We're Sick! The Mycoplasma Attack :(

It all began with an innocent-looking cough and a mild fever on a Friday evening.  "Nothing unusual about it, as common infections are widespread at kindergartens and nurseries ", we thought to ourselves.

A twist of event leading to a twist of outcome

Due to a certain unfavourable reason that day and being obliging, we ended up at another clinic and not the clinic that we usually go to.  

Unfortunately, Alvin's cough became worse a day after.  Went back to the same clinic the 1 1/2 day later. This time, another dr attended to us (it's a partnership clinic).  Received a neb, followed by a change of antibiotic from cephalexin to amoxycillin. That night, Alvin's cough seemed a little relieved, but returned to its violent form by the next day.

In total, it's 4 days down the line, but Alvin's cough and fever still persisted.  The cough turned so bad that Alvin continued to wheeze even after nebulization, and when he coughed, it could run for 10 minutes straight in a row.  His sleep and appetite suffered - he refused all food, and drank very little.

Went back to the same clinic, the dr referred for admission on the same day.  

A little thought as to which hospital to go to came momentarily.  Cost vs convenience, familiarity vs uncertainty.  Finally, we decided to go to where we're already quite familiar with, which is also one of the nearest from where we are.

The process of admission
The emergency department at Columbia Asia Cheras on that Monday night (near 9 pm) was surprisingly crowded for its size.  The waiting time was considered ok, the medical officer on-duty (I didn't get his name) was quite prompt in attending to us. But the waiting time to go to the ward was long, it's past 1 am on the following day.

First, the dr checked Alvin's breathing. After that,  Alvin was given a neb, followed by chest x-ray and blood test.  It's typical of children to scream when blood is drawn, likewise Alvin. 

About an hour later, pediatrician Dr Hew came, checked and asked a few questions about Alvin.  He later proceeded with branula insertion because Alvin will need IV fluid (he wasn't eating and drinking properly) and IV antibiotic.  We've seen Dr Hew a few times before, starting with Aaron about 2 years ago when he was admitted for phototherapy, and for a few vaccinations after that.  Dr Hew is a very soft-spoken doctor and explains things in pretty great details. 

I wish but I couldn't
In most cases when a young child is warded, the mother is the one who'd stay to take care of her child.  I wish I could do it, but alas!  As I am currently in my first month of employment at a new place, I am generally not allocated with  leave.

But compassionate leave, which includes hospitalisation of family members, is available.  However, I don't feel good taking it although my superior is very understanding... unless for critical causes (touch wood, I pray that nothing as bad will happen in my life anymore after one incident back in 2011 at Ipoh GH, which unfortunately had a negative outcome and I ended up utilizing my compassionate leave).

On weekdays, my mother-in-law helps out by staying with Alvin in ward every night, while my husband and my father-in-law accompany Alvin during from noon until the evening.  I only get to see Alvin after finishing work, and room-in during the weekend. 

The culprit, and oh no wonder
Yesterday was a bit fortunate as Dr Hew was around when I went to see Alvin in the late evening. Dr Hew explained a few things, inter alia that blood test shows Alvin is infected by the bacteria called Mycoplasma, or specifically Mycoplasma pneumoniae.  Oh, that's why the antibiotics he took a few days earlier from the clinic did not work at all! 

Alvin's present treatment comprises 4-hourly neb, oral medications for fever and cough, IV Zithromax and chest physio.  Hospitalisation may take between 5 to 7 days, depending on his recovery.  As of yesterday (Day 3 in ward?), he still coughed a lot, although with slightly improved appetite.  :(

Maybe Alvin is going to miss school for 2 weeks.  OMG, this is only the 2nd month in pre-school and he's already like this, I can't imagine how's it going to be like for one whole year.  I like the fact that pre-school helped him a lot in terms of development, like learning to talk and be more independent.  Yet I can't deny how fearful I am if similar illnesses were to recur, because what is ordinary URTI to many other kids, may not be the same for him.  It's likely because very preterm babies are physically not exactly the same as their full-term counterparts.

We too, are invaded by it
As M. pneumoniae easily spreads through cough droplets, it is thus very difficult to avoid getting infected especially when living within the same house and same room.

Aaron is sick now, although not to Alvin's extent (fingers-crossed).

Likewise, I couldn't escape either.  I had a fever (high, at 39 deg C) starting from Wednesday. My chest feels slightly tight when I breathe in.  So when I saw my doctor, I told him that one of my kids is currently in ward due to mycoplasma pneumonia.

Today is my 3rd day with presumed Mycoplasma infection... looking at the way I "progress" i.e. negligible improvement, maybe I shouldn't call it presumed anymore. Appetite-wise, I don't seem to get hungry, don't know why... although I still do eat. Yes, with this particular bacteria, recovery is expected to be longer  In the meantime, I think I'm heading back to the clinic when I'm free later.

Conclusion
I used to think it will be better to cut-short the number of hours that Alvin spends in school.  So that he will get more rest, and cut down a bit of exposure to what he's still not able to cope well with. Like now, his pre-school is from 8 - 12, followed by day nursery until the evening.  The only hindering factor is that no one is able to pick him back in the noon.  I also realised that once he gets used to the back-home-by-noon routine, it will be difficult to go back to the earlier route.

Lastly... Don't succumb to hearsay or nasihat tak bertauliah.  Stick to what is only known to be right, or supported by facts.   This is not insinuating that being stubborn is good, but exception is justifiable under special circumstances.  In order to be tactful, just nod yes, but sit adamantly about the execution part.

Hazy Sky and the Sterimar Spray Review

The first haze I could recall clearly was in the 90s, when I was in school.  Thereafter, it seems to have turned into an annual affair.  The haze comprises unhealthy particles (pollutants) in the air, and is caused by open-burning of estates from a neighbouring country.

It's only 10 in the morning.  Today's air index is worse than yesterday's, and this is not the worst in the whole country.

As someone "sensitive", the coming of the haze naturally poses a red flag when it comes to the risk of getting unwell.  

Here are among the common measures to be taken, vs what's in reality:

1) Avoiding outdoor activities

Unfortunately, this means cutting down on outdoor moments for many of us here who are presently already outdoor-deprived.  The effect is more significant for children compared to adults.  Perhaps staying indoor on a short-term basis shouldn't be that bad...   Thus, indoor playgrounds are expected to have more visitors during this hazy season. 

2) Using a face mask when out

The N95 mask is better than ordinary surgical mask.

However, having said that, I have not resorted to any mask yet, unless the air is really, really bad.  Firstly, I feel strange going public with a mask, and secondly it's very uncomfortable to breathe in humid air from within the mask.

3) Drinking more water

4) The saline nasal spray

I would like to share that this is among the best methods to eradicate / soothe an allergic nose that's sensitive to the haze.

For years, I used to complain about allergic rhinitis, and sometimes, sinusitis.  Antihistamines used to come into picture a few times in a year.  However, none seems to work as effectively as the saline nasal spray.

Introduction

The Sterimar Baby nasal hygiene spray contains sterilised sea water that has been diluted to make it isotonic. And being sea water means the spray contains trace amount of minerals that may be mildly antiseptic or anti-inflammatory.

The word "Baby" means the spray is made for infants, but it worksfor adults too (it works for me).  There's also a Sterimar spray without the "baby" label, with same content, only the nozzle size differs a little and there seems to be more ml.  Sterimar is manufactured in France.

How did the Sterimar spray come into picture?

Alvin had a chest infection (pneumonia) between April to May last year and was admitted to Columbia Asia Cheras.   

 In ward,besides IV antibiotic, neb and oral medications, paediatrician Dr Hew had also prescribed the Sterimar baby nasal spray.  It can used whenever necessary to help clear nasal congestion.   

Out of curiosity, I took the leftover spray from last year and tried - huhuhu, I am compromising on hygiene by reusing something belonging to someone else from so long ago (but the one shown in the pictures above is newly-bought).

How to use the Sterimar nasal spray, and how does it feel? 
I find it best to use it when lying down.  Lie to the left, insert the nozzle into the left nostril and spray once, wait for excessive flow out, and wipe.  Then change side, and repeat.  Wash the nozzle after use and let it dry.

Nasal spraying can be unpleasant and causes a bit of shock (as in frightening), so expect a toddler to scream/cry when using it.  Even I feel like screaming too when I use it on myself.

By now, I have been using the Sterimar spray for a week.  And I am glad to share that for one week, I was able to sleep better and not awakened by violent sneezing or post-nasal drip in the middle of the night, and need not take any antihistamine. 

How it works
Upon using the Sterimar spray, I thought it would have been great if Sterimar or any other normal saline spray is prescribed too, on top of the routine antihistamines.  The benefit of Sterimar seems to go beyond nasal cleaning.  By helping to clear the nose and at the same time flush out whatever allergen that's inhaled earlier, sneezing/runny nose is significantly reduced, therefore helps prevent post-nasal drip.  It also significantly reduces my dependency on antihistamine.  However, its effectiveness may differ between individuals.

How often to use?
It depends on each person.  For me, I use once in the morning when I reach my workplace from walking 10 minutes through the haze, once in the evening when I arrive at home, and once before bed.  

Where to buy and how much
The Sterimar baby nasal hygiene spray is available at pharmacies.  At Guardian, it's sold for RM27.15.  One bottle has a net volume of 50ml, for 150 doses.

NB: This is only a personal review and NOT a paid write-up.  ;)

For Every First Time

Being away for a long time, I wish I was having pleasant moments.

A breakfast served in front of my bed just as the sun began to rise... Isn't it awesome?

Toasted wholemeal bread with roasted tomato, scrambled egg and salad

The reality was far from being sweet. After all, being hospitalised means something's not right.

Unexpectedly So

It was my first time staying in hospital. It was the first time I was on IV drip. I was dehydrated, in pain, unwell, and down with infection. It's not related to pregnancy, but any neglect may have undesirable effects on it.

This moment was captured when I was still alert, right before the return of my dreadful fever that made me shiver and unable to sit or lie down still on the bed in the ward.

After about 24 hours, I gained some energy and appetite. Here are some of the food that I was served with:

Breakfast.

This is one of the lunches I had... grilled fish skewer with yogurt, boiled vegetables and whipped potato

Papaya and salad together with lunch

As these are food served in the hospital, they are prepared according to the healthy-version manner... low in salt, sugar and oil. The food are mostly grilled or boiled, and the "kuih" served during tea time is the low-sugar version, which I actually prefer because I'm a non-sweet-tooth person.

In front of my bed is a TV to keep myself occupied whenever I was awake. But then I was mostly asleep because I was tired, and lying down excessively had resulted in a little shoulder ache.

What Transpired That Day...
What a time to suffer from infection! The night before, I suddenly felt a strange chill all over. Suspecting a fever, I took my own temperature and voila, it's comfirmed. My stomach felt very unwell too.

I sought my brother for help to take me to the hospital in the middle of the night as I was by myself at my place that day. I went to Columbia Asia Hospital Cheras (in Balakong, near AEON Cheras Selatan) the nearest from home and also where I go for my antenatal check-up, apart from KKIA. I knew I had to be quick and yet be considerate towards my sleep-deprived brother, and thus Government hospital did not come into picture that night.

I only received outpatient treatment that night. Back home, I didn't think that my condition improved. I had a hard time falling asleep. The fever persisted despite taking Paracetamol twice.

The Next Day
Still not feeling right and based on instinct, I went back to Columbia Asia. This time around, I was referred to a physician, Dr Amir Ramli.

Blood and urine tests were done. I was diagnosed with AGE (acute gastroenteritis), and was dehydrated. That explains the extreme exhaustion I was experiencing. I was by myself, and was advised to be admitted.

And there I was, in the ward by noon, administered with IV drip after lunch, and having a fever. At that moment, all that came into my mind was the kid inside. I was afraid of any harm to it. After going through so many difficulties, why am I seem to be suffering misfortune after misfortune? Whatever it is, please spare my child...

Not Surprising
On the third day in hospital, I was taken to see my gynae for ultrasound scan. I was relieved that the kid appeared fine.

But what was that thing that I saw? My gynae, Dr Norshida asked if I'd like to know the sex of my baby. My reaction, just as expected was that I didn't want to know it.

But I saw it despite the blurry eyes, and I thought "uh oh, this is not surprising, but I'm sure my husband will be".

My Overall Comment on Columbia Asia
On the whole, I was happy with the service and facilities at Columbia Asia Hospital. I was in a double-bedded ward with attached shower and washroom. There's an LCD TV for each person with a few selected ASTRO channels. The staff were attentive, polite and prompt in their service.

Each patient who "checks-in" is given a set of toiletteries comprising toothbrush, toothpaste, 1 small-sized towel, 1 medium-sized towel, a comb, soap, shampoo, and a plastic cup.

The deposit (refundable) for each admission is RM300. If you are under any medical coverage, the customer care staff are very helpful in assisting you to secure your guarantee letter (GL). All you need to do is to show your medical card and they'll handle it properly for you... saves you from the headache of having to call here and there in times of distress during sickness.

Should the kid and I make it to the delivery stage, I'll definitely consider going back to Columbia Asia.

But being a patient in a hospital is definitely not a pleasant thing. Although properly attended to, being sick is never a good thing at all.

The Confirmation
What was a speculation for the rest of the night was finally confirmed the day after. When my husband came to pick me home, he asked if we could see our gynae because he's highly curious to know the baby's sex.

I prefer a degree of mystery, but my husband who's the opposite of me prefers things clear and straightforward. Despite the high number of patients awaiting their turns, Dr Norshida was kind enough to spare a few minutes with us. And so, my guess was confirmed. Anyway, it shouldn't even matter what my guess was, so let me just reserve it first.

I always tell myself
To have a child is to take a risk. At the end of the day, it's not up to me to design the fate of whoever that becomes my child. Even having the most perfect of genes doesn't guarantee that an offspring will be perfect, because the world is more than science alone. So, let's not worry unnecessarily, let's not allow my fear to ruin the moments of pregnancy.

Call me fatalistic, but as much as we'd like to deny it, fate does play a role in so many aspects of life. After all, we humans can only plan... but whether a plan materialises or otherwise, is beyond our control.

Conclusion
I have said in the past, I'm prepared for both weathers, rain as well as shine. The months to come will surely keep me waiting anxiously as if waiting for another major examination result in which I expect certain result, or else we'll be doomed.

Whatever Will Be, Will Be

Energy is what most of us always take for granted... until the time when we need some but unable to find enough. I never knew of such exhaustion, until recently.

Despite the odds, I'm thankful that the little one is there.

Moving to the next topic, here's an account of my experience with check-up at both places... private and Government, as well as other matters that bother me.

Registration at Klinik Kesihatan
At the time of registering for the 'red card', I have yet to decide where I really want to go for my check-up. Since there's no harm having a place to check-up at the Government clinic as its free albeit very crowded, I went along with my elder folks' suggestion.

In a nutshell, I was satisfied with the service provided during my first visit there although the queue due to the high number of patients seemed to challenge one's patience. But the nurses ("Jururawat Masyarakat", or "JM") at Klinik Kesihatan Seri Kembangan were nice although they're busy.

In another few weeks' time, I'm supposed to go for my second visit which includes MGTT. At the moment, I have no idea if my blood glucose is ok or otherwise although my glucose level was on the low side during a random blood test back in 2008. I felt like using the blood glucose meter at home to test myself, but I find it hard to poke my own finger although poking others' is easy. So, I'll leave it to the clinic to do it.

Visit to Columbia Asia
A search had led to the finding of a new hospital that's not too far from my place. The Columbia Asia Hospital in Balakong, Cheras was opened recently.

Seeming interested to see a gynae for a more thorough check-up as well as to find out the root of the scary incidents, I randomly went to see one of the gynaes. I saw Dr Norshida Brahim, a nice and friendly lady ob-gyn.

On the whole, I'm happy with my gynae, the nurses, staff and environment at Columbia Asia. There are ample parking spaces too. I'll definitely consider this place should I successfully make it to the delivery stage (if... and only if I make it to the stage).

Too soon, too early
Still far from motherhood, it's thus too early for me to plan for anything. Fingers forever crossed and being arguably over-realistic a person, I always think it's better to live life from day to day when it comes to something such as this.

I have no intention to buy any baby stuff until the baby is safely delivered (my parents did that during my time and I agree with such practice). I'll not buy any maternity dress until I really cannot fit into my existing clothes. I'll not tell the world that I'm indeed going to be a mother until I am really one.

"Scare No. 2" is next to "Scare No. 1", and NO to discrimination
I do not care whether it's a girl or boy as long as the child is fine and healthy.

Speaking of which, I'm actually dead-worried because a 25% risk is nonetheless high enough to cause me some fear. After all, phenotype does not necessarily reflect the genotype within.In order not to add greater boredom to this post, I'll not divulge into the details.

Conclusion
I have never gambled on anything all my life, and my first time doing it is when I'm in my present state now. Still too early to tell whether this experience of mine will turn out to be a bundle of joy or the contrary, I'm living by the saying "Don't count the chickens before they're hatched".

After all, I've just got another "scare" this morning. Looks like I'm relying on artificial support for what's supposed to work naturally for the majority. In this case, the fetus looked fine, but probably not the mother, I really do not know. I shall not think too far then.

"Que sera sera, whatever will be will be... the future's not ours to see... que sera sera".

My dear child... we'll be together if we're destined to be, no matter how great the odds are. But if we're not, well... who are we humans to go against what's already written in our fates?