day but I was still able to lie down during the drip. By the 3rd day, I couldn't even lie down as the pain in my chest was just so excrutiating. It hurts when I inhaled and even at the end of my esophagus-in my throat. If I lie down the pain shoots up to my head too. I was told by the doctors this is gastric. I told them gastric pain isn't like this. When a specialist camt to see me today, he also said I had Gastroesophogeal Reflux Disease (commonly known as Acid Reflux). I told him the pain I'm feeling isn't like Acid Reflux but the response I was given was 'then what do you think it is' and I was prescribed Omeprazole (commonly used for ulcers, gastric and GERD).
When I got home, I decided to read up on IVIG Therapy out of curiosity. The 1st site I found proved my point-Adverse effects are reported to occur in about 15% of patients receiving it. Among the effects listed which I suffered from were chest pain. headaches, and shortness of breath (since I've difficulty even breathing). These effects are not all bad. It is a normal immune mechanism involved in healing. The aggreagation of immunoglobulin in IVIG triggers this response. I'm just shocked that none of the doctors knew about this.
I'm not out to point out who's right and who's wrong but I just wish doctors would humble themselves and discuss things with patients. Communication is a 2 way process. Knowledge is also a continuous process and being a doctor requires the candidate to be able to balance it all. I know it takes years of hard work just to graduate in this line but as new advances keep emerging in this field, complacency gets a person no where.
Perhaps it's just due to my interest in Medicine and Health-realated issues that I read up on these things alot. In the past, during my college days, I constantly attended health seminars/talks on various topics held at hospitals. One of the Health talks I attented 4 years ago was on GERD.
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
It Is My Right!
It is my right as a human and citizen of this country to be entitled to proper medical care. If a person is not provided with proper care as a result of some inequitable treatment of a doctor, action should be taken as a person's health is of utmost importance.
Many people, even some whom you may think are so knowledgeable don't seem to understand what negligence is about. They only know how to make comments that' this is a strong word and shouldn't be used simply'.
WELL I'M NOT SO DUMB! If I didn't know the meaning, then i wouldn't have used the word int he first place.
What I understand of negligence is from a legal perspective. It is where one party owes a duty of care to another party but fails to perform that duty. As a result, the victim (in most cases the plaintiff) suffers either physical, emotional, psychological or financial loss. In the course of event, the plaintiff has made some sort of monetary payment, known as a form of consideration, to the other party for a service or item.
I'm not a law major but was lucky enough to have had to study some law in the past. Perhaps where a person is brought up really affects their personality as well. I just can't sit back and do nothing when I know that I am being robbed of my rights. So I voiced my dissatisfaction, contemplating legal action against those who have caused me grievious hurt and pain. This isnt considered as being mean or cold hearted. It is my right!
But as you know, in Malaysia, people always try their best to cover their asses. The thing is I was aware of how to counter the comments made. All this would have caused plain embarrassment to the other party in court. I mean what idiot would get a third party to give a recorded opinion whereby it can be heard in the back ground that there are people telling that 'third party' what to say!
Medical cases can be very controversial. How to avoid all this is by being transparent and be willing to humble oneself to discuss witht he patient. Too much arrogane and pride gets a person no where. I hope people will learn from their mistakes.
Many people, even some whom you may think are so knowledgeable don't seem to understand what negligence is about. They only know how to make comments that' this is a strong word and shouldn't be used simply'.
WELL I'M NOT SO DUMB! If I didn't know the meaning, then i wouldn't have used the word int he first place.
What I understand of negligence is from a legal perspective. It is where one party owes a duty of care to another party but fails to perform that duty. As a result, the victim (in most cases the plaintiff) suffers either physical, emotional, psychological or financial loss. In the course of event, the plaintiff has made some sort of monetary payment, known as a form of consideration, to the other party for a service or item.
I'm not a law major but was lucky enough to have had to study some law in the past. Perhaps where a person is brought up really affects their personality as well. I just can't sit back and do nothing when I know that I am being robbed of my rights. So I voiced my dissatisfaction, contemplating legal action against those who have caused me grievious hurt and pain. This isnt considered as being mean or cold hearted. It is my right!
But as you know, in Malaysia, people always try their best to cover their asses. The thing is I was aware of how to counter the comments made. All this would have caused plain embarrassment to the other party in court. I mean what idiot would get a third party to give a recorded opinion whereby it can be heard in the back ground that there are people telling that 'third party' what to say!
Medical cases can be very controversial. How to avoid all this is by being transparent and be willing to humble oneself to discuss witht he patient. Too much arrogane and pride gets a person no where. I hope people will learn from their mistakes.
Service Tax on Credit Cards? What About The Citizens!
Our PM's statement that the government also needs revenue is understandable. But the manner in which it is spent is the issue.
He mentions that the recent budget and reliefs offered benefits everyone and in return the service tax on credit cards is a form of revenue for the government.
I do not benefit from any of the reliefs as I'm not in the taxable range. With my humble income, I do have credit cards and even had supplementary cards issued for my mother. Doesn't the government encourage citizens to care for their elderly parents? Wouldn't you consider providing my mom with the benefit of a supplementary card be considered 'caring'?
Many people have highlighted their opinions regarding this service tax and it seems like the government doesn't even care. What ever happened to the saying of 'listening to the rakyat' or 'democracy'?
There are many people who rely on credit cards for a living, whether it means using it for promoting it. Many people are indirectly affected by the implementation of this service tax as well.
If our country really needs the money, then why are we busy helping other countries which are even out to harm our own citizen if we visit their country? The recent AG reports also highlight all the discrepancies and wastages of public funds. All this is the rakyat's hard earned money. Don't simply waste it and get more by charging this service tax!
He mentions that the recent budget and reliefs offered benefits everyone and in return the service tax on credit cards is a form of revenue for the government.
I do not benefit from any of the reliefs as I'm not in the taxable range. With my humble income, I do have credit cards and even had supplementary cards issued for my mother. Doesn't the government encourage citizens to care for their elderly parents? Wouldn't you consider providing my mom with the benefit of a supplementary card be considered 'caring'?
Many people have highlighted their opinions regarding this service tax and it seems like the government doesn't even care. What ever happened to the saying of 'listening to the rakyat' or 'democracy'?
There are many people who rely on credit cards for a living, whether it means using it for promoting it. Many people are indirectly affected by the implementation of this service tax as well.
If our country really needs the money, then why are we busy helping other countries which are even out to harm our own citizen if we visit their country? The recent AG reports also highlight all the discrepancies and wastages of public funds. All this is the rakyat's hard earned money. Don't simply waste it and get more by charging this service tax!
Sunday, November 1, 2009
HOPENHAGEN-show your support!
Came accross this while I was reading National Geographic. It's a petition to support climate change. If you aren't thinking of yourselves, then at least think of the children-funny hearing this from someone who still sincle and childless, but you get the picture.
Things are changing for the worst. With modernisation, society seemed to have forgotten about Mother Nature and our environment. Do take action before it's too late. Kindly visit the website below:
http://hopenhagen.org/spreadhope
and sign the petition if you have a heart. Thanks!
Things are changing for the worst. With modernisation, society seemed to have forgotten about Mother Nature and our environment. Do take action before it's too late. Kindly visit the website below:
http://hopenhagen.org/spreadhope
and sign the petition if you have a heart. Thanks!
My blog begins....
On this first day of November, I decided to start my own blog in the hope that I can HAVE MY OWN SAY in things happening in life today. At times it just gets so frustrating staying bottled-up with emotions when the mass media in Malaysia is government controlled.
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