FPP Hospital Selayang Review - "The Procedure - Cesarean"

The Procedure - Cesarean (26/2/2013)

Booked for a Cesarean, morning the next day, 26/2/2013.

Meaning, I've fasted, on drips, shaved (ahem!) and gone through all those pre-ops preparation in view of Cesarean which will proceed as planned provided :-
- A ventilator is available at NICU (as I am expecting a preterm baby)
and, - there's no other emergency cases.

In the morning, a nurse came to fix the urine bag. (Ok, what urine bag!!) - It is also known as urine catheter, to make sure you don't pee and wet yourself before, during and after surgery! Yes, a tube inserted to catch pee into a bag. I declined, because I know it will be uncomfortable. I requested for it to be done in the OT, after they numb me! :)

At around 7 am, a nurse 'unofficially' informed me that ventilator is not available and procedure may be postponed to the next day, or another 'next day' until available. I didn't like the sound of it! This mean I had to fast again? and again? and shaved again? ... okay, maybe not the 'shaving' part.

Around 8 am, as I was reaching for my cuppa of oats drink (to break fast, 'unofficially'), Dr. Yu came and said can proceed as NICU can make arrangements if needed. Oh yes!

Off I go to the OT!

Never been to an OT before. Oh my - it is so bright!

First, I had this whole group of aliens (people in green) surrounding me, freaking me out. Then, suddenly, someone said "FPP" and many green people had to leave (I guess they were there to observe and learn) - so, take note, perks under FPP - Not so many green people.

Then, the very nice Dr. Anesthesia started numbing me. I had to sit up, bend a little while she administers the 'numb' drug. (By the way, I love the song "Numb"!) - believe me, she's so good that I felt nothing during the numbing procedure.

However, I did have a 'not-so-nice' (wouldn't want to call it 'bad') experience with the IV line. The first IV line they did became 'blocked', removed - they tried to do a new one at the OT. First attempt unsuccessful as it was painful after, then second attempt, my hand swelled up as they started the drip ... third attempt they did it inside bend of my elbow, which was successful but I didn't like it as it restricts my movement, in case I needed to protect myself against green people.

I had two IV lines, both hands. Feeling very cold. Very, very cold, freezing cold, shivering - they had this blower with hot air to keep me warm... still, I was shivering. I've never felt so cold before.

After I am all numb ... okay, half numb - lower body - Dr. Yu (I think ... everyone looks the same in the OT) started the procedure. I can feel 'something' but not pain. Pain had been blocked.

When I felt doctor pulling, I knew he was trying to get Little Binny out ... soon after, I heard my Little Binny crying.

My Little Binny is finally here.

The nurse showed me my Little Binny, asked if I know the gender. I said yes, girl.

Me, still drowsy. Should have taken a picture of the urine bag!

My precious little girl.

God, please protect her from all harm. She's just too precious. I love her.

Little Binny weigh-in at 1.84 kg. She was then transferred to NICU.

Little Binny @ NICU

FPP Hospital Selayang Review - "The Room & Food"

Now, let's continue to "The Room & Food"

The Room or Bed, as they called it - (Stayed from 25/2 - 4/3/2013)

Anything to shout about on a RM 130.00 per night per room (inclusive of meals) at Hospital Selayang's OBGYN Ward under FPP?

YES! Unfortunately, not shouting out of delight. Sigh.

Firstly, the room could have been cleaner - cupboard had hinges coming off, couldn't shut close - had to use a chair to block. Curtains, cupboards were dusty. Tiles skirting were coming loose and pieces of tiles left on the floor. Wall papers were peeling off. 

Secondly, hot shower / water stopped working at Day 4!

Overall, I wish it is much cleaner environment - considering it is a hospital!

However, I do appreciate two things in the room.

The TV

and The Lazy Chair (for my hubby) - with no additional charges

The Food

H.O.R.R.I.B.L.E

First Day - they've almost forgotten to send me my lunch. Got my lunch, cold, late. Very hungry. No tea-break. Had to ask my brother to watch out for the dinner cart, so that they remember there's a very anxious, pregnant lady at Bed *0)

Under FPP, there's a menu that we can choose from for our meals - one of the so-called perks of being FPP. First two days, no menu was offered (they forgot! again!)- so I ended up with the regular meals.

Subsequent days, I wanted to be adventurous and started ordering their Western Set - the way the lady described the food while taking my order ... it sounded so yummy, chicken chop with mashed potatoes, grilled fish with some herbs ...

But it came out to be H.O.R.R.I.B.L.E

Food was cold, way too salty and oily to be healthy. 

The only thing I could stomach in is the fresh fruits.

FPP Hospital Selayang Review - "The Admission"

"Review" on Government Hospital, now that's weird.

Anyway, I am not very normal.

I did end up taking FPP (Full Paying Patient) for my ELCS (Elective Cesarean) at Hospital Selayang under Dr. Yu. My ELCS was for medical reasons. The Nephro thinks my Lupus is screwing with me kidneys! (i.e. Leaking protein, blood, leukocytes ...)

The Admission - 25/2/2013

At Level 5 - Labour Ward, Hospital Selayang - 8.00 am.
I Waited. And Waited.
FPP or not, I still have to Wait .. and Wait ..

Then,  I was directed to go to  'observation unit'
- CTG to monitor baby's heartbeat.
- Ultrasound (estimated my Little Binny weighs 2.2kg)
- Blood Test
- Dexa Injection on my butt (to help Littly Binny's lung make surfactant so that Binny can breath easily)
- Inserting a very biggie IV line! (ouch!!!!)

(Level 5, Observation Bay are shared by FPP, non-FPP - so, do not expect much privacy!)

Oh ya, remember RM 3,000 is required as deposit under FPP - cash or credit card.
Do bring along your ATM card, as the credit card machine may refuse to work, like on the day I was admitted!! Worry not, there's an ATM on the Ground Floor, just make sure your daily limit is sufficient! (In my case, it wasn't and I ended up paying half first, and half in the evening when my hubby came)

I waited till 12 pm before a room was available!
A Single Room - means hubby can bunk in!

Next - The Room

22-Feb-2013 : Missy Binny @ 34wk 1day

EFW : 2015 g 

Grow Binny Grow!

21-Feb-2013 : Bag Is All Packed

4 More Days to being warded ....

Bag packed.... 

Green, green bag - according to Feng Shui of the Water Snake 2013, very lucky colour la...

Not knowing what to pack - I had to google.

And, hopefully I've packed more essential and less 'nonsense'. :)

Good thing is - I've managed to stuff everything into ONE bag. :)

Earlier, I had TWO bags, then... almost had the THIRD bag .... looked as if I am going for a holiday.

19-Feb-2013 : Anesthesia Clinic

6 More Days before being admitted (25/2)

19-Feb-2013 : Klinik Anaestesia or Klinik Bius @ Hospital Selayang for a Pre-Ops Evaluation.

Given this blue form, to be attached to my 'pink pregnancy' book.

BP : 116/81

PR : 104 bpm

Considered high-risk due to my pre-existing Lupus condition.

ICU backup.

Hmmm...

Footnote :- 

Cried. 

Auntie J lectured me for not telling her things.

Must not cry. 

Love you Auntie LL.

Shopping for Missy Binny : IKEA Baby Cot & Etc...

We went shopping for Missy Binny at IKEA today!

A Baby Cot, Mattress, Chest Drawer & etc!

Our pockets end up lighter by RM 787.50

We bought the most economical baby cot available at IKEA - RM 165.00, almost bought the cheapest Cot Mattress, which was less than RM 30.00. Then decided not to be so cheapskate and bought a decent (we think) mattress which was RM 179.00.

IKEA Baby Cot + Mattress + Mattress Protector + Mattress Cover + Blanket = RM 430.70.

Week 33 : Off Aspirin

Week 33 : Off Aspirin - that's what Dr. Y said.
So, today I'm officially "Off Aspirin".

I've been having sleepless night ... very anxious, afraid, excited - ever since knowing that I'll be warded on 25/2 for a planned early delivery at Hospital Selayang.

Things moved so fast, with the Nephro referring me to a specialist in OBGYN ... and talah ... a date was set!

Missy Binny will be 34wks ++ by the time of planned delivery - not sure of the exact date yet as they would have to make sure baby ventilator is available prior to surgery.

Wish us lots of good vibes & luck !!!

Pregnancy Weight Gain Guidelines

Recommended Pregnancy Weight Gain 

Pre-pregnancy Weight 

• Underweight (BMI less than 18.5)- 28 to 40 pounds (about 13 to 18 kilograms) 

• Normal weight (BMI 18.5 to 24.9)- 25 to 35 pounds (about 11 to 16 kilograms) 

• Overweight (BMI 25 to 29.9)- 15 to 25 pounds (about 7 to 11 kilograms) 

• Obese (BMI 30 or more)- 11 to 20 pounds (about 5 to 9 kilograms)

How to calculate BMI (Body Mass Index)?

Use a calculator :-

Or to an online tool like :- http://nhlbisupport.com/bmi/bmi-m.htm

My Pre-Pregnancy BMI is ....

Hehehe - "Overweight" it says...

So, I must aim to gain in between 7-11 kg.

At 28 weeks, I am about 70kg ... thus my weight gain so far is 3.4 kg.

(Maybe that's why Missy Binny is measuring a week smaller...)

Must gain a little bit more! More Tandoori Chicken, please!

Missy Binny : 28 weeks 0 days (3D 4D Scan)

Missy Binny at 28 weeks + 0 days!

Today, we went for a 3D 4D scan at a clinic nearby.

Must say, we are very happy with the service - Jezzlyn is wonderful!

For RM100, you get a 3D 4D, plus a 2D growth ultrasound!

Online booking available at :- http://bayi-ibu.com/3d-4d-scan-malaysia/

Missy Binny is measuring a bit small, about a week behind.

Estimate to weigh about 1057 grams!

Technology is simply amazing!

And, this is Missy Binny .... with her legs up by her head, also known as "breech".

No worries though, many babies will re-position themselves by 35 / 36 weeks!

Little Missy Binny : Echogenic Focii

The arrow points to "Echogenic Focus" / "Echogenic Foci" / "Bright Spot" on her heart (left ventricle) discovered during a Little Binny's private scan at 22 weeks.

Yesterday I had another detailed fetal scan. This time, it was at PPUM (Pusat Perubatan Universiti Malaya) - similar to the private scan I had, they found the bright spot on Missy Binny's heart. Rest appear normal and she's growing well. :)

What is Echogenic Focus?

An echogenic focus is a “bright spot” in the heart that can be seen on an ultrasound. Most of the time an echogenic focus is seen in the left ventricle of the heart. This is NOT a heart defect, it does NOT change the function of the heart, and it does NOT cause heart disease. Usually the bright spot is a small calcium deposit and is a normal finding.

Refer to :- http://www.med.unc.edu/nursing/programs/women/womens.ed/english/Echogenic%20Focus.pdf
(A very good reference.)

However, it can be a soft marker for chromosome changes, like Downs.

Meaning, it can be nothing or something.

In my case, it is a relief to know that EF is an isolated finding as rest appears normal BUT, as I am 35 years old, it puts risks for chromosome change higher.

Bloggie friends, please pray that all be well and healthy for Missy Binny and I.

Little Missy Binny : 21 weeks 6 days

Presenting ... Little Missy Binny!!!

Three White Lines =  Girl!

(that's what the Sonographer told us!)

I've been pretty much freaking out and worrying after the detailed scan last Wednesday.

That's because they found a bright spot on Little Missy Binny's heart.

I am still very much worried.

I have another detailed scan this Thursday - I hope it is all clear.

Little Binny : 20 weeks 4 days

Little Binny says "Hi" to everyone!
We have reached the halfway mark of pregnancy! 20 weeks!!

Little Binny is estimated to weigh 322g ... and the Little (maybe not so little) Mommy weighs, ahem... 66.6kg today .. Hmmm.........

Little Binny looks well on the scan and the doctor can't see any indication of 'birdie' (ahem,) so, maybe it will be a "Hello Kitty" theme for Little Binny.
However, Daddee still thinks "Doraemon" theme and 'birdie' will somehow 'pop-out' next ultrasound.
Hahaha.... Daddee oh Daddee... He sure wants a little helper with his DIY projects.

Next ultrasound will be the detailed scan at PPUM (Pusat Perubatan Universiti Malaysia) - a different hospital (university hospital) as they don't do it in Hospital Selayang ... :(

Urine - Protein +3, Blood +3, Leukocytes +2

Dear Krazy Kidneys,

I know there's Little Binny's waste that you need to process too.
It can be a little overwhelming.

Please be good?
I promise to drink lots of water ... barley water...

Your fairy god-mother (the Nephrologist) wants to see us after New Year, second day of 2013 to be exact.

And, we have a date on Christmas day to collect 24H urine, to submit on 26/12.

Be good and strong Kidneys! Love ya lots too!!

We need to be strong for Little Binny!


Yours Truly,

Krazy-Ma

Today 19 weeks, 1 day

Yay!

I am now 19 weeks, 1 day pregnant!

Although I must say that I look rather 'flabby'.

And, I need a haircut badly - looking very much like a 'time-escaped' cave-woman from centuries ago.

Went for my check-up / follow-up at the hospital on Wednesday.

Thing is ... my blood & urine lab works came back 'abnormal', but didn't worsen ..

(detected + protein, +++ blood, ++ leukocytes in my urine...)

(hemoglobin 7.8!!!)

My kidney function seems okay,

My blood pressure is normal,

I have no pedal edema,

I do not have Beta Thalassemia,

And,

Little Binny is estimated at 236g! Growing correspondingly...

I guess it is all good?

Still can't tell if Little Binny is a Boy or a Girl!

(the doc who did the scan didn't really try, sigh... after all it is a public hospital, can't really demand much!)

Little Binny : 15 weeks + 5 days

Such a relief to see you ...
First thing you showed us is your butt... how nice...
Then those little movements, aaahhh.... makes mommee so happy la...

Mommee's hemoglobin ain't doing too well - at 7.9 now. Doc mentioned blood transfusion, but looking at Mommee's tough look - she said maybe only when I start feeling 'dizzy' - Yikes?
And of course, there's the blood and protein in Mommee's urine to worry about....

Daddee been very helpful too - smashing red dates and removing its pits to boil "red dates drink" - known to increase blood.

Momme is on antibiotic now, yeah, perhaps you have tasted some of it in the amniotic fluid - not very tasty eh? Don't worry, there's a dozen of pudding in the fridge for Momme to eat .... :)

And, oh... more iron, doc prescribed 600mg of iron tablets, which comes with a note....

"This medicine can cause constipation and black stool / faeces / shit / poop / fecal matter / ordure.

(Important matter has a great pool of synonyms... thus do not under-estimate ... sh*t)

Avoid alcoholic drink."

I must be very careful, if one day, my shit is pink - I must head to the ER immediately...

Pink makes me think of "Hello Kitty"... :)

Little Binny 12w 4d waves "Hi"

Gimme a high-five!

Little Binny measures 12w 5d, 6.28cm.

Did my MGTT (Modified Glucose Tolerance Test) at Hospital Selayang yesterday.

Started an hour late due to a broken lab printer. 

Poor nurse had to go sourcing around for a spare one while those waiting were staring at her, hungrily ... yes, there were several hungry, expecting women who have not eaten since 10 pm, night before....

First blood was taken at 9.00 am. Then I was given this Super Sweet, Super Yucky, plain Sugar Water to drink. One mug. I finished mine in record-breaking 5 minutes, some ladies were still struggling!

Off I go and wait for 2 hours before the second blood test.

2 hours ... of waiting, tummy filled with modified glucose. No wonder some women puke.

I lay down horizontally on the waiting chairs and took little naps. It is quite a struggle because no food / drink is allowed until, after the second blood test.

Not so hungry. Blood is probably infused with so much sugar that I felt sleepy.

Consider this as sugar-overload.

Whole thing ended at about 11.15... and off we go for a private NT scan. :)