Test dates

given.....

1.Ultrasound 12 April 2010 2pm

2.MCU 12 April 3.30pm

3.DMSA 28 April 10am

4. Dr Yap review 27 May 1110am


the nurse called and gave me the above dates and time.
She said the UDS slots are full so hang on... I said... best! if everything all full :P then no need any tests..... The nure must have thought this mummy was mad :P but no, mummy's not mad.... just keep the faith coz our Lord healeths Jerry :)

Please pray for good results as we approach the tests.

Urologist update

Bleah... I was kinda blown over and beaten when I brought little Jere for his check up on the 25th March. The dear dr Y decided to throw me all the tests and what nots yet again! Standard procedure I suppose.

Our appointment was 1140am and we reached there on time. but waited till 1pm still not Jere's turn. I then asked the nurse if Jere needed any routine urine test. Staff R then said ok she will go ask the dr. The minutes were ticking by and I knew I had to chase them as Nat was waiting for me in school. Though I had forewarned him that I was going to be late, I did not want to be too too late. The nurse came out soon after and said yes but asked me to wait.
I said...can I do it myself?
She said no... no.
I said ok, please hurry then, my older boy is waiting for me to fetch him from school.
Soon after, I was asked to go into the treatment room and they got ready to catheter Jere's urine out for the test.

The staff and nurse manager talking among themselves: we send for 2 la ah?
Me: what test are u going to send for? the usual standard FEME?
Staff: Probaly FEME and culture
Me: FEME can liao la. FEME results come out, normal blood count want to do culture for what?
Staff: er... mummy, we gotta ask dr first

Dr came in....
Dr: wah... mummy you bully my nurse ah? you can do the Clean Intermittent Catheter (CIC) yourself right?

Me:(almost dumbfounded) Well, I offered. Your nurse want to do herself, what can I do?

I thought it was rather strange for the Dr to greet me that way. The hospital has signs to protect their staff saying that people cannot abuse them verbally. What about the other way round?

Dr: Ok, mummy, we gotta do all the tests again. It's been about 1 year since we did any tests.

Me: errrrrr.... what tests?

Dr: (flipping thru the thick file) Ultrasound, MCU, UDS, DMSA. I will order them all for you. You make a date with my nurses ok?

Me: Must we do all of them? Can we just do the basics? Like just the ultrasound?

Dr: No, mummy. These are all the basics.

and so.....

Lined up....

1.Ultrasound
A renal ultrasound is a safe and painless test that uses sound waves to make images of the kidneys, ureters, and bladder.

The kidneys are a pair of bean-shaped organs located toward the back of the abdominal cavity, just above the waist. They remove waste products from the blood and produce urine. The ureters are thin tubes that carry the urine to the bladder.

During the examination, an ultrasound machine sends sound waves into the kidney area and images are recorded on a computer. The black-and-white images show the internal structure of the kidneys and related organs.

Why It's Done
Doctors order renal ultrasounds when there's a concern about certain types of kidney or bladder problems. In Jerry's case, a neurogenic bladder.
Renal ultrasound tests can show:

•the size of the kidneys
•signs of injury to the kidneys
•abnormalities present since birth
•the presence of blockages or kidney stones
•complications of a urinary tract infection (UTI)
•cysts or tumors

2.MCU
[1] The MCU remains essential and a primary tool for the diagnosis and evaluation of infants and young children with many genitourinary disorders, and this procedure is used to obtain specific diag­nostic information not already provided by other imaging modalities. The MCU demons­trates anatomy of both the bladder and urethra and the presence or absence of vesicouretral reflux (VUR); it also provides information about the function and co-ordination of the bladder and urethral sphincter. [2] It remains the investigation of choice for delineating the anatomy and determining the function of the lower urogenital tract.

Simply said, Jere is having an MCU to find out if he has problems with his bladder or urethra or a condition called urinary reflux. An MCU is an x-ray test of the bladder as it fills and empties. We've done this a couple of times and everytime we do this, jerry comes out in tears and traumatised. This is what they do.
He is made to lie in the "space shuttle" and gently restrained by some velcro belts.
a nurse or doctor will clean the area around the opening of the urethra (the tube from which urine passes out of the bladder) with a mild antiseptic and then insert a catheter (a soft thin plastic tube) up through the urethra and into the bladder
the catheter connects to a bottle of contrast (dye)
the bladder is slowly filled with the dye
the dye allows the bladder to be seen on x-rays
the doctor, or x-ray technologist, will take x-ray pictures while Jerry is weeing
the doctor checks these; if they are okay the catheter is removed
the solution is washed off before a final x-ray

3.UDS
A urodynamics study is a series of tests that gives the doctor a detailed look at the function of the bladder and urethra. These tests can help the doctor evaluate any problems with storing urine or voiding (eliminating) urine from the body.
The lower part of the urinary tract includes the bladder (which stores urine until you’re ready to release it) and the urethra (the canal that carries urine from the bladder out of the body). Signals from the brain tell the sphincter (muscles around the opening of the bladder) when to relax and the bladder when to contract to let urine flow out of the body.

Jere is said to Need a Urodynamics Study to assess the neurogenic bladder as he's a spina bifida baby and these children are believed to not empty their bladder completely since their urine stream seems weak and intermittent. According to the drs at his birth, the spincter is not opening when it should to release the urine

4.DMSA
A DMSA renal scan is a diagnostic imaging procedure that is used to evaluate the anatomy and physiology of the kidneys. Some radiopharmaceutical called Technetium-99m DMSA will be injected into the child's veins. After the injection, the child will be free to leave the department and will be given a time to return for imaging, typically three to four hours after the injection. This delay allows the kidneys to absorb the radiopharmaceutical. When you return, you/your child will be asked to void and imaging will begin. Imaging will be approximately 30-60 minutes. It is important that the child remain as still as possible to allow for the best possible images. Thus in a case like Jere, he gotta be put to sleep! which i do not like at all... in other words, he will be put on GA if the medicine to knock him out does not work. And of course, the child may experience the discomfort associated with the insertion of the intravenous needle. I do remember the drs could not locate Jere's vein and ended up poking him at his feet and hands all. Once the radiopharmaceutical is injected, the needle is withdrawn and a gauze bandage with adhesive tape is placed over the site of the injection. The area where the injection was given may be a little sore or rather very sore for a little child.

Came home and talked to Tim. I did not like the DMSA at all. I remember doing it when Jerry was barely one and this procedure involved injecting a nuclear medicine in and putting him in the "space shuttle". Of course, the MCU also involves the darn space shuttle too. The ultrasound is the least invasive and I really don't feel like doing anything except for the basic basic ultrasound.
Yikes!

Lord, please guide me and tim to make the best decisions for Jeremiah. We know You got plans for Jeremiah Lord. Plans to prosper, not to destroy.

Please pray for us that we will listen to God's prompting and make God-led decisions.

MCU

The little one will be having an MCU on the 27th April 2009 3.30pm . May our Good Lord send forth His Holy Spirit and guide the medical staff as they do the procedure for Jeremiah. Let it bring good news! AMEN! Please pray for positively good results. AMEN!

BLADDER WASHOUT

AGAIN!
The staff nurse just called to say jere needed another bladder washout coz his wbc was 30 and only then would they arrange his ultrasound and MCU

Does a wbc of 30 really warrant a bladder washout?????

I don't know why... but I just said NO.

Somehow, something in me questions... bladder washout no pressure? with the syringe pumping in the saline and drawing out the saline.

Somehow, I am a little sceptical about the whole management when I hear of this bladder washout thing.

The last I blogged about bladder washouts was some October. Last December, Jere came down with infection again. Jere went into hospital for a routine check which ended up with his urine having a high wbc again. That was a Thursday when we did a urine test. Then we were instructed to go to the hospital on Friday for a bladder washout and stay 3 hours and do another urine test. I felt that it was a little questionable as after a washout, i am sure the urine would be clear. NO? The attending dr insisted. I hung out in the hospital then returned to the children surgery centre again 3 hours later to catheter some urine for a retest. I asked the nurse as she was drawing out the urine whether would it be accurate, she then assured me yes. I then thought alright, maybe the medical professionals know their stuff. Jere had his urine drawn out and we went home. That very afternoon, they called us and said urine test cleared. We were so happy. Then the weekend passed. Monday, the hospital called and said "We sent the Thursday urine for culture and indeed there is an infection so please come and get the necessary medication and do some more bladder washouts. I thought it was so so strange. If they had wanted to treat Jere based on Thursday's urine, why should they bother to make us do another retest on Friday? Money is secondary, it was both stressful for Jere to stay so long in the hospital and also it was really draining for me too. What exactly were they thinking? Do they thiink through the process or they just give whatever orders that spins off their head? When I asked the nurse why had they make Jere do another urine test on Friday if they had wanted to base the treatment on Thursday urine test. The nurse kept quiet.

I really really can't understand the management of this whole thing at all.

Lord, make me a channel of your peace.
I'm tired. Lord, take over.

Make me a channel of your peace,
Where there is hatred, let me bring Your love,
Where there is injury, Your pardon Lord,
And where there's doubt, true faith in You

Oh Master, grant that I may never seek,
So much to be consoled as to console,
To be understood, as to understand,
To be loved, as to love with all my soul

Make me a channel of your peace,
Where there's despair in life let me bring hope,
Where there is darkness, let me bring light,
And where there's sadness, bring Your joy

Oh Master, grant that I may never seek,
So much to be consoled as to console,
To be understood, as to understand,
To be loved, as to love with all my soul

Make me a channel of your peace,
Where there's despair in life let me bring hope,
Where there is darkness, let me bring Your light,
And where there's sadness, bring Your joy

Oh Master, grant that I may never seek,
So much to be consoled as to console,
To be understood, as to understand,
To be loved, as to love with all my soul

Make me a channel of your peace,
For when we give, we will ourselves receive
It is in pardoning that we are pardoned
And in dying that we gain eternal life
And in dying that we gain eternal life

The Clean Intermittent Catheterisation (CIC) Training II

Today is Wednesday 18th February.

I thought long and hard.

Jere had physical program at Clouds of Praise today.

Should I go to the hospital for the CIC training?

I was really quite at a loss. To go or not to go?

Me to the helper: (sigh) Gina dear, should we go?

Gina: I don't know m'am, it's up to you.

Me: ok let's just get ready and see how.

We got ourselves ready and got out of the house.

At the train station, I was still quite reluctant to go.
Me: How? Gina, How?

I think only God has the answer for me. Yes, I know that and I haven't been reading His word enough that's why I am so lost.

Jeremiah, on the other hand was very very focused. Along the way, as we passed neighbours, not one but two, he had the same answer to the question. Everytime a neighbour asked, "Where are you going?",
he would very consistently reply," 我要常在基" ( I want to always remain in the Lord)which is his way of calling the Clouds of Praise coz the first thing he learnt there was "我要常在基督内喜乐因这喜乐是我的力量" (I want to always remain in the joy of the Lord for the joy of the Lord is my strength)

However, Jeremiah was a really good boy. When I asked him, can we go to the hospital first to take out your ssh sshh (urine)?
Jere replied, " Yes, coz i am a good boy. Not naughty boy."

We reached the hospital, this time, another staff nurse assisted us. She then asked Gina to try her hand at it. Gina seemed a little nervous but tried to do it. Jere was very cooperative. Gina washed her hands, prepared the cotton swaps with chlorehexidine (sp?) then our dear nurse said she wanted to send the urine for test. I found it rather strange that if she had wanted the urine for test, shouldn't the professional do the job in case we may not do it right and cause any contamination or do anything wrong? The staff nurse said never mind and my helper, Gina could do it and the urine collected can be sent for test. Gina carefully inserted the catheter. There was very little urine collected. Probably just a teaspoon. Then, when we thought it was done, and the catheter should be removed from the penis, the staff nurse suddenly took out her pen and wrote on the paper towel that Jere was lying on, telling us that if we started the CIC, we had to keep a chart and she started drawing a chart on the paper towel with me trying to keep Jere's hands off the catheter as he was trying to pull off the thing stuck in his penis. Finally, I couldn't take it anymore, I told the staff nurse,
"Can we not remove the catheter first before you start explaining whatever chart we have to keep and draw it on proper paper so we can keep and have a better understanding?"
Then it suddenly dawned upon the nurse that the catheter was still in the penis. *sigh* Did she not realise that there is something stuck to someone's private? I wonder.

Then, we were told to go to the counter to pay.The cost was $19.50. I enquired why so and the staff nurse then said $12.50 for the CIC and $7 for the urine test. I was a little baffled as I thought I was told that when we did it we won't be charged. I had to ask them to clarify and the staff nurse said,

"You used our facilities and supplies."

I really wasn't warned how much it was all gonna cost us when they were advising us to do the daily CIC thing. It's not so much of the cost of $12.50 but I really think that maybe I would feel more at peace not doing this catheter thing and giving the money as offering. Really, we should have been advised what were the costs involved especially so when I had said I liked the professionals i.e. the nurses to do the demo for 1 week and I would do it for another week before I start to do it myself at home. While we can still afford, that's fine but they said they will hold our hand till we are confident enough. Seriously, that did not sound like there was any costs involved or maybe I'm just too naive. Maybe they should have re phrase it to "We will hold your hand till you are confident enough but we will also charge accordingly." The dr even asked what was holding us back and if we needed a social worker to see us at a point when we were refusing to do the daily CIC.

Maybe a CIC support group should be formed and some nurse volunteer would help to do demo for free was my idea of holding hand. Instructing and advising the parents or caregivers along the way in terms of buying whatever supplies and as for facilities, how much of the water are we using to wash our hands? or how much more lights are we using or bed? This is what I call holding hands. This is a government hospital. A public hospital so to speak.

These people are not in the situation. They have healthy children. Do they really care about how much we are paying in our whole management of our special little one? Do they care about the costs that we incur all the time? Come on, where is the compassion here? I am sure with each CIC demo done by the nurses would not mean commission to the nurse and it does not mean that the bed or lights are not gonna be there if we were not there. Really, I just can't understand this whole thing. What's more we have been and still are a patient there and this is a public hospital. What send social worker to speak to us? You need not give us money by the hundreds or thousands but just a simple act of compassion, is it that difficult? Must everything be so bureaucratic?

Pray our good Lord leads and guides Jere's attending drs and nurses. Pray that our Lord lead me to make the right decisions for Jere. AMEN!

Praise the Lord!

Gone is the fever! Gone is the infection! Jere did a repeat urine test on Thursday 6th November and the nurse called back saying "Jeremiah mummy, the results is out, no more infection."

My reply "PRAISE THE LORD!"

ALL GLORY AND HONOUR TO OUR LORD GOD FOREVER!!!!! AMEN!!!!

The Results

Sunday and Monday passed. The nurses said they don't open on Sunday and Monday is a public holiday so I could only get the results on Tues and they would call then. Came Tuesday morning, first thing I called KKH. Nisha first spoke to me. Passed me to Shikin and said that there is bacteria growth in the urine culture and it's an urgent and serious case. Note the words URGENT AND SERIOUS they used. Then she continued to ask when will you be free to come down? I replied if it was urgent and serious, why do you ask me when will you be free to come down? Shouldn't I be attended to immediately?

Shikin: Oh, then you can come down immediately if you can but you won't be attended by Dr Y ( the dr that Jere had been seeing all along) You will be attended to by the attending dr. Dr Y has instructed a bladder wash out, an indwelling catheter for 5-7 days and a change of antibiotics.

Me: What? What's a bladder washout ?(quite intimidated by the term)

Shikin: It's nothing really. It's just putting the catheter in, putting saline in and flushing out the bladder.

Me: What's the in dwelling catheter about?

Shikin: Dr Y said gotta put the catheter in and leave it there for at least 5 days.

Me: When can I see Dr Y so that I can hear from her what is going on?

Shikin: Thursday is the earliest.

Me: so if it's that serious and urgent, can we wait till thurs?

Shikin: If you can come down now then no need wait till Thurs. if Not, we wait till thurs. it depends on you mummy.

Me: what do you mean depends on me if it is urgent and serious? can it depend on me?

Shikin: Thurs is only 2 days.

Me: I really don't quite understand this. One hand you tell me urgent and serious. then you tell me depend on me and wait.

Shikin: hold on...

I heard a different voice saying hello.

Me: Hello hello, who is this?

Nisha: this is Nisha.

Me: What's going on? you guys juz pass me here and there.... Ok, Can you fax me the results and let me see?

Nisha: Results are private and confidential.

Me: What do you mean private and confidential? I'm the mother and I am requesting for it.

Nisha: You can come down personally to get it.

Me: ok I will do that

I hung up. Fear has certainly gotten a part of me with the words URGENT AND SERIOUS. I called Tim immediately and asked him how? what's the next course of action? I sms my prayer loop straightaway with the update.I told Tim I was not quite comfortable to go to KKH straightaway as an in dwelling catheter (IDC) means to be warded and how can a baby deal with an IDC? I said I like to go and retrieve the results and go seek a second opinion with the paedaetrician. Tim agreed.I hung up with Tim and still not quite satisfied, I called KKH again. This time, I asked to speak to Staff Zhang and asked what exactly is going on. Staff Zhang was more informative. She told me what was the name of the bacteria growth - enterococcus faecalis and what it was responsive to - amoxy and augmentin so that's why the call to change of antibiotics and she also explained that neurogenic bladder kids would usually do the bladder washout and not normal kids. Then I told her I was not comfortable with the IDC and won't do that. She said ok, she will inform Dr Y and asked me first to go down and do the wash out and get the antibiotics.

Now, I was confused. Should I go down and do the washout? Or should I wait till Dr Y explain to me? I called Tim again. Tim said to go to Mt A to seek our paed opinion and treatment of antibiotics. Tim said if we were to go to KKH now, we may well be warded immediately.

KKH or MT A?

Bernard from Clouds of Praise returned the sms saying he like to visit Jere. I told him I was heading to hospital and he said he will be arriving soon so I waited.

Bernard arrived soon and prayed over Jere and asked me what's my course of action. I told him I was thinking of a second opinion and he said LET'S GO and he would fetch me there.

Quickly I changed and rushed down to Mt A to see Dr Simon.

Dr Simon heard the whole story and ordered another urine test to see if the wbc was on a downward trend. He then said the good thing is Jere is looking well and happy. Then this time I called KKH again to ask if they could fax me the results and God bless, they did. Dr Simon then prescribed the Augmentin for me and Tim said to stay with Dr Simon's treatment till we see Dr Y on Thurs.

So Jere's now on Augmentin.

Will update again.

Thank you Lord for leading us to Mt A. I know you sent your angel to lead us there.

Meantime, please pray for Jere's protection and that we take the right course of action. Also that the doctors and nurses be blessed and guided when we see them again especially the doctors and nurses at KKH children surgery centre. AMEN.

Saturday.... Results????

I tried to call all morning but no one answered the phone.

Lord, I come to you in Jesus' name and submit Jeremiah to You. Jeremiah's our beautiful gift from You, Father. Thank you Lord for this precious gift of this child. Lord, I know that You have given Jeremiah to me to care for and raise. Help me then Lord to do that. Show me places where I continue to hang on for him and enable me to release him into your care and protection. Help me Lord not to live in fear of possible dangers, but in the joy and peace of knowing that You are in control and this day I release my child, Jeremiah into Your hands and trust my child to You. I know that You are in control Lord. You alone know what is best for him. You alone know what he needs. I commit myself to pray for everything concerning him that I can think of or that You put upon my heart. Teach me then Lord how to pray and guide me in what to pray about. Help me not to impose my own will but Yours be done in his life when I'm praying for Jeremiah.
I thank You Father that I don't have to rely on the world's unreliable and ever-changing methods for child rearing but that I can have clear directions from Your Word and wisdom as I pray to You for answers.
Thank You Lord. Praise you Lord! AMEN!

Somehow, I feel a kinda peace. I think this peace would not have descended upon me if I had not released it to God and ask Him to be in charge. I thank you all you prayer partners that have been with me.

You shall go out with joy and be led forth with peace
the mountains and the hills shall break forth before you
there'll be shouts of joy
and all the trees of the fields
will clap will clap their hands ...


and all the trees of the fields will clap their hands
the trees of the fields will clap their hands (2X)
will clap will clap their hands ...

Yes. God will make a way.

This just released me to see to the rest of the things I so needed to do. Today's Korkor Nat's graduation! Gotta run to Nat's Graduation!
Yes! God is in control.

He can turn the tides and calm the angry seas.

Yes. He can be everywhere, know everything. and He will take care of Jere. Thank You Lord. Jere will be well! AMEN!

Friday.... Results?

No one called all day. It was 4 plus in the evening and I figured I had better call or they would call it a day at 5pm.

I called and got through to Staff Zhang. I hung on the line as she traced the records.

Staff Zhang: The culture is still not out. The second test showed even higher count of white blood cells.

Me: what is the number?

Staff Zhang: The first was 500 plus and the second is 2000 plus. The culture test is still not out.

Me: ok thanks.

no... that's certainly not what I like to hear.
Quickly, I smsed all my dear brothers in sisters in Christ to storm heaven for protection upon this precious child, Jeremiah.

Lord, I lift Jeremiah up to You and ask that You would put a hedge of protection around him. Protect his spirit, body, mind and emotions from any kind of evil or harm. I pray specifically for protection from accidents, disease, injury, or any other physical, mental, or emotional abuse. I pray that he will make his refuge in the shadow of your wings untill those calamities have passed by (Psalm 57:1). Hide him from any kind of evil influences that would come against him. Keep him safe from any hidden dangers and let no weapon form against him be able to prosper.
Thank You Lord for Your many promises of protection. Help Jere to walk in Your ways and in obedience to Your will so that he never comes out from under the umbrella of protection. Keep Jere safe in all he does and wherever he goes. In Jesus' name I pray.
AMEN!

ON EAGLE'S WINGS

You who dwell in the shelter of the Lord,
who abide in His shadow for life,
say to the Lord: "My refuge, my rock in whom I trust!"

Refrain: And He will raise you up on eagles’ wings,
bear you on the breath of dawn,
make you to shine like the sun,
and hold you in the palm of His hand.

The snare of the fowler will never capture you,
and famine will bring you no fear:
under His wings your refuge, His faithfulness your shield.

Refrain: And He will raise you up on eagles’ wings,
bear you on the breath of dawn,
make you to shine like the sun,
and hold you in the palm of His hand.

You need not fear the terror of the night,
nor the arrow that flies by day;
though thousands fall about you, near you it shall not come.

Refrain: And He will raise you up on eagles’ wings,
bear you on the breath of dawn,
make you to shine like the sun,
and hold you in the palm of His hand.

For to His angels He's given a command
to guard you in all of your ways;
upon their hands they will bear you up,
lest you dash your foot against a stone.

Refrain: And He will raise you up on eagles’ wings,
bear you on the breath of dawn,
make you to shine like the sun,
and hold you in the palm of His hand

Our Urologist Appointment

Thursday came and I headed to KKH with Jere, calling the dear husband before I left the house to meet me there as the last appointment, this doctor had threatened to have me up for neglect and abuse. Not that I am guilty as charged, but I don't quite enjoy being abused by her especially in Jere's presence as Jere is such a sensitive child that he knows when I am hurt.

I reached the hospital about 1215pm but Tim was still not there. I prayed that Tim would reach in time and the doctor would be kind. I sat down with Jere and fed him some cereal at the same time saying my rosary, as frankly, I know I can't get thru the doctor's office without God's protection.

After about half an hour, Jeremiah's name was called. I was a little apprehensive about going in there alone as Tim had not reach. Nevertheless, I went in.

Small talk
Me: (upon entering the dr's office) Hello dr. Jere, say hello Dr.
Dr Y: Hello Jeremy, How are you?
Me: (prompting Jere) Jere, HOW A....R....E YOU?
Jere tends to get confused between How are you questions and How old are you? :P
Jere: Good. Fine thank you.
Dr Y: How old are you now?
Me: Jere, HOW O...L.....D are you? (emphasising the OLD)
Jere: TWO.... YEARS OLD
Dr Y: No, la...You're more than that right? (flipping her case notes to check Jere's exact age.) So how mummy? Are you ready to CIC (Clean Intermittent Catheterisation)?
Jere looked a little confused. Come on Doc, give the child a break....Surely you don't expect the 2 yr old to tell you 2 yr 3 months right?
Dr Y: (at her nurse manager)Can you measure his head circumference? (looking at his head with disapproval as if it was really big)

Yeah... it was strange that a nurse manager was in the office. probably because of the drama the dr created last time threatening to have me up for neglect and abuse and i broke down so bad till Tim marched into the dr's office demanding to know what exactly she had done.)

Me: Dr, Dr Janice Wong, the neurologist is monitoring his head circumference and it's fine.

Dr Y: How long ago is that?

Me: It's really recent. Maybe just some weeks ago.

Dr Y: ( still quite unbelievingly flipping her case notes, looking at the june date) no... that's months ago...

Me: No Dr, I am sure it's quite recent. Please look properly. ( almost wanting to turn the page for her)

Dr Y: (turned the page) oh yes, just in September. 52.5cm. (looking at her nurse manager)

Nurse Manager G: Yes, 52.5cm.

Speaking Blessings
Dr Y: ok, can you put him on the bed for me to check?
Me: Sure. Jere, can mummy put you on the bed for dr to check?
Jere nodded.
I put Jere on the bed, took out his diapers and then waited for the dr to come over.
Then Dr Y walked over, looked at Jere.
Dr Y: Come! Let me see how bad you have become (almost immediately catching herself) I mean let me see how good you are.
Usually whenever our dear dr spoke a curse, I would correct her curse into a blessing. This time, the Lord went before me and blessed our dear doctor and reminded her to speak a blessing :)

Daddy arrives!
Just then, a knock was heard on the door and my dear husband Tim entered. THANK YOU LORD!
Dr Y: Hello Daddy! so how? Are you ready to do the CIC?
Tim: No Dr. but if we are ready when would it be?
Dr Y: (grabbing the opportunity immediately) OH DADDY! IT'S WONDERFUL YOU AGREED.
Tim: No! NO! DR, I HAVEN'T AGREED. I am just asking IF.
Dr Y: (looking at her nurse) DADDY HAS AGREED! (starts writing on her case notes Daddy agrees to CIC)
Dr Y probably never would have thought I would have remembered what went on in that room and document every part of it.
Dr Y: SO when you wanna start? now?
Tim: No, Dr. I am not ready. I will pray about it and when I have peace , I will let you know when the holy spirit prompts me.
Dr Y: No Daddy, you agreed. You just come in and we will train you. We will hold your hand till you are confident. what about next tues?
I glared at Tim.
Tim: No Dr. I am not ready.
Me: Well, Dr, I have seen how this CIC is being done. Maybe, we can arrange for daddy to see how it's done and we'll see?
Dr Y: Great! So when should we do it? Next tues? ok. I put you on next tues? Has Jere had any infections so far? Have you been giving him his antibiotics?
Me: No. no infections. Praise God!
Dr Y: (looking at her case notes) it's been a long time since you did a urine test. Shall we order for one now? How? You wanna do it now? or you wanna go home and catch it?
Usually last time, I would catch it at home and bring it straight to the hospital.
Me: Dr, since you wanna show daddy how to do the catheter, why don't you CIC out a sample for your test?
Dr Y: Great! That's a good idea. He has not had any infections right? You been giving him his antibiotics right?
Me: No. No infections.
Dr Y: When we start the CIC, you must give him the antibiotics properly coz higher chance of infection.
Me: (looking at Tim) means we gotta start giving him the antibiotics again? I have actually weaned Jere off his antibiotics for a good 3 months.

I did not like the idea of Jere being on daily antibiotics so I slowly weaned him off and just prayed for protection everyday. Yeah. Some of you probably think I am such a fool. But really, in the Lord I trust. If you asked me to take risks such as investing in stocks and shares, my risk appetite is not that great for that :P

Dr Y stared at me, quite shocked that I took such a risk.
Dr Y: then today we cant do the catheter since you did not give him any antibiotics.we'll just catch a mid stream and you come back later we will show daddy how to CIC.
Me: what do you mean? If you gonna show daddy later how to do the catheter thing, you might as well CIC the sample now to send for test and we need not come back later.

Just how do they work, I couldn't quite comprehend.

Dr Y: No no... come! (looking at her nurse) attach a urine bag for him to collect the urine sample. (looking at Tim and me) you guys go for your lunch coz the urine test will take about an hour. then you come back after your lunch and we do the catheter.

Me: (still not quite understanding) WHY? WHY CANT YOU CATHETER NOW THE URINE SAMPLE? DADDY IS HERE AND HE CAN SEE YOU GUYS DO IT AND YOU GUYS GET A CLEANER SAMPLE.

DR Y and the nurses: NO NO.... almost echoing each other.

They sent us to the treatment room and there they started to attach the urine bag and told us to either wait there for Jere to pee or go take a walk till he pees. I then asked them again why can't they catheter straight and they just refused me. I surrendered. I went to get Jere water to drink to fill his bladder so that he would pee quickly for them as i was almost starving as It was already almost 2pm. The nurses walked out of the room. Jere then tore out the urine bag and peed out of the urine bag. Oops! I shouted for the nurse and the nurse came back to re attach the bag. It wasn't long before Jere peed. Then we left for our lunch.

I told Tim let's get out of here for lunch so we headed to Novena Square. Just as we were in the middle of our lunch, my mobile rang. It was about 3.30pm.

Nurse: Mummy, Jeremiah's urine test is not so good. You guys must come back for us to catheter another sample.

Me: huh? what do you mean? how come just now ask you all to catheter, you all don't want and now ask me to come back to catheter?

Nurse: errr... mummy, you just come back for us to catheter, the dr will explain to you. ok. just come back as soon as you can.

the line went dead.

I looked at tim.
Me: Did you hear that? the urine test is no good and they are asking us to go back to catheter a sample now. I just don't understand why they just wont catheter in the first place just now.

Tim gave a resigned shrug.

I quickly finished feeding Jere and we headed back to the hospital. We headed straight to the nurses' office.
When I saw the nurse manager, I asked her why didn't they do it earlier as I requested and she looked at the wall, looked at the floor, looked at the ceiling but just refused to looked at me, giving me a sheepish answer of.... "yes yes... wait wait we will do it."
I was a little miffed and asked again " I AM ASKING WHY YOU GUYS WON'T DO IT JUST NOW AND NOW YOU WANNA DO IT? WHAT'S THE REASON MAY I ASK?"
The dear nurse manager walked off, saying, "We'll call you when we are ready to do for you."
I was left stranded there carrying Jere.
Finally after a good 20 minutes or so, one of the nurses came out of the room and said, "ok we'll catheter him now"
I carried Jere in and continued to ask the nurses. There was was one senior staff nurse, one nurse and one manager and all of them just simply ignored my question.
Finally, I gave up and said, "I wanna see the Dr. I wanna know WHY JUST NOW I ASKED YOU GUYS TO CATHETER YOU REFUSED AND NOW YOU ASKED ME BACK TO CATHETER. IS THERE ANY SPECIFIC REASON."
The senior staff nurse then said, "Ok, we will get the dr to speak to you"
We finished the catheter session and waiting another good 20 minutes or so, we were back into Dr Y's office.

Me: Dr, WHY JUST NOW I ASKED YOU GUYS TO CATHETER YOU REFUSED AND NOW YOU ASKED ME BACK TO CATHETER. IS THERE ANY SPECIFIC REASON?

Dr Y: Oh... we were afraid to scare you off then you would not return for us to teach you to catheter....

Me: No, Dr. I asked you several times to straight away catheter so that we need not return.

Dr Y: I know you are very scared of the catheter so I don't want to scare you off.

Me: What are you talking Dr? (getting a little exasperated) I gave permission just now to catheter. Why didn't you all do it straight? Instead you wanted to use the urine bag and asked us back to catheter?

Dr Y: (flipping her case notes) The last times when we did the urine test, you did not do catheter and the tests were fine so there's no necessity to do a catheter.

Me: (getting a little confused) then why do you ask me to catheter every 4 hourly?

Dr Y: I asked you to catheter to drain the bladder.... not to get a urine sample.

Me: but since you wanna catheter, why can't you catheter to get the sample?

Dr Y: oh ok. if that's what you want next time, we will catheter ok?

Me: Dr, that's not what I am asking for. I am asking why? the reason WHY JUST NOW I ASKED YOU GUYS TO CATHETER YOU REFUSED AND NOW YOU ASKED ME BACK TO CATHETER. IS THERE ANY SPECIFIC REASON?

Dr Y: The last times when we did the urine test, you did not do catheter and the tests were fine so there's no necessity to do a catheter

Me: No Dr. THat's not what I am asking about.....

Dr Y: okok i put a note here... next time we want a urine sample, we catheter....

Me: That's not what I am asking about.... I am asking why? the reason WHY JUST NOW I ASKED YOU GUYS TO CATHETER YOU REFUSED AND NOW YOU ASKED ME BACK TO CATHETER. IS THERE ANY SPECIFIC REASON?

Dr Y: The last times when we did the urine test, you did not do catheter and the tests were fine so there's no necessity to do a catheter.

Me: (giving up) Arrrrrgghhhhh.... forget it! That's a lame and definitely not a reason. You are not answering to my question.

Dr Y: ok mummy. I gotta double you dosage of the antibiotic now. if there is any fever, please come in straight to the A & E. we will then put in an in dwelling catheter and.....

Tim: (cutting the dr short) IT WILL NOT HAPPEN.

Dr Y: ok, please go and ask the pharmacist to calculate for you how much of the antibiotics you must take now. We will trace the next urine test. This urine test shows a high white blood cell count of 500 plus when usual level should be 0-10. We will call you tomorrow or sat. If it's good, results should be out tomorrow. if not good, maybe sat or next tues. we don't work on sunday and monday. if any case just come in straight to A & E. hopefully the antibiotics would help.

Me: Please call us no matter what is the results.

The nurses agreed.

Not quite convinced, I got their number.

We left the room and headed to pharmacy.

Please pray for Jere's white blood cell count to return to normal.