IJN Morning

My mother-in-law an episode of breathing difficulty a couple of weeks back. Much to her reluctance, she had a check-up with her usual Cardiologist. She was told that a more thorough check-uo was needed and she was referred on to IJN.

All packed upThe main lobby at IJNThere, they found thatvshebhad been suffering from irregular heart beat which prompted further tests and change of treatment. Today, she was admitted for an angiogram.

For the last week - and next after discharge - she would be staying with us while she recovers. We were at the waiting room at the moment waiting for the procedure. An enduring wait. But no one was more nervous then her. Hopefully there would be encouraging news and she could get on with her treatment.

More Pills

So, Mum was at IJN earlier accompanied by Julia and Anita. Both of them finally learned the full extent of the problem that my Mum had following the heart attack. They were terrified. But at least we managed to minimise the damage, and Alhamdulillah she was doing a lot better now.

But there were changes needed from now on. Mum has to watch what she ate, as well as make sure that she takes her medications on time. And oh boy, dis she have plenty to take. From what I gathered, her tablet load had increased since this morning visit. I would be on hand to sort the tablets out later on......

As for me, I had a late lunch since one of my patient turned up very late. While waiting, I helped myself to a different kind of tablet.

After visiting sick relative I need to eat

Just returned from visiting a relative currently very ill at IJN. I must say I was very impressed with the level of care offered over there although the nurses were rather smug. The facilities have definitely been upgraded since the last renovation over there. I just hope some of the similar investment willbe put into UMMC as well in the future.

Posted via email from Stamp up those photos!

Told You This Stem Cell Thing Will Lead Somewhere Someday

Hello! Is it me you're looking for?Part of my work in UMMC involves stem cell transplant as part of the long term consolidation among my unfortunate leukaemia patients. Oftentimes, we never even got to it, either due to patient not having a good enough response to initial chemotherapy, patient being too old for the procedure, have problem with their internal organs or carrying infection that will render the transplant process too risky. However, all this are meaningless if they don't have potential donor in the first lace. As a rule, we look amongst their siblings to donate. Failing that, we may be looking at the various stem cell or cord blood registry.

I stumbled across this article yesterday which I found interesting enough to blog about. Conventional stem cell transplant are not alien to us. There are now new avenues being explored for it's use, from the conventional to the bizarre. The success of autologous (source being patient's own) stem cell infusion into Mr A Allagra's in September 2003 in IJN captured the public imagination. I was fortunate enough to be part of the team to perform the first adult unrelated transplant in Malaysia, although my boss my not be impressed to be quoted as a Medical Officer.

Now, breast augmentation from stem cell? Hmmmm! Now, that's a thought. I am not sure how to response should a member of public ask me about it - hey! I am a stem cell expert after all!. And for the students, should I ask you the indications for stem cell transplant, please don't mention to grow breasts!