Singapore Adventure: Relieved

I got my medical exam results from the clinic today.  And after a week of agonising anticipation of what they might have found in my blood test, I am finally relieved.  It seems that my blood sample did react with the test kit the lab is using and had to be sent to the Singapore General Hospital for a confirmatory test. 

Our friend nurse at the clinic reminded me that I did have this same case the last time I did a blood test, but I just couldn't recall when it was. I remember I did a few CBC tests to check on my cholesterol levels, and as far as I remember I have not done any HIV testing before this one.  But since the clinic should have all my medical records and accounts of all the laboratory tests I have done here, then I am in no position to contest her statement. :)

I am clean, as I am very sure I am. :P  And I can finally proceed with finalising my immigration pass.

All is good and tonight I shall sleep like a baby. :)

Singapore Adventure: Worried

Last week, I received a good news in my inbox.  My application for a Long Term Visit Pass here in Singapore has been approved by the ICA.  And so to complete the requirements, I need to get a medical examination done.  It comprises of a chest x-ray and a routine blood test for HIV.

I did this stuff on Monday at the Silvercross Marsiling clinic we used to frequent when we were still staying at Woodlands.  I was told by the nurse that the results should be out by Wednesday and may be collected from the clinic after 2:00 pm.

So this morning, I gave the clinic a ring to check if I can pop over in the afternoon to collect my results and hopefully I can complete the ICA formalities before the week ends.  But to my surprise, only my chest x-ray results are ready, my blood test has not come back from the laboratory.  I instructed the nurse to give me a call back when the results are ready.  A few minutes later I got a call from the clinic.  Initially I thought it was the nurse, but it was Dr. Suren at the end of the line.  He was the doctor who took my blood for the test.

He told me that the blood test result won't be ready for a week since it has to be sent to the Singapore General Hospital for further tests.  Then he asked me if I had any conditions that I know of.  I told him as far as I know I don't have any conditions apart from the high cholesterol findings in my CBC more than a year ago.   Hmmm... that call got me really worried.  It's just supposed to be a routine HIV test.  Are they checking my blood for something else?  I doubt it since it's just supposed to be for a dang routine HIV screening!!!

I gave Hubby Cookie a call, and then I started to breakdown out of worry.  What could it be?  Thanks to him somehow I was able to compose myself.  Then a few minutes later, he forwarded me a link to a Channel News Asia article on Private lab sees increase in requests for HIV testing published in December 2010.  This somehow calmed my nerves. 

Then I realised, it sounds plausible.  After all, I just did an antibiotic cycle, and a few months back had a tetanus shot.  So yes, maybe there were some unexpected reactions in my blood test. 

In the meantime, I can't help but be worried.  And the results won't be avaible for another week.  Sheesh...  I hope whatever they found in my blood sample doesn't kill me until then.

I am crossing my fingers.  Please cross your fingers for me, too.

Singapore Adventure: Another Round

After completing my Erythromycin antibiotic cycle, I am again doing another course of meds.  It seems that the first set didn't really get to the core of my phlegm issue.  And so now I say hello to Fedac Tablet and Fluimucil.

When I went to see the doctor the first time, I told him about the pain in my ears when I swallow.  He had a look but dismissed it saying that there was nothing wrong with my ears.  Yesterday, when I went to see the doctor at our old place in Woodlands to have a medical exam done for my Visit Pass application, I also consulted him about the "swallowing pain".  He had a look in my ears, and said I had mucus in my ears.  So there, another round of meds for me to take over the course of 1.5 weeks.

Well, I don't think this round has antibiotics.  Both meds are just for managing phlegm.  The Fedac Tablets I need to take 3 times a day.  And it makes me really drowsy.  The Fluimucil effervescent tab needs to be dissolved in a glass of water and taken in the morning.  And boy, that is one gruelling drink of water for me.  The tab about the size of a one Singapore dollar coin fizzes when it hits the water.  It tastes like bland soda water.  Eww... 

But then again if this is supposed to get me better, I'll take them diligently.  Hopefully this time we'll finally get rid of the nasty phlegm.

Singapore Adventure: One Sick Cookie

I blame the weather!  Very hot and humid in the morning, then in the afternoon, the heavy rains come.  I may not be very fit, but I know I am no weakling.  But this crazy hot and cold weather is just throwing my immune system off.

My bestfriend - Erythromycin

So this week, Erythromycin is my bestfriend. 

Imagine your schedule being limited by the "2 to be taken 4 times daily".  And prior to that you need to sit down for a meal before taking the tabs.  \

Well, the pink color of the tabs somehow makes it easier to swallow.   Hahaha...  But still, I just couldn't bear the idea of taking another round of antibiotics.  Last time I did a cycle was for my unfortunate scissor accident about 3 months ago. 

Hopefully I get better real soon because being sick just sucks! 

In the meantime, I will enjoy the big pot of sopas (Milky Chicken Macaroni Soup) which is actually all I can eat since yesterday.  It's just so difficult to swallow with this sore throat.   

Sopas for Wifey Cookie

And yeah, meet my other bestfriend - Strepsils.

Strepsils with Honey & Lemon