It was a fateful Saturday when I was scheduled to check my infection condition and return to work, but destiny had a different plan – a ‘staycation’ at the hospital. The innocuous pimple-like bump I initially dismissed as trivial turned out to be a far more intricate issue. Following the doctor’s assessment, I received the startling news that several hidden complexities required immediate surgery at Mount Elizabeth Novena.
Internally, fear welled up within me, yet I strived to maintain composure. As the medical team ushered me towards the operating room, their reassuring words did little to quell my anxiety. My mind was a blank canvas, uncertain of what lay ahead, so I entrusted my well-being to their capable hands. As I finally entered the operating theater, I inhaled laughing gas, allowing the anesthesia team to secure an IV drip in my left hand. Moments later, the general anesthesia flowed, and I succumbed to unconsciousness within a minute. The clock displayed 1:10 pm as I faded into oblivion. My next conscious moment arrived around 2:30 pm in the recovery area, accompanied by a shiver coursing through me and intense pain at the surgical site.
By 2:40 pm, I was relocated to my ward, where potent painkillers provided relief from the discomfort. Thankfully, the shivering ceased after about 15 minutes. Only then could I indulge in a belated teabreak within the confines of my ward. The meal, though simple, was comforting – a bowl of white porridge, a slice of pandan cake, and a warm cup of Milo. It may not have been a gourmet feast, but it felt like a remedy for my post-surgery chills.
Following the meal, an urgent need to visit the bathroom arose. Due to hospital protocol, a nurse accompanied me. However, as I rose, an unexpected bout of dizziness swept over me, leaving me feeling disoriented. I moved cautiously, feeling as though my surroundings were spinning. After attending to my needs, the nurse assisted me in ordering dinner and a night teabreak from the intriguing menu. For dinner, I relished slow-cooked aged black angus beef short ribs, vegetable broth, chilled mango sago with pomelo, and apple juice. It arrived promptly at 6:10 pm and was nothing short of delicious.
This experience marked the first time in my life that I had to rely on so many medications, which left me feeling drowsy and lethargic. Yet, I persevered in taking the prescribed drugs to manage the pain. With each passing moment, I clung to the hope of inching closer to feeling like myself again. Restarting everything from scratch might be frustrating on a physical level, but I remain hopeful that I can manage it better, even though there are no guarantees.
In conclusion, I can’t help but reflect on this challenging journey. To my future self, remember that you were undeniably brave to face it all alone. It’s okay to acknowledge that deep down, there were moments of fear and even a mental breakdown. But in those vulnerable moments, you found a reservoir of strength you never knew existed. This experience, though daunting, has the potential to forge a remarkable mental toughness within you. Embrace the lessons learned and the resilience discovered during this time, for they are the building blocks of a stronger, more resilient you. Keep moving forward with courage and the knowledge that you can overcome whatever challenges come your way.
“Recovery is a process. It takes time. It takes patience. It takes everything you’ve got.”