My Birding field trips: March 2014

Wednesday, March 26, 2014

5th Week post Ops - Posterior spinal fusion for scoliosis

Notes :- This blog was initially meant to share my birding field trips reports. Ever since I started to use Facebook I have not post any updates since then. This series of posting on Scoliosis is my personal experience. I had Posterior Spinal Fusion for Scoliosis on 17/2/2014.

I hope my sharing will serve as an encouragement to those who have spinal deformities like me. For those who have Scoliosis, spinal disc herniation, spinal disc degeneration, spondylosis, kyphoysis, do not be afraid/avoid when the spine doctor recommend the solution is surgery. There is hope for you in today modern medical technology. Please do not endure the pain in silence.

On 21.2.2014

I discharge from the hospital with my personal belongings and painkillers (panadol), anti-inflammation pills, 1 box of iron supplementary pills, anti-itchiness pills (5 tablets).

I also hold this disposal container just in case I throw out during the car ride. Today I get out from the hospital on wheel chair. No doubt the spinal operation did not damage any functions of my limbs and brain but I am too weak to walk for long distance. I feel so helpless today. I can’t lift up my backpack and my others belongings to walk out from the hospital. Even get into the vehicle also I need assistance. The 30 mins car journeys seems to be like eternity to me cause I am in pain and discomfort.

Before my next doctor appointment I need to be very careful. Even though the op-site bandage is water resistance, I need to make sure that it is not wet/damage. I also need to remember to eat the medicine as per instructed eg omit this if this symptoms does not happen… eat this 1 tablet after meal for 3 times per day… eat this 1 tablet per day…

On 27.2.2014

initially was my second clinical appointment for getting advice for surgery is it a must turn out to be my op-site bandage removal date. The surgeon is very pleased on my progress. My next clinical appointment is 2 months from now.

On 24.3.2014

Today I am passing through my 5th week post posterior spinal fusion surgery for scoliosis. In my initial recovery period I spend most of days on bed-rest. As the days past I am able to sit up longer compare to the previous day. My shoulder region soreness is lesser as the days past. Sometimes I have a few second of tingling sensation on my leg, on my certain parts of my limbs. I will keep monitor this and inform my surgeon on my next appointment,

My days of recovery period are very frustrating sometimes, chores that I used to be able to do eg handle my own laundry, cooking, lifting up things all these I need to abstain from. Temporary I am forbid to lift up anything more than 3kg. I have to be very careful each steps my feet launch out. I cannot fall/slip. I am forbidden to bend therefore wearing my pants/panties are indeed a great challenge.

Nevertheless the things I enjoy are I can spend time watching a few series of Korean medical soap drama, read books in between,sleeping, keep tab on MH370 . stay active in FB and read articles to learn new things from the internet.

During my stay in the hospital, the nurse told me that the Surgeon and his team have done their part to correct the curve of my spine. It is my duties then to take care of their handiwork.

For those who have good spine please take good care of it. For my case being a scoliosis patient regardless the series of pain and $$$ spend this is what I can achieve.

To build strong muscles to hold my new spine I need protein. To avoid hearing my surgeon break the news that my spine did not fuss as expected I have included calcium supplementary pills. Got to know that daily we need 1,,200 mg calcium. Our body will have Calcium poisonous if we overdose it to 2,500 mg.

Cheese and milk most ladies would try to avoid for upkeep a slim figure but it has calcium that is needed for our bones. A cup of full cream milk only can provide 330 mg calcium, a slice of hi calcium Kraf cheese provide 240 mg calcium. Calcium supplementary pills are expensive therefore it is still worth to drink milk and consume cheese if you opt for calcium intake through your natural food.

For the time being the only exercise that I can do is brisk walking. Despite haze or good day I would do brisk walking for about 10 – 15 mins everyday.

In the mean time I hope everything progress well as what my surgeon expected me to achieve.

20/2/2014 - My presence in the hospital is a blessing to others.

I hope my sharing will serve as an encouragement to those who have spinal deformities like me. For those who have Scoliosis, spinal disc herniation, spinal disc degeneration, spondylosis, kyphoysis, do not be afraid/avoid when the spine doctor recommend the solution is surgery. There is hope for you in today modern medical technology. Please do not endure the pain in silence.

20/2/2014 - I am 3.5 cm taller after the Operation.

Since I developed no fever, blood pressure in a normal state after this major surgery, my surgeon has given the order to the nurses that they need to observe me only on a 4 hourly basis. Without them frequently drop by I seems to be passing my day in great loneliness is also due to I am not a TV addict. TV seems be of no use to me. I wish that it can be replaced by laptop/ipad.

Medicine in the form of anti –nausea, oral pain killers,anti-inflammation and multivitamins was dispatched to timely by the nurses. I just pop in whatever that was in that small medicine cup. Today I started the day with a bit of dizziness. Throwing out once before the two nurses came in with my new sets of hospital gown and bed-sheets.

My breakfast was home-cooked plain porridge cooked by my younger brother. I remember the advice from the surgeon “…eat in small portions but in many times..” . I need to eat more ...I need to finish it. Prof Kwan drop by during his ward round greeted me “你好 ?” … I replied “你好 ?… Doc I did release out gas just as per your description and today I throw out once could it be due to the oxyco_ _ pill? … I still feel nausea. ”

After checking my lungs function with the stethoscope,flipped through the records of my body temperatures, blood pressure. He scribble some notes on my medical file and proclaimed “ today you ready for discharge”….

I quickly replied “Doc… may I stay one more day? My mum is not willing to accept me in this state… I still have the throw out feeling…” He replied “ I have no problem to let you stay as long as you wish but hospital is full of germs. It would be troublesome if you get infections and contacted with virus.”

Huh…. No…NO … I don’t want infections and unknown virus for sure Doc. I will discharge tomorrow for sure.

Today I did more times of walking out from my hospital’s room. This type of exercise is needful to strengthen my weak muscles. Each time I walk pass the nurses counters I would said “Hello Dear… I am out again…I feel so boring …can I help....?”

Each time I reached to the “the hall of fame board” (board that use to display patients photos with their notes to express how grateful/thankful to the hospital and surgeon on their spinal fusion for scoliosis successful surgery) , I look meticulously at each photo. As I l did that I could feel how fortunate they are cause they are born in this modern medical technology. I encounter some people on the streets who are also having the same Idiopathic scoliosis like me, some are very badly deform but surgery option is no longer their option due to age factor. Some young girls/boys did not managed to seek any medical help cause their parents are unaware that there is help after the pediatrician pronounced "....your child has scoliosis ... there is no vitamins/pills to cure this..." Some parents are still unaware that this horrifying surgery it is much more safer than they have ever thought of. The most pitiful ones are those whom their parents could not afford such an expensive treatment. Those patients displayed on the hall of fame board are very fortunate to have parents who are willing to sacrifice their wealth to help them.

The admin executive who assists the surgeon on all the paper works drop by. She measured my current height after the operation. Based on her estimation by putting three of her fingers within the gap, she pronounces you are taller by 3 cm. In actual fact I am actually taller by 3.5 cm . Today I also start to chart my pain level in a form. This form will then need to hand back to the surgeon in my next clinical visit. Level 0 is no pain , level 10 is pain that makes one cry. There are different symbols to indicate where is the pain eg wound/neck/shoulder...etc...etc

My presence in the hospital beside seeking medical help for myself has also unintentionally given encouragement and assurance to the parents of a 14 yrs old girl who is schedule for scoliosis correction surgery the following day. Their hearts was set at peace when they saw that I can walk and none of my limbs are affected by this horror word of spinal surgery. I also assure a uncle whom his wife in her 60s warded due to her lumbar spondylosis problem. She also will go through spinal surgery. My presence has given them an assurance that their loves one who will be going for spinal surgery are in good hands. I am the living example of the outcome of that horror major surgery. I told them I sat up in less than 24 hrs after surgery. I also able to take shower and wash my hair on my own after all the tubes detached from me. I told them how slanted I was before the surgery and now I am much more straighter and taller by having 16 screws and two seven inches long titanium rods installed. They are titanium they do not need to take out. I will be discharge tomorrow.

19/2/2014 – Post Ops Day 1 and my 1st hurdle to pass

My 1st Hurdle

While waiting for the dawn of 19/2/2014, in between my sleep the nurses came in to my room change my saline drip, dispatched a small cute cup that contain some medicine. I am just like a sick puppy when I saw that small cute cup I just throw into my mouth those pills one by one with a small sip of water. In between naps I felt my stomach bloated. What happen? Has this surgery cause my waistline grow? It is such an uncomfortable sensation. Whenever I sat on my bedside I would feel like throwing out. I did throw out a few round but it is just bubbly water. Aaaark… Arrrk did some burp yet it does not relieve. Does wooops..wooops gripe water for babies work? Yikes should have packed this item to the hospital….

Yesterday I complained to my surgeon that somehow I feel that around my shoulder’s blade region has done some slavery job/super duper heavy duties manual jobs. That soreness/tiredness is I had never experience before. Every bed turn you would hear my mournful voice “Ouch… Aw… Aw,… Aw.” He told me that it is normal as it was due to the lying position on my stomach using my arms & shoulder to support my body on the operating bed as well as due to sudden stretch of my squash/crouching muscles as now I have straighter spine compare to the previous day.

He prescribe muscles relax cream (Fanil) for me, told the nurse to applied for me. That hotness sensation on my skin I know that if apply a few more times my skin will get burn, therefore one time is sufficient. With this I did another press of morphine thinking that maybe it could help to relieve the soreness/tiredness of my shoulder.

After many naps soon it is dawn again. Two nurses walked into my room with clean bed-sheet and a new set of hospital gown for me. One of them working on disconnect me from the saline drip informed me that I can take my own bath but my time-frame is only 10 mins.
Yahoo.. finally. What 10 mins?… I need at least 20-25 mins? The nurse replied your dressing will get wet and you will get infections. Ooops then 10 mins … 10 mins ok.. I don’t want infections.. definitely a big No.. NO..

I search for my panties, grab my thai towel and the clean hospital gown carefully walked to the bathroom. I feel so robotic. 1^stthing first, wash my face with my tea tree facial wash. Performed the quickie teeth brushing. Some individual advice that the 1^st shower after operation need to be seated on chair,having difficulties raising hands, need assistance from relative. Huh…. But I am alone here how? I request the nurse to wait for me outside just in case I need help.

I carefully untied my hospital gown, switch on the shower tap wet my hair, foam a bit of the shampoo … eeeeeh I can do it.. I then use a bit of the body wash to continue my shower. I grab the towel and then I then carefully wear my panties (yes… now I feel more secure) , put on the clean hospital gown. Walked out from the bathroom carefully put my wet towel on the chair, the dirty hospital gown aside and walked back to the bed, quickly lie back. OOOshhh so tired.

I had my breakfast of oats with milk on my hospital bed with the bed propped up about 30 degree. Force in a few tablespoon in order for me to pop in medicines.

My younger brother turned up and I proudly told him I took my own bath. We chat for while and then he told me he will come back again during lunch.

I tried to sleep again while I feel my left hand seems to grow bigger and bigger. Has the water sip in through the IV tubes while I was taking my shower? I slept and not knowing the time, suddenly I feel my arm was being tapped by someone.. My surgeon- Prof Kwan walked into my room without me realized his presence. He is with my blue medical file, a box that contain corset greet me “你好 ?” I noticed today he look different. He is not in his usual white shirt but today he wore the corporate UM sky blue shirt. Hmmmm …looks very casual maybe he will attend an official meeting afterwards or has just came out from it. I like the various shade of sky blue on his corporate shirt.

I replied back “你好?”and then continued the conversation in English even though I can converse in mandarin. I told him my stomach is feeling awful, I throw out a few rounds. I show my swollen “bear paws” right hand to him. He replied that it will eventually subside and now he need to remove the IV needle … He instruct me to look at the other side. The IV needle was removed in second and he put a plaster on my hand. He then checked my lungs, my throat, tap my stomach and told me my stomach is bloated with gas. This is cause by the morphine and pain relieved medicine that was administered into me. I was instructed to walk more today. He instructed me to attempt walk out from my room to the reception, need to sit up for at least 1 hr on the chair. With this exercise then I will have“puuuuut…. Puuuuut… putt” gas release out and I will be ok.

Each day my surgeon give me new instructions. He only reveal info what I need to know for the day only and this does overwhelmed me with too much of information.

He read the post surgery instructions and as he read he tick the items. He then continue “aaaah wear the corset for 6 weeks …only take out for sleeping and bathing….today the nurse will monitor you in every 4 hours and not every 2 hours…. You are KIV for discharge tomorrow… anything press the button to ask the nurse for assistance..they will teach you how to wear the corset…no more saline drip today.. today you are on oral medication… don’t worry you are doing very well…..have you pass motion yet? …eat more today but in small portion …we need to do x-ray on your spine afterwards….”

Yes sir… and he walked out from my room. Huh KIV Discharge ? I still vomit but at least I am much better than yesterday.

During lunch break my colleague drop by and we chat about office matters. Not long after that my younger brother drop in with his home-cook porridge unfortunately I refuse the food. I told him that I am on KIV discharge tomorrow. He told me that he is in the midst of sourcing air-con to be install at our parent home. Dad will install water heater for me. The family members prefer that I will use downstairs for my recuperating area.

In between my naps whenever I feel my nausea subside, I sat up at the beside, wear the corset just at the nurse has educate me, I did my walk to the bathroom and then venture a little bit more out from my hospital room. I also ask the nurse to assist me to sat on the chair. Instead of 1 hrs I only managed to do about 10 mins only. Never mind at least I did sat on the chair.

A nurse walk into my room told me that I need full spine x-ray. This time instead of going there on the wheelchair I reached the imaging room on my hospital bed, cause I am still very weak. Knowing well that this x-ray required me to take out my panties. Eeeeh I have to feel unsecured again. ok.. I have taken it out.. nurse I am ready.

Today I start to have more visitors. My colleague turned up and we chat about office matters. About 5 pm I was so surprise that my younger brother brought mum along. Mum has cooked 2 flavor of porridge for me to choose. I refused to have any cause I don’t have appetite but she pester me to have just a few tablespoon. I opted for the plain porridge. Mum’s cooking is always the best even the plain porridge taste so good. I ate a little bit more than my previous meal. The hospital vegetable porridge I order was untouched then.

After they left I took my naps again throughout the night. Did the bed-rolled and bed physiotherapy whenever I am awake. Out of sudden I start to “puuuuuut…..puttttt….putttt…” releasing gas. Yes …Yes! This is what my surgeon is expecting me to achieve. Yahoo I pass this hurdle.

The angels and GOD in heaven clap hands. The birds chirping melodiously in the background at the break of dawn on 18/2/2014

My New Spine

Hour upon hour I keep preserve on keep reminding myself that this pain is manageable. The blood pressure machine was automated to function on hourly basis. It is indeed very annoying to feel my right arm being grasp as I wish to sleep through in order to forget about the pain. In between I think I did 3 pressed to dispatch morphine into my body. I start to feel hungry as I have not eaten since 7:45am the day before.

Soon I can see the dawn and I know my new day has begun. This very day 18/2/2014 is an auspicious day as I am like being born again, given a second chance of living again. God make use the surgeon’s and his team-mates hands and their minds to re-create me a new spine. I thank you GOD for directing my path.

These are the tools they used to invade my privacy.

Two nurses walked into my room with new set of hospital gown and clean bed-sheet for me. They switched off the air-con. They remove the oxygen tubes from my nose, the blood drainage tube from my incision. The nurse hand me a tooth brush with toothpaste. Water to rinse it off also was hand over to me. I followed their instruction to rolled to the left and they put a waterproof sheet on my bed, they skillfully took off my hospital gown and then instructed me to lie down flat on my back. Iiiiish… I feel very shameful that moment, my modesty and privacy has being invaded lying naked as they sponge bath me. I keep says I am very sorry… I wish I could do this on my own. I used to do it on my own. Sorry… sorry, thank you. After the sponge bath they change my bed-sheet, adorned me with clean hospital gown.

Not long after that the ward head nurse came to my room greeted me “Darling… how are you today?…. morning… morning… What do you want for breakfast?”.

I replied “ Good morning dear, you mean I can eat today? Can I have a cup of fruit juice? I still don’t have appetite to eat. As they do not cater for ala-carte my negotiation menu for breakfast settled for 2 pieces of bread, hard-boiled egg and milo. However she need to conform to my special request of milo ice. That half cup of milo ice was the nicest drink that I ever had. She purposely made that for me. I did not have the strength even to hold the cup then, she let me sip the drink from a straw while she hold the cup. She pestered me to eat. I forced in ½ piece of white bread.

About 11 am Professor Kwan walked into my room, greeted me and the 1^st thing he did was to look at the morphine dispatcher. I asked is my surgery as per schedule? He replied “yes as per planned 3 hrs and surprisingly we can achieve and unexpected projected correction to your spine. You are more straighter now than we are expected. You are now with 16 screws and 2 rods… much lesser screws as we expected”. I then asked him what is my curve now but I was being advice that is not important. He then commented “waaah your pain tolerance level is so high, you only did 2 press…. If too painful… press use it…they are for you to use”. He then use his stethoscope to check my lungs while the nurse is working on to remove the female urinary catheter. I have being forewarn that this is a bit painful..Aaaaagrh this is PAINFUL. He console me“ok… ok… the tube is out now”. I then being informed that the 1^st normal pee will be painful. I was then ask to rolled to my left side to allowed him to check my incision. He peel out the off-site bandage and while he was changing it said “good all dried up, very nice and beautifully sealed” I reply… “Is it but I cannot see woooh…”

He then pestered me to do the 1^sttime sit up after the surgery. I told me I not that feather light I am scared to fall. He then instruct me to do proper get up from bed posture, placed my legs forward about to touch the ground placed my right hand on his shoulder for support and he will help me. Within second Voillla I can sit up. I was instructed to move my ankle to allow blood flow.

He then walk behind apologize before untie my hospital gown to review my back in order for him to took photos on how I look now. He then showed to me how my back before the ops and current. Waaah I am totally transform. He keep asking me whether I am giddy 1^sttine sit up after a long time lying on bed. I know he is about to help me to stand on my feet attempt to walk me for the 1^st time after the ops. I said I am ok but he saw my face change cause I am about to vomit. He quickly lie me down, place a piece of plastic near my mouth and told me to vomit it out.. Out it came the milo ….the white bread and then more milo… I said sorry… sorry I mess up the bed.. Did I vomit unto you? I did not mean that I am very sorry…

He replied it is ok… 1^st time sit up normally the patient will vomit. He told me that the nurse will assist me later cause the urinary catheter has being removed and I need to walk to the toilet.

My heart drop as he walk out from my room cause I did not successfully attempt to stand nor sat on the chair as I know I should be doing today. The nurses are busy again to change my bed-sheet and my hospital gown.

After many hours passed as my giddiness has much settled down, I ask the nurse to assist me to stand up and I did my 1^st walk to the toilet. OOOOi… I feel myself unstable maybe I need time to adjust cause my spine is more straighter now. The bathroom sink is much lower compare to the previous day. I carefully sit on the toilet bowl and request the nurse to standby just in case. AAARRRGGGGh why so painful this 1^st pee after the female urinary catheter removal?

I spend most of the day sleeping today. For lunch I order porridge with vegetables and mixed fruit. I had my lunch on my hospital bed today. I only managed to sip in 2 teaspoon of porridge and 1 tablespoon of papaya. Nurses walk into my room to check on me every 2 hourly today. Today I spend my day not knowing what is the actual time for the day and a few more round of vomit. Off and on the nurses will come to take my body temperature, check my blood pressure, refill my cup with water, change the saline drip and dispatch medicine of antibiotic, pain killer and panadol and comeback with the vomit bowl for me as per my request.

The food caterer assistant walked into my room to take my order for dinner. I told her that I eat my leftover porridge no need the trouble to heat up.. not to waste food. It is ok for me. But Alas she clean up while I took my nap. Upon my request the nurse did a VIP service help me t o order porridge with vegetables again for dinner.

Dinner came but yet I still have no appetite to eat and not because of the medicine that required food before them, I would refuse food again. My brother turn up during the evening visiting hours to video a few session of his sister sick and weak look to share to our parent. The days slowing pas-by and I continue my sleep to clear out the dizziness.

NOTES:

Minta maaf/apologize cause you may think that I share out obscene photo. I only have in mind to share for medical purpose. Many people got scared/chicken out when the surgeon recommend for spinal surgery. I had a severe thoracic curve of 60 degree and it is about to damage my lungs and heart. I opt for surgery with the objective to stop/correct the curve in order to prevent any foreseen future health hazard.

Me and morphine on 17/2/2014 - 18/2/2014. Trying to be a drug addict.

Notes :- This blog was initially meant to share my birding field trips reports. Ever since I started to use Facebbook I have not post any updates since then. This series of posting on Scoliosis is my personal experience. I had Posterior Spinal Fusion for Scoliosis on 17/2/2014.

Me and morphine

I do not know how many hours I have gone into such a deep sleep. Before I slip into deep sleep after the general unaesthetic I remember I told myself to keep dreaming of standing on a field holding my canon D7 + 400mm lens focusing on vulture on migration. Unfortunately I did not dream of anything at all. Now I heard my surgeon voice. ”I am Professor Kwan, Wong Chor Mun open your eyes. I slowly open my eyes but everything is very burly(I need to wear my spectacles). I don’t feel freezing cold. I am lying comfortably under a white hospital blanket in my hospital gown, both of hands are by my side. I heard him loud and clear “Your surgery was successful now please move your ankle”. I obeyed and I said I am very dizzy now... Is the surgery finish as per schedule? He replied it is ok just close your eyes and continue your sleep. I see you later. I could not even have the strength to turn to look whether is he still in surgical gown and did my blood smear his gown. My brain question am I really married to the titanium now? How come I am not in pain?

Then hospital assistant send me back to my room in my hospital bed. I remember passing the corner, the alley, the lift journey and then I am back into my room even through out the journey I close my eyes. In minutes a few equipment was being pushed in to turn the room to HDU (high dependency unit) . I have oxygen tube attached to my nose, my right arm are attached to the equipment to measure my blood pressure with the timing set hourly. I have urine catheter , attached to saline water drip and another tube to drain out the excess blood from my incision. I also attached to morphine dosage dispatcher machine that will release morphine with just a press and an emergency bell to call nurse help. The nurse informed me that I need to press a button for morphine to relieve my pain if I cannot withstand it and another button for their assistant as there is no family member was with me throughout the night.

The nurses came in every hour and keep remind me to press for morphine dosage. They check my blood pressure, change my drip, monitor my urine bag. I told them it is not that painful. My gum infection last year is worst than this I think I can stand. Every hour nurses make sure I sleep on my right side this hour and then on my left side the next hour for at least 15 minutes rather than lying flat on my back all the time. This is to prevent bedsore. Every 2- 3 hrs when I am awake I need to move my ankle 10 times, then my right leg … my left leg and then raise my right hand and then left hand to prevent blood clot. See my nerve are OK even though the surgery I went through will send shivers to anyone spine when I tell them it is Spinal Fusion for scoliosis. The surgeons will cut a fine line on my back and then open up my muscles, drill in some screws,connect two rod each on one side use some instrument to turn and rotate my spine for correction while my nerve are closely monitor by another Doctor.

Every hour I keep asking the nurse what is the time and how many hours ago I was out from the surgery. I refused any sip of water until the 6^th hour cause I am afraid throw out. Aaarrrrhg it is painful… I still think that I can stand but I would be silly if I did not try morphine. Would morphine make me high? What is the effect? Would I scream, yell or start to talk nonstop of sob story? Is morphine that effective kind of pain killer? How many press to have the feel of being a drug addict? Let me press one time…shit…pain is still there. I still feel painful. YOU are a LIAR it does not work for me. Another press again would I get rashes? …..too many press how to drain out all the drugs from my body later? I don’t want to vomit . I then concentrate to divert the concentration of my pain to sleeping. Sleeping is best to forget about pain. Hour and hour has pass and I only did 3 press of morphine. In actual fact I only dd 2 press on the PCA (patient control analgesia).

Sorry no one was there to snap any photos on how I look on hospital bed when all the tubes are attached on me.

A scoliosis patient journey having new body wef 17th of Feb 2014

Notes :- This blog was initially meant to share my birding field trips reports. Ever since I started to use Facebook I have not post any updates since then. This series of posting on Scoliosis is my personal experience. I had Posterior Spinal Fusion for Scoliosis on 17/2/2014.

17th Feb 2014

I made my journey to the hospital shorter by staying overnight at my younger brother’s house. Arrangement has being made that I parked my car there until I am strong and he ferry me to the hospital. This is because I come to realised that even though able to walk on the 1^stday after spinal fusion and then able to drive back after discharge from the hospital (usually on the 3^rd- 5^th day) is too big a dream for me to achieve.

I was at the admission counter at 9.25 am, the counter staff never expect that I am the patient cause usually Posterior Spinal Fusion for scoliosis patient are in the range of 14 yrs – 24 yrs old. I told them that my parents are ignorance when I was in that age range and I don’t know where to source for medical help until recently.

I like the room cause this hospital seems to have the sky blue and white clouds as their color schemes. They are my favorite color.

I was advised to wash my hair and take shower even I had a morning shower before cause it will sponge bath on bed tomorrow. I look at my watch it is about 11 am and my fasting commenced (no food, no liquid intake) to prepare for this evening operation. The medical assistants put a tag on my left hand stated my full name ,age and IC, brief me the proper way to get in and out of bed, bed physiotherapy exercise eg move ankles,raise my hands, measure my height. About 1 pm Professor Kwan is doing his ward round walked into my room with a blue file label with my name. While he took my blood for lab test, he details down my medical history eg any sickness I had, any hospitalization before , any medicine that I am allergic to, when was my last menstruation...etc.. etc.. He also asked where is my next of kin or any of my immediate family members cause this major operation required consensus from family members. I ask should my signature is adequate enough as my parents are in the senior citizen categories and I am not married. I then suggest that I need to change my next of kin from my father to my younger brother. I then request for another session of risk of operation briefing later for my younger brother.

Professor Kwan then brief me the procedure what would happen on day 1 after admission and read out to me the list of risk. Beside having the spine bone do not fuse up within 6- 9 months this type of operation might lead to

infection
Blood clots that will lead to stroke or total permanent disability
Bleeding extensively
Reaction to morphine and antibiotic that is unknown to me all this while.
Nerve damage
internal organs failure due to could not adjust/adapt to the realignment of spine

OOOOh shit! I thought the risk is only 1% and 10% hardware failure in this modern technology. I have not write my will yet Doc. I have yet to see and photograph Vultures on migrations. Prof Kwan advised me to think of something happy and good while the general anesthetic (white milky liquid) inject to my body later when I am in the operating theater.

SSEP was done on me about 2 pm. Dr Shaharol pushed in his equipment with a laptop. He preferred to perform this test in my room. I was then asked to lie down on the hospital bed, relaxed with so many wires attached to my body and leg.

Somatosensory Evoked Potential, is a test showing the electrical signals of sensation going from the body to the brain and spinal cord. The signals show whether the nerves that connect to the spinal cord are able to send and receive sensory information like pain, temperature and touch. The info is set as a baseline how my nerves will react and the maximum correction of curve can my scoliosis achieve. To much correction can damage the nerves and lead the patient to total permanent disable. To achieve the best baseline I was coax to sleep while my toes react being electrocuted.

This test took about 1 hour and I was then sent for special spine X-ray. Even though I am still mobile I was on wheelchair as I need to maintain the position of those wires. The wires are needed to attached back to the SSEP machine for monitoring of my nerves during the operation later.

Once I reached the imaging room I was attracted to the wallpaper. There are so many ships and flags. All of them are either white or blue. Some have the sign ready to sail. I ask permission to take some pictures while waiting for Professor Dr Ng. Professor Dr Ng and the imaging staffs ensure that I stand/lie down in the right position to achieve the necessary spine x-ray. The hardest one is the (stretch position) S curve position where a bolster need to position on my rib cage. It need to be so precise until to that bolster need to be position at which rib bone. Re-adjusting again and again we tried 3 times and it is very tiring for me. The stretch position of spine X-Ray is to determined how flexible is the spine.

RM600 for this special spine X-Ray. Whole spine X-ray done in a few position eg Standing, Lie down and bending. The most hardest is the bending this is to see how flexible is the spine.

After this I was then push back to the room. While the risk briefing is going on by Dr Chan with my brother to ensure he fully understand before he put down his signature while Dr Shaharol re-affirm that all the SSEP wires attached on my body are intact.

Times past so fast it is nearly 5 pm. We are waiting for the Operating Theater green light for my entry. I was being push in with my medical file on my hospital bed all the way. The journey is quite a long way need to take lift go through a connecting bridge. The head nurse greet me when I reached the isolation area. Now as I track back my memory..someone (could be the neuro doctor) used a long strips of cotton bandage wrap around my feet up to the calf. This person work on my left feet and then on my right feet. Then he put a special stockings on my feet. This special stockings look like the my leech sock that I use in rain forest trekking.

This special stockings is protect the patient from loosing body heat during the surgery. The operating theater is very cold. Usually our feet is the 1st part of the body to feel cold. This special stockings will then be removed before the patient wake up after the successful surgery.

I told them I am very cold and I am not scared cause I believe that God has given me the best surgeons.

The head nurse told me that it is much colder inside the operating theater and she assured me that a warm blanket will be used to keep me warm.

Finally I being pushed into the OT room. I take a brief look of the surrounding it is exactly like those korean medical drama operating theater. People walk around in sky blue surgical gowns and everyone wore surgical face . I have a brief look at OT bed that I am supposed to lie on it for surgery.. Hear also the clicking sounds of someone preparing the surgical equipment Someone walked up to my bedside ask what is my name. I reply loud and clear WONG CHOR MUN. I also reconfirmed my IC no. This is to ensure that I am the patient to be operate. I look around I recognized Dr Shaharol even though he is now wearing blue surgical gown and with face mask. I saw another surgeon carefully washing his hand just like what I saw in the medical movies. I exchange some words with him cause I know he is Dr Lee who is my colleague buddy. I told him I expect to walk again and it is my wish to see vultures and I want to go Nepal when my body is ready.

While the white milky liquid injected through the tube attached to my hand, within second I said “Good night I am very sleepy”… with a smile on my face my thought quickly switch to standing with my canon D7 and 400mm lens focus on vultures on migration. There are few researches in the scene.

Who came in, how I was position on the operating table, what they did to me, what conversation they did...I am totally unaware as I am on full general aesthetic.

One week pre-Posterior Spinal Fusion treatment for scoliosis

Notes :- This blog was initially meant to share my birding field trips reports. Ever since I started to use Facebook I have not post any updates since then. This series of posting on Scoliosis is my personal experience. I had Posterior Spinal Fusion for Scoliosis on 17/2/2014.
I hope my sharing will serve as an encouragement to those who have spinal deformities like me. For those who have Scoliosis, spinal disc herniation, spinal disc degeneration, spondylosis, kyphoysis, do not be afraid/avoid when the spine doctor recommend the solution is surgery. There is hope for you in today modern medical technology. Please do not endure the pain in silence.

Since 30^thDec 2013, every night before I went to bed I do research on Scoliosis Spinal Fusion. I found out that many who go through this operation are adolescent. True enough all of them able to sit up within 24 hours after operation. Some shared their failed operation. The hardware failed, more pain than before even their spine has fussed up. It is because people like to share failure more than success stories?

This is how I look when I do Adam's forward bend test.

This is one week pre-operation. This is how I look when I do the Adam’s bend forward test. Scoliosis has affect my quality of life with the prominent thoracic right hump it is affecting my self-image. It has slowly affecting my lung and heart functions as well.

My parents, my company panel doctor and some close friends suggest that I try alternatives treatment eg massage, acupuncture, tuinah, exercise ball, yoga rather than spinal operation. I had tried some of the alternative as they have mentioned but it is not that effective. Should I take the risk for surgery as I no longer in my youth? What would happen when my surgery fail? Have I have enough funds for nursing homes as I am yet to meet that special someone that has take the vow that only through death we will depart? Should I back off not to turn up at UMSC (University Malaya Specialist Centre) on 17^th Feb 2014? If I back out this time would AIA want to approve my medical claims due to my scoliosis problem in the future? My HR department would also reject my medical claims. The chances of me turn to be disable is more if I don't opt for surgery. I cannot be a burden to my families members. There are a lot of thoughts that run through my brains.

Uncle Leong one of the elderly man in my housing estate advice me

‘no one know what is next if we do not take the first step’

I also believe that

Romans 8:28 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.

With the peace that is within me , I have decided to take this chance to walk through. In between my heavy working schedule I did post-surgery preparations eg spring cleaning, wash the curtains and settee cover of my house. clearing up perishable food stuff from my fridge, clean every corner of my house, throw away old clothes, source info for part-time maid, plan what to pack to hospital and to my recovery site, up front pay all my dues eg phones bills, credit cards, insurance, road tax for my cars...Handover work to my colleagues.

From the heart of a scoliosis patient

Notes :- This blog was initially meant to share my birding field trips reports. Ever since I started to use Facebook I have not post any updates since then. This series of posting on Scoliosis is my personal experience. I had Posterior Spinal Fusion for Scoliosis on 17/2/2014.

This X-ray was taken on 30/12/2013. I have a thoracic 'C' curve of 60 degree.

Curve in Degrees	Treatment
0-20°	Observe for progression
20-25°	Brace if progression documented, and substantial growth remaining
25-30°	Brace if progressive and growth remains
30-40°	Brace if growth remains
40-45°	Brace if growth remains versus surgery
>50°	Surgery

Scoliosis is lateral curvature of the spine either “S” or “C” shape. There is no concrete fact that it was resulted from the bad sitting/sleeping/standing posture or carry heavy school bags. Most probably itis due to hereditary whereby someone in family tree have it.

People use to think that when a child develops Scoliosis once they reach adult their curve will stop growing. This is indeed a wrong conception, cause my mild scoliosis (less than 20 degree) over the years has reach in the severe categories. Scoliosis is not a terminal disease however it is slowly deteriorate a person. As the curve increase it restrict lung function as due to the ribs space reduce. Mild discomfort in terms of pains because of scoliosis over the years, the body could have adapt to it and think that it is normal. As the days go mild discomfort will slowly increase to numbness and greater level of pain.

Mine has reach the stage that my right pelvic very tired and sore. To relieve the pain/soreness I need to lie down on hard ground. I went to UMSC (University Malaya Specialist Centre) to seek medical help on 30/12/2013, discovered that my “C” curve had reached 60 degree. I was suggested for surgery. Professor assured me that spinal surgery has advanced over the years. After perform surgery 24 hrs the patient is able to walk and no body cast now. He suggested that I call and talk to 3 of his past patients that has gone through the operation.

Sure or not Doc.. They are younger than me?

Nevertheless, I called 2 of them, from the tele-conversation they told me that they have no regret for going through the surgery. Both have them have “S” shape spine. One of them with 60 degree on the upper and lower was 50 degree. After spinal surgery now is 30 and 25 degree. Her rib hump has then not so easily noticeable. The second person was above 100 degree, without waistline. After gone through the surgery the curve is now 60 degree.

Both of them recommend me to have someone to assist me for at least 3 weeks during initial recovery period. The pain and movement restriction really need the close family members support..

My Birding field trips