It was not my usual Monday morning: two separate cases of panic attacks. One was a man, the other a woman and both were executives.
The middle-aged man sat in front of me, embarrassed, as I read the referral letter on his panic attacks. Earlier that morning, the middle-aged woman, also with a similar history, had come to see me.
Both said they experienced sudden episodes of rapid heart beat, breathlessness and sweating with feelings of going crazy or that they were about to collapse or die.
These symptoms occurred out of the blue and did not appear to be directly linked to, say, stress at work. Indeed, their latest panic attacks took place over the weekend, when they were not at work.
The executives had consulted doctors, visited hospital emergency departments and had been given various blood tests, chest X-rays and electrocardiographs (ECGs).
All the test results turned out to be normal. The male executive even had a recent scan of his head and no abnormalities were found.
In endeavouring to help, most of their relatives and friends took to reassuring them and asking them not to worry. Many wondered if they were under stress at their workplace or at home, and if they could avoid or resolve their situations.
Advice such as breathing into a bag or trying out relaxation exercises were usually proffered.
However, panic attacks are not the same as phobias. The feared situation is known in phobias and one can approach phobia treatment much more systematically. The feared situation can be gradually 'conquered' at a pace comfortable to the patient.
However, for patients with panic attacks, reassurances and advice can sometimes make them feel even more frustrated.
Panic attacks come on suddenly at any place without any link to any event or task, making patients feel that they have lost control of their lives.
When someone is in such a state of panic, it is very difficult to do breathing exercises or relaxation therapy or even to remember to calm oneself. The heart races and the person pants.
Another problem panic attack patients suffer from is anticipatory anxiety. Even without any recent panic attacks, they live in fear of an attack coming on while they are out.
As a result, many choose to stay at home and to go out only for work. Most take familiar routes with familiar people and would not dare to change their routines.
In the past, I have seen such cases manifest in students before examinations, in national servicemen or in young adults embarking on their first jobs.
The conventional wisdom was that, as one gets older and becomes more senior at work, one becomes more experienced in dealing with stress and, hence, the number of panic attacks will decrease.
However, there have been more executives and middle managers, especially from the finance and insurance industries, showing panic attack symptoms recently.
In treatment, the aim is to rebuild confidence quickly and stop the panic symptoms once they occur.
From my experience, having my panic attack patients prepare written statements, like 'This is my old friend panic. I know it's bad now but it will go away soon', or keep religious icons at hand helps.
This is because they can then tap into their sense of touch or sight, rather than just rely on the mind, to try and gather thoughts coherently in the midst of an attack.
For some, carrying and touching religious objects or talismans, with their attached calming memories, can convey added reassurance.
If all else fails, short-acting sedatives can be taken to stem an attack.
For some sufferers, just having these pills with them at all times is assurance enough, especially if the attacks are not frequent.
Once such a situation is stabilised, patients can be in a calmer state to go through counselling sessions and to review the stressful events in their lives.
The two executives I mentioned both continue to work and travel, but one of them needs to be on daily preventive medication for a few months.
Panic attacks are eminently treatable and patients need to be assured that they will not go mad or die.
Reassurance, quick relief and effective prevention are needed to get them to regain their self-confidence and recover eventually.
brianyeoclinic@yahoo.com.sg
Dr Brian Yeo is a consultant psychiatrist in private practice and an adjunct associate professor at the department of psychological medicine at the Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore. He is also a certified master substance abuse counsellor and is currently the Singapore Medical Association representative to the Board of Management, Singapore Anti-Narcotics Association.
(source: health.asiaone.com/Health/Wellness%2B%2540%2BWork/Story/A1Story20090528-144509.html )
Sunday, May 31, 2009
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
S'pore reports 1st flu case!
SINGAPORE has reported its first patient infected with the new A(H1N1) flu strain.
The patient is a 22-year-old third year Business Management student at Singapore Management University. She had been in New York from May 14 to 24 on a business study mission with 19 other students and the faculty in-charge.
While seated in row 55 on Singapore Airlines flight SQ25, she began to develop a cough, but she passed the thermal scanner at the airport later without being stopped, because she did not have a fever at the time.
Later that morning, she went to a general practitioner who decided to send her to Tan Tock Seng Hospital via the special ambulance service 993 meant for suspected Influenza A (H1N1) cases. Laboratory test confirmed her infection at midnight on Tuesday.
The patient is being treated at the TTH Communicable Disease Centre and is in stable condition. Her boyfriend, who picked up her at the airport and sent her home, is also under observation at the CDC and is expected to be quarantined there for at least four days.
The Health Ministry said the patient has been vigilant in monitoring her condition and had sought immediate medical attention once she realised she was unwell.
'Her attending GP, through his quick response in activating the 993 ambulance for the patient, had also helped to minimise the spread of infection from this case,' said a ministry statement.
In a statement on Wednesday, SMU said: 'She returned to Singapore early morning on 26 May with the faculty member and another student, and went to see a doctor as she felt unwell during the flight. She informed the university on May 27 when she found out she was tested positive. She is now recovering in hospital and has not been back on campus since returning from New York. The university is in close touch with her.'
SMU said the faculty member and another student who returned with the infected student are both fine.
'They are currently on home quarantine for the next 6 days and will continue to monitor their health and take temperature checks twice daily,' added the university.
'SMU has contacted the remaining 18 students on the New York study mission who have extended their stay in North America and alerted them to go for tests and remain vigilant.'
The Health Ministry has begun contact tracing of those who have been in close contact with the patient. They will be quarantined and given antivirals to prevent them from developing the disease.
The ministry asked passengers who had been seated in rows 52 to 58 on the same flight to call its hotline on 1800-333 9999, so that its officers can check on their health condition.
The Ministry has reminded all medical practitioners and healthcare institutions to continue to be vigilant to suspect cases. Temperature screening for passengers entering Singapore at all checkpoints - land, sea and air - will continue.
All passengers passing through or entering Singapore are given Health Alert Notices on board their flights, advising them to monitor their own health if they have been to affected areas and to seek medical attention immediately if they are not well.
(source: www.straitstimes.com/Breaking%2BNews/Singapore/Story/STIStory_382278.html )
The patient is a 22-year-old third year Business Management student at Singapore Management University. She had been in New York from May 14 to 24 on a business study mission with 19 other students and the faculty in-charge.
While seated in row 55 on Singapore Airlines flight SQ25, she began to develop a cough, but she passed the thermal scanner at the airport later without being stopped, because she did not have a fever at the time.
Later that morning, she went to a general practitioner who decided to send her to Tan Tock Seng Hospital via the special ambulance service 993 meant for suspected Influenza A (H1N1) cases. Laboratory test confirmed her infection at midnight on Tuesday.
The patient is being treated at the TTH Communicable Disease Centre and is in stable condition. Her boyfriend, who picked up her at the airport and sent her home, is also under observation at the CDC and is expected to be quarantined there for at least four days.
The Health Ministry said the patient has been vigilant in monitoring her condition and had sought immediate medical attention once she realised she was unwell.
'Her attending GP, through his quick response in activating the 993 ambulance for the patient, had also helped to minimise the spread of infection from this case,' said a ministry statement.
In a statement on Wednesday, SMU said: 'She returned to Singapore early morning on 26 May with the faculty member and another student, and went to see a doctor as she felt unwell during the flight. She informed the university on May 27 when she found out she was tested positive. She is now recovering in hospital and has not been back on campus since returning from New York. The university is in close touch with her.'
SMU said the faculty member and another student who returned with the infected student are both fine.
'They are currently on home quarantine for the next 6 days and will continue to monitor their health and take temperature checks twice daily,' added the university.
'SMU has contacted the remaining 18 students on the New York study mission who have extended their stay in North America and alerted them to go for tests and remain vigilant.'
The Health Ministry has begun contact tracing of those who have been in close contact with the patient. They will be quarantined and given antivirals to prevent them from developing the disease.
The ministry asked passengers who had been seated in rows 52 to 58 on the same flight to call its hotline on 1800-333 9999, so that its officers can check on their health condition.
The Ministry has reminded all medical practitioners and healthcare institutions to continue to be vigilant to suspect cases. Temperature screening for passengers entering Singapore at all checkpoints - land, sea and air - will continue.
All passengers passing through or entering Singapore are given Health Alert Notices on board their flights, advising them to monitor their own health if they have been to affected areas and to seek medical attention immediately if they are not well.
(source: www.straitstimes.com/Breaking%2BNews/Singapore/Story/STIStory_382278.html )
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
Woman jailed for forgery (26 May 2009)
A WOMAN who forged insurance policies and bank documents amounting to more than $150,000 was sentenced to 12 months in jail on Tuesday.
Candace Reis Ang Hui Hoon, 28, unemployed, had earlier pleaded guilty to forging a DBS fixed deposit withdrawal form purportedly signed by her husband, Mr Lim Chin Foong, 30, to induce the bank to transfer $50,144 into a POSBank account on March 13, 2007.
She also admitted to forging a letter on April 24 that year to deceive United Overseas Bank into delivering a cashier's order for $50,224 to her husband, which she misappropriated.
A district court heard that her husband reported unauthorised withdrawal of funds from his joint fixed deposit banking accounts with his mother on Oct 22 that year.
After he confronted Ang about it, she admitted that she had made the unauthorised withdrawals. She claimed she would pay him back. Three days later, he lodged a police report.
No restitution was made.
Four other similar charges were taken into consideration.
Ang, who has a child and is separated from her husband, succeeded in deferring her sentence until June 9 to attend to her child who is sick.
She could have been jailed for up to 10 years and fined on each of the two proceeded charges.
(source: www.straitstimes.com/Breaking%2BNews/Singapore/Story/STIStory_381850.html )
Candace Reis Ang Hui Hoon, 28, unemployed, had earlier pleaded guilty to forging a DBS fixed deposit withdrawal form purportedly signed by her husband, Mr Lim Chin Foong, 30, to induce the bank to transfer $50,144 into a POSBank account on March 13, 2007.
She also admitted to forging a letter on April 24 that year to deceive United Overseas Bank into delivering a cashier's order for $50,224 to her husband, which she misappropriated.
A district court heard that her husband reported unauthorised withdrawal of funds from his joint fixed deposit banking accounts with his mother on Oct 22 that year.
After he confronted Ang about it, she admitted that she had made the unauthorised withdrawals. She claimed she would pay him back. Three days later, he lodged a police report.
No restitution was made.
Four other similar charges were taken into consideration.
Ang, who has a child and is separated from her husband, succeeded in deferring her sentence until June 9 to attend to her child who is sick.
She could have been jailed for up to 10 years and fined on each of the two proceeded charges.
(source: www.straitstimes.com/Breaking%2BNews/Singapore/Story/STIStory_381850.html )
Claim from Motor Insurance Finally Settled
On 15 April 2008, I had a motor accident. The boot of my car was badly damaged. In June 2008, I received a letter from Traffic Police. The driver of a van who knocked my car has demerit points and this case was closed.
However, my case of claiming from insurance company (AIG) was far from closing.
Seeking reimbursement to repair my car was a lengthy process although I followed strictly and faithfully to the procedure required by the insurer ie inform AIG immediately. My car was first towed away by the Traffic Police while I was sent to NUH by an ambulance.
I paid for the medical expense incurred at A&E dept in NUH.
My car was towed back to Borneo Motor Workshop at Pandan the next day. A week was needed to fully repair the car.
Yesterday, I finally received my compensation cheque due to the injuries arised from this accident. It is really a big joke because the legal fees (though not payable by me directly) was much more than the amount I received.
Is there any logic in this matter?
However, my case of claiming from insurance company (AIG) was far from closing.
Seeking reimbursement to repair my car was a lengthy process although I followed strictly and faithfully to the procedure required by the insurer ie inform AIG immediately. My car was first towed away by the Traffic Police while I was sent to NUH by an ambulance.
I paid for the medical expense incurred at A&E dept in NUH.
My car was towed back to Borneo Motor Workshop at Pandan the next day. A week was needed to fully repair the car.
Yesterday, I finally received my compensation cheque due to the injuries arised from this accident. It is really a big joke because the legal fees (though not payable by me directly) was much more than the amount I received.
Is there any logic in this matter?
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
How To Deal With Disappointment
Here are 5 tips for effectively dealing with your disappointments:
1. Acknowledge what you’re feeling. You can honestly express the emotions you’re feeling without blaming or punishing others. This is about how you feel about the situation, not others. Articulate your feelings without attacking others. Always be respectful, but don’t be afraid to let them know how you feel.
* There isn’t a right or wrong way to feel. Your feelings are valid and if you don’t voice your opinion then you’ll harbor resentment and stress yourself out. Be honest with yourself about how you really feel about the situation.
2. Put things in perspective. Even small disappointments can seem monumental at first. But once you’ve expressed your hurt, frustration, or anger, take a step back and look at the bigger picture. How much of an effect is this disappointment going to have on you tomorrow, next week, or next year?
* Take a deep breath and go for a walk to put your disappointment into perspective. Taking time to reflect and step away from the situation will help calm your nerves so you’ll be better able to handle the disappointment.
3. Refuse to doubt yourself. Sometimes disappointment can make you feel like a failure. You may wonder why these things happen to you or you may think you were stupid to get your hopes up in the first place. But none of that is the truth. Don’t allow yourself to give in to these negative thoughts!
* Disappointment is not unique to you. Everyone has been disappointed at some time in their life. Instead of getting down on yourself, think about what could have been done differently and learn from the experience.
4. Look for a solution or compromise. You can’t have your way all the time but sometimes there may be a second option that’s agreeable to each party.
* Take a few deep breaths, relax, and look for the “silver lining.” It’s possible to find something positive in almost every situation.
5. Reevaluate and make changes if necessary. Sometimes when we experience disappointment, it may be a sign that we need to re-examine our priorities. Depending on the degree of disappointment you’re facing, you may need to make minor or major changes to your life.
* Learn to be flexible. Refocusing your attention on your new goals will help you forget about your disappointment.
Don’t Give Up
Any person who has had even a small degree of success in life has faced disappointments.
* Winners simply don’t quit. They learn from their failures and disappointments and go on to achieve their goals.
You can become your own biggest motivator! Don’t underestimate the power of encouraging yourself by saying, “I can do this. I can make it. I will get through this and become a better person!”You don’t need to allow disappointment to lower your self-confidence. That’s not to say that you need to gloss over your feeling, but you can simply learn how to deal with your disappointments effectively, then move on to bigger and better things.
You don’t need to allow disappointment to lower your self-confidence. That’s not to say that you need to gloss over your feeling, but you can simply learn how to deal with your disappointments effectively, then move on to bigger and better things.
(source: wholesomewisdom.com/how-to-deal-with-disappointment.html)
1. Acknowledge what you’re feeling. You can honestly express the emotions you’re feeling without blaming or punishing others. This is about how you feel about the situation, not others. Articulate your feelings without attacking others. Always be respectful, but don’t be afraid to let them know how you feel.
* There isn’t a right or wrong way to feel. Your feelings are valid and if you don’t voice your opinion then you’ll harbor resentment and stress yourself out. Be honest with yourself about how you really feel about the situation.
2. Put things in perspective. Even small disappointments can seem monumental at first. But once you’ve expressed your hurt, frustration, or anger, take a step back and look at the bigger picture. How much of an effect is this disappointment going to have on you tomorrow, next week, or next year?
* Take a deep breath and go for a walk to put your disappointment into perspective. Taking time to reflect and step away from the situation will help calm your nerves so you’ll be better able to handle the disappointment.
3. Refuse to doubt yourself. Sometimes disappointment can make you feel like a failure. You may wonder why these things happen to you or you may think you were stupid to get your hopes up in the first place. But none of that is the truth. Don’t allow yourself to give in to these negative thoughts!
* Disappointment is not unique to you. Everyone has been disappointed at some time in their life. Instead of getting down on yourself, think about what could have been done differently and learn from the experience.
4. Look for a solution or compromise. You can’t have your way all the time but sometimes there may be a second option that’s agreeable to each party.
* Take a few deep breaths, relax, and look for the “silver lining.” It’s possible to find something positive in almost every situation.
5. Reevaluate and make changes if necessary. Sometimes when we experience disappointment, it may be a sign that we need to re-examine our priorities. Depending on the degree of disappointment you’re facing, you may need to make minor or major changes to your life.
* Learn to be flexible. Refocusing your attention on your new goals will help you forget about your disappointment.
Don’t Give Up
Any person who has had even a small degree of success in life has faced disappointments.
* Winners simply don’t quit. They learn from their failures and disappointments and go on to achieve their goals.
You can become your own biggest motivator! Don’t underestimate the power of encouraging yourself by saying, “I can do this. I can make it. I will get through this and become a better person!”You don’t need to allow disappointment to lower your self-confidence. That’s not to say that you need to gloss over your feeling, but you can simply learn how to deal with your disappointments effectively, then move on to bigger and better things.
You don’t need to allow disappointment to lower your self-confidence. That’s not to say that you need to gloss over your feeling, but you can simply learn how to deal with your disappointments effectively, then move on to bigger and better things.
(source: wholesomewisdom.com/how-to-deal-with-disappointment.html)
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
Serenity Prayer
God grant me the serenity
To accept the things I cannot change;
Courage to change the things I can;
And wisdom to know the difference.
Living one day at a time;
Enjoying one moment at a time;
Accepting hardships as the pathway to peace;
Taking, as He did, this sinful world
As it is, not as I would have it;
Trusting that He will make all things right
If I surrender to His Will;
So that I may be reasonably happy in this life
And supremely happy with Him
Forever and ever in the next.
(source : en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Serenity_Prayer )
To accept the things I cannot change;
Courage to change the things I can;
And wisdom to know the difference.
Living one day at a time;
Enjoying one moment at a time;
Accepting hardships as the pathway to peace;
Taking, as He did, this sinful world
As it is, not as I would have it;
Trusting that He will make all things right
If I surrender to His Will;
So that I may be reasonably happy in this life
And supremely happy with Him
Forever and ever in the next.
(source : en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Serenity_Prayer )
Monday, May 18, 2009
Avante's First 1000km
Today, my Avante has her first 1000km service.
How time flies, I collected this "baby" on 1st May and today, 18 May, she has already travelled slightly more than 1000km.
It was just a minor service. I opted to change the engine oil which cost me $104.30. The labour cost was free.
So far, this car is ok and my family is still very pleased and satisfied with it.
Let us hope that it can maintain this standard.
How time flies, I collected this "baby" on 1st May and today, 18 May, she has already travelled slightly more than 1000km.
It was just a minor service. I opted to change the engine oil which cost me $104.30. The labour cost was free.
So far, this car is ok and my family is still very pleased and satisfied with it.
Let us hope that it can maintain this standard.
HMS Ocean
My colleagues and I were very privileged to be invited onboard HMS Ocean (L12).
This warship with helicopters' landing facility is berthed at South Breakwater Pier in Changi Naval Base. After a tight security check, we were finally on this 24000 tonnes ship.
As many as 6 helicopters can land on this warship.
We visited the Bridge of this ship. It has modern facilities to make navigation in the oceans safely and efficiently.
At a corner of this Bridge, there is an area where air traffic controllers worked. These people overlook the landing platform and ensure the helicopters can land or take off smoothly and safely.
This ship can travel at a maximum ship of about 19 knots (< 38 km/hr).
It will be leaving Singapore a few days later to take part in a defence exercise in the South China Sea.
The crew is busy loading tonnes of potatoes, carrots, fruit juices etc into the ship.
It is really an eye-opening experience for me.
For more info about this ship,
please see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/HMS_Ocean_(L12)
This warship with helicopters' landing facility is berthed at South Breakwater Pier in Changi Naval Base. After a tight security check, we were finally on this 24000 tonnes ship.
As many as 6 helicopters can land on this warship.
We visited the Bridge of this ship. It has modern facilities to make navigation in the oceans safely and efficiently.
At a corner of this Bridge, there is an area where air traffic controllers worked. These people overlook the landing platform and ensure the helicopters can land or take off smoothly and safely.
This ship can travel at a maximum ship of about 19 knots (< 38 km/hr).
It will be leaving Singapore a few days later to take part in a defence exercise in the South China Sea.
The crew is busy loading tonnes of potatoes, carrots, fruit juices etc into the ship.
It is really an eye-opening experience for me.
For more info about this ship,
please see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/HMS_Ocean_(L12)
Saturday, May 16, 2009
Southern Ridges
After much debate, delay and hesitation due to the hot weather, exam and tight constraint, we finally made our way to the Southern Ridges.
We arrived at the HarbourFront MRT. Behind it, there is a particular car park where Marang Trial starts. It is quite a long walk with shady trees on both sides of the trial. This trial brings us to the Mount Faber Park. The cable station is at this park.
Along the walk in this park, we can see the southern coast on one side. The other side is full of housing blocks. We can even see the Merlion at Sentosa.
We want to go to Henderson Waves. We followed the signs and after a long walk, we finally saw it. The Henderson Waves is quite a short wooden bridge. The "waves" are on one side of the bridge.
At the end of the Henderson Waves, we continue our journey on Forest Walk. This walk is another long bridge made of metal. It is a great contrast with Henderson Waves in terms of the materials used to make them.
The Forest Walk is longer than Henderson Waves. The Walk brings us closer to Alexandra Arch. We were thinking if we should continue to Hort Park after walking for close to two hours. In the end, when we reached Alexandra Arch, we saw the bus-stop near River Valley High School which could bring us home.
The Arch is just a short bridge with a particular arch design. During the night time, it would look more beautiful because it would be lighted up.
It is amazing that we could complete this journey in about two hours. The weather was still not hot because we started off early.
I think during our next trip, we would reach there around 8am to avoid the hot sun.
For more info, please refer to
www.nparks.gov.sg/cms/index.php?option=com_visitorsguide&task=parks&id=62&Itemid=73
We arrived at the HarbourFront MRT. Behind it, there is a particular car park where Marang Trial starts. It is quite a long walk with shady trees on both sides of the trial. This trial brings us to the Mount Faber Park. The cable station is at this park.
Along the walk in this park, we can see the southern coast on one side. The other side is full of housing blocks. We can even see the Merlion at Sentosa.
We want to go to Henderson Waves. We followed the signs and after a long walk, we finally saw it. The Henderson Waves is quite a short wooden bridge. The "waves" are on one side of the bridge.
At the end of the Henderson Waves, we continue our journey on Forest Walk. This walk is another long bridge made of metal. It is a great contrast with Henderson Waves in terms of the materials used to make them.
The Forest Walk is longer than Henderson Waves. The Walk brings us closer to Alexandra Arch. We were thinking if we should continue to Hort Park after walking for close to two hours. In the end, when we reached Alexandra Arch, we saw the bus-stop near River Valley High School which could bring us home.
The Arch is just a short bridge with a particular arch design. During the night time, it would look more beautiful because it would be lighted up.
It is amazing that we could complete this journey in about two hours. The weather was still not hot because we started off early.
I think during our next trip, we would reach there around 8am to avoid the hot sun.
For more info, please refer to
www.nparks.gov.sg/cms/index.php?option=com_visitorsguide&task=parks&id=62&Itemid=73
Friday, May 15, 2009
M'sia confirms 1st case
KUALA LUMPUR - MALAYSIA on Friday confirmed its first case of swine flu, a 21-year-old student who recently returned from the United States.
A statement by the Health Ministry's director-general, Dr Ismail Merican, said the young man was hospitalised on Thursday after suffering from fever, sore throat and body aches. He had returned to Malaysia from the United States on Wednesday.
Tests confirmed that he was infected with the A(H1N1) virus, the statement said. He is receiving anti-viral treatment and is in stable condition, it said.
Dr Ismail said the ministry is in touch with his family members to ensure that he did not infect them, but they have not been placed under quarantine. He also urged all passengers on the Malaysia Airlines flight from Newark on Wednesday to contact the ministry.
Dr Ismail said the public has no reason to panic as his department was taking steps to protect public health.
Globally, 70 people have died of swine flu, 64 of them in Mexico where the virus originated. Four deaths have been reported in the US, one in Canada and one in Costa Rica.
According to the World Health Organisation, some 6,672 people in 33 countries are confirmed to be suffering from the disease.
The WHO estimates that up to 2 billion doses of swine flu vaccine could be produced every year, though the first batches wouldn't be available for four to six months. -- AP
source: www.straitstimes.com/Breaking%2BNews/SE%2BAsia/Story/STIStory_377161.html
My comments:
Going to Malaysia for holidays is out again! This flu virus is getting closer to us.
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
Teen's organs save 8
SIXTEEN-YEAR-OLD Gwen Tan never stopped giving, even after she died.
The teenager, who often volunteered to tutor under privileged kids, gave eight patients a new lease of life when her parents - who held the belief that their daughter would have wanted to help others - donated five of her organs after she was declared brain dead, the Singapore General Hospital (SGH) reported in its May/June newsletter, Outram Now.
The recipients - five men, two women and a girl - come from diverse backgrounds. The oldest is 61 and the youngest, three. The two men who recieved her kidneys each had waited for over seven years, while the child - born with a rare life-threatening condition - waited for over a year. In all, Gwen's heart, liver, kidneys, lungs and corneas were donated.
Gwen, a triple-science student of a top school, collapsed at a train station one morning last December. 'I tried to massage her head her head but she stopped me,' said her mum who was with Gwen then. Other than mild childhood asthma and occasional nosebleeds due to a thin nose membrane, Gwen seemed a healthy girl, her mother was quoted as saying. Their names were changed at the family's request for privacy, said the newsletter .
Mrs Tan decided to take her to a clinic where she was given an injection and medicine for giddiness and vomiting. But by the time they left the clinic, Gwen's vision had blurred. Late that night, she vomitted again and her parents rushed her to hospital.
A CT scan showed a massive blood clot in the left lower back of her head and doctors diagnosed her to be suffering from Cerebral Arteriovenous Malformation (AVM) - a congenital disorder that interrupts blood flow in the brain due to abnormal connections between arteries and the veins.
Gwen was transferred to an intensive care unit around 1am and was induced into a coma to minimise brain activities. Her condition stablised the next morning but deteriorated quickly overnight when the pressure in her skull spiked. An emergency procedure was done to relieve pressure on her brain. By the next afternoon, neurosurgeons told Mrs Tan Gwen's left brain - the part that controls speech and vision - was damaged.
"According to him, she was like a walking time bomb. As the high-pressure blood acts at the top of the vein, the thin wall of the vein is being stretched. It was only a matter of time before it burst," said Mrs Tan. Another consultant told her Gwen "would be gone" the moment she was taken off the life support machine.
On Christmas night, doctors told the Tans Gwen's hormones had become inbalanced - a sign the brain had lost its function. The following night, she was certified brain dead.
(source: www.straitstimes.com/Breaking%2BNews/Singapore/Story/STIStory_376201.html )
My comments:
My prayers go to Gwen. She and her family know the meaning of gift and selfless more than many of us.
The teenager, who often volunteered to tutor under privileged kids, gave eight patients a new lease of life when her parents - who held the belief that their daughter would have wanted to help others - donated five of her organs after she was declared brain dead, the Singapore General Hospital (SGH) reported in its May/June newsletter, Outram Now.
The recipients - five men, two women and a girl - come from diverse backgrounds. The oldest is 61 and the youngest, three. The two men who recieved her kidneys each had waited for over seven years, while the child - born with a rare life-threatening condition - waited for over a year. In all, Gwen's heart, liver, kidneys, lungs and corneas were donated.
Gwen, a triple-science student of a top school, collapsed at a train station one morning last December. 'I tried to massage her head her head but she stopped me,' said her mum who was with Gwen then. Other than mild childhood asthma and occasional nosebleeds due to a thin nose membrane, Gwen seemed a healthy girl, her mother was quoted as saying. Their names were changed at the family's request for privacy, said the newsletter .
Mrs Tan decided to take her to a clinic where she was given an injection and medicine for giddiness and vomiting. But by the time they left the clinic, Gwen's vision had blurred. Late that night, she vomitted again and her parents rushed her to hospital.
A CT scan showed a massive blood clot in the left lower back of her head and doctors diagnosed her to be suffering from Cerebral Arteriovenous Malformation (AVM) - a congenital disorder that interrupts blood flow in the brain due to abnormal connections between arteries and the veins.
Gwen was transferred to an intensive care unit around 1am and was induced into a coma to minimise brain activities. Her condition stablised the next morning but deteriorated quickly overnight when the pressure in her skull spiked. An emergency procedure was done to relieve pressure on her brain. By the next afternoon, neurosurgeons told Mrs Tan Gwen's left brain - the part that controls speech and vision - was damaged.
"According to him, she was like a walking time bomb. As the high-pressure blood acts at the top of the vein, the thin wall of the vein is being stretched. It was only a matter of time before it burst," said Mrs Tan. Another consultant told her Gwen "would be gone" the moment she was taken off the life support machine.
On Christmas night, doctors told the Tans Gwen's hormones had become inbalanced - a sign the brain had lost its function. The following night, she was certified brain dead.
(source: www.straitstimes.com/Breaking%2BNews/Singapore/Story/STIStory_376201.html )
My comments:
My prayers go to Gwen. She and her family know the meaning of gift and selfless more than many of us.
Imdex Asia 2009
For friends who are in the shipping line or have something to deal with ships, I am sure you are aware that Imdex Asia 2009 is on from Tuesday and Thursday.
As many as 20 warships are participating in this event. They are berthed at Changi Naval Base. UK has sent 2 warships including HMS (Her Majesty Ship) Ocean which is a helicopter carrier. My office is arranging a visit to this ship. We may or may not make it because of this ship's tight schedule right after this event.
Our country has sent RSS (Republic of Singapore Ship) Formidable and RSS Resolution to take part too.
For more info, you can refer to http://www.imdexasia.com/
As many as 20 warships are participating in this event. They are berthed at Changi Naval Base. UK has sent 2 warships including HMS (Her Majesty Ship) Ocean which is a helicopter carrier. My office is arranging a visit to this ship. We may or may not make it because of this ship's tight schedule right after this event.
Our country has sent RSS (Republic of Singapore Ship) Formidable and RSS Resolution to take part too.
For more info, you can refer to http://www.imdexasia.com/
14 May - Break Free !
Isa's mid year exam started on 4 May. This year's exam started slightly earlier as compared to other schools. She had her composition papers for the first two days and then followed by the english main and mathematics papers.
This week, the chinese main and science papers will be on 13 and 14 May.
In the late morning of 14 May, all the p4 kids will become crazy because their exam will be over!
We have a long list of to-do on that day. We plan to go for a hair-cut, library and then a dinner at pizza-hut. We will be free from revision papers and exam stress from that day!
However, a last minute notice that I have to work till early evening on that day spoilt everything. Now Isa decided to stick herself in front of the laptop or tv for the rest of that day.
Sigh... this is one of the main problems faced by a working parent.
This week, the chinese main and science papers will be on 13 and 14 May.
In the late morning of 14 May, all the p4 kids will become crazy because their exam will be over!
We have a long list of to-do on that day. We plan to go for a hair-cut, library and then a dinner at pizza-hut. We will be free from revision papers and exam stress from that day!
However, a last minute notice that I have to work till early evening on that day spoilt everything. Now Isa decided to stick herself in front of the laptop or tv for the rest of that day.
Sigh... this is one of the main problems faced by a working parent.
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
Back to Office
Finally, I am back to my office today.
I was away from work for slightly more than a week.
During the past week, I woke up early as usual. Instead of going to work, I had breakfast with J. Then I went to the market to buy some fresh vegetables or stayed at home to surf internet until noon.
It has been quite relaxing to slow down the pace of my life, to look around the people and buildings.
However, I miss the breakfast and lunch provided by my office.
I am glad to have my office breakfast and sipping my cup of hot coffee now.
Well, it is good to take a short break from work once a while.
My next break from work would be in June!
I was away from work for slightly more than a week.
During the past week, I woke up early as usual. Instead of going to work, I had breakfast with J. Then I went to the market to buy some fresh vegetables or stayed at home to surf internet until noon.
It has been quite relaxing to slow down the pace of my life, to look around the people and buildings.
However, I miss the breakfast and lunch provided by my office.
I am glad to have my office breakfast and sipping my cup of hot coffee now.
Well, it is good to take a short break from work once a while.
My next break from work would be in June!
Wednesday, May 06, 2009
The day I failed an examination (By Lee Wei Ling)
In February 1982, I took my MRCP part 2 in Edinburgh. The MRCP exam is the postgraduate examination for internal medicine and paediatrics organised by the College of Physicians in Britain. Three universities conduct the examination simultaneously - London, Glasgow and Edinburgh.
I chose to take my examination in Edinburgh because I was not sure I could understand London's Cockney accent or the Glasgow accent. The Edinburgh accent, I figured, would be much easier for me to understand.
I was down with flu at the time of the practical examination in which we were supposed to examine patients. I was told to listen ('auscultate') to the heart of my first patient. I guessed what she had but could not hear the corresponding heart murmur. From then on, my examiners became unfriendly and I became nervous.
When the examination was over, I went back to the hospital where I had examined the patient and asked her mother what was wrong with the patient. I had guessed correctly: She had a mitral stenosis, which causes a murmur that is notoriously difficult to hear.
Nowadays, doctors no longer need to have acute hearing in order to diagnose heart conditions. A cheap and simple ultrasound produces clear anatomical pictures, including of heart functions. No more guessing is required.
I was sure I had failed the examination though I had sailed through the written paper and the subsequent viva voce. When the results were announced, I was in the Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh building. After the crowd had thinned, I went forward to read the list of names.
Mine was not on the list.
The news spread like wildfire among the Singaporean medical community. 'Lee Wei Ling has finally failed an exam! She is like any one of us.'
I took my failure very badly because I knew I did not deserve to fail. I did not even need the MRCP as I already had my Master of Medicine (in paediatrics), which is on equal footing with the MRCP.
I was also hurt by the fact that many Singapore doctors seemed happy I had failed. I swore to myself that I would not take the examination again.
But my father told me: 'You have to take that exam until you pass it. You have to prove to Singapore you can do it.'
My parents have never pressured me or my brothers to aim for academic success. If there was any 'pressure', it was no more than an implicit expectation. This was especially so with me, the most highly strung and stubborn of their three children. I was determined to prove I could equal my brothers' academic achievements.
All my previous examination successes - except for the one doctors need to pass to practise in the United States - had occurred in Singapore. For all written medical examinations, local or foreign, one wrote only one's index number on answer sheets.
So there was no question of examiners favouring me because I am Mr Lee Kuan Yew's daughter. But my father nevertheless wanted me to show Singaporeans that I could succeed outside of Singapore, though success in the MRCP examination is to a small but significant extent dependent on luck.
So I returned to Edinburgh to re-take the MRCP in October 1982. This time I took great care not to catch any bug, and I went up to Edinburgh by train wearing a face mask.
Everything went smoothly and I knew I had passed. Indeed, I knew more about the patient - a young child with brain damage - than the examiner. I returned to London after the examination and asked a friend to telephone me the results. After I received confirmation that I had indeed passed, I phoned home.
Ming Yang, my late sister- in-law, picked up the phone. I asked her to tell the rest of my family that I had passed. And I asked about her new baby.
She told me he was an albino. Hsien Loong was a little disappointed and had told our father the boy would not be able to do national service. I also knew that albinos have poor eyesight. My heart went out to Ming Yang and Loong.
I flew back to Boston, where I was based then. While napping after my arrival, my father phoned me. 'Ming Yang passed away of a heart attack,' he reported. 'Come back now.'
I returned to Singapore for Ming Yang's funeral and stayed to mark the new baby's first month.
My father arranged my return flight to Boston. As he believed flying west was less tiring, I flew through London and stopped there for a day. Since then, London has always brought back unhappy memories for me and I avoided going there until 2004, when I needed to meet someone in Edinburgh.
As luck would have it, his house was but a street away from the Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh building. After our meeting, I walked right up to the front door of the building. The building was locked since it was a Sunday. I stood there for a few minutes, before turning to another friend who had accompanied me and said: 'Red dust.' (A Chinese expression signifying the illusions of life.)
Twenty-seven years later, my examination failure seems inconsequential. But I have no regrets having tried and failed the first time. It made me appear normal to the Singapore medical community.
Also, considering how outspoken and aggressive I can be, a failure that lent me a vulnerable image did me no harm. My failure forced me to learn how to roll with the punches and to react to life's capriciousness with equanimity.
As for my albino nephew, he has grown into a kind, considerate and responsible young man who is not ashamed of being different from the average man in the street. He too has learnt to accept what he cannot change and to adapt his life around the constraints.
Life is unpredictable for all of us. But if we persevere and adapt, many apparently impossible difficulties can be overcome. That my nephew will graduate soon from the National University of Singapore is proof of that fact.
The writer is director of the National Neuroscience Institute. Send your comments to suntimes@sph.com.sg
(source: www.asiaone.com/News/Education/Story/A1Story20090504-139135.html )
My comments:
What is a life without failures? With failures, success would come. I particularly like the sentences in the last paragraph;
"Life is unpredictable for all of us. But if we persevere and adapt, many apparently impossible difficulties can be overcome."
I chose to take my examination in Edinburgh because I was not sure I could understand London's Cockney accent or the Glasgow accent. The Edinburgh accent, I figured, would be much easier for me to understand.
I was down with flu at the time of the practical examination in which we were supposed to examine patients. I was told to listen ('auscultate') to the heart of my first patient. I guessed what she had but could not hear the corresponding heart murmur. From then on, my examiners became unfriendly and I became nervous.
When the examination was over, I went back to the hospital where I had examined the patient and asked her mother what was wrong with the patient. I had guessed correctly: She had a mitral stenosis, which causes a murmur that is notoriously difficult to hear.
Nowadays, doctors no longer need to have acute hearing in order to diagnose heart conditions. A cheap and simple ultrasound produces clear anatomical pictures, including of heart functions. No more guessing is required.
I was sure I had failed the examination though I had sailed through the written paper and the subsequent viva voce. When the results were announced, I was in the Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh building. After the crowd had thinned, I went forward to read the list of names.
Mine was not on the list.
The news spread like wildfire among the Singaporean medical community. 'Lee Wei Ling has finally failed an exam! She is like any one of us.'
I took my failure very badly because I knew I did not deserve to fail. I did not even need the MRCP as I already had my Master of Medicine (in paediatrics), which is on equal footing with the MRCP.
I was also hurt by the fact that many Singapore doctors seemed happy I had failed. I swore to myself that I would not take the examination again.
But my father told me: 'You have to take that exam until you pass it. You have to prove to Singapore you can do it.'
My parents have never pressured me or my brothers to aim for academic success. If there was any 'pressure', it was no more than an implicit expectation. This was especially so with me, the most highly strung and stubborn of their three children. I was determined to prove I could equal my brothers' academic achievements.
All my previous examination successes - except for the one doctors need to pass to practise in the United States - had occurred in Singapore. For all written medical examinations, local or foreign, one wrote only one's index number on answer sheets.
So there was no question of examiners favouring me because I am Mr Lee Kuan Yew's daughter. But my father nevertheless wanted me to show Singaporeans that I could succeed outside of Singapore, though success in the MRCP examination is to a small but significant extent dependent on luck.
So I returned to Edinburgh to re-take the MRCP in October 1982. This time I took great care not to catch any bug, and I went up to Edinburgh by train wearing a face mask.
Everything went smoothly and I knew I had passed. Indeed, I knew more about the patient - a young child with brain damage - than the examiner. I returned to London after the examination and asked a friend to telephone me the results. After I received confirmation that I had indeed passed, I phoned home.
Ming Yang, my late sister- in-law, picked up the phone. I asked her to tell the rest of my family that I had passed. And I asked about her new baby.
She told me he was an albino. Hsien Loong was a little disappointed and had told our father the boy would not be able to do national service. I also knew that albinos have poor eyesight. My heart went out to Ming Yang and Loong.
I flew back to Boston, where I was based then. While napping after my arrival, my father phoned me. 'Ming Yang passed away of a heart attack,' he reported. 'Come back now.'
I returned to Singapore for Ming Yang's funeral and stayed to mark the new baby's first month.
My father arranged my return flight to Boston. As he believed flying west was less tiring, I flew through London and stopped there for a day. Since then, London has always brought back unhappy memories for me and I avoided going there until 2004, when I needed to meet someone in Edinburgh.
As luck would have it, his house was but a street away from the Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh building. After our meeting, I walked right up to the front door of the building. The building was locked since it was a Sunday. I stood there for a few minutes, before turning to another friend who had accompanied me and said: 'Red dust.' (A Chinese expression signifying the illusions of life.)
Twenty-seven years later, my examination failure seems inconsequential. But I have no regrets having tried and failed the first time. It made me appear normal to the Singapore medical community.
Also, considering how outspoken and aggressive I can be, a failure that lent me a vulnerable image did me no harm. My failure forced me to learn how to roll with the punches and to react to life's capriciousness with equanimity.
As for my albino nephew, he has grown into a kind, considerate and responsible young man who is not ashamed of being different from the average man in the street. He too has learnt to accept what he cannot change and to adapt his life around the constraints.
Life is unpredictable for all of us. But if we persevere and adapt, many apparently impossible difficulties can be overcome. That my nephew will graduate soon from the National University of Singapore is proof of that fact.
The writer is director of the National Neuroscience Institute. Send your comments to suntimes@sph.com.sg
(source: www.asiaone.com/News/Education/Story/A1Story20090504-139135.html )
My comments:
What is a life without failures? With failures, success would come. I particularly like the sentences in the last paragraph;
"Life is unpredictable for all of us. But if we persevere and adapt, many apparently impossible difficulties can be overcome."
Thermometers
With the H1N1 flu still looming around, thermometers become a must-have for almost everybody.
There are a few types of thermometers available for measuring body temperature. In the past, we used the traditional clinical thermometer which contained the poisonous Mercury. Before using it, one must shake the thermometer so that the mercury level returns to the lower level near the constriction level. We put the thermometer under our tongue or armpit. After a while, we take it out and try to take the reading of the temperature. It takes quite some time to learn how to read because the mercury is silver in colour against the transparent glass background.
With modern technology, we have digital clinical thermometers. They work the same, except no need to shake and try reading hard at the thermometer. The reading is clearly shown on the little window of the thermometers.
Then we have "thermoscan", commonly used for babies, simply put it into the ear and in a short while, we can get the reading.
Which type is more suitable for you?
I admit the thermoscan is the most convenient type but it easily costs more than $100.
I prefer the traditional clinical thermometer because most of my digital thermometers ran out of batteries! With the traditional one, I do not have to worry about battery-flat. Modern inventions may not be the best.
There are a few types of thermometers available for measuring body temperature. In the past, we used the traditional clinical thermometer which contained the poisonous Mercury. Before using it, one must shake the thermometer so that the mercury level returns to the lower level near the constriction level. We put the thermometer under our tongue or armpit. After a while, we take it out and try to take the reading of the temperature. It takes quite some time to learn how to read because the mercury is silver in colour against the transparent glass background.
With modern technology, we have digital clinical thermometers. They work the same, except no need to shake and try reading hard at the thermometer. The reading is clearly shown on the little window of the thermometers.
Then we have "thermoscan", commonly used for babies, simply put it into the ear and in a short while, we can get the reading.
Which type is more suitable for you?
I admit the thermoscan is the most convenient type but it easily costs more than $100.
I prefer the traditional clinical thermometer because most of my digital thermometers ran out of batteries! With the traditional one, I do not have to worry about battery-flat. Modern inventions may not be the best.
Tuesday, May 05, 2009
On Leave for One Week
With H1N1 to reach pandemic level, I have chosen the most suitable time to go on leave!
With the hassle of measuring temperature almost everywhere, question slips to be filled etc, the best time would be to coop at home.
I have quite a relaxed time for the past couple of days; surfing internet in the morning, watch tv programmes and then prepare a simple dinner in the late afternoon.
I remind myself not to feel guilty for wasting time in this way. Afterall, I don't have this luxury quite often.
With the fast pace life in Singapore, I wonder what is the ultimate gain or goal to achieve.
With the hassle of measuring temperature almost everywhere, question slips to be filled etc, the best time would be to coop at home.
I have quite a relaxed time for the past couple of days; surfing internet in the morning, watch tv programmes and then prepare a simple dinner in the late afternoon.
I remind myself not to feel guilty for wasting time in this way. Afterall, I don't have this luxury quite often.
With the fast pace life in Singapore, I wonder what is the ultimate gain or goal to achieve.
Friday, May 01, 2009
HK confirms 1st flu case
HONG KONG - HONG Kong on Friday reported its first confirmed case of swine flu, Chief Executive Donald Tsang said.
'We have our first confirmed swine flu case in Hong Kong. He is Mexican,' Mr Tsang told reporters.
The Mexian arrived in Hong Kong on Thursday from Mexico via Shanghai, Mr Tsang said.
He was admitted to hospital on Thursday night suffering fever and tested positive on Friday for swine flu. He was in stable condition, Mr Tsang said.
The hotel in Wanchai district where he had been staying had been cordoned off, he said.
(source: www.straitstimes.com/Breaking%2BNews/Asia/Story/STIStory_371029.html )
My comments:
Finally this news arrived and my decision is confirmed that my family will not be heading to HK for holidays in June. This h1n1 flu virus has spread to Asia and now it is a matter of time, when Singapore will get its first case.
'We have our first confirmed swine flu case in Hong Kong. He is Mexican,' Mr Tsang told reporters.
The Mexian arrived in Hong Kong on Thursday from Mexico via Shanghai, Mr Tsang said.
He was admitted to hospital on Thursday night suffering fever and tested positive on Friday for swine flu. He was in stable condition, Mr Tsang said.
The hotel in Wanchai district where he had been staying had been cordoned off, he said.
(source: www.straitstimes.com/Breaking%2BNews/Asia/Story/STIStory_371029.html )
My comments:
Finally this news arrived and my decision is confirmed that my family will not be heading to HK for holidays in June. This h1n1 flu virus has spread to Asia and now it is a matter of time, when Singapore will get its first case.
My Avante (FORWARD)
I collected my Hyundai Avante from Komoco in the morning. 1st of May is a good day to start with a new car. It is a stylish car.
In the evening, our Avante was put into a "test". Her maiden's journey was to Mount Faber. As we know, the winding road to and fro Mount Faber was quite a challenge for both the driver and the car. I remembered our first apple green, manual gear, Nissan March had quite a hard time climbing up to Mount Faber.
For this 1.6 litre Avante, it was quite a breeze to go through the winding road.
Anyway, the weather was clear and the visibility great. We had quite an excellent night view of the southern islands and the city area.
Friends,
When you have collected your new car, why not take up the challenge of driving up to Mount Faber?
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