Its My Birthday!!

January 27th, 2010
(Christiana's journey to new moon)

Hi, I'm Christiana Yong Min Xuan and I just finished my first bath.
 

Christiana Yong Min Xuan was brought into this world after nearly 7 hours of labour. Her birth weight was 3.4kg which was at 50th centile and her length 56cm which is actually above average.. She did look rather lengthy for her age with nice long legs just like her daddy.

Ahh..its so nice and cosy to be wrapped up but its nothing compared to mummy's womb.

She was brought into my room after her first bath and was all nicely bundled up. Ivan and I held her close and looked at her adoringly. She was so tiny and cute and is really such a beauty. Her skin so fair, soft and smooth. Her cheeks chubby and she only opens one eye, her left eye. Her eyes are like mine,small and narrow; lips like her daddy, pink and plump; ears like me and hair like her dad,wavy. Features of Ivan and i could be seen all over her.

I can still see you eventhough my eyes are small k and dont my lips look kissable??

 My parents were overjoyed to see their first granddaughter and my siblings happy that they were going to be uncle/aunties...:-p They were a bit scared to carry Christiana though because she looked so fragile. At about 7.30pm, Christiana's paternal grandma arrived from Kota Bharu, Kelantan. She was also excited seeing her first granddaughter. By then Christiana had quietened down and was sleeping peacefully; her chest moving up and down to her breathing rhythm.

My 2 grandmas. Dont they look young?

After my parents and mother in law left for dinner, it was my turn to take more of Christiana's pictures. First child ma so don't want to miss out on anything.Ivan came back about 12.30am all tired and exhausted. Both of us collapsed on the bed after a while. Christiana started crying at 1am but both of us were so tired that we could not drag ourself out from the bed to see her. The nurses must have heard her cry because shortly after that, 1 of them came in and offered to bring Christiana to the nursery. Both Ivan and I unanimously agreed.

Mummy stop taking my picture,i'm trying to sleep ere.

Our little bundle of joy so peacefully asleep.

Christiana came in as early as 7am the next day. She had just been fed at the nursery and was therefore sleeping soundly. We packed our things and after meeting with our obstetrician and pediatrician as well as settling the hospital bills, we headed home.

Quickly change my clothes so that i can go home.

Me with my mummy, daddy and grandma.

Bye bye KPJ!

Christiana was sleeping most of the time and only woke up when she was hungry. I breastfed her but as my lactation still hasn't fully commenced, we had to top up with formula milk. Ivan spoon fed her the milk to avoid nipple confusion (can happen if we feed Christiana with bottle and artificial nipple. She might even reject me after that). Being the new parents that we are, quite a lot of milk ended up on her shirt instead..=)

 Wah..the nappy wipes is so cold.

My very first visitor ~ Aunty Lee Shien

 Daddy's feeding me with a cup but i think my shirt is getting more nutrients than i am..:-p

Ivan started working when Christiana was 2 days old (Being a houseman, we are not entitiled to paternity leave). Ivan's mom took care of Christiana and me. Being in confinement, i was like the 'queen' of the house. I was only allowed to get out of bed to feed Christiana, eat and go toilet. Christiana had her first bath that morning by her grandmama. She cried quite a lot during bathtime. I took the opportunity to call the health clinic to inform them that i have delivered so that they can come and do home visit.

Peek ~ now,who's that trying to take a picture of me sleeping?

My daddy's trying to wake me up.

Sorry la pa, I'm just too tired to play with you.

Christiana started to become a little jaundiced (yellow) by 3 days old. The nurses visited the house and told that everything was well. They advised us to sun Christiana and to feed her more. As the day passes, Christiana's jaundice continue to deepen but she was still waking up regularly to feed. We gave her an early morning 8am-9am sunbath as advised. She passes motion very frequently but her stools were still greenish in colour (meconium stained). She also started developing heat rash due to the extremely hot weather.

Day 3 of life.

Oohh..Its so bright and hot. Mummy, what ru trying to do? Roast me?

 Day 4 of life.

Hmm..im starting to enjoy this natural phototherapy process.

On the 5th day, the nurses came to visit again and this time, the jaundiced had progressed to the lower chest. Christiana was also getting more lethargic and sleeping longer hours and not waking up to feed. We brought her to the A&E in Seremban Hospital and took a TSB (total serum bilirubin) to check the level of jaundice. Christiana did not even cry when she was pricked. She merely opened her eyes and then went back to sleep. After waiting for 1 and 1/2 hrs, the results came back and her TSB was on the higher side 208mmol/L (normal is <230). We were advised to wake her up to feed her as frequently as 2 hourly even if she's asleep. We were also told to repeat her TSB the day after.

Day 5 of life.

Mummy seems to be stripping me more and more each day for this sun-bathing process.

I'm becoming yellower aren't i?

After 1 week old, we brought Christiana to KPJ as she had an appointment with her paediatrician. She was more active but still looked very jaundiced. A TSB was repeated and her TSB increased even further to 231mmol/L. At that point of time, i was in a dilemma. I did not know whether to admit Nana to the hospital for phototherapy or to repeat TSB the coming morning. In the end, we decided the latter. Christiana fed often that day and she was awake most of the time. We played with her and talked to her. That night, i set my alarm and woke up every 2 hours to feed her. It was the least i could do to ensure that her jaundice does not worsen.

Arms away..Lets go check my bilirubin level..=)

 Hmm..y does mummy, daddy and poh poh look so worried?

The next day, we repeated the TSB. As it would be a long wait, i decided to go get Christiana's birth certificate done while Ivan's mom brought Nana to take her TSB. After dropping them off, i set off to Wisma Negeri to get her birth cert done. Even though there were only 3 people ahead of me, it still took an hour before it was my turn (ahem..u know la). By then, it was close to 12pm and i was afraid that Christiana might already be hungry. I rushed back to KPJ just in time to see the pediatrician. Her TSB came down miraculously to 197mmol/L. Praise God!! I was so relieved that Nana did not need admission and that her jaundice was improving. I called Ivan immediately after seeing the pediatrician and he too was relieved.

Wink*wink* Told you i will be just fine.

Over the next few days, Nana's jaundice continue to improve. By now, i was getting used to her cries and could roughly guess what she wanted. Nana started to enjoy her bath time and was feeding well. But she still sleeps quite a lot. I guess that's the lifestyle of all neonates (from birth until 1 month old).

Weee....higher poh poh, higher...

After 11 days (6/2/10), Ivan's mom went back to Kota Bharu as she had to work. It was my mother's turn to come and take care of me and Christiana. She brought my sister Mei Ling along as she was worried she couldn't handle us..;-p But things turned out to be manageable and Mei Ling was just sleeping most of the time..hehe..

Enjoying a mummy-daughter time..=)

My mom would bath Christiana with Guinness Stout. It is supposedly believed that it would give the baby beautiful skin and provide warmth. I did not agree but didn't want to fight with my mom. Ivan was busy working (medical posting) and by the time he came home everyday, he was already drained. He would gather the remaining strength left in him to play and talk to Nana for awhile then he would drop dead on the bed. Nana started having abdominal colics when she was 2 weeks old and she would be very irritable and cry for few hours every night. I on the other hand would look like a zombie every morning..;-p

Wwaaa...papa, i dont like the way ur carrying me.

Dont look so happy, change my position first la.

Father and daughter both comatosed.

Aaww..mummy,i like the way you feel.

Having really sweet dreams...;-p

After 1 week, my mom went home and Ivan's mom came back down to take care of us. It was Chinese New Year then. I was still in confinement and therefore could not leave the house. Ivan and his family went out for CNY eve's dinner while i stayed at home to take care of Nana. I was sad that i couldn't follow but glad because Ivan would be on holiday for a few days.

Ivan's family having a Chinese New Year eve's dinner.

"Lou ar...Lou ar.."

While they were busy, so was i...

I'm trying to sleep mummy,dont disturb me la.

It was a quiet CNY for us as it was just Ivan's family and us. I remember waking up extra early to get Nana ready. She wore her Mini mouse clothes and pants given by her paternal grandma and also had her pink mushroom hat on. She looked so cute. It was our first CNY together as a family and Nana received many red packets from Ivan's relatives (given by Ivan's dad). Ivan's family left for Melaka after that while Ivan stayed back to accompany me and Nana. It was the first time when we were together alone since Nana was born.

My CNY clothes. Cute leh?? I look like the mushrooms in Super Mario Bros:-p

ZZzzz..just give my ang pows to daddy or mummy la.

  

All together now..Not fair, my eyes are closed..ZZzz

Daddy,ur so full of my drool. Go change first la before you kiss me.

Mummy, clean me first only take my picture ma.

On the 4th week of my confinement (Finally!), my mom came back to take care of me and Christiana. By then, i was already comfortable with Christiana's lifestyle and was used to her 'habits' already. She was growing well and feeding well. I was also recuperating well..;-p

Mummy, its always so nice sleeping on you.

Dont i look bigger compared to the first picture of me?

Yippie...more visitors to see me..=)

We celebrated her achieving 1 month old on the 26th of February 2010. I also celebrated my independance from confinement on that day..hehe..;-P We had chinese buffet for my relatives and few church friends, the max we could accommodate 1 time in our little single storey terrace rented home. To top it up we ordered 3 large Domino pizzas which finished in 5 mins..Ivan who ordered it was like, "Ney,where did u all put the pizzas ah?"

My guests who came to celebrate me turning one month old.

Hhmm, my bed is so so cozy and comfy..

 ZZzzz...Good night everyone, it's been an exhausting first month of life.

Check out what my mom has to say when i become 2 months old..=)

The "BIG day"~

January 27th, 2010

The "BIG day"...Do not mistaken this as my wedding day. That day has long gone. Okay,maybe i should change my title to something like "My 2nd Biggest Day" but i think i will stick with my current title The "BIG day". After all, today is the coming of my 1st princess into this world and it's a once in a lifetime thing. Until nearly term i wasn't feeling any labour pain so following specialist's plan, i had to be induced medically.

At 7am, I woke up and took a nice long bath, shampooing my hair thoroughly because after this, i'm not allowed to even wet my hair during confinement period. I know, hard to imagine right but lets just hope my mum would show me mercy, or change her mind after she could no longer tolerate me stinking like a fish market..haha. Checked all my bags to make sure that everything my princess and I need are in there. Then at 7.45am, hubby and me left the house for Seremban Specialist Hospital (aka KPJ), seriously excited but didn't know what to expect.

Sunny day with bright blue sky - the view from my labour room

It was a beautiful day with good sun and blue sky. After registering at the admission counter, me and the other expecting mothers were brought to our individual labour rooms. The room was cozy, quite spacious with a personal television and a shared bathroom. It was like a mini hotel room. Now i just have to wait for my Obstetrician specialist, Dr Kala, whom i know i will be in her good hands.

Me just settling down - anxious about what is to come

 After a while, a staff nurse entered and administered me ravin enema (a laxatives, something that makes 1 wanna pass motion instantly) from my behind. My goodness, that was my first ravin enema experience. It took only a mere 3 seconds to feel the urge and as much as i wanted to control myself, i could not...Imagine the effect. Okay..okay, Ivan is telling me to stop here before you people feel grossed out.

By the way, did you know that giving birth shares the same sensation as defaecation? Hence the importance of laxatives pre-labour, because the only object we want to evacuate during delivery is our product of conception, not bowel content.

CTG(cardiotocography) - to monitor contractions and fetal heart

The nurse then inserted a branula, and started me on intravenous Pitocin drip (a type of medicine administered to initiate my uterus to start contracting). I was also placed on  CTG monitoring ie a machine which helps monitor baby's heart rate and uterus contraction strength. Dr Kala came in shortly and examined me. She did an ARM (artificial rupture of amniotic membrane also done to start my uterine contraction) and to my relieve, the liquour was clear. *Meconium-stained liquor indicates fetal distress and its something to be alarmed of.* After the physical examination, she informed that my cervical os was already 4cm dilated and reassured me before allowing me to rest.

CTG's looking good

It came to my realization i was bed-bounded, not allowed to climb off the bed for any reason. Had my breakfast and just lied down listening to baby's heartbeat from the CTG. I must have let my thoughts wandered before entering dreamland on the comfortable bed only to wake up at 12pm. Surprisingly, the pain wasn't as bad as i had expected. Was more like a very bad dysmenorrhea ie.period cramps but to me, it was still tolerable and therefore i didn't request for any analgesia ie.pain reliever.

I didn't have any appetite but forced myself to eat a bit of the hospital lunch as i knew i would need the strength later. By 1.30pm my uterine contraction was increasing in frequency and intensity which gradually made me feel uncomfortable. The pain was also becoming more prominent to me. What i couldn't stand in addition to that was the constant urge/sensation of passing urine and motion which came with every uterine contraction. Only thing was i couldn't. Felt like there was always something pressing on my bladder but nothing i can do about it.

Trying to eat despite my contractions

At 2pm, Dr Kala came and examined me again. Told me i was already 9cm and encouraged me to bear down whenever a contraction came. *Bear down - to push as in constipation, it helps push down the baby*. I did exactly as told. However, at 2.30pm the nurse examined me again and told me baby's head was still only at station -2 ie. the head is still deep inside. Imagine the disappointment when i heard that. I felt like i was pushing so hard as the discomfort was becoming more and more prominent but baby's head was just not moving. It was then when i felt like giving up. I felt like i simply can't push anymore and really thought to myself i would rather a caesarean section than to continue.

I complained to Ivan and told him i could not do it anymore. He held my hand and told me not to give up, told me to pray and ask God to help me; he asked me to think of our baby. I persevered on. At 3.30pm, the nurse checked me again and this time, the station was -1. Baby's head descended but was still high. I was really worried that baby might suffocate inside. The pain was becoming unbearable but i refused analgesics. The nurses placed me in lithotomy position and encouraged me to bear down. After 2-3 times trying, hubby told me he could see baby's head still high inside and was amused she already has hair. I was so exhausted by then i felt as if i could not continue.

*sorry,no pictures..Ivan did not have enough hands to click on the camera*

It was nearly 4pm by then and thankfully, Dr Kala appeared to save the day. She said baby would need the help of a vacuum because i have been trying for too long ie prolonged 2nd stage labour. The process of inserting the vacuum delivery set was really painful but what came next i did not expect. Dr Kala told me to push as hard as i can with each contraction and she would pull the vacuum to help me. I remembered the pain when she first pulled - it felt like i was going to burst/explode. I screamed ~~ i am embarassed to admit but i could not tolerate the pain neither could i keep quiet. Dr Kala pulled 3 times before baby's head came out. By then, the pain was so excruciating that i already felt numb. I pushed 1 last time for baby's body to come out and that was it.

*sorry,no pictures again..Ivan was too busy looking at baby*

I heard baby's cry. Baby's first cry. And guess what, i also started crying. Crying because of the pain and that i survived it, relieved that the process finally ended, happy that baby is crying loudly and squeling. The nurses dried and wrapped baby up and gave her to me. I hugged her and brought her close to my chest and i started crying again kissing her face. The emotion that washed through me was so intense. I was just thanking God over and over again for everything. Even now whenever i think back upon that moment, my eyes would just fill with tears.

Baby Christiana Yong Min Xuan, 3.4kg , delivered on 27/1/2010 at 4.13pm.

Ivan was overwhelmed too. He hugged me and baby, kissed my forehead and told me i did a good job and that he was very proud of me for hanging in there. Dr Kala proceeded to deliver the placenta and sutured me up but i was already exhausted by then. Everything became blur...Nothing mattered anymore...Except for the thought of my baby being safe..My little bundle of joy..

Next up..."My little Christiana"

The tale of a pregnant houseman...=)

2009 - January 2010

Hmm...pregnancy. How is it like to be pregnant?? A lot of people say it is one of the toughest but also one of the most rewarding times in life. To be pregnant during housemanship must be worst. What can i say? I have been through and survived it. It is really not as bad as how some people tell it.

I remembered the fateful day when i found out i was pregnant; it seemed so long ago but time flies when you are a houseman. I was in denial... I kept giving myself excuse not to do a UPT (Urine Pregnancy Test) telling myself that my period is running late because i am stressed but like it or not, i could not continue to deny when my period failed to come after 2 months.

I gathered up my courage and finally bought a UPT from Watson; did the test by myself and was .......I do not know how to describe the emotions that ran through me at that time - happy, sad, worried, unsure of what is going to happen in the future. All my hopes and dreams of my future became blur to me at that moment. Nothing seemed certain right then. Thoughts of juggling a family and wondering if i will still be able to pursue my studies for my future just seemed so impossible.

Now, it seemed just like yesterday when i found out i was pregnant. After the discovery, i proceeded to get myself a booking visit (it's kind of like registering your pregnancy where you get a pink book for follow up) from the nearest health centre. Did not do it in general hospital (the place i was working) as i wanted to test out the government clinic (klinik kesihatan) and how it was like for the general population of pregnant mummies when they went for their checkup. Turned out as expected, it was a long wait. I remembered that day when i waited for nearly 4 hours before i finally saw the doctor. Phew...it was a long wait indeed. Dozed off a few times on the not very comfortable plastic waiting chairs (at least i got to sit down and wait).

Urine was tested. Blood pressure,weight and height was measured. A group of routine tests were done ie HIV, Hepatitis B screening, VDRL (syphillis screening), blood grouping and a repeated UPT (just to confirm that you are really pregnant). I was a bit upset when i found out i was slightly anemic. Hemoglobin level was 9.5g/dL (normal would be 11.5 - 16.5g/dL). Haih..thinking that a doctor was suppose to be the healthier of the lot but found myself anemic...Started my pregnancy with a weight of 48 kg which slowly but certainly continued to increase throughout my pregnancy.

Me in my pre-pregnancy state.

Finally close to 12pm, i managed to see the medical officer which did a scan for me - my first scan of baby. Baby was so small. Baby was not even developed yet and i was only able to see a small round thing called a gestational sac. Here, i had another disappointment.. Always thought that my period date was reliable but found out that it was not. I was given a REDD (another expected date of delivery given by the scan measurements) and also to repeat a scan to reconfirm my REDD 2 weeks later. I left the health clinic close to 1pm that day. Half of my day just slipped by.

My baby's first scan.

Baby's second scan 2 weeks later.

Coming back to my pregnancy, the first trimester (the first 3 months) just slipped by. I did not suffer from much side effects. Had an occasional nauseous feeling and occasional vomiting spree, an occasional dizzy spell where i would feel like fainting and could not stand for a long time especially during ward rounds but apart from that, it was quite bearable. No one would even know about my pregnancy if it weren't for the dizzy spells. Initially when baby was still small, i made it a point to go jogging...i know i know..some of you must be thinking i am crazy but it was quite enjoyable actually until of course when baby started to get a bit bigger and i felt like peeing whenever i jogged as i felt baby bouncing up and down and pressing on my bladder - then i stopped.

Me and my hubby during the first 3 months.

Then came the second trimester (from the fourth till sixth month). This is supposedly the safest time and also the best time of pregnancy because mother feels like normal except for the growing tummy. I was just entering into my next posting then (Emergency and Trauma Department also known as A&E - Accident and Emergency). God really planned everything for me because as it was A&E, work was in a shift system. I had plenty of time to rest and plenty of time for myself...

We worked in 3 shifts mainly where morning is from 8am til 3pm, afternoon is from 3pm til 10pm and night was from 10pm til the next morning 8am. If we did 2 shifts per day ie morning and night, then the next day would be an off day. I remembered looking forward towards afternoon shifts as i would have the time to go for a swim in the morning. The pool will always be nearly empty except for a few old uncles. I remember swimming 10 to 15 laps each time. The beauty of swimming when you are pregnant is that you forget that you are pregnant. The water just takes away the weight of your body and it is so peaceful as all you focus on are your strokes. It was also in the swimming pool when i first felt 'quickening'(baby's first movement). I was nearly 5 months into my pregnancy and was getting worried and wondering when i would be able to feel baby move in me.


I remember that morning when i was standing at the shallow end of the pool after swimming 5 laps. I was alone then and was taking a short rest when suddenly, i felt a 'kick' in my tummy. I was taken aback for a short moment wondering if i was hallucinating. I started talking to baby asking if it was really baby moving or was it just my mind playing tricks on me. Then surely and certainly enough, i experienced another 'kick' and another 'kick'. It was then when i knew that it was really baby moving in me. The turmoil of emotions rushed through me again and i felt tears trickling down my eyes. The feeling was undescribable. It just stopped time then and there. The awe and beauty of knowing that there is something alive and that the something is living in you, growing in you, and is a part of you is just so overwhelming. To think of you yourself being a part of God's plan creating another one of His precious child in you is just so........I am speechless, no words can describe the feeling when you come to that realization.

Me at 24 weeks of pregnancy.

Being in A&E during the bulk of my pregnancy was one of the most enjoyable times in my life. The shift system working hours were in favour of my tiring body which needed loads of sleep which i managed to get. I did not have problems going for my regular antenatal checkups as the doctors were supportive and i could arrange my work schedule to suite the appointments. My collegues and superiors 'sayang' me a lot and refuse to let me do the 'running' jobs ie send stat bloods to lab, collect blood from blood banks, running upstairs to do ABGs(arterial blood gases) and also CPR (cardiopulmonary resusitation). I know, i know, i should not be complaining but be grateful. I am but being the workaholic that i am, sometimes i feel like an OKU (orang kurang upaya) - no offense to OKUs out there.

Still able to sit quite comfortably to watch Avatar..hehe..

Of course, there is no place where it is always a bed of roses. I still have my not so pleasant times in A&E although it is nothing as compared to the joyful times that i had there. I still remember the nights when i have to work night shifts. It is not the work that was giving me problems but more of the problems due to my enlarging uterus. I remember having regurgitations and heart burns in the middle of the night and i did not know what to do. Vomiting relieves the nausea but makes the burns worst. Eating does not really relieve the burning sensations either and it worsens the regurgitations. I just did not know how to cure myself. An irony isn't it?? A doctor who can cure others but do not know how to cure herself. Of course i was also being stubborn as i do not want to get myself injected with powerful gastric medicines which i could have if i wanted to. In the end, i would just ask for a packet of antacids (gellusil to be exact) and started eating them like candies. But they tasted bitter of course.

Me and my hubby.Note that my face is rounder..:(

When i was in A&E, I used to look at all the patients coming in the middle of the night or in the wee hours of the morning complaining of gastric pain. I never understood why they have to choose those timing to come and i still do not understand eventhough i have left the department. Considering that i am having the same problem that they are having but still working and am also being pregnant at the same time, i really do not see their logic. Maybe they are just spoiled brats or maybe i am more 'tahan lasak' than them or maybe they just feel the need to make doctors work harder for their already so little pay by keeping them awake with these small petty things - i know, i know. I am complaining and being sarcastic but seriously, if only the public knew the kind of ridiculous cases we see. Okay..Okay..better stop before i get sued.

noticed my big tummy?

Returning to my pregnancy, getting a shut eye during night shifts became more inconvenient as baby grew bigger and bigger. Initially, i could still curl up in a couch and get some rest. Then as time passed by, i started to lean on the table to sleep as my tummy was getting in the way. Eventually, i could no longer lean on the table as i felt as if i could not breathe when i try to lean forwards. And as baby grew bigger, i had to sit upright to sleep but that did not last long as i realize that baby was pressing on my back and i had backaches after half an hour staying in one position and had to frequently change my position. Finally towards the end of my A&E postings, the only way i could sleep was on the patient's bed but that is hard to come by as when you are about to lie down and make yourself comfortable, a new case comes - so much for the effort of trying to sleep! Not complaining, i am just merely pointing out the lifestyle of a houseman - in my case, there is added difficulty as i was a pregnant houseman.

pregnancy comes with a ferocious appetite..:-P

Time in A&E passed by quickly as did my pregnancy. Before i know it, i am already in my last 3 months of pregnancy also known as the 3rd trimester. I started into pediatric posting when i was about 33 weeks pregnant. Had to tag there(its a process every houseman has to go through everytime they start a new posting - we work extra long hours and have to do everything. Kind of like an express pediatric posting.) We are expected to know most of the things by the time we finished our tagging period of 2 weeks and be ready for on-call.

Big tummy with big swollen legs.

Tagging was really tiring. Starting work at 7am every morning lasting til 10pm sometimes 12am at night was something that i had to readjust to after the shiftsystem style in A&E. I remembered i would go back every night with backache,leg ache and very bad leg swelling that went up all the way to my thighs. There were a few times when i experienced lower abdominal pain and i became so worried telling baby to hold on til 37 weeks(its the cut off point for term pregnancy) and praying to God that it was not labour pains. I remembered i felt so depressed one of the last few tagging nights because my backache was really bad and my legs were just so heavy that i just sat down in one of the houseman rooms as i could not take it anymore. I felt tears rolling down my cheeks and i felt myself apologizing to baby over and over again saying that i am sorry for torturing her and could not give her a good rest. That was the peak of my depression of tagging. I was nearly 35weeks by then.

Still able to fit in the car with the seat belt on.

After my hubby commented that i look round.

Thank God tagging ended. Once off tag, life was more bearable. It is nearly office hour as we work from 7am til 5pm. For me, life was great..=) As i was so pregnant and looked like i am ready to pop, i did not have to do on calls. That was really a blessing to me as i could go home early and rest. I remember seeing my leg swelling becoming worst each day. It would not subside even after i elevate my legs the whole night.

My legs are not normally that big. Its swollen. Crazy huh?

Up close and personal..

My medical officers and colleagues were very kind to me. They would excuse me from following rounds and only join them when it is my cubicle. I sat down once in a while when i really could not stand it but most of the time i still followed rounds as i felt that it was disrespectful and unfair not to. Baby was getting bigger and i could feel that my walking was becoming more and more clumsy. Kind of felt like a penguin waddling. My collegues would not allow me to help hold the kids down when taking blood as they are scared that the child might just kick my tummy and i will just go into labour..=)

Even sitting down looks uncomfortable right??

By the time i was 38 weeks, i was getting restless. Baby was not showing any signs that she wanted to come out into this world. I was getting all worried and paranoid thinking that baby might have some problem inside and i would not know about it. By 39 weeks,there were still no signs of labour. Pregnancy is finally taking its toll on me. At 68kg (i put on a total of 20kg!!), I could not work that well anymore and felt tired and felt like i needed rest. So at 39 weeks and 4 days, i finally took leave and stayed at home to rest before my admission to Seremban Specialist Hospital at 39weeks and 6 days for induction of labour. It was really a time i cherished. I had a full 48 hours to prepare myself to becoming a mother - Finally!! I spent my time talking to baby, praying to God that all will be well. Basically just spending my last moments enjoying the fact that baby is still in me. It dawned on me that life would be different once baby was out and i did not know what to expect; that the 9 months of a creation of God growing inside of me was to be brought out into this world soon. The realization was wonderful as i can finally see the 'product' that i have carried for 9 months but also fearful as the future is unknown.

At the end of 9 months.

Tomorrow morning, on the 27/1/2010 at 8am, i will be getting admitted to the hospital for induction.


"Oh Lord I pray, that all will go smoothly as i commit baby and myself into Your precious hands. Help us both that we will be safe and all will go well. Amen."


Coming up next....' The "BIG" day '

Toughest Training

August 2009

 

Here's to 1 of the toughest training in the world..

 Its physically and psychologically demanding.

So much so the arch of my feet is flattened and my right big toe is sore and it looks gangrenous..gulp..

I spend more time standing than sleeping..trust me man..

I used to walk past those mushrooming foot massage parlours without giving a 2nd look

but now i'm having 2nd thoughts.

The only way i can delay (since its inevitable)

the effect of this occupational hazard from taking its toll on my health,

is to invest in a rm300 puppy, and a rm168 crocodile. 

..read hush puppies and crocs.

Ok by now u can guess which department i'm in.

It has the most medicolegal issues so don't play play..

I remember me and Pradeep were the only HOs taking care of 1 antenatal ward

with a capacity of nearly 60 patients/day plus the extension beds.

Turn over is high we can have nearly 25 discharges/day.

Can't imagine how Pradeep did it on his own for 2wks b4 i joined him.

Right, so we review both the mums, and the babies after they pop out.

Its not as easy as it sounds and i'm not gonna get into the details of it.

You gotta consult me 1st..haha..

..for free k.

1st day in labour room, was so lost the staffs thought i was a medical student.

Could never forget the pressure and intensity of conducting a delivery

and the lil' bit of fulfilment that follows.

It was H1N1 pandemic for a period and everyday there were H1N1 related mortalities around the country. Pregnant mothers and newborns were susceptible groups.

Every1 in the hospital had to wear mask and i quite like the idea of being a boogeyman.

Work can be fun with the right colleagues, dependable ppl together in the same boat.

We know each other's suffering and peril

Share the same sentiments towards some of our "wonderful" superiors..

The staff nurses there are great. Not cool but they contribute alot into moulding and disciplining us.

Its like riding on a emotional roller coaster but at the end of the day, 1 becomes more tick.

The best way to thank them is to buy them food, which is the key to their hearts. 

They love pizza hut, kfc, and are obsessed with McDs.

So conquer their hearts, and you'll conquer the labour room.  

So there was this young chinese mum,21 yrs old, pregnant for 34weeks with a pair of boy girl twins.

She came in because of pre-eclampsia ( hypertension during pregnancy with risk of seizure).

Her legs were so oedematous she couldnt walk at all.

Anyway we C-section her at 35 wks and both mum and twins did well.

And patient's mum and mum in law each has 1 baby to take care of..so they wont fight haha.

I'm so bad..haha.

To cut the long story short, they flattered me with a fruit basket.

And no matter how sour the fruits, it still tasted sweet to me.

*Kar Ling*  :_l  :_l

"Dude, whats this place?..I see many zombies dragging themself around..

oh no..look, there's 1 coming with a big black worm around his neck...uuuu.."

.
.

"Oh they're HOs, lowest in the hierarchy, it seems.

They never see sunlight cos they get up when its dark and go home when its dark.

Also they don't eat and they don't sleep..

...these creatures are hard to kill..

.....Hey don't press my stomach..there's no milk in there..waaa~"

.
.

"Do not despair my friend, mummy is coming to get us as soon as they stitch her up.

So much blood and amniotic fluid and urine..what a mess..uuuu...

...but which 1 is mommy? they're all dressed in pink..

and they're all screaming..even the HOs and nurses are shouting.

...this place's a madhouse.."

.

.

"Mommy is probably exhausted.

The HOs will review her and make sure she's ok..

But they always seem to be busy writing alot of things and the nurses are always snapping at them.

Oh well, thats life..stinks right..sigh

........

..Hey whats that smell..eeww.."

.

.

"Ooops..i think i just poo poo..wa kah kah~~ now that really stinks..waa~~"

Seriously being a HO is really not that bad. Nothing comes free in life anyway so..

I'm thankful for where God leads me and what He wants me to go through..

God has wrote a script for us, He's the author and finisher of our life.

He knows us even before we were born..

So if at times life gets out of hand..Remember, God is making us stronger.

Before we end, let us amuse you with this picture.

This ambulance was parked at the centre of the traffic light opposite our hospital.

Its true that our hosp has very limited and narrow parking area.

I had my car dented and deliberately scratched by don't know who.

Still, how this ambulance end up there for 4 days is beyond me.

Well thanks for reading. And thanks for bearing with us for taking once in a blue moon to update it.  God bless ya.:-)