MEASLES BACK WITH A VENGENCE !!!!!!

Guess it's only right I start blogging about things I'm passionate about.....And I think creating awareness is really important to me .

In Malaysia Measles is given as part of MMR vaccine (Mumps , measles and rubella) at 12months , in Sabah because previously the large number of cases measles was given in a single dose at 6months , then later MMR at 12months

It's scary that people are underestimating the severity of diseases these days , we're going backwards in helathcare , what used to be an unheard of and not so easily seen disease is making it's rounds back again.

Why you may ask...well it's all about the concept of  herd immunity

It's a simple concept , if you have enough numbers of people vaccinated , the young children ,especially gets protected , there is a break now because people are not vaccinating , many 'groups' have come out with their own theories which are not supported medically or scientifically . It's sad that the sufferers are the young ones.....

Linking my facebook post because we've seen an increase in the number of cases in the Klang Valley and Selangor since early this year , 100+ confirmed cases and many unreported , currently there's almost an outbreak at our hospital with a special measles ward....

MEASLES IS BACK!!!!!

Complications of measles

The younger the child the worse the COMPLICATIONS

• HIGH FEVER
• SEVERE DIARRHOEA
• PNEUMONIA
• DEHYDRATION
• BLINDNESS

SEVERE MEASLES RASH
source  - AAP press room photos

So don't think twice vaccinate your're child now ,

  CHILDREN DESERVE A CHANCE TO LIVE , say no to anti-vaccine

Find out more about vaccination from you're local paediatricians and doctors

She's Back ☺

Hello everyone  ,

I can't😆  believe  I hadn't  written  for 3years...So much has happened  ....Felt sad i wasn't  blogging  and it was my bad

well here i am , not sure why the sudden impulsion but I guess penning down  you're

thoughts  are better  than  keeping  them in......Haven't  decided  if i'm just  going to talk

about  the  present our summarise the  past  but we'll  just  have  to wait and see now  don't

we.....

So on to  new begginings which  i'm excited  to start....weeee😊

And tht's how happy we are 

IT's Women's Day again :))

Lately i'v been handling quite a few teenage rape cases,single unmarried mothers,some dutifully waiting for the guy to one day marry her,some wanting to give the child away for adoption.Each and every one of them have reason's for deciding the fate of their child,it is not for us to judge,because simply we wouldnt know how it feels like to be in their position ,no matter what it's their choice as long as their old enough to take responsibilities for their action.

Belawai beach March 2012

But what still saddens me is the attitude of our community in not wanting to report a rape case,covering it,giving excuses for such action,that simply isnt right,it was not her doing that she was drugged and impregnated,why should she be the one to bear the consequences??? What happens to her school life,her future,the emotional trauma she has to undergo,would she ever lead a good life later.Yes there are still lots of unreported cases worldwide,despite the fact women are becoming more empowered they still face many many obstacles,society,culture, especially in developing and 3rd world countries....

So i'm not going to ask or tell others,i shall make a personal resolution to myself to help as much as i can,to listen to the needs,be more patient and understanding and hopefully do some good if i'm able to.

My boyfriend and soon to be husband sent me a lovely text today,it brought me to tears(my chemo patient's were a bit confused why i was the one tearing,when it's usually them when they get poked)i'm so glad and i'l forever be grateful to GOD for helping me find a guy who not only loves me more then i would ever love myself,who respects me that much more...thank you love....

Love You :))

So to all the fantastic women out there Happy Women's Day - We've come a long way,we've done quite a bit,we've fought,and we're still fighting,and we shall continue to do so:)

No Birth Cert No Fly,No Op

I cant believe how ridiculous this is.We had a patient today from Belaga , very very interior in the Kapit division,who doesnt own a birth cert,even his parents doesnt,it may come as a surprise to you but really it's still quite common here.

He was scheduled for an heart op in IJN,so naturally in order to fly over and for the expenses there he would require a birth cert or at least a letter from the tuai rumah stating that his family is actually a malaysian citizen.But the funny thing is his old tuai rumah had passed on and the new one just refused to help,hmmm.We were actually in quite a predicament, in the first place it's so difficult to get a operation slot and the flight tickets were booked then cancelled,all sorts of unnecessary expences.

Batang Ai at sunset

We found the whole thing really ridiculous,he was born in a government hospital,checked by a government doctor,had an under-7 card during his delivery,yet we couldnt prove his identity.It's a good thing my specialist and bosses spoke to the concerned YB od the place and we managed to get things settled,otherwise he would be another  denied of seeking treatment which rightfully he deserves as a citizen.

This is just an example of how despite the rest of the country progressing,everyone is suppose to get equal chance at health,it isnt so.The children in Sabah and Sarawak are not candidates for liver transplants only because of the logistics and it's next to impossible for them to come for follow-up despite being able to do the operation,it's really sad wouldnt you agree.Don't they have equal rights just like every single one of us.

Batang ai dam Sarawak

When we send our patients for future follow-up or when they're being discharged there's so much for us to look into,there is another patient of mine who stays interior of Kapit as well. Their journey to Kuching for follow-up includes having to take an express boat from their place to a logging camp,that too depending on the weather,then follow the logging camp company truck for another 2hours to reach Kapit town,stay a day there wherever they can,take a 3hour boat ride to Sibu,then another 6hours bus to Kuching,and mind you this is only for one follow-up.Imagine the cost of travelling,what about if they're really sick....It doesnt suprise us when they say they had enough,who wouldn.....


"IT'S UP TO ALL OF US TO CHANGE , HELP WHERE WE CAN AND TO STOP POINTING FINGERS AT ONE ANOTHER" , CHANGE DOESNT HAPPEN OVERNIGHT BUT IT HAS TO START SOMEWHERE  :))           - Sangeetha Siniah-

2012

HAPPY NEW YEAR !!!!!!!!

Pangkor - Countdown 2012

Cheers to a new year filled with love,joy,hope and new beginnings

To new beginnings.....And 7 months later.....

Where did 2011 go??the question we ask ourself every year without fail,hardly a blink and it's almost a year,feels like yesterday i was in Mukah celebrating new year and now it's almost ending.This year will definately go down in my history,such an important one,A very dear long lost friend turned out to be the guy of my dreams,the person i'm going to spend my whole life with.Am i scared,am i sure people ask???hell no,i'm not scared,not even a little,i'm honestly looking forward to a new chapter of my life.Sometimes it's really just meant to be.I'm just so lucky i found a guy i thought would not exist,he's terribly sweet,kind and the most important thing is he loves me so much,i know he'l do anything for me,and so would I :)

Career wise,cant believe i'v been in paediatrics for a year,passed my exam,more to come though,still so much to learn,but slowly absorbing,making baby steps improvement in knowledge,i'm so happy,it truly is fullflling seeing the patients you treat walk back home,or the one's who were scared of you in the beginning cling on laugh at the stupid noises and faces we make and give that sweet innocent smile,ahhhh,how could anyone resists,especially the 4year olds ;P

I ran a marathon,haha it's only a quarter,but still it's a start,finished it and even won something in the process:)Will try harder for another run next year,see if i can make it for the half marathon....

I managed to see more places,some just local but it's still places i hadn't been,aiming for more next year,even if it's only in Sarawak.

I'm glad things happened how it was supposed to happen,i know i cant turn back time,and i think i don't really want to as well.Next year is going to be wonderful,new starts,lovely first's,good times and bad times are going to be spent together.I cant wait.....

For now i'm just really looking forward to spend my new year holiday with the one i want to grow old with :)) Merry christmas and a Happy New Year !!!!!

At batang Ai

And He's The One ????

Well you don’t know or put it this way you would never know,or then again would you??For years I’v always been bombarded/heard/discussed this,never really found the answer though.I love my romance novels,everyone expects the guys to come out like that,hmmm but do we ever find one in the real life???

So then early this January I met an old form six friend,we’d found each other last year thanks to facebook,did keep in touch a bit,and I was really curious about him because the last we met was over 7years back.I guess that was because I went to med school and india and he was here, so circumstances were such we just lost touch.Really wanted to meet him last year but was really busy with work and could only finally see him in January.

We met in Starbucks(yummy coffee), was actually on my study break,I admit I was nervous,I mean we’ve all grown up but meeting someone new is always something very intriguing,all these thoughts go in your head,what’l he think of you,do I look alright.But yeah when I saw him,it was a whoa moment.We had a wonderful dinner,managed to catch up on everything we missed this last 7years,and it was just amazing that there was this chemistry…..

Hmmm,now comes the scary part,I would know much later that this guy has liked me for 11years,till this day I think that’s something just crazy,way out of this world,I mean who on earth can like someone so much for that long.But the thing is I kinda knew that was the truth because he had something of mine from 11years back,something only a few people would know and keep,but it means a lot to me.All those times we dated other people,fell in and out of love,grew up,matured a lot but the most important thing was we both learnt to love and be happy and comfortable with ourselves first and only then this came by,just feels like it’s the right time……

So yeah from there despite the fact I was in sibu and he was in KL we managed to see each other at least once a month,he had work,I had work,we were both busy, but we found time to spend with one another.There was the phone calls,facebook messages,small things,things I’l always rememeber .

Eventually he asked me officially(ahhh May24 at Café Barbara-Coffee again)and I said yes,seriously who wouldn’t,he made me his number one priority,he got me a book  copywritten under my name(I found out much later),he’s always been honest,I know what a very  strong and a terribly loving person he can be,so even though I’m 11years too late I’m being very selfish in saying I’m so happy and lucky it was me.It’s something I never expected,never thought possible but it’s here and I’m greedily just sucking it all up,he always says it’l get better,and I’m always saying NO it won’t :P.When someone asked me so Sang is he the one??I didn’t hesitate when I said…….yes :) You see you’l just know it,at least that’s how I felt

So yes you know who you are,thank you for coming into my life and for loving me,we’re going to have a great number of years together.HAPPY 100 days love !!! It's only the beginning :))

the liquidator&the doctor

My Two Cent's On Housemanship

These day's when i go to work my bosses,colleagues keep complaining about housemans.Even in the news,medical blogs.I guess times are different,there are a whole lot of them now as compared to before.But the thing is just by complaining are we really solving anything??

I think even most of us forget that housemanship is the time they're actually suppose to be learning as well,sometimes i don't think we're teaching enough or even setting a good example's.I believe a good houseman would make a good MO and a good MO would make a good specialist,respect has to be earned if people don't respect you, stop pointing fingers,reflect on yourself first.Contrary to what people think,being a doctor is definately not the toughest job in the the world,especially these days,it's just because generally we have been used to having an easy life,mum and dad always around,and suddenly we're on our own,making life changing decisions,working long hours(it doesnt help with all the private medical schoold mushrooming of course).

It's tough yes,the long hours,no food at times,being at the bottom of the whole work pyramid.But it's not impossible.Remember what doesn't kill you will only make you stronger.

I'm happy that there are a few new doctor's who are reading my blog,i really hope it helps and inspires them a little, because i know it's a really long process that2years, that is if one does not get extended,but the thing is life's tough as well,every single stage of it.I mean if you have gone through 5years of medical school i'm sure you can do this as well.Just learn as much,don't be afraid to leave home and work somewhere else

And the most important thing that would get you through those long hours,on-calls is empathy,we need to love our patients,treat them as how you would you own mother or father,grandparents or siblings.They have needs and wants as well,some times although it's easy for us but it may not be so for them.Especially something i learnt more here in Sarawak where logistics is a major problem with no proper roads,boats timing’s to consider.

This adorable girl in Chiang Mai

Lastly I’m sure the new batch of doctor’s would do great as long as they have the right guidance and the right attitude,no matter what they say about the number of doctors,here in east Malaysia somehow we have yet to see the numbers,sometimes we are still quite short.So choose wisely and do a great job :)

This is how i survived mine
http://lostsarawakdoc.blogspot.com/2009/12/earthly-wisdom-from-houseman-whos.html

It starts with Hello :)

I haven't been blogging much,been quite occupied this last month not really with work,but with my own life,found out how good life can get and things which you never plan and thought would never happen just happens,it's part of life i guess,and i absolutely love surprises.This new found happiness does not come your way everyday,and i'm definately not going to let it go,it means a whole lot to me,only some would know,and i would treasure it forever.

It's something some people search a lifetime for and surprisingly not many actually find it.Life's about being true to yourself,working hard towards goals in life,never giving up despite circumstances,making mistakes,staying as positive as you can,not judging,teaching other's if we can and loving with all your heart.

If you spend your whole life waiting for the storm, you'll never enjoy the sunshine.     

- Morris West -

                  

*Sunshine*

When a new chapter in life starts,i guess you always think it's never possible,but life.....ahhh....it's just so full of wonderful surprises i guess,learning,growing up it's all there.so here's to life,the present,future,and living :)

A Birthday, Enlightenment, and Achievement of Nirvana

As a child, Siddhartha the Buddha, was troubled by some of the same thoughts that children today have. They wonder about birth and death. They wonder why they get sick and why grandfather died. They wonder why their wishes do not come true. Children also wonder about happiness and the beauty in nature.

-Attaining Nirvana-

Because the Buddha knew what was in the hearts of children and human kind, he taught everyone how to live a happy and peaceful life. Buddhism is not learning about strange beliefs from faraway lands. It is about looking at and thinking about our own lives. It shows us how to understand ourselves and how to cope with our daily problems. 

Let me share some of my favourite quotes of his



Do not dwell in the past, do not dream of the future, concentrate the mind on the present moment.
Buddha

It is better to conquer yourself than to win a thousand battles. Then the victory is yours. It cannot be taken from you, not by angels or by demons, heaven or hell.
Buddha

Do not overrate what you have received, nor envy others. He who envies others does not obtain peace of mind.
Buddha

Even death is not to be feared by one who has lived wisely.
Buddha

Hatred does not cease by hatred, but only by love; this is the eternal rule.
Buddha


Health is the greatest gift, contentment the greatest wealth, faithfulness the best relationship.
Buddha

'Stupa"Candi Borubudur,Jogjakarta

Went to the buddist temple for the first time in Sibu,the Tua Pek Kong temple ,by the rejang river.Gave offerings,prayed and left.Starting to find peace with myself lately,there's a certain happy,smiley feeling lurking around these days,and i'm not complaining at all,just one day at a time:)

Mukah - Pesta Kaul , Road Trip

Yes yet another wonderful sarawak adventure and road trip.This time the trip to Mukah was not for work but just to relax and be touristy,enjoy the sea ,aggghh bliss :) Wow the roads have imrpoved tremendously since the last few times,2yrs back it took almost 3hours through the plantation road,this time it only took one.Guess no one is actually gonna say that the roads to Mukah's a death sentence from now on....Hmmm hopefully the roads from Sibu to Bintulu would get better,say in the next 5 years (cough,cough...ELECTIONS,hint,hint)

So ya left around 2pm from sibu after work, 2 cars and the 6 of us(From various districts Song,Marudi,Saratok).Was post call,dead tired but really energized somehow with the thought of leaving Sibu even if it was just for a day.

Stopped for lunch at the Selangau rest-stop,huge place for mainly busses,lorries on their way in the never-ending Sarawak roads

L-R(Cindy,Justine,Easwary,John and Lorraine)

The wonderful new Mukah roads,heavenly to drive,haha i couldnt stop telling them how much i loved the roads,i cant help it,had a nightmare journey 2yrs back:)

Reached our Hotel by 4pm,Kingwood Hotel,bit far off from the town,ermm huge place but not many occupants really,yeah and my friends were teasing me that i was worried we couldnt get room,well i did think it was Kaul and many would come:)

View from the room:)

 

So off we went in search of the beach which hosts the pesta Kaul,the hotel is a bit far from the town around 10mins away

finally the beach :P

 

Missed the opening by one week,damn:(

'TIBAU' is what Kaul is really famous for -

The focus of the whole festival is the tibau or giant swing on which local youths defy danger as they swing in clusters high above the sand. Some locals claimed, at night, when the beach is deserted, the tibau moves by itself as the ancestral spirits get in the swing. Tibau aims to find out how many contestants can jump from a 20ft scaffolding and cling on to a rope - at the same time.
The tallest part is an inverted V-frame of two resilient hardwood poles. Four massive rattan cables ran from the apex to tether it to the ground, holding it upright. Another rattan cable, looped at the end to form the swing, hung down from the apex to reach the ground by mere inches.
The tibau is completed by a wide, angled rack nearly three storeys high with rungs every metre or so. It doubled both as a grandstand and springboard for the game. No nails are used in a tibau frame, for the spirit believed to inhabit the tibau does not favour metal.

Tibau

Spent sunset near the hotel,had a wonderful sea-food dinner by the river side on the house courtesy of my Mukah friends,agghhh tht's life,super exhausted but so worth tht 2hour trip

sunset by the hotel

sunset

 

'Lamin Dana'

Visited a traditional village house the next morning before heading back,it's used as a home-stay,quaint place with a river 'Lamin Dana'

'hello mr boatman'

spot on

miniature tibau

Overall a well spent 24hour road-trip with good food,great friends and yes the so much better roads

Happy Mother's Day 2011

Reality check....

 http://www.amaroksociety.org/products/mothers-day-cards

 


It's true there's no way we could all be here if it wasnt for our mother's .They always say nothing can compare to a mother's love and dedication,and that's something quite true.Of course it shouldn't be just this day that we show our love and appreciation,but still i guess it's there for a reason,it's a day for mother's to feel extra special and knowing the entire world is celebrating mother's out there regardless of race,religion,colour,sex,whether they're a single parent or just anybody else who is a mother.

 

I still believe mother's hold they ultimate key in shaping the future,they're one of the toughest people in this world.So yes Happy Mother's Day mummy,i'm so proud of you and i could never thank you enough for all you've ever done,i love you so :)

Love you:)

She Got Treated :))

This refer's to

http://lostsarawakdoc.blogspot.com/2011/01/unassuming-yet-interesting-girl.html

She went to Kuching and got treatment for her cancer,and she's feeling much better now.I think we should all be really happy for her....

Truthfully when i got the text from her i was relieved,she had her own feelings,opinions so i wasnt sure if she'd go ahead with it,but i'm really,really glad she did.I'm happy that i tried convincing her.It's true we can't force people to do things they don't believe in,and yes it doesn't always work out the way we want to,but the thing is if we don't try we woulnt know and it's not wrong to give some advice within our field,there is a reason we got trained,our profession's do not limit us to what we do at the hospital/at work,i feel it should be expanded out as well within reasonable reason's.

These day's we worry about legalities,"oh no i'm going to be sued if it doesnt come out right",and yes everybody take's care of our own need's first,but what happens to things like humanities,just caring or that little bit of help,not necessary to the less fortunate,it could even be a friend,our world needs that too sometimes.

:)

SIBU MARATHON DAY !!!!

Wah finally the day came,ermm not a clear and bright one,very dark and heavy drizzle kind.But yeah i did it,ran 10km in an hour,i'm so proud of myself,it's only the first time,think it was good.Although not many participants for the men and women open,apparently most joined the 7km fun run.But wow i'm happy i finally got the feel of the atmosphere,hmmm think i'm having the marathon bug :P

Guess it was worth waking up at6am on labour day despite not going to work.


The best part of it all,i really proved myself wrong,it's not what you can't achieve it's about what you can:)
My friend and my prize money was very well spent with the others in the post run meal:)) That was truly the best part of it all.....

yummy ice kacang at gerai no 6 in Sarikei

"The mile has all the elements of a drama."
Sir Roger Bannister

Sarawak Elections 2011

I guess i should blog about it since :

1) i'm experiencing it first hand by being here  all the poster's,'ceramah',campaining,sudden interest in the  people ( It works out for them since most of us have a short memory )
2) It's almost as big as the national elections
3) There's of course so much hype about it
4) Although i'm not registered to vote here indirectly somehow we're all involved in it (it might be a safe thing that i'm oncall on the 16th)

So yeah amidst all this i think the one thing which i will remember about this election is not the ridiculous poster's which make them look like lost models,nor the 'gathering's',or people building a bridge out of no where(regret not taking the picture)..........

But the poor pilot who died yesterday in a helicopter crash,amidst ferrying politicians,i heard and read the story,i saw the poor guy,i saw all the politicians and reporters and the hype in the hospital.It was a very sudden,freak accident i guess,but yeah he's young and leave's behind quite a few loved one's.It's quite a scary thought that most of us here actually take the very same helicopter's on MEDEVAC's,FDS(Flying doctor's Service)  for various reasons.So i would like to post this as a tribute to the Captain although i never knew him personally,may he rest in peace and may his family,wife and children remain strong throughout.

http://www.theborneopost.com/?p=118438

A moment of silence.................

Finally A Marathon ???

Haven written inawhile,quite a bit happening with myself, sarawak,the world these days,but just don't feel the burning desire to write about all that now.

So i saw this poster in a Sibu coffee shop in town which said Sibu Mini Marathon.Wow finally,never thought Sibu actually had one.Ermm it's really mini only 7km,but what the heck everyone starts somewhere right??eventually one day i'l do a 26km,so it's baby steps for now.I love to jog and run so why not just join for the fun of it.It is a really positive thing to do anyways.


When through a website cause i thought i might as well get some guidance,got lots of inspiration and encouragements from friends who've done it,i was still thinking can i really....So what the webpage asks

By the way, why do you want to do this? Don’t let yourself off by stopping at your first answer! Dig deep!

    So i'v dug deep and i think i just want something new and positive to focus on,rather then worry bout the problems i face,cause they're actually really trivial.It's so easy to give excuses for our own actions/behaviour but it's not always right.I guess this is just me.I see these marathon runners and i think they're really disciplined and motivated,i'm sure i could try and cause lately i like to prove myself wrong i think i will.


So yeah the countdown starts from today till 1/5/2010 lets see where i get to,shall rant occasionally of course.


"We run, not because we think it is doing us good, but because we enjoy it and cannot help ourselves. The more restricted our society and work become, the more necessary it will be to find some outlet for this craving for freedom. No one can say, 'You must not run faster than this, or jump higher than that.' The human spirit is indomitable."

- Sir Roger Bannister-  first man to break the four minute mile

Happy Women's Day !!!!

Before the day comes to an end best to commemorate this day,something which i truly believe in,not being a feminist but just believing in women knowing and holding on to their rights in today's world.Loved this paragraph i read in the paper's by Ivy Josiah ( Women's Aid Organisation Executive Director )

'When I am asked how my social consciousness was awakened, I tell them that it was a nun, Sister Anne, who was my teacher, who encouraged me to ask questions. That was how I first came to believe that a woman’s life should be about choices and not just accepting anything given to, or thrown at, her.'
So once again my prayers to all the strong,independent,courages,gorgeous women out there especially the single mothers,may they stay positive and be blessed forever

May we strive towards millenium development goal number 3 promoting gender equality and empowering women :)

One step closer

Finally some fantastic news,getting one step closer to achieving  my dreams.Thank you to everyone who played a huge role :)

"Can't stop grinning sheepishly" 

And Just Like That It's over

Went for 1 but fought 2 battles instead,i did my very best for both however i can.so we'll just wait for the results, i guess it would be a lie to say if it wasn't a little awkward or sad.But it's in a different way now.The past should just be left where it should be.I found a very interesting inspiration/idea amidst studying,will try to work on that and hopefully it would be inspiring to other's as well

"Here's to making good memories , not good choices "