17Sep Monday
I have been pondering wether I should join a gym, yoga school or pick up pole dancing. Been wanting to make myself more tone by joining some activity that can make myself more fit while making it an interesting session.
Recently, there is this promotion from Groupon for trial classes at Bobbi's pole studio. I decided to sign up this trial class with my primary school friend.
Our first lesson was on 17Sep. It was suprisingly an enjoyable session. As I was on wafarin, I am prone to bruises and the result of the class was tonnes of bruises on my inner tighs.
I am still deciding which school should I go to formally take up pole dance class. Bobbi is good. But the charges are very high as compared to other schools.
Well, I still have 3 weeks to consider which school to join. Hopefully my interest will continue after the 4 weeks session.
Friday, September 21, 2012
15 Sep Full month of my god-daughter
15 Sep Saturday
Today mark exactly one month where my niece was born. She was born on 15Aug weighing 3.3kg.
Unfortunately for me, I am not blessed to have my natural baby even thou I have tried all means not to no avail. I guess is all fated in life what you have and what you don't
Anyway I have decide to make BB Xuan as my god daugher. =D
I hope I will have more chance to interact with my god daughter. To carry her, cuddle and kiss her more just like my own.
Today mark exactly one month where my niece was born. She was born on 15Aug weighing 3.3kg.
Unfortunately for me, I am not blessed to have my natural baby even thou I have tried all means not to no avail. I guess is all fated in life what you have and what you don't
Anyway I have decide to make BB Xuan as my god daugher. =D
I hope I will have more chance to interact with my god daughter. To carry her, cuddle and kiss her more just like my own.
Friday, August 03, 2012
03 Aug Life in MBFC
It's been almost 2 weeks since my office shifted to MBFC. Well, other than the office feels new, MBFC is really just a place that looks good on the outside. Other than that, everyting has become much more inconvenient to me.
1) Journey from home to office by train used to take at most 30mins. It takes about 50mins now by circle train
2) Driving from home to office used to take at most 40mins. Now it takes about 45mins. Delayed till to heavy traffic at Raffles place. It seems there are much more cars in Raffles area as compared to Shenton. There is also a long queue just to turn in to MBFC drop off point.
3) Limited food at MBFC. There is only one food court there and there are always overwhelming crowds there. Take away have to add 30cents.
Next nearest food centre is at Lau Pa Sat which takes about 15mins to walk....zzzzzz..
In summary, I would prefer to work in the old building at Shenton as compare to MBFC.
1) Journey from home to office by train used to take at most 30mins. It takes about 50mins now by circle train
2) Driving from home to office used to take at most 40mins. Now it takes about 45mins. Delayed till to heavy traffic at Raffles place. It seems there are much more cars in Raffles area as compared to Shenton. There is also a long queue just to turn in to MBFC drop off point.
3) Limited food at MBFC. There is only one food court there and there are always overwhelming crowds there. Take away have to add 30cents.
Next nearest food centre is at Lau Pa Sat which takes about 15mins to walk....zzzzzz..
In summary, I would prefer to work in the old building at Shenton as compare to MBFC.
22 Jul 8 years old Birthday Celebration for Dana
22nd Jul – Celebration of my niece birthday
Anyway I hope by doing this little thing can bring more happiness to and lonely heart of my niece whom have not feel happiness for a long time.
Sunday, July 22, 2012
21Jul Tian Wai Tian Yu Tou Lu at Kovan
Went to view Parc centros at Punggol today. I am amazed by Singaporeans that are flooded with cash. People are queueing up to buy property ...scary....1million is like nothing to the people.
After viewing, we ended up at Kovan Went to Tian Wai Tian Yu Tuo Lu. Review of it is better than the one near Textile centre in my previous blog. Soup base is so much nicer, less MSG , more ingredient and only cost $20. Will go there again if I pass by there. But seriously, Kovan is really very very far from town.
Only bad comment is the lady forgot our order and have to wait 45mins in total for our steam boat. Minus point.
After viewing, we ended up at Kovan Went to Tian Wai Tian Yu Tuo Lu. Review of it is better than the one near Textile centre in my previous blog. Soup base is so much nicer, less MSG , more ingredient and only cost $20. Will go there again if I pass by there. But seriously, Kovan is really very very far from town.
Only bad comment is the lady forgot our order and have to wait 45mins in total for our steam boat. Minus point.
20 Jul A week of packing and labour work
Yes...we are moving to Marina Bay Financial Centre on 20Jul. It was a week of packing and unpacking...
Needless to say I am helping out my team member. Honestly I feel in this job I have very good boss. For colleagues wise, I feel they are quite selfish and not the helpful kind.
Lucky I am not the tai tai kind(cannot do this or that) even thou I don't have a good health.
I shall post my new office pic next week.
Final pic of our office (Both decor done by my friend)
Pic of my nice boss..
Needless to say I am helping out my team member. Honestly I feel in this job I have very good boss. For colleagues wise, I feel they are quite selfish and not the helpful kind.
Lucky I am not the tai tai kind(cannot do this or that) even thou I don't have a good health.
I shall post my new office pic next week.
Final pic of our office (Both decor done by my friend)
Pic of my nice boss..
Thursday, July 19, 2012
19Jul New Haircut with Essensual
Finally had a haircut after a long 7 months. Bought the Groupon voucher for haircut and treatment at $45. Seriously. I don't like this short fringe..I feel is too heavy...What's your thoughts?
Before
New outlook
Before
New outlook
14 Jul Havoc time with KT in BKK
Kt is in Bangkok for a business trip for the whole week of 9Jul. Needless to say, I have a whole week of after work program for myself...
9Jul Mon
Went body massage and facial
10Jul Tue
Met up ex colleague for a coffee and chit chat.
11Jul Wed
Met my secondary and poly schoolmates for dinner. Is being a long time since I met them up. I think is almost a year. We had a night of fun and laughter and catching up at crystal jade kitchen in Holland V.
12Jul Thu
Met my primary school classmate for dinner at chatterbox. Ordered the chicken rice that cost a whopping $25. Price has increase so much and standard has dropped so much. I rather go to Maxwell hawker to eat "Ah Tai Chicken Rice". Half chicken for $11. Tumbs up to "Ah Tai". It taste so much than chatterbox and the price is 3- 4 times cheaper. Smooth chicken, nice chilli..yum yum....Tried Lao Bang Dou Hua today as well. Not too bad for $1.50 Tou Hua pudding.
Ah Tai Chicken Rice
Lao Bang Tou Hua
13Jul Fri
Is the monthly team drinks again. We had wanted to go screening room but was fully book. We ended up at Ying and Yang again. It was a nice relaxing chat with stupid jokes. I like the ambience at Ying and Yang. Other than the not so nice food and not so nice cocktail, I love the music, cosy and nice ambience there. Is a place to really sit down and chat. Will definitely visit it again....So long Ang Siang Hill....my office is moving to MBFC on 20Jul. I doubt I will visit this area that often again.
14Jul Sat
Finally the day has come where KT is all excited about Wu Bai concert...As expected, out of the 3 hrs concert, I almost wanted to fall asleep for the first 2 hrs. Whole of the concert he was just busy changing guitar, wiping sweat and drinking water.
I think somehow I like to watch performance with some form of dance in it. Something like "Jay Chou" concert and not just plainly stand there singing and playing instrument. The ticket was 2nd category and cost $155. But is a total waste of money. Resort World Convention Compass ballroom sucks. The seats are all on flat ground. No elevated seats. 99% of the time I am looking at the big projector screen. I can't even see the stage with all the heads blocking infront. I won't go to any concert again at Resort World.
Whoa..isn't it an eventful week for me.
9Jul Mon
Went body massage and facial
10Jul Tue
Met up ex colleague for a coffee and chit chat.
11Jul Wed
Met my secondary and poly schoolmates for dinner. Is being a long time since I met them up. I think is almost a year. We had a night of fun and laughter and catching up at crystal jade kitchen in Holland V.
12Jul Thu
Met my primary school classmate for dinner at chatterbox. Ordered the chicken rice that cost a whopping $25. Price has increase so much and standard has dropped so much. I rather go to Maxwell hawker to eat "Ah Tai Chicken Rice". Half chicken for $11. Tumbs up to "Ah Tai". It taste so much than chatterbox and the price is 3- 4 times cheaper. Smooth chicken, nice chilli..yum yum....Tried Lao Bang Dou Hua today as well. Not too bad for $1.50 Tou Hua pudding.
Ah Tai Chicken Rice
Lao Bang Tou Hua
13Jul Fri
Is the monthly team drinks again. We had wanted to go screening room but was fully book. We ended up at Ying and Yang again. It was a nice relaxing chat with stupid jokes. I like the ambience at Ying and Yang. Other than the not so nice food and not so nice cocktail, I love the music, cosy and nice ambience there. Is a place to really sit down and chat. Will definitely visit it again....So long Ang Siang Hill....my office is moving to MBFC on 20Jul. I doubt I will visit this area that often again.
14Jul Sat
Finally the day has come where KT is all excited about Wu Bai concert...As expected, out of the 3 hrs concert, I almost wanted to fall asleep for the first 2 hrs. Whole of the concert he was just busy changing guitar, wiping sweat and drinking water.
I think somehow I like to watch performance with some form of dance in it. Something like "Jay Chou" concert and not just plainly stand there singing and playing instrument. The ticket was 2nd category and cost $155. But is a total waste of money. Resort World Convention Compass ballroom sucks. The seats are all on flat ground. No elevated seats. 99% of the time I am looking at the big projector screen. I can't even see the stage with all the heads blocking infront. I won't go to any concert again at Resort World.
Whoa..isn't it an eventful week for me.
Saturday, July 07, 2012
07Jul 2012 Review of Nan Hua Chang seafood restaurant
07 Jul 2012
It was awhile since I am discharged from hospital and had a craving for fish head steamboat soup.
Went to this famous Nan Hua Chang seafood restaurant as saw some good reviews on the internet.
Is is located around Lavendar. We reach there on 6Jul on a Friday evening at 6pm.
There was no crowd then. We ordered the red snapper steamboat cost $28. One bowl of rice cost 80cents.*eyes opening wide*
There were other dish as well. But me being a small eater, we just ordered the steamboat.
Frankly I don't know whats the rave about the fish head steamboat here. I tasted better one in Boon Lay. More fish and other ingredients.
The steamboat here had only a few pathetic fish. Less than 5 pcs of small yam and the soup base wasn't thick enough.
My comments is I won't purposely come back here again for the steamboat. I should go and try the Tian Wai Tian Yu Tuo Lu at Serangoon someday.
It was awhile since I am discharged from hospital and had a craving for fish head steamboat soup.
Went to this famous Nan Hua Chang seafood restaurant as saw some good reviews on the internet.
Is is located around Lavendar. We reach there on 6Jul on a Friday evening at 6pm.
There was no crowd then. We ordered the red snapper steamboat cost $28. One bowl of rice cost 80cents.*eyes opening wide*
There were other dish as well. But me being a small eater, we just ordered the steamboat.
Frankly I don't know whats the rave about the fish head steamboat here. I tasted better one in Boon Lay. More fish and other ingredients.
My comments is I won't purposely come back here again for the steamboat. I should go and try the Tian Wai Tian Yu Tuo Lu at Serangoon someday.
30 Jun 2012 Lowest period of my life
30 Jun 2012
Oct 2011 to Jun2012 marked a period of big discovery and events in my life. However I shall not disclose that in the blog. This is something for me to remind myself on the big events during this period of my life which I few is the lowest point of my life.
I have decided to start writing blog to keep track as my diary on what I have experience in my life so that I can refresh my memory when I start looking back at my bloc. I was discharged from hospital on 24Jun after being hospitalised for 6 days. On 19Jun2012 I had a high fever(39.5) which I felt it wasn't a normal fever. KT sent me to hospital immediately upon returning from work at about 8pm. Immediately, I was sent to the monitoring ward. Blood test was done and chest x ray was taken. 2 hrs after. Doctor came and told me I had to be hospitalised as I had zero White blood count. I had a shock as it means I had zero immunity. Doctor said I will be warded in a isolation ward as I can be attachk by any virus with no immunity. The next few days was horrible. Everday my arms were poked with needles few times a day for blood test until my hands were all bruised.
3rd day on my hospitalisation on 21Jun2012, Doctor told me they have to draw out my bone marrow to see of my bone marrow is still functioning. This was due to the fact that I had zero white blood cell.
Thank Goodness my bone marrow was ok after investigation. Doctor said some terrible virus have attacked me and killed all my adult marrow that was supposed to generate white blood cells. The baby marrow that was supposed to grow more marrows were still there....
My BP drop to 80 and pulse drop to 43. Was put on 24 hrs monitoring for 2 days until it rises back to BP of 90. Why was there a drop in BP. Nobody knows. But the good thing is that BP are back to normal on 23 Jun2012.
Next few days were non stop of antibotics to ensure the virus in my body is killed. 6 days in hospital means I did not sleep for 6 days. This is due to the fact that I am a light sleeper and hospital is usually quite noisy with other patients medical equipment beeping.
There was something I was very unhappy about during this hospitaliasation. One junior MO. Actually want to transfer me to her ward for her convenience. I thought that was absurb. for past 15 yrs of hospitalisation, is the first time I am asked to transfer ward for doctor convenience. I think this young MO deserved to be complain. But I did not complain about her. When a patient is sick, is the doctor that will walk to their ward to treat them yet this doctor expect a patient to transfer ward for her convenience. So unprofessional. She has a long way to go before she can become a good doc like my prof Koh Daw Rhoon. Anyway he has been my principal doctor since 1998 and is like a father to me.
Thou I have not recovered, I have improved trememdously and was allow to eat on 23Jun. With no vomitting, I was allow to discharge on 24Jun and was given hospital leave till 29 Jun.
However, I went back to work on 28Jun as I was feeling better. But is was really draining for me as by 1pm in the afternoon, my whole body was so tired. However I push on and finally finish work at 5pm.
The consolation is that I have a very understanding and emphathetic boss. His name is Greg and I am raelly lucky to be able to work under this boss considering the previous witch woman Aus boss that I have. One is angel and another is devil.
Next one week was a recovery week for my body.
Oct 2011 to Jun2012 marked a period of big discovery and events in my life. However I shall not disclose that in the blog. This is something for me to remind myself on the big events during this period of my life which I few is the lowest point of my life.
I have decided to start writing blog to keep track as my diary on what I have experience in my life so that I can refresh my memory when I start looking back at my bloc. I was discharged from hospital on 24Jun after being hospitalised for 6 days. On 19Jun2012 I had a high fever(39.5) which I felt it wasn't a normal fever. KT sent me to hospital immediately upon returning from work at about 8pm. Immediately, I was sent to the monitoring ward. Blood test was done and chest x ray was taken. 2 hrs after. Doctor came and told me I had to be hospitalised as I had zero White blood count. I had a shock as it means I had zero immunity. Doctor said I will be warded in a isolation ward as I can be attachk by any virus with no immunity. The next few days was horrible. Everday my arms were poked with needles few times a day for blood test until my hands were all bruised.
3rd day on my hospitalisation on 21Jun2012, Doctor told me they have to draw out my bone marrow to see of my bone marrow is still functioning. This was due to the fact that I had zero white blood cell.
Thank Goodness my bone marrow was ok after investigation. Doctor said some terrible virus have attacked me and killed all my adult marrow that was supposed to generate white blood cells. The baby marrow that was supposed to grow more marrows were still there....
My BP drop to 80 and pulse drop to 43. Was put on 24 hrs monitoring for 2 days until it rises back to BP of 90. Why was there a drop in BP. Nobody knows. But the good thing is that BP are back to normal on 23 Jun2012.
Next few days were non stop of antibotics to ensure the virus in my body is killed. 6 days in hospital means I did not sleep for 6 days. This is due to the fact that I am a light sleeper and hospital is usually quite noisy with other patients medical equipment beeping.
There was something I was very unhappy about during this hospitaliasation. One junior MO. Actually want to transfer me to her ward for her convenience. I thought that was absurb. for past 15 yrs of hospitalisation, is the first time I am asked to transfer ward for doctor convenience. I think this young MO deserved to be complain. But I did not complain about her. When a patient is sick, is the doctor that will walk to their ward to treat them yet this doctor expect a patient to transfer ward for her convenience. So unprofessional. She has a long way to go before she can become a good doc like my prof Koh Daw Rhoon. Anyway he has been my principal doctor since 1998 and is like a father to me.
Thou I have not recovered, I have improved trememdously and was allow to eat on 23Jun. With no vomitting, I was allow to discharge on 24Jun and was given hospital leave till 29 Jun.
However, I went back to work on 28Jun as I was feeling better. But is was really draining for me as by 1pm in the afternoon, my whole body was so tired. However I push on and finally finish work at 5pm.
The consolation is that I have a very understanding and emphathetic boss. His name is Greg and I am raelly lucky to be able to work under this boss considering the previous witch woman Aus boss that I have. One is angel and another is devil.
Next one week was a recovery week for my body.
Wednesday, December 30, 2009
30 December 2009, Wednesday
It's one more day to the end of year 2009. I am saddened by the death of a 21 year old medical student at NUS Christine as her condition and symptons are very similar to mine.
There is a 2nd story below about a Lupus mum who finally became a mum after a hard struggle and IVF. Of course I wouldn't know how much she has gone through to finally be a mum.
I guess is how I want to view life in a more optimistic or pessismistic manner. Based on the 2 stories below, my condition and symptons seems to be similar to the sad story that is not knowing when I will just kick the bucket.
There is not much control for me as destiny does not lie in my hand. I guess I can only live life to the fullest so that the day I died, I will not live life with regret. It's 13 yrs since I had this Hymelotic Anaemia which move on to Lupus. I guess my condition is not really improving but worse. I can only try to maintain a optimistic outlook of life in order not to worsen my condition. Keeping myself free from fatigue and stress free is also important to ensure I don't have a relapse. Of course, deep in my heart, I pray that I will be like the woman in the 2nd story to be a happy mum of with with the support of my dear hubby who has so far been very supportive and concern of my condition.
Below is her Lupus story and is a sad one
http://www.asiaone.com/Health/News/Story/A1Story20091229-188690.html
21-year-old medical student dies of mysterious brain disease She had a brain disease that left doctors scratching their heads, but despite her illness, Christine Chong decided to face life with courage.
However, death chose to rob the young 21-year-old's life almost two weeks back.
The second-year student at the Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine had suffered from an autoimmune disease called Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) for 11 years, reported Shin Min Daily News.
During that period, Christine sometimes had to undergo monthly check ups and ingest cocktails of medicines to survive.
Her illness was unstable - it would flare up when she was stressed. Christine also suffered from anaemia.
In March this year, her condition turned for the better.
However, towards the end of the month, it plunged.
She wrote in her blog about her frequent splitting headaches and bouts of dizziness, which required her to go through rounds of tests at the hospital, one of which was a brain scan.
Her eyelids would also twitch constantly, which made studying and typing difficult. She was so weak that she had to depend on a wheelchair to move around.
Even then, slight movement was difficult for her. Each time she got off the bed, dizziness would engulf her. As a result, she had to lie down most of the time.
Despite the pain, Christine chose to sit for her exams.
One of her tutors at the medical school would bring the exam papers to the Singapore General Hospital - where she was hospitalised - for her to complete.
She wrote that she was grateful for her tutor's support.
Christine managed to stay cheerful during her hospital stay. She felt especially happy when her friends visited her
Nonetheless, she felt that her brain disease was "quite mysterious". Even though doctors took biopsies of her kidneys and scanned her brain, they could not figure out what was wrong.
In April, she underwent brain surgery. She wrote in her blog of how the doctors shaved off her hair and drilled a one-cent sized hole in her skull during the operation.
The medical student suspected that she had contracted vasculitis, or an inflammation of the blood vessels. Research done by the Chinese daily said that vasculitis was a symptom of SLE.
In one of her blog entries, she wrote: "I'm resigned to my fate. I just want to know what is it that wants my life."
This is another happy story of a Lupus mum
http://www.asiaone.com/Health/Women%2527s%2BMatters/Story/A1Story20091224-187927.html
Lupus did not stop her from trying for babies A happy home is one filled with the sound of children's laughter. That is what Madam Low Kwee Yoong, 40, believes in.
The accounts executive, a mother of four, could not be more proud of her noisy brood. She underwent in-vitro fertilisation (IVF) for the second time last year and became pregnant with twin boys Jun Kai and Jun Hong.
Related:» Baby bonus» Common causes of infertility(women)» Common causes of infertility(men)» Help to usher in the stork» Happy Mum 2 She said in Mandarin: "I was happy when I learnt I was pregnant. The pregnancy was a smooth one but I could not relax until the fifth month as many developmental milestones had to be passed first before my gynaecologist, Dr Ann Tan, said they were okay."
Madam Low's first IVF attempt in October 2006 was unsuccessful. She explained: "I wanted Jun Ming to have a companion. The home is so much nicer with more children." Jun Ming, now 12 years old, is her firstborn.
For years, Madam Low and her husband, Mr Tan Khoon Sang, 47, tried unsuccessfully to conceive again. She suspected it was due to her having lupus, an auto-immune disease characterised by acute and chronic inflammation of the body's tissues.
Determined to conceive, she opted for IVF. When that failed, she was devastated: "When the embryos didn't take root, it was like a miscarriage. I bled for four to five days."
A few months later, the couple were blessed with a daughter, Li Yu, conceived naturally. She is now two years and 10 months old.
In September last year, Madam Low decided to give IVF another shot as she still had three viable embryos in storage. Dr Tan had said her chances of getting pregnant would diminish with age.
She decided to go for her second IVF attempt even though her doctor who treats her for lupus disagreed. She took blood tests every two weeks throughout her pregnancy so that her doctors could monitor her condition closely.
She said: "I felt it was worth it to sacrifice a little for my family. If you want children, you'll do anything to have them."
This article was first published in Mind Your Body, The Straits Times.
Living with Lupus
http://www.asiaone.com/Health/Wellness%2B%2540%2BWork/Story/A1Story20081209-106570.html
IF any newly diagnosed Systemic Lupus Erythematosus patient asks Chee Siew Lan for advice in dealing with the chronic illness, she has only this to say: "Never give up."
Having lived with this incurable illness for 21 years, she knows that she would not be alive if she had given up hope and didn't have the determination to fight it.
"When I had the symptoms in 1987, no one knew what it was. Lupus was unheard of at that time. The doctor even told me that I had only five years to live. But I refused to give up. I did my own research and learnt all about the symptoms, treatment and medication. I learned the things that I could and could not do as a lupus sufferer.
"I tell lupus patients that with proper medication and management, they can lead a normal life."
As Malaysian Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Association honorary secretary, Chee says at times she has had to counsel other sufferers, some of whom had to deal with the uncertainty of their condition. Most of them, she added, were depressed and fearful when trying to understand the disease.
It wasn't an easy ride for Chee either as she had numerous remissions and relapses. She also had to deal with the side-effects - osteoporosis and early menopause - from the medication.
The medication had suppressed her immune system which then exposed her to infection. In 1988, Chee was hospitalised for cryptococcus meningitis. She also had to undergo a cataract operation in 1997.
"Drugs control flaring but at the same time they will suppress the immune system. This makes lupus patients more vulnerable to infection. What may be a normal infection to others could be more serious and, at times, even fatal for patients."
Although she has been in remission for 10 years, Chee says it does not mean that she is free from the disease. While she is no longer on steroids, she still takes medication to prevent the flaring.
Consultant rheumatologist Dr Yeap Swan Sim says lupus is a chronic auto-immune disease that can affect various parts of the body, including the skin, joints, heart, lungs, blood, kidneys and brain.
"In a lupus patient, the body's immune system starts to produce antibodies that attack itself. These auto-antibodies cause inflammation and eventually damage the organs. Lupus is not contagious, it is incurable and can be fatal if diagnosis and treatment are not given early."
The cause of lupus is unknown, although genetic and environmental factors could play a part in triggering it. It is believed that lupus is hereditary.
Some environmental factors which may trigger the disease include viruses, ultraviolet light, extreme stress, certain drugs, silica dust and smoking.
Lupus is known as a "woman's disease", as it occurs 10 to 15 times more frequently among females than males after puberty.
In Malaysia, lupus is 2.9 times more common in Chinese and 90 per cent of those affected by it are female. Based on 1990 figures, there are 12,000 lupus patients in the country.
While general symptoms are fever and fatigue, there are also other signs that can make early diagnosis a problem. It is often misdiagnosed and unrecognised as its primary symptoms - joint pain, fatigue, skin rashes and fever - mimic common illnesses.
"There have been no new drugs for lupus in over 40 years. Doctors use drugs that are used for other diseases to treat it. For example, we use anti-malaria drugs and even kidney disease medicine for lupus sufferers.
"While treatment and medication have improved the survival rate of lupus patients compared to 50 years ago, there is still a need for drugs that can reduce the side-effects."
Dr Yeap says the aim for treatment of lupus is to relieve the symptoms and suppress the over-activity of the immune system. Some of the medications cause side-effects such as high blood pressure, diabetes, cataracts and avascular necrosis of bone. They can also cause early menopause, leading to infertility.
With early diagnosis and treatment, patients can lead a normal life. Some 15 to 20 per cent of patients are on minimal or no medication at all.
"Now there is increasing awareness of the disease largely due to early diagnosis. The drugs are now much more effective in suppressing the immune system without causing severe infections.
"As this disease affects women at the prime of their lives, it is important for early diagnosis and treatment."
New Straits Times/Asia News Network
This story was first published in the New Straits Times on Dec 8, 2008.
It's one more day to the end of year 2009. I am saddened by the death of a 21 year old medical student at NUS Christine as her condition and symptons are very similar to mine.
There is a 2nd story below about a Lupus mum who finally became a mum after a hard struggle and IVF. Of course I wouldn't know how much she has gone through to finally be a mum.
I guess is how I want to view life in a more optimistic or pessismistic manner. Based on the 2 stories below, my condition and symptons seems to be similar to the sad story that is not knowing when I will just kick the bucket.
There is not much control for me as destiny does not lie in my hand. I guess I can only live life to the fullest so that the day I died, I will not live life with regret. It's 13 yrs since I had this Hymelotic Anaemia which move on to Lupus. I guess my condition is not really improving but worse. I can only try to maintain a optimistic outlook of life in order not to worsen my condition. Keeping myself free from fatigue and stress free is also important to ensure I don't have a relapse. Of course, deep in my heart, I pray that I will be like the woman in the 2nd story to be a happy mum of with with the support of my dear hubby who has so far been very supportive and concern of my condition.
Below is her Lupus story and is a sad one
http://www.asiaone.com/Health/News/Story/A1Story20091229-188690.html
21-year-old medical student dies of mysterious brain disease She had a brain disease that left doctors scratching their heads, but despite her illness, Christine Chong decided to face life with courage.
However, death chose to rob the young 21-year-old's life almost two weeks back.
The second-year student at the Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine had suffered from an autoimmune disease called Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) for 11 years, reported Shin Min Daily News.
During that period, Christine sometimes had to undergo monthly check ups and ingest cocktails of medicines to survive.
Her illness was unstable - it would flare up when she was stressed. Christine also suffered from anaemia.
In March this year, her condition turned for the better.
However, towards the end of the month, it plunged.
She wrote in her blog about her frequent splitting headaches and bouts of dizziness, which required her to go through rounds of tests at the hospital, one of which was a brain scan.
Her eyelids would also twitch constantly, which made studying and typing difficult. She was so weak that she had to depend on a wheelchair to move around.
Even then, slight movement was difficult for her. Each time she got off the bed, dizziness would engulf her. As a result, she had to lie down most of the time.
Despite the pain, Christine chose to sit for her exams.
One of her tutors at the medical school would bring the exam papers to the Singapore General Hospital - where she was hospitalised - for her to complete.
She wrote that she was grateful for her tutor's support.
Christine managed to stay cheerful during her hospital stay. She felt especially happy when her friends visited her
Nonetheless, she felt that her brain disease was "quite mysterious". Even though doctors took biopsies of her kidneys and scanned her brain, they could not figure out what was wrong.
In April, she underwent brain surgery. She wrote in her blog of how the doctors shaved off her hair and drilled a one-cent sized hole in her skull during the operation.
The medical student suspected that she had contracted vasculitis, or an inflammation of the blood vessels. Research done by the Chinese daily said that vasculitis was a symptom of SLE.
In one of her blog entries, she wrote: "I'm resigned to my fate. I just want to know what is it that wants my life."
This is another happy story of a Lupus mum
http://www.asiaone.com/Health/Women%2527s%2BMatters/Story/A1Story20091224-187927.html
Lupus did not stop her from trying for babies A happy home is one filled with the sound of children's laughter. That is what Madam Low Kwee Yoong, 40, believes in.
The accounts executive, a mother of four, could not be more proud of her noisy brood. She underwent in-vitro fertilisation (IVF) for the second time last year and became pregnant with twin boys Jun Kai and Jun Hong.
Related:» Baby bonus» Common causes of infertility(women)» Common causes of infertility(men)» Help to usher in the stork» Happy Mum 2 She said in Mandarin: "I was happy when I learnt I was pregnant. The pregnancy was a smooth one but I could not relax until the fifth month as many developmental milestones had to be passed first before my gynaecologist, Dr Ann Tan, said they were okay."
Madam Low's first IVF attempt in October 2006 was unsuccessful. She explained: "I wanted Jun Ming to have a companion. The home is so much nicer with more children." Jun Ming, now 12 years old, is her firstborn.
For years, Madam Low and her husband, Mr Tan Khoon Sang, 47, tried unsuccessfully to conceive again. She suspected it was due to her having lupus, an auto-immune disease characterised by acute and chronic inflammation of the body's tissues.
Determined to conceive, she opted for IVF. When that failed, she was devastated: "When the embryos didn't take root, it was like a miscarriage. I bled for four to five days."
A few months later, the couple were blessed with a daughter, Li Yu, conceived naturally. She is now two years and 10 months old.
In September last year, Madam Low decided to give IVF another shot as she still had three viable embryos in storage. Dr Tan had said her chances of getting pregnant would diminish with age.
She decided to go for her second IVF attempt even though her doctor who treats her for lupus disagreed. She took blood tests every two weeks throughout her pregnancy so that her doctors could monitor her condition closely.
She said: "I felt it was worth it to sacrifice a little for my family. If you want children, you'll do anything to have them."
This article was first published in Mind Your Body, The Straits Times.
Living with Lupus
http://www.asiaone.com/Health/Wellness%2B%2540%2BWork/Story/A1Story20081209-106570.html
IF any newly diagnosed Systemic Lupus Erythematosus patient asks Chee Siew Lan for advice in dealing with the chronic illness, she has only this to say: "Never give up."
Having lived with this incurable illness for 21 years, she knows that she would not be alive if she had given up hope and didn't have the determination to fight it.
"When I had the symptoms in 1987, no one knew what it was. Lupus was unheard of at that time. The doctor even told me that I had only five years to live. But I refused to give up. I did my own research and learnt all about the symptoms, treatment and medication. I learned the things that I could and could not do as a lupus sufferer.
"I tell lupus patients that with proper medication and management, they can lead a normal life."
As Malaysian Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Association honorary secretary, Chee says at times she has had to counsel other sufferers, some of whom had to deal with the uncertainty of their condition. Most of them, she added, were depressed and fearful when trying to understand the disease.
It wasn't an easy ride for Chee either as she had numerous remissions and relapses. She also had to deal with the side-effects - osteoporosis and early menopause - from the medication.
The medication had suppressed her immune system which then exposed her to infection. In 1988, Chee was hospitalised for cryptococcus meningitis. She also had to undergo a cataract operation in 1997.
"Drugs control flaring but at the same time they will suppress the immune system. This makes lupus patients more vulnerable to infection. What may be a normal infection to others could be more serious and, at times, even fatal for patients."
Although she has been in remission for 10 years, Chee says it does not mean that she is free from the disease. While she is no longer on steroids, she still takes medication to prevent the flaring.
Consultant rheumatologist Dr Yeap Swan Sim says lupus is a chronic auto-immune disease that can affect various parts of the body, including the skin, joints, heart, lungs, blood, kidneys and brain.
"In a lupus patient, the body's immune system starts to produce antibodies that attack itself. These auto-antibodies cause inflammation and eventually damage the organs. Lupus is not contagious, it is incurable and can be fatal if diagnosis and treatment are not given early."
The cause of lupus is unknown, although genetic and environmental factors could play a part in triggering it. It is believed that lupus is hereditary.
Some environmental factors which may trigger the disease include viruses, ultraviolet light, extreme stress, certain drugs, silica dust and smoking.
Lupus is known as a "woman's disease", as it occurs 10 to 15 times more frequently among females than males after puberty.
In Malaysia, lupus is 2.9 times more common in Chinese and 90 per cent of those affected by it are female. Based on 1990 figures, there are 12,000 lupus patients in the country.
While general symptoms are fever and fatigue, there are also other signs that can make early diagnosis a problem. It is often misdiagnosed and unrecognised as its primary symptoms - joint pain, fatigue, skin rashes and fever - mimic common illnesses.
"There have been no new drugs for lupus in over 40 years. Doctors use drugs that are used for other diseases to treat it. For example, we use anti-malaria drugs and even kidney disease medicine for lupus sufferers.
"While treatment and medication have improved the survival rate of lupus patients compared to 50 years ago, there is still a need for drugs that can reduce the side-effects."
Dr Yeap says the aim for treatment of lupus is to relieve the symptoms and suppress the over-activity of the immune system. Some of the medications cause side-effects such as high blood pressure, diabetes, cataracts and avascular necrosis of bone. They can also cause early menopause, leading to infertility.
With early diagnosis and treatment, patients can lead a normal life. Some 15 to 20 per cent of patients are on minimal or no medication at all.
"Now there is increasing awareness of the disease largely due to early diagnosis. The drugs are now much more effective in suppressing the immune system without causing severe infections.
"As this disease affects women at the prime of their lives, it is important for early diagnosis and treatment."
New Straits Times/Asia News Network
This story was first published in the New Straits Times on Dec 8, 2008.
Sunday, December 20, 2009
21-Dec-2009, Sunday
As my birthday falls on a Monday on 21-Dec, we decided to have a early dinner celebration on 20-Dec-2009.
Reservation of table and birthday cake was made one week in advance at Equinox Swissotel due to the festive season.
We arrived at 715pm.....it was quite unexpected that the dinner actually took 3 hrs and only ended around 1015pm. Everything was good until when I ask them about my birthday cake and the waitress told me that the reservation of cake was not in the system...gosh...I was like..."How come".
They did some investigations later and know they have make an error on their part and they offered to send the cake to my house tomorrow...hmm...I guess it makes a difference when you pay more for fine dining and services. Anyway the dinner doesn't come cheap it was $150 per pax for a 5 course set. The serving is really very small but enough for me. The food is really quite nicely cooked.
Restaurant ambience and service is excellent. Let the pictures do the talking.
Christmas tree at entrance of Equinox Restaurant with a suprise bouquet from KT
As my birthday falls on a Monday on 21-Dec, we decided to have a early dinner celebration on 20-Dec-2009.
Reservation of table and birthday cake was made one week in advance at Equinox Swissotel due to the festive season.
We arrived at 715pm.....it was quite unexpected that the dinner actually took 3 hrs and only ended around 1015pm. Everything was good until when I ask them about my birthday cake and the waitress told me that the reservation of cake was not in the system...gosh...I was like..."How come".
They did some investigations later and know they have make an error on their part and they offered to send the cake to my house tomorrow...hmm...I guess it makes a difference when you pay more for fine dining and services. Anyway the dinner doesn't come cheap it was $150 per pax for a 5 course set. The serving is really very small but enough for me. The food is really quite nicely cooked.
Restaurant ambience and service is excellent. Let the pictures do the talking.
Christmas tree at entrance of Equinox Restaurant with a suprise bouquet from KT
Appetizer Sweet Prawns
Parsely Root Soup 
Entree Smoked Escalope
Main Duck Breast
Dessert and one slice of birthday cake with compliments from Equinox
My Birthday wish for this year is hmmm secret. I hope this simple little wish will come true.
Oops....the posting continue below...
On the actual day 21Dec, we waited for the birthday cake to be delivered from Prego to our house.Finally at 845pm the cake arrives. I & KT had a mini cake cutting at home. I had a big suprise today. Other than the bouquet of 3roses he gave me on 20-Dec, he arranged for another big bouquet for me on 21Dec and a cute little bear.
..hehe..thks darling.. this is indeed a suprise.
Thursday, December 17, 2009
17th Dec 2009, Thursday.
It's 4 more days before I turn 31. on 21stDec09. Is that something worth celebrating for?....What achivements have I achieved this year? hmm...it's a quiet year for me with no achievements under than going in and out of hospital . Is it due to my age that I am older and my health is failing of me?....I guess I can only try to keep myself optimistic and emotionally happy. That will be the best remedy to keep my body healthy..It's another another 14 days to 31st Dec 2009 which will mark the beginning of another New year 2010. I have only one wish in mind and I hope this small little wish of mine will come true for the Year 2010. May I stay healthy and happy. Stay tune for photos of my birthday celebration.
It's 4 more days before I turn 31. on 21stDec09. Is that something worth celebrating for?....What achivements have I achieved this year? hmm...it's a quiet year for me with no achievements under than going in and out of hospital . Is it due to my age that I am older and my health is failing of me?....I guess I can only try to keep myself optimistic and emotionally happy. That will be the best remedy to keep my body healthy..It's another another 14 days to 31st Dec 2009 which will mark the beginning of another New year 2010. I have only one wish in mind and I hope this small little wish of mine will come true for the Year 2010. May I stay healthy and happy. Stay tune for photos of my birthday celebration.
Friday, November 20, 2009
20 Nov 2009, Friday
Finally it's Friday. It's been a real hectic week for me running up and down to try to get
medical report and doing medical checkup for my visa approval.
Well...apparently, I was supposed to be on a business trip(to some XXX ctry) from 15-21Nov.
But my trip has been delayed time and again due to some pending approval for visa.
What is actually happening? I have no idea until I wrote in to the immigration feedback
that the whole thing is not moving.
I then understand that the country immigration has put down a marker on my name that
everytime I apply for a visa to that country, I have to go through a medical check up as 10
yrs ago, whilst on a student visa, I was anaemic with medication.
Therefore, they have marked my name. I wonder why..It's not like I am having some contagious or deadly disease and I am only there for a week. Yes, I am on medication and I am not healthy, but that doesn't mean they can sterotypde me.. I feel that I am being profiled.
The worse thing is I do not even know about that until I write in the feedback to the
immigration. Is this marker transparent to me? If they have decide to put that condition
for my visa application, they should have informed me years ago during my student visa day,
such that when I need to apply for visa to that country again, I can do it 2-3mths in
advance and it will not delay my travel plan. Does it means there is something wrong in
their process?
Here is what happen.
11th Nov - I applied for a business visa. Usually it gets approve within 24hrs.
13th Nov - Called up and SG CSO of that country immigration mentioned they are pending that
XXX country decision if I should do a chest x-ray. As I have just did a chest x-ray 2 weeks
ago from a government hospital in Singapore, I decided to take my own initative to send in
my own chest x-ray report to prevent further delay. Obivously, there was no response from
them on that day
16Nov - Seeign my chest x-ray report cleared, theyare not satisified. They mentioned to get
a doctor's memo saying I am on oral medication and do not need blood tranfusion. I did that
immediately. They came back telling me my x-ray report was not from their SG panel of
doctor (Their panel of doc is supposed to meet their country requirements and standard)
*FAINT*. If that is the case, why even trouble me to get a memo from my doctor?
They then mentioned that since my student visa day, they have mark my name to have a
medical check up and Chest X-ray from their panel of doc. If that is the case, the first
day I apply for visa, they should have tell me, why need to wait until 13th Nov then tell
me pending decision if I should go check up when the condition is "I HAVE TO GO". Silly
right? This is really ridiculous.
17Nov - Decision has come back from that Immigration is that I have to go. I did it
immediately that very afternoon. The funny thing is that immigration was saying it takes 7
days minimum for the immigration to review get back to them on the SG medical report. Even thou their panel of doc may have given them a good report with x-ray cleared, they may
not be satisifed with the result and need the see the chest x-ray plate that will reach
them in 3weeks time.
If they are not satisfied, this will further delay the approval as they may want my medical doc in Singapore to write them a report about my condition which will end up taking 2 months. Since they mentioned their selected panel of doc are those that will meet their requirements and standard, why should they be unhappy about the medical report provided by their panel of doctor or distrust their judgement? I really feel they are either being paranoid or trying to be difficult. Now I can just sit and wait as there is nothing I can do.
How fast I can get approval depends on how fast the immigration do their work and how
difficult they want to be....can't believe such absurb things can happen. Even my boss from that countrywas puzzled I am not contagious and not like I have diabetics or some kidney problem or big health problem that they have to be so difficult.
Monday, November 02, 2009
05 Nov 2009 Thursday
I am back in Singapore at 1am on 31Oct. It was a Saturday morning. By the time I reach home, it was 2am and I slept at 3am. Weekend was really tiring for me. Lack of sleep from jet lag and times of houes hold chores to do...floor was dusty with many dead insects. Got to clean the hse throughly. Well I guess with the jet lag, tiring holiday and all the house work I have over tired my body again. I am admitted to hospital again on 04 Nov 2009(Wed). I was quite shock over this relapse as it was a very short recovery from 2.5mths ago admission.
Doctor said that blood test shows I have some infection in my liver. I wonder issit due to the trip or what contibuting factor. Well, I am actually more worried about how is my new project boss going to think about me just gg on hospital leave just 2 days after starting work. Well, a bit about my job, met some of my colleagues and they are really nice bunch of Australians plus a couple of Singaporeans. My Australian is a humourous and funny. I hope this is not temporary. As for my office, client site is awesome. Nice office equipment and chairs, pantry have all kinds of coffee, cereals, biscuit and different juices and soft drinks. MNC are always MNC, benefits and welfare are always so good.
Finally some good thing to say. My holiday was awesome, thou tired, but it was an unforgettable and enjoyable experience that I doubt I will have a chance to do that again.
I am back in Singapore at 1am on 31Oct. It was a Saturday morning. By the time I reach home, it was 2am and I slept at 3am. Weekend was really tiring for me. Lack of sleep from jet lag and times of houes hold chores to do...floor was dusty with many dead insects. Got to clean the hse throughly. Well I guess with the jet lag, tiring holiday and all the house work I have over tired my body again. I am admitted to hospital again on 04 Nov 2009(Wed). I was quite shock over this relapse as it was a very short recovery from 2.5mths ago admission.
Doctor said that blood test shows I have some infection in my liver. I wonder issit due to the trip or what contibuting factor. Well, I am actually more worried about how is my new project boss going to think about me just gg on hospital leave just 2 days after starting work. Well, a bit about my job, met some of my colleagues and they are really nice bunch of Australians plus a couple of Singaporeans. My Australian is a humourous and funny. I hope this is not temporary. As for my office, client site is awesome. Nice office equipment and chairs, pantry have all kinds of coffee, cereals, biscuit and different juices and soft drinks. MNC are always MNC, benefits and welfare are always so good.
Finally some good thing to say. My holiday was awesome, thou tired, but it was an unforgettable and enjoyable experience that I doubt I will have a chance to do that again.
Friday, October 02, 2009
02 Oct 2009 (Friday)
Counting down 11, 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2……10 more days before I am go for my holiday. 7 more days before my project end…I am sooooo happy…..Been looking forward for this holiday trip as KT has promised to bring me to US for our honeymoon.
But we went to Japan instead of US last year due to some time constraint. It’s been really a tough and busy month for me last month that my body fail on me again…I guess my body just cannot take long hours of work or too much stress and nonsense from people.
Been hoping to get some back office work…so that I can have a better health and proceed with my family planning but somehow lady luck is not smiling on me. I wonder what project will I be deployed to after my holiday. Well life as a consultant is not fantastic…You won’t know what project you will be on next. You are just at the mercy of the people who will schedule you to be on the project irregardless whether you like it or not as long as you are generating hours for the company…..
Well I guess the world is so practical…after all you are just a money making tool for a company….
What are some updates on me.hehee…my interest in piano is building up….practising my finger skill using HANNON now. Sometimes almost have cramps on my fingers =P
Ok…stay tuned for more updates on my email
Counting down 11, 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2……10 more days before I am go for my holiday. 7 more days before my project end…I am sooooo happy…..Been looking forward for this holiday trip as KT has promised to bring me to US for our honeymoon.
But we went to Japan instead of US last year due to some time constraint. It’s been really a tough and busy month for me last month that my body fail on me again…I guess my body just cannot take long hours of work or too much stress and nonsense from people.
Been hoping to get some back office work…so that I can have a better health and proceed with my family planning but somehow lady luck is not smiling on me. I wonder what project will I be deployed to after my holiday. Well life as a consultant is not fantastic…You won’t know what project you will be on next. You are just at the mercy of the people who will schedule you to be on the project irregardless whether you like it or not as long as you are generating hours for the company…..
Well I guess the world is so practical…after all you are just a money making tool for a company….
What are some updates on me.hehee…my interest in piano is building up….practising my finger skill using HANNON now. Sometimes almost have cramps on my fingers =P
Ok…stay tuned for more updates on my email
Tuesday, September 08, 2009
8 Sep 2009, Tuesday
I am typing this blog at 5AM in the morning. Unable to sleep whole night. Also feeling some tummy discomfort and chest pain...I guess that contributes to my insomia....
Gosh...How am I going to work tomorrow. Work has been really taxing for me last week..esp that I have not fully recover from my illness and the long hours plus frustration at work is not aiding in my recovery.
On and off, I have tightness and pain at the chest, breathlessness and low energy level even to raise my voice to talk.
09 Sep is coming. Is exactly 2 weeks from my last infusion. Need to go for another infusion again. Think I have to take a good rest this time after the infusion. Else my body will not recover.
I am typing this blog at 5AM in the morning. Unable to sleep whole night. Also feeling some tummy discomfort and chest pain...I guess that contributes to my insomia....
Gosh...How am I going to work tomorrow. Work has been really taxing for me last week..esp that I have not fully recover from my illness and the long hours plus frustration at work is not aiding in my recovery.
On and off, I have tightness and pain at the chest, breathlessness and low energy level even to raise my voice to talk.
09 Sep is coming. Is exactly 2 weeks from my last infusion. Need to go for another infusion again. Think I have to take a good rest this time after the infusion. Else my body will not recover.
Thursday, August 27, 2009
27 Aug 2009(Thu)
It's that time of the year again....approx 13mths since my last rituximab $10,000 infusion...
I thought it could last longer as I haven't been sick (flu, fever, cough, etc) for the past 1 yr...
For the past 2 weeks, I have been feeling the strain on my brain, tight & stuffy chest and headache....all due to project stress....Becoz of that, I have a relapse
Actually is not really project stress, but rather undue stress as a result of poor management by my project manager. How should I put it, my project manager is quite a soft-spoken, chinchay and nice guy....too nice a guy that he doesn't really dare to make any sound nor authorise his staff to do things when some of his team member are being ridden over.....
Well, it goes like this.....there 2 Indian SME in my project which has been on consecutive 3 yrs on this project. They are actually helpful when you ask them about knowledge relating to the system. However, they are not the kind that will be willing to sacrifice time of their own to help other team members...Well things like coming in late, gg off sharp and having long tea break when the team is so tight up with work..
I have been assigned a very large new module this year. Last year there was a similar module that was launched but it was a much simplier and smaller module. btw, last yr, the work was distributed among 4 SME to do it. This year I have to do it alone esp I am quite new on this project. My prev yr lady pm could not join this project this yr as she is tight up in some other project. Although she is more detailed and strict, I actually likes the way she do things. At least she make sure team member helps one another out and that people finish their assigned task before they go home.
This lady pm came down for review 2 weeks ago and did ask the 2 Indian SME to helpout as it was too much work for this module. But the 2 Indian SME seems nonchalant...Did not even bother to review the things that I have completed 2 weeks ago until the day before it was supposed to be handover to client for review.
I got a shock of my life. The moment they take a glimpse, they said the whole format and phrasing is wrong. I refuted by saying isn't this the exact format you ask me to follow for what you all have done last yr? They replied, "NO" last yr never show to client so they can write like tat. This year need to present to client that is why cannot be in this format. I was at a loss of words....tomorrow is the deadline and today 4pm you are telling me I have to change everyting that I have done. I was still expecting them to offer some help. But "NO". They went back at 630pm. I told my current pm after they left that I was rather unhappy...All he could say was 'NO choice! Learn it the hard way". If it was the lady pm, I am sure she would make sure the others stay to help out..and not leave me alone in the office to clear up the shit...
Like I say, he was too soft and will nt stand up for the other team members who is been bullied. Before the 2 Indian SME left, he just softly say "Tomorrow help catherine to review the changes before submission".
Well, I didn't think too much at that point of time as I know I have tonnes of things to do before the the deadline which is tomorrow...and I continue to rush the changes.
Fot that last min unneccessary stress that should have never happen, I was warded in hospital for sever tummy pain, leg pain(early stage of arthritis). What can I say....poor management
I just hope that this project end soon...I was given mc till 09.09.09. But I be back to work next monday as there is so much work to do and is the final stage of the project.
I do not want to be the main cause of delay. Hopefully, I can get a backoffice job and stay off all this last min shit thing.
It's that time of the year again....approx 13mths since my last rituximab $10,000 infusion...
I thought it could last longer as I haven't been sick (flu, fever, cough, etc) for the past 1 yr...
For the past 2 weeks, I have been feeling the strain on my brain, tight & stuffy chest and headache....all due to project stress....Becoz of that, I have a relapse
Actually is not really project stress, but rather undue stress as a result of poor management by my project manager. How should I put it, my project manager is quite a soft-spoken, chinchay and nice guy....too nice a guy that he doesn't really dare to make any sound nor authorise his staff to do things when some of his team member are being ridden over.....
Well, it goes like this.....there 2 Indian SME in my project which has been on consecutive 3 yrs on this project. They are actually helpful when you ask them about knowledge relating to the system. However, they are not the kind that will be willing to sacrifice time of their own to help other team members...Well things like coming in late, gg off sharp and having long tea break when the team is so tight up with work..
I have been assigned a very large new module this year. Last year there was a similar module that was launched but it was a much simplier and smaller module. btw, last yr, the work was distributed among 4 SME to do it. This year I have to do it alone esp I am quite new on this project. My prev yr lady pm could not join this project this yr as she is tight up in some other project. Although she is more detailed and strict, I actually likes the way she do things. At least she make sure team member helps one another out and that people finish their assigned task before they go home.
This lady pm came down for review 2 weeks ago and did ask the 2 Indian SME to helpout as it was too much work for this module. But the 2 Indian SME seems nonchalant...Did not even bother to review the things that I have completed 2 weeks ago until the day before it was supposed to be handover to client for review.
I got a shock of my life. The moment they take a glimpse, they said the whole format and phrasing is wrong. I refuted by saying isn't this the exact format you ask me to follow for what you all have done last yr? They replied, "NO" last yr never show to client so they can write like tat. This year need to present to client that is why cannot be in this format. I was at a loss of words....tomorrow is the deadline and today 4pm you are telling me I have to change everyting that I have done. I was still expecting them to offer some help. But "NO". They went back at 630pm. I told my current pm after they left that I was rather unhappy...All he could say was 'NO choice! Learn it the hard way". If it was the lady pm, I am sure she would make sure the others stay to help out..and not leave me alone in the office to clear up the shit...
Like I say, he was too soft and will nt stand up for the other team members who is been bullied. Before the 2 Indian SME left, he just softly say "Tomorrow help catherine to review the changes before submission".
Well, I didn't think too much at that point of time as I know I have tonnes of things to do before the the deadline which is tomorrow...and I continue to rush the changes.
Fot that last min unneccessary stress that should have never happen, I was warded in hospital for sever tummy pain, leg pain(early stage of arthritis). What can I say....poor management
I just hope that this project end soon...I was given mc till 09.09.09. But I be back to work next monday as there is so much work to do and is the final stage of the project.
I do not want to be the main cause of delay. Hopefully, I can get a backoffice job and stay off all this last min shit thing.
Thursday, August 20, 2009
20 Aug 2009 (Thu)
I am writing this blog today during my lunch time in office...
You must have find that I have MIA for sometime....
Yes...I am flooded with work ....so busy that I am so tired to practise on my piano on a weekday evening...
Yup. I have bought my Piano..is Yamaha Clavinova CLP330 as in the previous blog. Frankly after 2 weeks of using, I still prefer the sound and keys touch of classical piano which are much heavier to the touch...Shh.....I don't dare to tell KT... coz he is the one who paid 2k+ for this digital piano. But I am glad that he enjoys practising on this piano as well with a little guidance from me.
This is my 2nd month of learning piano and I feel that I am progressing a bit slow. I wonder issit because the teacher find me slow that is why she is going slowly or that is the normal speed that she usually teach her adult students...
You know what,I am actually aiming to be able to play "Jay Chou - secret" on the piano in 6months time...hopfully I can ....
That all about some updates on my piano progress.
I am so flooded with work recently that I been having frequent back and shoulder pain, headache and even insomnia...I guess that is really bad for my health.....I am dying in this proj....soooo tired....and so boring ..just imagine yourself trying to finish someting that is so boring with a tight deadline...really no motivation....
I am looking forward to the end of this project on 8Oct(Fri). ...Hehe...
You know why? I am going on a 3 weeks holiday to New York, Las Vegas, Los Angeles and San Francisco. The best part is I do not have to pay for the air ticket to US. But still got to save up a few K for holidaying expenses and shopping =P
Thanks to my darling..He had won a impact award in his company and is suppose to receive this award in the HQ at New York, Stamford. Spouse are allow to travel together on expense of the company....Muacks.....TQ my dearz...
Finally I can go US after so much talks and no action....Good for him also as I have one lesser thing to "NAG" to him...."I am really proud of you Darling".
Gosh....Got to keep my lengthy blog short...Actually I still got many things to update. Just that I have no time to do it now. Else another late night in the office for me again...Been having frequest late nights until I got no time to gym or swim...or practise piano.....Hoping for Oct to come to regain my freedom....
I am writing this blog today during my lunch time in office...
You must have find that I have MIA for sometime....
Yes...I am flooded with work ....so busy that I am so tired to practise on my piano on a weekday evening...
Yup. I have bought my Piano..is Yamaha Clavinova CLP330 as in the previous blog. Frankly after 2 weeks of using, I still prefer the sound and keys touch of classical piano which are much heavier to the touch...Shh.....I don't dare to tell KT... coz he is the one who paid 2k+ for this digital piano. But I am glad that he enjoys practising on this piano as well with a little guidance from me.
This is my 2nd month of learning piano and I feel that I am progressing a bit slow. I wonder issit because the teacher find me slow that is why she is going slowly or that is the normal speed that she usually teach her adult students...
You know what,I am actually aiming to be able to play "Jay Chou - secret" on the piano in 6months time...hopfully I can ....
That all about some updates on my piano progress.
I am so flooded with work recently that I been having frequent back and shoulder pain, headache and even insomnia...I guess that is really bad for my health.....I am dying in this proj....soooo tired....and so boring ..just imagine yourself trying to finish someting that is so boring with a tight deadline...really no motivation....
I am looking forward to the end of this project on 8Oct(Fri). ...Hehe...
You know why? I am going on a 3 weeks holiday to New York, Las Vegas, Los Angeles and San Francisco. The best part is I do not have to pay for the air ticket to US. But still got to save up a few K for holidaying expenses and shopping =P
Thanks to my darling..He had won a impact award in his company and is suppose to receive this award in the HQ at New York, Stamford. Spouse are allow to travel together on expense of the company....Muacks.....TQ my dearz...
Finally I can go US after so much talks and no action....Good for him also as I have one lesser thing to "NAG" to him...."I am really proud of you Darling".
Gosh....Got to keep my lengthy blog short...Actually I still got many things to update. Just that I have no time to do it now. Else another late night in the office for me again...Been having frequest late nights until I got no time to gym or swim...or practise piano.....Hoping for Oct to come to regain my freedom....
Monday, July 06, 2009
04th July 2009 (saturday)
Finally decided to start learning piano...something that I have been thinking about for very long..
Recently, there is a new music school that just open ard my house, as I have never like to travel far to learn, I think this is a good opportunity as is a mere 5mins drive from my house. I have paid in advance 6mths school fee up front 4 lessons a month, 45mins per lesson.
Time really pass very fast....before I know it, 45mins is up..hehe..intersting..thou a bit stress to memorise the different music notes symbol and count for a person with totally no musical backgroound....
I guess is quite important to practise at home so that you can have a feel of how the hand rythm and touch should be....Now I am contemplating if I should buy a new digital piano or a 2nd hand upright piano.....Dilemma...hw hw?
Any one with musical background can please give some advise
Pros & Cons
Digital Piano (http://www.yamaha.com/yamahavgn/CDA/ContentDetail/ModelSeriesDetail.html?CNTID=5020877&CTID=203500 )
Finally decided to start learning piano...something that I have been thinking about for very long..
Recently, there is a new music school that just open ard my house, as I have never like to travel far to learn, I think this is a good opportunity as is a mere 5mins drive from my house. I have paid in advance 6mths school fee up front 4 lessons a month, 45mins per lesson.
Time really pass very fast....before I know it, 45mins is up..hehe..intersting..thou a bit stress to memorise the different music notes symbol and count for a person with totally no musical backgroound....
I guess is quite important to practise at home so that you can have a feel of how the hand rythm and touch should be....Now I am contemplating if I should buy a new digital piano or a 2nd hand upright piano.....Dilemma...hw hw?
Any one with musical background can please give some advise
Pros & Cons
Digital Piano (http://www.yamaha.com/yamahavgn/CDA/ContentDetail/ModelSeriesDetail.html?CNTID=5020877&CTID=203500 )
- ard 2.5k for a brand new Yamaha (looking at Clavinova 330)
- No need maintenance
- Touch differnent from classical and sounds different
Upright Classical Piano
- ard 2.5k for a 2nd hand 15-20 yrs Yamaha piano
- Need to tune twice a year
- Need to own heater 24x7(costly maintenance)
- better touch and sound produce as compared to digital
- Bulky
- Touch differnent from classical and sounds different
Upright Classical Piano
- ard 2.5k for a 2nd hand 15-20 yrs Yamaha piano
- Need to tune twice a year
- Need to own heater 24x7(costly maintenance)
- better touch and sound produce as compared to digital
- Bulky
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)