Pulmonary tuberculosis ... that is ...

One of the reason why I lost my blogging sense starting mid of 2009 all of a sudden is because I was diagnosed with pulmonary tuberculosis.

 Under IV drips

Tuberculosis used to be one of the top killer disease in the world. It still is the top killer currently where more than 4 million people died from it every year. Having said that, tuberculosis can definitely be cured as effective drugs have been created to combat tuberculosis.

  Mantoux test (a diagnostic tool) on the 24/5/09 @ 9 AM. 

It was painful as tuberculin was injected into the skin.

Pulmonary tuberculosis is tuberculosis in the lung. Symptoms may include prolonged cough (I coughed for 4 months straight), chest pain, coughing out blood, fever, chills, night sweats, appetite loss, weight loss and fatigue. I had all of the above generally. Night sweats were particularly bizarre as I kept sweating majorly under the air-cond. It was so cold and I sweat.

Pyrazinamide (top left), Rifampicin (red in colour), Isoniazid (yellow in colour), 

Ethambutol (bottom right) & Pyridoxine (bottom)

20 years ago, patients were injected with drugs every single day for 6 - 12 months. Now, we had drugs in the form of pills. "Phew!". For 4 months,  I underwent intensive anti tuberculosis drugs in the form of pills ... every single day. Pyrazinamide looked like panadol. Rifampicin looked like normal antibiotic pills. Isoniazid was okay. Ethambutol was evil (bitter & yucky). Pyridoxine was actually the liver supportive - vitamin B6.

Healthy food to keep my weight up ... and up. 

To my cousin brother & cousin sister, thanks a lot :-)

Extra supplements to boost up my immune system. 

To my aunt & uncle, thanks a lot :-)

Humans needs to be remembered rather often on the things that matters the most. More than ever, I know I will always have my family and relatives to lean on to when I am not myself. 

My plate, bowl, mug, spoon & fork. 

As I was infectious then, I wore a mask every single day for 3 months. I had a separate eating ware specially just for me. I had my lunch and dinner separately (and alone) at the living room.

An improved lung. Previously, serious patchy areas could be seen on my 

right lung and part of the left. It only meant cavities and lesion.

When my condition improved after 4 months (October 09), I was given lesser drugs - only Rifampicin, Isoniazid & Pyridoxine. Everything seems to be going rather well. 

The amount as of drugs I had ... after 6 months

The amount of drugs I had up till now was tremendous. That is a lot! There is still 3 months to go before I am allowed to stop my medication.

Till then, have a nice day.

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My neglected blog ...

I know I have neglected my blog for the longest time. My last post can be dated back to last year October the 4th. That is like ... 3 months ago. You tell me about it.

Well, here I am now, appearing all of a sudden. And, I am going to really work on my blog in the coming weeks. Oh, yes I am. It's about time to resurrect my blog back to the fore front.

Thanks for bearing with me all this while :)

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At long last ... and a 'Have you seen him' thingy.

It has been quite a while since I posted something here on my blog. Where have all the time gone too anyway? Ever since I was diagnosed with pulmonary tuberculosis, everything seems to be crumbling (well, not exactly) all over. Quarantine oneself is nothing, but, having to feel useless and aimless is another.

But, thankfully and gratefully, my family & relatives supported me through and through. While I care for them dearly, I have to admit that I need to be reminded from time to times that I still do, and very much too. Ah! We humans, we realize and learn from it only after we fall.

Talking about family and relatives reminded me of a request made by a friend of mine. My friend is looking for a long lost step brother (by the name of Lee Chee Fai) of hers. It has been 11 years since they have cross path. That is a very long period indeed. Well, this is for you then my friend.

Lee Chee Fai was born on the 1st of December 1973 at Pusing, Perak. His mum (which is my friend’s mum also) had to give him out for adoption due to some unforeseen circumstances (family problems I presume).

A child is everything to a mother. Now, you tell me which mother doesn’t love and care for her child? A mother will willingly sacrifice everything just to make sure her child is safe and doing well in the society. Remember 'The Filial Piety Sutra' (click here if you don't) ?

“The parental kindness is deeper than the sea”

“The virtuous kindness of our parents never differs. As long as you are their child, they will never despise you no matter how ugly you may be

“And they will never get angry or be disgusted with you even if you are crippled”

Well, continuing, my friend’s mum decided to look out for her son. And, manage to find him she did. It was from 1987 to 1990 when she was reconciled with her son ... briefly.

I guess he did understand his mother’s predicament. And so, he continues to stay in touch with his mum. That is even though he was staying at different locations. He even visited her occasionally. See, he did care for her.

Fast forwarding to 1998, 11 years ago (the last time my friend ever saw him), he was still working at Singapore then. His job had got something to do with hotel management. But, 1998 was the year when everything went awry. He seems to be nowhere. My friend’s mum couldn’t contact him no matter how much she tried to. She even contacted the other family (the family that adopted him). However, things didn’t look very promising though. The family seems to be hiding something.

Now that we are fast reaching the end of year 2009, there is not single news (at least a wind is still something). She is at wit’s end in searching for her son.

So, to Lee Chee Fai (if you ever read this), your mum misses you so very deeply. Do contact her and tell her that you are doing okay.

To whomever who know/recognize Lee Chee Fai, give me a buzz with your details (email of mobile number maybe) and I’ll direct you to my friend.

Till next post, bye.

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