The Start of My Illness: High Fever and No Diagnosis

It all began on 9th November when I visited a GP in Clementi for a high fever (38.5°C) and severe throat inflammation. Tests for both COVID-19 and influenza came back negative, so the doctor prescribed some fever medicine and serratiopeptidase for my throat inflammation. The best part was that the doctor didn’t even need to examine my throat directly. He seemed to know what was wrong with his “X-ray” vision.

I hoped the medication would work, but my symptoms only worsened. By 11th November, I started experiencing thick, dark green nasal mucus discharge, which was followed by watery diarrhea on 12th November and a complete loss of appetite.

A Second GP Visit: No Voice and Persistent Cough

On 13th November, I returned to another doctor as my condition had not improved. I still had a low-grade fever (37.5°C), no voice, a severe cough that triggered mucus reflex, and sense of fatigue. The doctor advised me to continue the throat medication, but there was still no progress.

By 14th November, my symptoms escalated further. Alongside my persistent congestion and watery stools, I began experiencing green discharge in my eyes. I was completely drained, with no appetite and no relief.

The A&E Public Hospital Experience: Frustration and a Lack of Answers

Desperate for answers, I went to the A&E at a public hospital on 15th November after a week of unrelenting symptoms. Went to SGH and I waited almost five hours to see a doctor, only to be told there was little he could do.

The doctor acknowledged that my throat was very red and agreed that seven days with a sore throat was unusually long. However, he dismissed the idea of running tests and prescribed some over-the-counter medication.

In Singapore, A&E stands for Accident and Emergency, so losing your voice likely isn’t considered a major concern for a visit there. However, for an average person, does it really make sense for the flu to take seven days to recover, especially when symptoms persist and show no signs of improvement? With my condition and the detailed description I provided, it was clear that something wasn’t right. That said, I understand that it might not have been seen as a priority since it wasn’t life-threatening.

I left the hospital feeling frustrated, exhausted, and still without a proper diagnosis.

Taking Control: Contacting My ENT Specialist

Today, I decided enough was enough. I reached out to my previous ENT specialist, whom I had seen two years ago for laryngitis. This turned out to be the best decision I made throughout this ordeal.

The experience was seamless. Within 15 minutes, the ENT specialist conducted a nasal scope and collected mucus for a culture test. He immediately diagnosed me with sinusitis, explaining that my symptoms were likely due to a bacterial infection, something no one had addressed before. Unlike the previous visits where I wasn’t given antibiotics, the ENT doctor prescribed the appropriate treatment to address the root cause of my illness.

Reflection: The Importance of Specialized Care

This journey has been a rollercoaster of symptoms, frustration, and misdiagnoses. Here’s what I’ve learned:

1. Antibiotics Aren’t Always Given, but Sometimes They’re Needed

In my case, my negative COVID-19 and influenza tests should have raised the possibility of a bacterial infection. Instead, this was overlooked at every stage until I consulted a specialist.

2. Specialists Make All the Difference

General practitioners and emergency doctors do great work, but sometimes a specialist’s expertise is required. My ENT doctor’s ability to identify sinusitis so quickly and begin targeted treatment brought me relief I hadn’t felt in over a week.

3. Trust Your Instincts

When you know something is wrong, don’t hesitate to seek second opinions or return to a trusted doctor. If I hadn’t contacted my ENT specialist, I might be delay for receiving treatment and who knows it may get worsens turned into chronic.

The Importance of the Right Diagnosis

Thanks to my ENT specialist, I’m finally on the path to recovery. Reflecting on this journey, I’ve come to deeply appreciate how important a correct diagnosis is, not just in medicine, but in life.

If you’re consuming medication based on the wrong diagnosis, how can your condition ever improve? Similarly, in life, if you don’t understand the real problem, whether it’s in relationships, career, or personal challenges, you’ll never find the right solutions. You’ll only end up going deeper into the rabbit hole, chasing fixes that don’t truly address the root cause.

This illness has also taught me a simple yet powerful truth: there’s nothing better than having good health. I used to take little things like breathing fresh air through my nose for granted, but this experience made me realize how precious even the smallest aspects of health can be. Losing the ability to do something so natural has given me a deeper sense of gratitude for my body and a greater appreciation for the moments when everything feels normal.

Having the right diagnosis doesn’t just mean taking the right medication. It means having the chance to heal and get back to the life you love. And in the same way, taking the time to understand what’s truly wrong in life allows us to make meaningful changes, reconnect with what’s important, and appreciate the little things we once overlooked.

Good health is a gift, and it’s one we should never take for granted. Folks, please take care the weather has been crazy these days!