Dec 10, 2010

I was scheduled for 3 blood tests and 1 chest x-ray for my pre-admission procedures. My mum drove instead as parking is usually the biggest nightmare at Singapore General Hospital (SGH) so its easier if mum drives so I can just hop off the car while she go figure out how to park if its really a nightmare. It felt strange that for the past 2 years, I have always been the one driving my dad and mum to SGH for their respective health checks. I’ve been the one to pick Dad after he was discharged from hospital, I’ve been the one bringing my mum for her specialist appointment. I am glad I made all the trips with my parents. Its really not easy both emotionally and logistically to go to SGH for medical appointments. Its also another reminder that whatever overseas single girl dream I have, I won’t be able to carry it through. Its just me. I am those softies who cannot get over my own emotional barrier. I admire those who can and are chasing their dreams now. Softies like me have another path to take I guess. I dunno, I have no answers, just a thought.

Once again, the system was flawless or so it appears. Register and then wait for your number to be called, then I was directed to another room for my blood to be drawn. 3 samples, 2 ordered by my doc and 1 for the optional HIV test. When doc asked me if I am ok to test for HIV, I agreed cos its not a big deal. I don’t do drugs and dating life had been dry as Sahara desert for 8 yrs…I would be the last person on earth to have any form of sexually transmitted disease.

After the blood tests, I was sent for admission counselling. I chose B1 class because A1 is ridiculous. PLUS, I am seriously freaked out of being alone in the hospital. There is nothing better about staying alone in a room at the hospital. Did anyone watch The Eye? Things happen in the hospital ok, I am sure I would be much happier in a 4 bed ward.I had to pay a $2k+ deposit for my admission, when I swiped the credit card, DBS cards immediately sent me a message informing me that there had been a transaction of the exact amount a moment ago. Very impressed. ahahahaha.

Chest X-ray was next, changed into some funny costume and then did my x-ray and then its back to admission centre for the last part, meeting my anesthesiologist.

They took my blood pressure and checked my lung capacity. The senior nurse commented ” your heart beat seems a bit fast” I answered “its my first time and had never been hospitalized”. She was really nice and went on to give me a brochure and also went through the procedure. She assured me that everything will be fine, even asked me whether I want to have breakfast. I thought that’s pretty nice of her.

The meeting with my anesthesiologist was about 20mins, he was pretty thorough, asked me about my drug allergy history blar blar but the most amazing thing was he keyed in my details and whatever previous records I had with other hospitals, it was reflected. FWAH. There will be certain risks because its a throat related operation. A tube will be stuffed down my throat after I am knocked out. This is to allow for oxygen to enter the lungs. And throughout, my blood pressure and breathing as well as heartbeat will be monitored. I asked the doc..will I wake up? Last thing I want is for the surgeon to say hi to me during the op, the anesthesiologist said that they will know when a patient is about to wake up, apparantly the levels will increase.  Because its gonna be GA, general anesthetic, I will feel like puking or will be puking after waking up. Ok, something to learn about.My throat will also be sore so I won’t be able to eat. Ok, lose weight then.

The hospital staff would call me on thursday to inform when my surgery would be scheduled. So its more waiting game for the time being.

To take our mind off, I suggested to mum to go Daiso at IMM. Its a happy place without burning a hole in the pocket.

Yes, this waiting period is pretty stressful  but shopping at Daiso is extremely therapeutic.

Daiso, I love you.