Last week has been pretty hellish, emotional wise.
Dad complained of chest pains for the past few days, but pushed away the idea of visiting the doctor until he got worried himself. We have initially thought the pain stemmed from his “pu zua” but since it lasted for a tad long, I suggested he visit the doctor. If it turned out to be nothing too worrying, at least we know for sure.
So Dad went to the polyclinic on Monday, and was referred to SGH on the same day. He was warded eventually, and kept under observation as the doctors couldn’t determine the cause of the pain. A series of tests (blood tests, x-ray and scanning of the heart) has to be conducted to ensure the pain wasn’t signs of a heart attack or blocked arteries. This shocked me since I thought the referral was only routine.
I rushed down shortly after work, and was informed that Dad would most likely be discharged before the end of the day. After the tests results were out, we were told everything was normal; we can prepare for home sweet home after the doctor conducts the final check. Following the check, however, the doctor called in the cardiologist, told me I may have to leave first and they’ll need to keep my Dad for the night! They heard murmurs from his heart and gonna get the cardiologist to verify if it’s anything threatening (Dad has had a tiny ‘hole’ in his heart since young, but somehow not documented on his medical history) before they can release him from observation. So with trepidation still, I dragged my feet home at twelve midnight.
I got a rude shock the next morning when Dad called and informed us that he wasn’t going to be discharged, but instead, the cardiologists were going to transfer him to the National Heart Centre ward for further examinations. As one of my colleagues was on medical leave, I could only visit him after work around 9pm. For the entire day at work, I was worried sick, and at one point in time, couldn’t control my emotions and started weeping silently in front of the PC. Meanwhile, on MSN, Sis had to console me and cheer me on about keeping positive, and reassured me it’s anything but life-threatening..etc. As soon as work ended, I fled like my ass was on fire, caught a cab soonest and rushed down to SGH (it was a cheap cheap $5) Seeing Dad with the stupid needles jabbed into his wrinkled arm was so saddening 
It’s prolly psychological, but it seems he lost some weight two days into his hospitalization!
On a side note, Ag’s crying was in ratio to Dad’s hospitalization, somewhere near 2:1. He would cry in the day when Dad calls home from the ward, and cry again when we are going back after each visitation. Sometimes, he would tell us he wept in school, or during his recess. Hah. So endearing, no wonder Dad loves him most!
On Wednesday, the cardiologists are not releasing my Dad yet. FURTHER examinations needs to be conducted still (sometimes I wonder how much further? It’s further examination each day!) and as per the norm, Ag shed a tear or two when we left for the night. Ay.
Dad called me when I was on the way to work on Thursday, saying he could be discharged in the noon, like finally! So I rushed down during lunch to do the necessary and got a cab for Dad before I went back to the office. Thank the almighty god that everything looks fine for now, except for the fact they now claimed that my Dad has got high cholesterol and has to practise some abstinence from certain foods!
And the conclusion after all those tests and scans? Uncertain.
Following so many blood tests and heart scans, they are STILL unable to ascertain the cause of the pain in my dad’s chest/heart. Based on their super professional deductions, the pain may have stemmed from aches of his heart muscles OR some gastric problems. WTF? muscle aches? gastric? How is it possible that it caused my dad such friggin’ pain? I questioned the doctor about it, but the only thing they can assure us was that all scans and blood tests showed negative results, and there wasn’t any signs of a heart attack nor blocked arteries, which was of course a good sign for us.
I’m still baffled though. Shall heed the doctor and dietician’s advice to let my dad take the prescribed pills, and see how it goes from there. Scope test scheduled for next Wed to check the internal heart area, another further examination they say. Follow up review two weeks later, crossing my fings. Everything be well. Like I said, I’ll trade in my cheap life for his good health, anytime! So long Dad’s well.
