Looking forward to a Breakthrough ...

Singapore Chung Hwa Medical Institution (Changi Branch)

2009-01-19T06:33:00.001-08:00

It was a last minute decision, mum suddenly decided to give it a try there, dad booked ticket & had everything pre-arranged with Kenny within a day. I have a very efficient dad & mum, they made quick decision & action effectively!

I was all the way with my mum, guided her from KK to Singapore and back to KK. Well, I'm not sure whether I've done a good job but at least mum came back in good condition. Of course, Kenny & Gloria are very much appreciated!

Singapore Chung Hwa Medical Institution is the largest traditional Chinese medical centre in Singapore with ISO 9001 certificate. They are well known in Chinese medical treatment whereby it could be better than any other treatments here. Treatments include Acupuncture, Tuina as well as Outpatient service like what my mum did. The consultation time was a bit long, the doctor was very detailed, but it only costs us S$15. Thereafter, mum was given a handful of medicine in powder form, which costs us another S$126. I wouldn't consider this expensive, S$15 + S$126 = S$141. Mum's previous consultation fees in SMC cost us a lot more than that!

Doctor Chen Sui who has been very kind to mum

Mum will be taking the medicines for 2 weeks to observe the results or effect on her body. Then, doctor will decide whether to continue the medicine or give her other better treatment depending on her condition.

Hope this treatment could really help mum!

NASAM Charity Lunch @ Grazie Restaurant

2008-07-18T07:44:00.000-07:00

It's been delaying ... and this blog has been neglected. I'm so sorry ... I should have updated this earlier, but I've been finding reason for myself to drag! It's all my fault ... ya, you may put the blame on me. =P

Anyway, Mum has been attending therapy courses in NASAM (National Stroke Association of Malaysia) Sabah for the past few months. NASAM serves stroke survivor through proper rehabilitation as well as to promote the concept of stroke prevention. Dad found this place about 6 months ago and brought mum there. Apparently, it helps. Since NASAM Sabah was set up, the number of stroke patients seeking therapy and rehabilitation there had gradually increased. In fact, it lend a hand to the people in need of help, especially the poor or the less fortunate.

NASAM Sabah

Kompleks Badan-Badan Sukarela
Wisma Pandu Puteri
KM4 Jalan Tuaran
88801 Kota Kinabalu
Tel/Fax: 088 - 261 568
Email: nasamsabah@nasam.org
Open: Mon-Fri: 9am-5pm

Jasminah, the Chairperson of NASAM Sabah is mum's personal therapist in her own therapy centre at Heritage (Lintas). She leaded mum to this big family at NASAM & the people there brought happiness to mum. Recently, NASAM and Grazie Restaurant have jointly organized a fund raising event. It works with a purchase of lunch voucher at RM30 per pax, you can enjoy a luxury Italian set at Grazie Restaurant and at the same time helping the needy at NASAM.

If you have a heart & time to spare, your contribution will make a difference. Contact the above address if you do have a charitable heart!

Last week, Jasminah took the effort to bring a group of Strokees (a.k.a. Stroke Survivor) for a charity lunch at Grazie Restaurant, it was a fine afternoon with laughter & joy painted the entire restaurant. I didn't get to join their lunch because of a last minute meeting in the office. However, I managed to rush & join them for a few snaps of pictures after their lunch.

Cheerful time during the lunch ....

Posing with the Strokees

One for the album - L-R: Jasminah, Vivien & Mum
Both are mum's best therapist!

GRAZIE ristorante pizzeria cafe
(next to Tang Dynasty Hotel)
Website: http://www.grazieristorante.bravehost.com
Reservation/Enquiry: +6019- 531 5246
BUSINESS HOUR:-
Mon - Fri (11am - 3pm)

Sat, Sun & Public Holiday (6pm - 11pm)

Shopping with mum ...

2007-12-14T01:59:00.000-08:00

Been taking a long break from blogging here. Sorry about that ... a lot of things happened lately, things changed & I've been busy with my works.

I took one day off today to accompany mum, brought her to Warisan Square shopping. Bought a lot of new clothes for her, hope she likes it.

We went to eat at Fish & Co after so many months, miss their food there! We ordered Seafood Platter (for 2) & Seafood Pizza to share among 4 persons. So tasty ...

Pictures again...

Mum just cut her hair this morning, she looks younger in short hair.

My funny mum insisted to take this picture with the 'fish bone' covering her face ... can't see her face at all. *laugh*

ahh ... my dad again! He initiated this funny pose again!

Will try to update mum's health condition in near future ... just for info, she's currently undergoing a set of cycling workout everyday, to build up her stamina & heartbeat. Besides, she went to NASAM once a week, NASAM is a non-profit organization for all strokers to gather around and at the same time do some exercises together. Will update that soon ... ^_^

Updates...

2007-10-16T22:33:00.000-07:00

I should have updated mum's b'day dinner here, but in fact ... I've done it in my other blog earlier last week. Feel free to drop in B-day dinner @ Umai for a peep. ^_^

I'll be leaving to KL this weekend for a friend's wedding function. Guess I'll be missing mum very very much, hope she'll be fine without me. Hmmm .... at least dad is still around!

Workout ...

2007-10-02T00:03:00.000-07:00

I know … I should bang myself to the wall for this long-overdue post! These photos have been laying in my picture folders for weeks, but I’ve forgotten to blog about it! Ahhhh …. My fault!

Anyway, these are mum’s updated pictures during her workout time.

Therapist suggested mum to play balls, all difference sizes of balls to practice her hand & leg.

Dad throwing the ball to mum … to the left, to the right, mum has to aim properly in order to grab the ball.

The ball went invisible when they were throwing it … I forgot to change my camera to high-speed mode. *paiseh*

Besides, dad bought this paddling gadget for mum, it’s something like cycling, mainly to practice her leg.

Therapist suggested mum to practice at least once a day, she has to keep herself moving all the time … everyday, for better blood circulation.

We’re observing the development of her movement, getting better day-by-day. She can actually walk alone without any guidance now, just need to build up her confidence coz she’s not certain with her own ability.

Will try to snap some more new pix this weekend …. Stay tune!

p/s: It's mum's b'day on this coming Monday, took leave to accompany her at home. ^_^

I love my family ...

2007-09-11T23:42:00.000-07:00

It’s been quite some time since I last update this blog. Been a bit busy & out of idea I guess!

Mum is a happy woman nowadays… she has a very patient hubby + a lovely daughter. Dad managed to make appointment with a new therapist in Heritage (strongly recommended by Anita, thanks!). Mum tried their treatment on Monday + Tuesday & she loved it! She said the way they teach her is very much different from SMC, they are more detailed, more specific. They even taught her how to squad down & somehow trained her way of balancing herself. Furthermore, they don’t charge as costly as SMC.

My dad is really a very enduring man, I admire his never-give-up spirit. Mum told me how patient was he in the therapist centre with her. From the start to the end (around 2 hours), my dad was there to escort mum all the way, stay by her side to support her. Therapist taught mum some simple workout that she can just DIY at home, mum was afraid that she couldn’t remember the steps, dad being so considerate …. paid full attention during the lesson and memorized everything for mum! Again, credit given to his enduring spirit. Mum proudly showed off to me how good was his hubby, how the people there admire her for having such a good hubby. And again … my dad jokingly showed me his arrogant expression which really made me laugh.

I just love my family so much! My mum always says dad’s patient character just nice to accommodate her bad temper … and me … being neutralize in between the two of the. This created a PERFECT family. To be frank, I’ve never seen my dad angry or get mad over something, he’ll always treat things easily with a calm mind. That’s what I called a perfect man.

Last but not least, let me show you guys what I’ve cooked for mum on Sunday. She needs to eat something really healthy and preferably oil-less and salt-less. So I made this ….

Ingredients:

Fresh fish slices
Hon Shimeji Mushroom
Carrots (cut into cubes)
Vegetables [Note: it would be nice if you can use Chinese cabbage a.k.a wong-a-pak]
Tofu (cut into cubes)
Dried scallop
Red date & 蜜枣
Chicken fillets (marinated with small amount of soya sauce + sesame oil + flour + 1 egg white)
Big mushroom

Boiled the soup with No. 3 + 6 + 7 until it turns milky colour, then pour in all other ingredients to boil together. Remember not to overcook the chicken fillet & fish slices.

As simple as aromatic! Try this out at home if you need a healthy meal to live longer! ^_^

Brunch at Delifrance

2007-08-26T22:49:00.000-07:00

We showered mum with a contented brunch at Delifrance yesterday. She had not stepped into Warisan Square for 2 months plus, this is the first time after the incident. Aunty Janet, Kelly, Stanley, Kristy & little Cheryl joined us for another gathering session.

Cheryl is so cute … In fact, she enjoyed the meal very much. Not only the meal, she also enjoyed making friends there. She made friend with all the staffs in Delifrance, everyone hug her & played with her.

Look at all her funny faces

My cute dad & cute little Cheryl with her Sunny Beach Look!

We proceed to Yogur Berry thereafter. Each of us had a single scope of Yogurt. What a pleasure Sunday afternoon. All of us enjoyed it!

Just a little update, mum can actually walk alone right now. Last night, she showed-off to us that she managed to walk to the dining table alone, I only hold a little bit of her shirt. Well Done! In addition, with dad’s assistant, she walked up to her room on Saturday night. After 2 months + 3 days, she finally had a sweet dream in her own room …

Our new Indo maid started to work on last Saturday, so far so good. Mum & I tried our best to communicate with her in Malay. So far, she managed to catch what we’re trying to say. Muahahaha … with my limited Malay knowledge, I briefed her on our house’s rules & regulations. No doubt, she’s a great helper in the kitchen, appreciate a lot!

Mum's weekend ...

2007-08-14T02:10:00.000-07:00

With the assist of my dad & I, mum managed to walk up the staircase last Saturday. Therapist advised her to walk & practice more, that’s what she does everyday. Her work-out time is usually 3pm to 4pm daily, follow up by a comfort bath thereafter.

Mum walking up the stairs, step-by-step!

A pix taken in my room. ^_^ She did walked up to her room too, after One and a half month, she’s back to her sweet room that she missed a lot. I’ve taken a pix of her lying on her lovely bed, but she warned me not to post that up. =P

She spent a little time in our guest room, soon to be maid room next week.

I made 2 special dishes for mum & dad last weekend, both with Celery and they LOVE it so much …

木耳小炒

A mixture of minced pork, minced black fungus & minced celery. Stir-fried all together with a little bit of soya sauce. A very nice dish for all celery-lover.
[Note: Celery & black fungus are good for high blood pressure patient.]

西芹小蛋卷

It’s something like Sushi, instead of Japanese rice, I replaced it with Omelette. It served with raw celery, another dish for great celery-lover. [Note: Again, celery & seaweed benefit high blood pressure patient].

Basically, I just made these for them, coz I really can’t take celery! Perhaps, next time I shall try the same cooking method, replace celery with other food for myself to eat … ^_^

Surprise for mum

2007-08-06T18:32:00.001-07:00

4^th August 2007, Saturday

Dad suggested to eat out tonight, we went to Wagamama with Uncle Joe, Uncle Jason, Aunty Janet & Kelly. I guess mum feels happy because she has not eat out for almost one month plus. Thanks to dad for taking the initiative to bring her there.

We stayed there until 10 something, had lots of good food & fun. We all enjoyed it …

5^th August 2007. Sunday

Mum has been murmuring to Ah Hou that she wants to eat dumpling (水饺), but it’s impossible to get dumpling without pork & prawn in KK. I know how eager she wants it …

So, last Sunday I surprised her with this Creamy’s Homemade Chicken Wan Tan. Yes, I know, Wan Tan is not dumpling. But I couldn’t buy the dumpling skin last week, alternatively use wan tan skin to replace. Mum didn’t believe I made the Wan Tan at first, she thought dad bought it elsewhere. She felt so touched with this 忌廉爱心云吞!

Coordination & Focus

2007-08-01T22:58:00.000-07:00

Mum played toys today ... so cute! It's really some small kids' games. I saw a little girl playing with those toys a couple weeks ago, thought it's only for kids, but in fact ... it's for adult too! This time, they're training her coordination and focus skill.

Let's look at her photo ...

She looks so enjoyable! GAMBADE ...

Mum can dance ...

2007-07-31T23:27:00.000-07:00

Woohooo ... Mum can dance with one leg support only! She was so delighted to send me these MMS just now ... and when I called her back, she excitedly told me the story ... how did Mr. Lee push & make her stand with one leg. ^_^

90% Recovery

2007-07-30T17:49:00.000-07:00

Mr. Lee asked my mum to lift up her left hand & she did it! Mr. Lee felt so surprise to see her improvement. He told dad that mum is 90% recovering.

WELL DONE MUMMY ... you're so brave, we're so proud of you!

Mum can walk ...

2007-07-26T19:40:00.000-07:00

Mum can walk on her own yesterday, without any help from others. Therapists stood by her side, guided her along the way. She tried to walk from one end to another end, of course … her balancing still need to be improved. She was so happy, called to inform me after her 15 minutes walk. I feel happy for her too …

I hope she can walk in 2 weeks time … pray hard!

We’ve moved the single bed (that Kelly used to sleep last time) to the living room, dad sleeps on the sofa bed while mum sleeps on the single bed. Yes, she feels more secure with my dad’s companion every night. And … I’ll take over on Saturdays.

And .. today, she sent me a mms right after her therapy. It shows that she has improved a lot, coz she can send sms or mms now! ^_^

MMS from her

Updates

2007-07-21T22:31:00.000-07:00

Sorry for the late update, I've been pretty busy lately ...

Mum went to the Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scan on Friday, 20th July 2007. [Note: For more info on MRI, kindly visit this Wikipedia encyclopedia explanation.] MRI is a very complicated technology not well understood by many.

It looks like this, a giant cube that run through the magnet from front to back. The impact is pretty big, mum was lying in the giant cube, listening to the terrible ultrasound that sounds like some kind of piling construction project is going on. I know she's a bit panic at that time, she feels a little bit of dizziness after the scan, pity mum. Based on doctor's explanation, MRI Brain Scan can detect tumours, strokes, abnormalities of brain and inner ears.

This is one of her scan result:-

Obviously, result shows that the blood clog is getting lesser compared to the first CT scan

Congratulations!

Findings of the scan show proved that there is no mass effect, other parts of both cerebral hemispheres are normal. Basically, all comments from doctors are positive.

Lastly, a pic of LiangMaMa while she's practicing her 'sotong hand'. lolz ...

Dinner

2007-07-15T07:34:00.000-07:00

I became the lady-of-the-house today.

Servant on leave on Sunday, I took the endeavor to cook dinner for my parents. Pai seh ... it wasn't really nice, but my mum said not bad. I know she was trying to encourage me. Thanks Mum!

Just a simple dish + herbal soup, coz I have limited time to prepare. We only decided to cook at home in the last minute while we know the servant can't work for us tonight.

Plain fried cucumber with garlic

Chicken soup with herb that helps to re-build my mum's energy
[Note: This herb contains 泡参 which is really good to my mum as per the expert lady in the herbal shop]. Apparently, it tastes good.

My mum felt so touched to see the dinner being served, and all by myself. She looked at me & commented that I've really grown up, not the little girl anymore! 大个女 lorrr ... *pai seh*

p/s: We've changed a new servant for mum. Mum doesn't like Ruth because she was too rough, new servant Neneng coming in tomorrow afternoon. In fact, she's not new, she used to take care of mum while she was in the hospital. We got her back because mum likes her more.

Recovering stage

2007-07-14T21:59:00.000-07:00

Mum is recovering!

I accompanied her to the therapy centre today, went through the progress with her … at the same time, snapped a few pictures while she was taking her initiative to walk.

She was asked to stand with both her legs STRAIGHT … for balancing purpose. This is the way she stands. Please note that she was standing all on her own! She also tried to walk with the supports of the arm rest.
Pretty good ..

Mum posing with the therapists (first from right: Lulu, second from right: Lemon) and our servant Ruth. Both Lemon & Lulu helped my mum a lot, they are young & energetic.

Guess what she’s doing? From what you see, she’s sleeping comfortably. In fact, they will jack her up later. This is the toughest moment and she called this as ‘punishment’!

Look!

This is the way they jack up the bed & she has to stand there for 30 min each day. Mum loves Saturdays, coz I can be there to chat with her, time past easily.

Nahh … Mum showing peace sign with her left hand!

She felt bad with all these pix, she said she’s no longer the LiangMaMa that she used to be. Her ugly faces are shown in this blog & everyone reads it. Well, I told her she’s still cute & pretty. She’s always my LiangMaMa! ^_^

Life is fragile, we wouldn’t know what happen next, do take care of yourself, health is extremely important! Being health conscious is something we all should be aware of, each & everyday! Dear all, do take care of yourself … be happy & healthy!

Balancing...

2007-07-11T07:38:00.001-07:00

Mr. Lee & Lemon said mum improved a lot today, she's doing well on her balancing. She's tired today & yet she talks a lot. I think she misses me ... she's looks like a little kid waiting for parents to get home & tell story. ^_^

She felt very boring at home, she used to be an 'octopus' ... but now she needs to stay home all the time, I understand how she feel. By the way, she has back pain problem ... probably because she sits too much.

I hope to see a rapid recovery on her, so that she doesn't need to sit on wheel chair all the time ... I know she misses her active time very much!

The first breakthough ...

2007-07-10T02:28:00.000-07:00

Just a recap …

23 June 2007

She admitted to the hospital. CT Scan shows that blood clogged in her brain as follow:-

This is just one part of the scan, the white portion at the middle is the blood clogging at her right brain. As the right brain controls the left side of her body, it caused the numbness of her left hand & leg.

Left side of her body numbed, her left hand & leg can’t move at all. Doctor tried to pinch his hand/leg, she felt nothing. Her blood pressure reached an extreme level, which really made us worry. According to doctor, she has got a minor stroke, grade 1 (grade 5 being most severe).

24 – 25 June 2007

Her blood pressure still fluctuate badly, doctors were monitoring her every hour. She had serious headache, threw out everything she ate (even plain water). We were so worried, but couldn’t help. Besides, she had constipation problem as well, doctor fed her some medicine so that she can 'release' well.

26 June 2007 – 28 June 2007

Finally, she’s stable! Phiewww …

They transferred her to another wad (better environment I would say). Her blood pressure slowly decreased, her appetite also back to normal. Nevertheless, her left hand & leg still couldn’t move.

29 June 2007

At last, she can go home. ^_^ Dad moved down the sofa bed & let her sleep in the living room. Our house is always as comfort as a 5-star hotel ... I believe she felt much better back at home.

30 June 2007

My first time cooking for the whole family. I fried cabbage + fried egg + boiled vege soup with sliced fish fillets. My mum was pretty happy to see the dinner served, although she doesn’t have much appetite.

1 July 2007

After a week torturing in the hospital, she seriously need a comfort bath. With the help of my cousin brother (大只坚) & dad, we managed to carry her (together with the wheel chair) to first floor bath room. The servant & I helped my mum to shower. She felt so nice …

2 July 2007

Mum went for a check-up in SMC, with the brain specialist Dr. Chris Chong. Doctor gave her some cholesterol & blood pressure medicine, as well as the special medicine to cure her numbness. She also met Mr. Lee, the Physiotherapist & made appointment with him to start her intensive physio.

[Note: Just to clarify, sorry for my previous blog which portrayed a bad image to SMC. They do have a brain specialist & equipments (probably not as equipped as QE). We were told that this brain specialist Dr. Chris Chong was on leave on that night. That’s why they have no choice but to shift my mum to QE. Nevertheless, I’m still feeling upset with the ambulances case, pretty bad service!]

3 July 2007

First day in the physiotherapy centre. I was working on that day, wasn’t there to witness the entire progress. My mum described it to me … she was ask to “stand” for 30 minutes. She even described that as a punishment centre. Basically, they guided her to develop and restore the maximum movement. Mr. Lee confidently told my mum that she’ll be able to walk in a month time.

4 – 5 July 2007

I admired my mum’s spirit, she has done a good job … no doubt, her strong initiative motivated her!

GAMBADE oma … we’re always by your side to support you!

6 July 2007

QE made an appointment with us to meet the physiotherapist there. My mum didn’t like the environment, so we’ve decided to stick back to SMC’s therapy.

7 July 2007

She was very tired today, didn’t do much in the therapy centre. However … she managed to show a peace sign to me with her limited strength. That peace sign means a lot to me … it mentally supports me as well. When I know she’s not giving up, it’s the greatest support to me. I know … our hearts are together, my parents & I … I believe we’ll get through all these!

10 July 2007

Mum was a little bit frustrated today, she was too tired and feel a little bit upset at the nurses for forcing her to walk. I know she has tried her best … once in a while, can slack a bit, why not? One of the trainee therapist (my mum called her Lemon, coz she has difficulty in memorizing Malay names) cried & told my mum not to give up. I wish I was there to witness this touching moment. Lemon said my mum is her patient, she doesn’t want her patient to simply give up. Her endeavour again boost up my mum’s oomph. Thank you Lemon!