So, today, I kinda forgot the fact that I am a student who should be putting all my time on my research project.
Seems like CHANGING really takes a lot of determination and focus.
Went to the clinic this morning to collect the test results. Appointment was at 11am but waited for an hour. Ridiculous. I was losing my patience already, but what could I do? Was told by the receptionist that the doctor was running late with all her appointments since the morning.
The doctor I saw today was different from the one I saw two days earlier. This time, according to my prior research, she's actually an assoc. professor at the general practice department of the medical school in my uni. So she should be pretty knowledgeable.
Fortunately, she turned out to be one of the best doctors I have ever seen.
The HIV test came back clear (thank God!). But she was intrigued by my Red Blood Cells count. I told her that it's not a problem because, though they were slightly abnormal, I was told by all my previous doctors that it could just be an indication that I have the Thalassemia trait, a carrier. It shouldn't have any impact on me, unless I have kids with someone who is also a carrier.
I have never bothered to do a Thalassemia trait study. Mainly because I don't really think it affects me.
But you know what? She picked up the phone, and called the Hematologist at the pathology straightaway. She said, 'let's find out!'. I personally think the way she handled it, is something that every GP should do. You are 'only' a GP, you are not God, you don't know it all. If you don't know something, just ask!
So, I was told that it could be that I am a carrier of Thalassemia or that it's a hemoglobin variant. It's not an urgent thing, so I can choose to do the tests at a later date.
She also spent time asking me about my family medical history, and I was told I am an MBC (Malaysian Born Chinese) hahaha, not a very common initialism though.
My ALT and AST levels for the liver function test also came back elevated. Could it be due to the antibiotics I had two weeks ago? Or the garlic and horseradish in that Blackmores multi C I had? Couldn't really ascertain the cause. So she took my height, my weight, and did a BMI calculation. Oh, she checked my blood pressure too. Was on the high end (150, 85) initially, so she asked me to relax, imagine a place I like, then took it again (130, 80).
I spent more than 30 minutes with her. No wonder she was late with her appointments.
Hmm..if you happen to be in Sydney too, and you want some recommendation for good doctors, let me know. I have seen many doctors in the last year or so. Some are graduates of top medical schools but are inexperienced.
Here, the study of General Practice is being promoted as a medical specialty. You can 'specialise' as a GP, and get FRACGP (AUS) after 3-4 years of additional training/study on top of your MBBS degree.
She did mention that Singapore is a 'medically advanced' country, and that people normally get screened for their blood before/during pregnancy, so having a baby with Thalassemia major can be avoided.
But she didn't say Malaysia lo...Because we all know how shitty the country is. Any college can offer medicine, virtually anyone can study medicine. Much like Air Asia's 'everyone can fly'. Now everyone can be a doctor. Make the whole family proud. And not forgetting the 'pharmacist' auntie who 'dispenses' antibiotics and panadols to you after you see your local GP. We once had a really good uni (a few maybe), but now? No eyes see.
Had my lunch at a cafe next to the clinic. A bit pricey, food was okay.
Also had a hair cut today.
Seems like CHANGING really takes a lot of determination and focus.
Went to the clinic this morning to collect the test results. Appointment was at 11am but waited for an hour. Ridiculous. I was losing my patience already, but what could I do? Was told by the receptionist that the doctor was running late with all her appointments since the morning.
The doctor I saw today was different from the one I saw two days earlier. This time, according to my prior research, she's actually an assoc. professor at the general practice department of the medical school in my uni. So she should be pretty knowledgeable.
Fortunately, she turned out to be one of the best doctors I have ever seen.
The HIV test came back clear (thank God!). But she was intrigued by my Red Blood Cells count. I told her that it's not a problem because, though they were slightly abnormal, I was told by all my previous doctors that it could just be an indication that I have the Thalassemia trait, a carrier. It shouldn't have any impact on me, unless I have kids with someone who is also a carrier.
I have never bothered to do a Thalassemia trait study. Mainly because I don't really think it affects me.
But you know what? She picked up the phone, and called the Hematologist at the pathology straightaway. She said, 'let's find out!'. I personally think the way she handled it, is something that every GP should do. You are 'only' a GP, you are not God, you don't know it all. If you don't know something, just ask!
So, I was told that it could be that I am a carrier of Thalassemia or that it's a hemoglobin variant. It's not an urgent thing, so I can choose to do the tests at a later date.
She also spent time asking me about my family medical history, and I was told I am an MBC (Malaysian Born Chinese) hahaha, not a very common initialism though.
My ALT and AST levels for the liver function test also came back elevated. Could it be due to the antibiotics I had two weeks ago? Or the garlic and horseradish in that Blackmores multi C I had? Couldn't really ascertain the cause. So she took my height, my weight, and did a BMI calculation. Oh, she checked my blood pressure too. Was on the high end (150, 85) initially, so she asked me to relax, imagine a place I like, then took it again (130, 80).
I spent more than 30 minutes with her. No wonder she was late with her appointments.
Hmm..if you happen to be in Sydney too, and you want some recommendation for good doctors, let me know. I have seen many doctors in the last year or so. Some are graduates of top medical schools but are inexperienced.
Here, the study of General Practice is being promoted as a medical specialty. You can 'specialise' as a GP, and get FRACGP (AUS) after 3-4 years of additional training/study on top of your MBBS degree.
She did mention that Singapore is a 'medically advanced' country, and that people normally get screened for their blood before/during pregnancy, so having a baby with Thalassemia major can be avoided.
But she didn't say Malaysia lo...Because we all know how shitty the country is. Any college can offer medicine, virtually anyone can study medicine. Much like Air Asia's 'everyone can fly'. Now everyone can be a doctor. Make the whole family proud. And not forgetting the 'pharmacist' auntie who 'dispenses' antibiotics and panadols to you after you see your local GP. We once had a really good uni (a few maybe), but now? No eyes see.
Had my lunch at a cafe next to the clinic. A bit pricey, food was okay.
 |
| Pulled Pork Shoulder and some shredded dun know what, on multigrain bread |
Also had a hair cut today.
Make sure you check again 6 months later~
ReplyDelete[Jino] - A man's not a man unless he knows how to shoot