Jumping on the bandwagon

I thought I would never be bitten by the DSLR bug. I used to say that I won't own a DSLR camera and yet, I just bought one recently! How fickle ay? I got excited looking at the really, really nice photo shots displayed in those photography magazines on the bookstores shelves. And I berangan nak enter into those amateur photography competitions coz the prizes are pretty big :)

Damage done to the pocket was pretty big, reaching nearly RM3k for the latest Canon EOS 450d. Compared to the cybershot I currently own, memanglah mahal kiranya DSLR ni. If you ask me why I chose this particular DSLR, I would say because it's the latest, it's light, it's user friendly, it has Live View etc. Well, have started learning to shoot nice photos dah. Thanks to bro! Will eventually put up those pics for your viewing pleasure :) And what I really look forward is to take lotsa nice photos during my upcoming trip. Have somehow finalised the trip details. Will blog about it soon. Tungggggu...

Drool!

I'm drooling over this right now. Can't wait for it to come to our shores!

Eid Mubarak

Back Home

Am back home now from recuperating at mum's for 6 weeks and am missing everyone already!! They're just 40 mins away but it's really different now coz it feels pretty lonely just the two of us here.

Starting work on Monday and gosh, how I don't look forward the piles of work waiting for me! Kept telling myself, never mind, am gonna work hard for few months and reward myself with a vacation back to alma mater and revisit the city of lurrve at the end of the year! This time, with hubby and we've baby making activities in the agenda ;) Can't wait!!

Road To Recovery

It's been almost 6 weeks after the surgery now. I am feeling more like myself. Besides the 18cm bikini line scar, I am feeling 'almost' pain-free. It still hurts when I cough, it feels as if my urinary tract is about to burst everytime I cough (seriously!), I still can't lie on my tummy and part of my tummy is still numb..But apart from all that, I feel good!

Here's a list of what I went through during recovery. I thought this would probably be a good reference for those who'll undergo similar procedure i.e. abdominal myomectomy. But fret not, these pains/difficulties will be gone within 6 to 8 weeks.

• Painful when urinating
• Can't sleep on the sides
• Constant sharp, jabbing knife-like pain in the tummy area
• Extreme fatigueness
• Continuous bleeding/spotting for 1-2 weeks
• Can't / difficult to bend down - those praying may have to pray sitting

Oh yeah, one more thing, when it comes to food intake, make sure that you try going on high-protein, high-fibre diet. For tissue healing and regeneration, take lotsa protein. I took fish particularly 'ikan haruan' for the first 3 weeks. It helps to heal the wound inside. After 3 weeks, you may want to take other types of fish and other protein sources like chicken and beef. Take lotsa fruits particularly oranges and apples. The vitamin C in them helps in the healing process. While fibre like brown rice and whole grain cereals help regular bowel movement. Due to being cut inside, the intestine and rectum may be affected resulting in irregular or painful bowel movement. So, fibre helps!

I am due to go back to work next week. That means I'll be going back to my own house in a few days. Urghh! the thought of leaving my mum, dad, siblings and nieces is kinda sad. After being pampered for more than a month, especially by mum, am sure gonna miss them like crazy. Mum treated me like a queen. She took all pains to prepare the right type of food and make sure that I feel comfortable. I seriously owe her BIG time.

Leaving The Hospital

It was two days after the surgery when the doctor said that I was recovering well and could go home on Sunday itself (3rd day after surgery) . I opted to stay one more day to get better rest and only go home on Monday. The doctor said I made a good choice and she downloaded with the do's and dont's during recovery.

The last day at the hospital was spent getting to know the hospital better. I requested Hubs to bring me around the hospital in a wheelchair. It was fun, but PMC's rather small now because the two older blocks i.e. Blocks A & B were closed for further upgrading work. The nurses told me that those old blocks will actually be demolished and new ones will be built on the same site. Hubs also brought me to the waiting room where he with MIL and FIL waited while I was in the OT. It brought waves of sad emotions when I looked at the waiting room and the OT. It reminded me of how sad and scared I was on the surgery day.

On check-out day, my dressing was removed to reveal a 18cm wound from the surgery. My, my, it's rather scary. Images of how I was cut open kept playing in mind and it made me cringe everytime I thought about it, even at the point of writing now. After that some sorta liquid was sprayed onto the wound. It was supposed to serve as a water-proof protection for the wound and will last for a week. After that, I've to take really good care and must make sure that the wound is always dry to avoid any complications like infection etc.

The bill came to a whopping RM13,115.35 but I didn't have to pay a single sen before leaving. Called the family to let them know that I was coming home. I could hear their excitement. I was excited too coz I'll be recuperating at mom's place and my two nieces would be there to take care of me. My two little nurses. Goodbye PMC, thanks to the Doctors, nurses and aides for the great care and attention. Hope to become a patient in your maternity ward soon :) And to Hubs, thanks for everything! I owe you a BIG one!

The Day After Surgery

The day after surgery started early for me. The nurse came at 5.30am to take my blood pressure and body temperature. Blood pressure was down from the day before but I had slight fever. Then two other nurses came to give me a sponge bath. I never knew how exactly sponge baths are done, but for me it was not exactly using sponges but small towels instead. It was a thorough clean up. I didn't feel much pain and I could remember that I did not press the morphine button at all to ease any pain, coz I was feeling pretty all right! The nurses told me to move to the sides and lift my legs a bit today to hasten the blood from the surgery to flow out from the uterus.

I was still not given anything to eat. Only had few sips of water and I was feeling groggy and nauseated all day. Threw up a few times but since I had not eaten yet, only threw up water and saliva. I was also cautious not to sneeze or cough because I remember my aunts telling me to put a cushion on the tummy whenever I feel like coughing because it'll be painful. And true enuff, it WAS painful when I finally coughed.

The next day, I was taken off the drip and painkiller and the bladder catheter was removed too. That was when I had to start to walk to the bathroom to pee. OMG, it was so difficult. Was feeling woozy and had to walk really, really slowly. Hubs had to walk me all the way to the bathroom and sat me properly on the toilet bowl.

My first meal was actually a mug of hot chocolate and porridge. I could only eat after I've passed wind, the nurses said. Well, had no difficulties in passing wind the first thing in the morning that day :) Anyway, I couldn't eat much. More and more people came in the evening as it was Friday. Received loads of magazines and food. Phone calls and sms's came non-stop too. Thank you all..

To be continued

Surgery Day : Part 2

I was shivering from the extreme coldness and moaning in pain when I realised that the surgery was over. Dr. Nora was in her green surgery gown, standing beside me and as soon as I opened my eyes, she held my hand and told me that the surgery was over. She explained what was done and also added that they found additional problem during surgery but I couldn't absorb all the things she said. Muttering 'Thank You Doc', I passed out.

I woke up again soon after somehow realising that I was wheeled back to the room. At that time, I could feel excruciating pain at my lower abdomen. Still shivering, I could see Mum and MIL at the end of the bed, walking together to the room and Hubs was walking beside the bed, snapping pics I guess. When we were in the room, I was blanketed and the nurse handed me a switch with a button and I was told to press the button everytime I feel pain. After seeing Dad and FIL coming into the room, I dozed off.

When I woke up again, the first thing I saw was a bouquet of flowers at the edge of the bed. They were pretty red carnations and white roses. It was from both parents Hubs said. I also realised that I was attached to several tubes, the drip, morphine painkiller and the catheter (the urine bag) to drain both urine and blood from the uterus. When Dr. Nora came later that day, I asked her to repeat was was done again as I could not make out what she told me upon waking up right after the surgery. Besides the earlier three problems diagnosed prior surgery, she added that my ovaries were problematic too. The right one was stuck to the back due to the endometriosis and the left one had cysts. But everything was fixed in one go. The 6cm fibroid which looked like sausage Dr. Nora said was removed, endometriosis burnt and removed, uterus and the right ovary were repositioned and the cysts from the left ovary were drilled out. Phewhh! Such a major overhaul to what's inside me huh?

Was on liquid diet that day. Didn't feel hungry but was feeling nauseated and groggy and I was also yawning all the way because of the morphine. That was how it went on the surgery day. I survived it! Alhamdulillah...

To be continued

Surgery Day : Part 1

I remember being woken up by the nurse around 5.50am to prep me for the surgery. Blood pressure and body temperature were taken and later was told to empty my bowel! Some sorta liquid was nozzled into my anus and I was told to hold it for 10 to 15 mins before going to the loo. Omigosh! It was the worst 10 mins ever! And seriously, I could only hold it for 5 mins I think, before I let it all go! What the nurse did was actually called enema - the procedure of introducing liquid into the anus for the purpose of regulating the bowel in order to empty it. Empty bowel is necessary prior surgery in order to avoid complications when tummy contents may go up the lungs during surgery later.

Anyway, after Subuh prayers and reading pages after pages of the Holy Quran, I put on my surgery gown and cap and waited for the nurses to come and wheel me to the Operating Theatre (OT). MIL and FIL came early that morning around 7.30am to see me. Around 7.50am, the nurse and a hospital aide came to ask a few questions .."are you wearing any contact lens? dentures? allergic to certain medications..bla..bla..bla.." After answering No to most questions, they said I was ready for the operations and wheeled me to the OT on the 1st floor. I took out a card under my pillow before going outta the room. It's for Hubs. He looked pretty surprised with the gesture. I bought a book of Starbucks vouchers and a Thank You card for him. I just felt that it was appropriate to thank him in advance for the trouble that I will cause him after the operation. And what can be more appropriate than those vouchers while I'll be in the hospital as there's a Starbucks outlet on the ground floor :) He can always go down to Starbucks to grab his favourite Venti Green Tea Frappuccino and do some internet surfing if he ever gets bored of taking care of me in the hospital room, ay? Of course, will have to think of something bigger to give him when everything's all right. Okay Hubs?

Reaching the 1st floor and when I was about to enter the OT, MIL, FIL and Hubs kissed me. Omigosh, I had never felt that scared and sad before. The nurse kept saying that everything will be fine after this. The OT nurse waiting for me was a Filipino from the way she spoke. Again, she checked my stats and asked the same questions asked earlier and then transferred me to another smaller bed. Then I was blanketed and wheeled to a small room in a corner. There, I waited and waited until an older looking nurse came and wheeled me to right outside the OT. "Hold on, we'll wait for Dr. Nora and Dr. Das" she said. While waiting, I could hear the nurses getting the OT ready. Minutes later, I was wheeled and transferred onto the OT bed. Gone all my anxiety as I was starting to feel excited at that time, thinking that it was my first ever time going into an OT. Thanks to Grey's Anatomy :)

I started to look around the OT trying to absorb everything, from the surgical equipment, to the big bright lights above me. The big digital clock showed 8.51am when the Anesthetician, Dr Das, started putting in the needle for administration of intravenous fluid on the back of my palm. Some liquid spurted out while he was doing it and I could hear him swearing "Shit, shit, how could this happen? Who took the cap out?" I was trying to understand what was happening while at the same time trying to stand the pain as the fluid started to go into the back of my palm when another nurse came and placed an oxygen mask over my nose and mouth. Within seconds I was out.

To be continued

The Nite Before Surgery Day

Checked into Pantai Medical Centre the nite before surgery. Admission was a pretty smooth process, thank god for company's insurance coverage! Was informed that I had to stay in a double-bedded room for a few hours while waiting for the single-room to be vacated. While waiting, Hubby played with the bed functions and TV remote control searching for sports channel available..luckily ada ESPN.

Later, the nurse came to take my stats and checked if I've shaved!! I sooo regretted for not going for brazillian with sis-in-law the weekend before. Shaving is soo not suitable for the missus and I had so much difficulties trying to get 'it' all off that nite, but managed to do it eventually lah. I think I spent close to 30 mins doing it! Buat cara 'conventional' memanglah lama! Padan muka I! Haha!

Things were pretty good when we finally moved to the single room. Mum, Dad, Sis, nieces, MIL and FIL came to visit. Towards later that nite, I started feeling scared and dizzy. When the nurse came, yupp! my blood pressure was the highest it had ever been..all due to anxiety the nurse said..it'll go down when everything's over, she added..I hope so..

To be continued

Finally, Going Under The Knife

So many months after being dropped the bomb that I have fibroid, I am finally going to do something with my condition! But before I write more about it, let me you tell you that I have been dropped by a FEW bombs before I actually decided to go under the knife tomorrow. Bombs? That many? Yupp, am finally going for surgery to manage fibroids, endometriosis and reposition my retroverted uterus. This is all to be managed via myomectomy for fibroids, ablation for endometriosis and ventrosuspension for the uterus. Oh boy, this is going to be major. I’m gonna be more cut-up than those pregnant ladies delivering via C-Section and what’s sad is that I’m not pregnant and I’ll have no baby to bring back home post-surgery :( Anyway, I’ve to undergo these procedures in Pantai Medical Centre Bangsar as my doctor only does surgery there. She’s no other than the famous Datuk Dr Nor Ashikin. You must have heard about her or have read her articles in papers and magazines or have seen her on TV. I agree that she’s good. She’s a real people person and you will feel at ease and more informed after consulting her regardless of whatever condition you were in when you first saw her. And yes, for someone entering her 50’s soon, she’s gorgeous! I started seeing her in her own clinic Prima Nora in Taman Tun Dr Ismail (TTDI). It’s a one-stop-medical centre for women run by mostly women. You can read more about the place here: http://www.primanora.com/.

Anyway, will be checking in Pantai Medical Centre this evening to undergo surgery tomorrow morning. Am scared stiff, seriously dunno what to expect. Kinda worried for Hubby Dearest too as he has to take care of himself alone for a while. Well, will update on how it goes and yes, do pray for me! And Hubs, you'll be all right! Love ya!

The Weekend With Sex In The Lion City

Hehehe…There’s nothing kinky about this entry lah! Just wanna update on my weekend trip to Singapore and that I was lucky to get tickets to watch the movie Sex and The City. I guess the cinemas are in their last few weeks of showing the movie as they only have one show per day. That’s why upon knowing they’re showing one at 1.45pm, we rushed into the MRT to reach Vivo City in time. Am not gonna spill any spoilers here but I found myself crying and laughing throughout the movie. Am sure the movie duration is gonna be way shorter when they show it here in Malaysia but nevertheless, for SATC die-hard fans out there, you’ll surely be CARRIE-D away watching this.

Oh yeah, managed to shop a bit in Singapore. Their Great Singapore Sale was truly great!! Gucci and Coach stuff at 50% discount! Yupp, I went crazy :)

5-star health service

I was feeling under the weather (what's new huh??) last few days and I had to pay a visit to the gynae. Was having this sharp pressure abdominal pain. Not having any prior appointment with the gynaes I've seen, I had to resort to anyone available that day. That was when I decided to try seeing a gynae in the new hospital - Prince Court Medical Centre (PCMC). Stepping into the hospital was like stepping into a resort. An absolute 5-star, the hospital boasts a minimalist Zen concept. Spacious, with lotsa green, wood panelling, big waiting room with plush leather chairs, big flat screen TV etc. Treatment-wise, nurses were polite and offered personalised service. Instead of calling you from the counter, they walked towards you to escort you to the doctor. The gynae I saw was very thorough. He undertook tests that the gynaes I saw before did not perform. I felt I was given the best advice that day! And the highlight of the day was the total bill was below RM150!! I was expecting it to be way more expensive! It would certainly cost more than RM200 if I were to consult the gynaes I've seen before! Well, I surely know where to go for specialist consultation from now on! Finally, answers to my prayers for a true world-class Malaysian service!

C'est La Vie

I decided to be happy from now onwards! Having gone through a series of health scares, been diagnosed having fibroid growth, retroverted uterus, thyroid plus the most heart-wrenching news that I've to delay bearing a child, I decided that things happen for reasons, whether we realise it or not.

I'm currently on numerous supplements, medications and undergoing treatment with medical doctors and alternative medicine pratitioners. I will keep on trying and will not give up and most importantly I know I will not go through this alone. Hubby and family will always be there for me. They're my strength and will always tell me that when life throws you lemons, make lotsa lemonade! And yes, life will go on for me and I'll be sipping lemonade :) C'est la vie!

Which direction??

It is such a trying time for me now. So many new things popped up in life that I need to deal with and make decisions for. Am praying for strength, patience and the intelligence in heading towards the right direction. Will write about all these soon!

Which one?

Went to check these babies out during the weekend...Hmm..what shall it be?

Goodbye Baby!

I’ve said goodbye to my baby! I didn’t know that I’d feel sad saying goodbye to her but I actually shed some tears when parting with her. It was on Tuesday, 8th May 2008, after work. Baby, you surely were great to me and I treasured the 5 years spent with you. I’m sorry I had to let you go :(

You see, I’m being optimistic for letting my 2-door Toyota Rav4 Baby go for a yet-to-be-decided 4-door Baby to make room for my Baby should she/he arrives. And I hope it’s soon!! By the way, which 4-door should I go for huh? Am still soo clueless!!

My moment of fame

Who would have ever guessed that I'd make it on TV especially on a sports channel? What more on a football related programme? Football is certainly not my thing. Tennis is more 'me' :) I always make noise when Hubby spent so many hours on telly and computer watching live matches and strategising for his fantasy football games. I normally told him that he spent more hours on both telly and computer at home compared with spending time with me! But you know what he did to shut me up? He entered my name as one of the managers for his fantasy football game and guess what? He won (or to be more accurate, I won) places in the top 10! He made it in the top 10 list from more than 50,000 entries from Asian countries including Australia, New Zealand, India etc! And the best thing was that my name appeared and mentioned in the show last week when they announced the winner! Hubby will be winning USD500 for this. He already won last month as the top manager for Malaysia ok? Hmm..at least the time he spent for this was worthwhile after all. Hmmm..he won, I got my moment of fame, guess I don't have the excuse to make any more noise rite?

Celine Dion live in KL

I was a big Celine Dion fan when I was younger but I haven’t been listening to her songs for a long while. That’s why I was a little bit surprised with myself when I could still remember the lyrics to most of her songs during her recent concert! Yupp! Was fortunate enuff to see her performing live in Stadium Merdeka, accompanied by MIL dearest. Ohh, Celine was fantastic that nite! Energetic, charismatic, and the notes she hits, others could only dream of! Well, it was nothing short of amazing! For a 40 year-old to still sound as good as she did, is a testament to her phenomenal talent! Here are some pics and videos for you to enjoy! Mind you, the videos are not sharp but have got some nice pics from friends with state-of-the-art DSLR cameras. That reminds me I’ve to get one too! Hehe..

Eating mathematically

I am currently on a low calorie diet. Was sent to meet a nutrionist when I told my gynae that I wanna lose weight prior to the fibroid removal surgery (myomectomy) and of course before starting to conceive. The session I had with the nutrionist was pretty inspiring coz wanna know why, the nutrionist's gorgeous with a slim and trim figure and flawless healthy-looking skin. So, my wawasan is to look like her lah nanti!

Upon taking measurements and weight, I was briefed on the mathematics of food. Basically with the low calorie diet plan, I need to understand that different types of food release different amount of energy. So, if I am determined to lose at least 0.5kg per week, I need to reduce my food intake by 500 calories per day. First, I have to look at the kinda food I'm currently stuffing my body with, minus it by 500 calories and walla, stick to the type of food that I can take in achieving my goals.

So how much exactly is 500 calories? If you're going to reduce your daily intake by 500 calories, it helps to know what you need to cut out, right? Here's how easy it is to lose 500 calories a day:

*Use milk instead of cream in your coffee. Savings? 50 calories per cup
*Drink fruit-flavoured water instead of a 16 ounce soda. Savings? 200 calories

*Skip the Big Mac and have a salad instead. A Big Mac weighs in at a whopping 460 calories.

*A fresh salad with a light dressing? Less than 100! Savings? 360 calories

*Love those fries and can't give them up? Swap the skinny fries out for thick steak-cut ones. Thin French fries absorb more oil than the thicker, meatier ones. Savings? 50 calories per 4 ounce serving.

If you'd rather look at losing weight from an exercise perspective, you can also lose one pound a week by upping your activity level by 500 calories a day. How easy is that to do?

Take a look:

*Take a half-hour walk around the park. Aim for a pace that's a little faster than a stroll, but not fast enough to be breathless. Burn: 160 calories.

*Get out your bike and take a ride. Tackle a few moderate hills and aim for about five miles total. Burn: 250 calories

*Go dancing - and really DANCE. Dancing that makes you breathless and warms up your body will net you a nice calorie savings. Burn: 400 calories for one hour

*Swimming is great for you, and a lot of fun, too. The water resistance means you burn more calories, and you avoid the stress impact on joints from aerobics, dancing or walking. Do a few laps at a slow crawl - if you can get up to an hour you'll be doing great! Burn: 510 calories

*Get out into your garden. An hour of gardening tasks that includes bending and stretching can burn up to as many calories as a brisk walk. Burn: 250 calories.

*Play a game of tennis. Hook up with a friend for a weekly tennis game and you'll be amazed at the difference. One hour of vigorous tennis is one of the best calorie burners around. Burn: 800 calories

It has been almost three weeks into this diet plan and I've lost 4kgs. It was terrible in the first week. I was feeling lethargic all the time and craved for everything! You name it, I craved for chocs, cakes, chips etc. But after a week of torture, I felt much better. Shopping for groceries is different for me now. I now read the ingredient details and all the fine prints on all foodstuff boxes and containers to avoid buying high calorie stuff.

Just sharing some calories count for normal Malaysian food for your reference here:

*1 plate of Nasi lemak (my all-time fave) - 644 calories

*1 piece of Roti Canai + half cup of Dhal - 359 calories

*1 piece of Capati + half cup of Green gravy - 166 calories

*1 plate of Fried Kuey Teow - 743 calories

*1 plate of Mee Goreng Mamak - 660 calories

*1 bowl of Mee Rebus - 556 calories

*1 bowl of Penang Laksa - 436 calories

*1 bowl of Plain White Rice - 207 calories

*1 plate of Economy Rice + 3 dishes - 620 calories

*10 sticks of Chicken Satay - 365 calories

*1 bowl of raw salad - 100 calories

*1 bowl of Cream Soup - 375 calories

*1 Cheeseburger - 341 calories

*1 cup of Chocolate Sundae - 380 calories

*1 piece of Fried Chicken - 290 calories

*1 glass of Chinese Tea - 0 calorie (Yeay!)

*1 packet of Soya Bean Milk - 163 calories

*1 cup of Teh Tarik - 83 calories

There you go. If you have the intention to go onboard this diet plan, start doing some maths! :)