Throughout my stay in Japan, I have encountered many pleasant and hospitable persons. The one person who still contacts me is Chie Ito-san whom I met and became friends with during my dialysis sessions at Nishiguchi Dialysis Clinic . A very friendly and kind person.
Well, during my stay in Toho University Hospital, I met a patient in my ward after my transplantation. She was a very kind and friendly lady. Her name is Chie Yoshika-san. She was admitted because she wanted to donate her kidney for her son, Hiroki-san. Hiroki-san is only 12 years old and had kidney failure since birth. She is one of the most determined and strong person I have met. I admire and respect her for her strength and optimism. She is a very positive minded and extrovert person. I met her again at the hospital, three months later. I was glad to hear that Hiroki-san is doing fine and even went back to school.
Both the ladies have many similarity. They both converse greatly in English. They share the same name. They are both beautiful and remarkable persons. They both work in a medical-related field. Chie Ito-san is a nurse whereas Chie Yoshika-san is a anesthesiologist. They still keep in touch with me and they are both very important to me and I respect them both in many ways.
Thank you ladies for simply being superb and wonderful. I'm glad to have known you :)
Thursday, November 25, 2010
The Transplant Story
As mentioned in the earlier blogs, my transplant was scheduled to be held in July 2010. After many tests, several alterations and the availability of the operation theater, my surgery was finally scheduled on the 7th of July 2010.
I was admitted in the Toho University Hospital on the 28th of June 2010 to prepare myself for the operation. The stay was enjoyable and memorable to me because of the hospital staff. Speaking medical term in Japanese was really tough for me, but I do agree that I learned many terms and words in Japanese because of the wonderful nurses. The nurse in charge of me was Yamashita-san. A kind and very hospitable lady. She was really kind to me and looked after me really well. She was always willing to go the extra mile to help me. For instance, once she prepared the English version of post-transplant book for me. That was the nicest thing :)
I got along well with other nurses too. Yamaguchi-san is another friendly nurse. I first met her during my dialysis session at Toho University Hospital. Although she speaks English very well; sometimes she converse to me in Japanese language in order to teach me. Some words can be tricky or hard to understand but I managed to learn them by seeing their hand gestures. They tend to speak with me with lots of hand gestures and that definitely helped me a lot! I didn't feel like a patient but was treated more like a friend.
I think that's the specialty and the nobility of the Japanese people. All the people that I met are very friendly, kind and very helpful. The are very concerned people and are really very dedicated to their work! I have never seen anyone as disciplined and humble like them. I consider myself very lucky to be treated here in Japan amidst the kindest people on earth.
The doctors are excellent too. Dr Ken Sakai consulted me in his clinic prior to my admission. Once admitted, I was under Dr Hyodo's supervision. A concerned, friendly and funny doctor. He originated from the Kansai region and therefore thought me a lot of Kansai slang. The head surgeon is Professor Dr Aikawa who usually visits his patients every Tuesday mornings. A powerful surgeon but yet very humble. A patient once told us that Dr Aikawa is referred to as the 'hands of God'.
The patients were like a family. We can relate to them so well although most of us can't converse to each other at all! This was because the patients are all kidney failure patients, either on dialysis or already had their transplant surgery. We could relate by understanding their pain and sufferings and vice-versa.
At the end of June, the doctors were still debating whether to give me a plasma exchange prior to the transplantation but finally agreed to perform it one time on a day before my operation. As of early of July, my family came over to Japan. My donor was admitted on 1st of July 2010 and underwent several tests as well. My donor and I had a good HLA matching and a small trouble at T-cell matching but it was OK. We had a matching test again 48 hours before the surgery and the results were not promising. My 'blood' was rejecting my donor's. We were slightly worried but the doctor convinced us not to worry as I will undergo a plasma exchange session. My last dialysis was scheduled on 6th of July 2010 and a plasma exchange was performed thereafter. Another matching test was conducted after the procedure and the results were good; which means that the operation is on :)
Finally, Wednesday came. It was the 7th of July 2010. I was all excited but there was a problem.My donor was having a fever and the doctors needed to discuss whether to proceed with the operation. It was necessary because, if operation was performed on a sick patient, he or she is highly prone to infections. My donor somehow got better and after several discussions with the doctors, the operation was not canceled. I wasn't so excited because I was worried about my donor. I really wanted the donor to be healthy, happy and prepared for the operation.
After everything seemed well, we had our operation :)
During the operation my family were asked to wait in the ward. My husband told me that it was Dr Ken Sakai that ran to the ward and informed them that the kidney is working :)
After the operation was over, we were transferred back to our respective wards. I somehow remembered being ushered to the ward and seeing my family. I asked about the donor and glad to hear that everything is OK. I even remembered Dr Ken Sakai holding my hand, telling us everything is OK. A doctor whom shall not be forgotten by me, ever.
The recovering period was quite painful and uncomfortable but I wasn't complaining. Somehow I felt lifted and everything seemed like a dream. I was able to walk on the third day after the operation and visited my donor first. I was sadden and felt guilty to hear and see that my donor had a little trouble handling the pain. It was so honorable of the donor to be doing all this for me. I hope that the donor gets better and leads a perfect, normal and happy life forever.
My donor was discharged a week later and I was discharged a month later. I stayed at home most of the time except for going to the hospital for weekly check ups. The creatinine was quite stable and I was scheduled for a kidney biopsy three months later.
My mother took care of me for three months and left for Malaysia at the end of September. I was pampered and well taken care of during her stay.
I was admitted in the hospital, three months later and a kidney biopsy was performed. This was the hospital's procedure to ensure no rejections occur to the graft. The results returned five days later and we were happy to learn that the kidney is functioning well and there were no signs of rejection. Before being discharged, Yamashita-san came running to my ward to wish me well. I was overwhelmed to see her so caring about her patient. She said that she was anxious about the results and now relieved that everything is fine. I was speechless. I couldn't ask for better doctors or nurses.
These were my experience throughout my stay at the hospital. I am truly very grateful for all the care and the love shown. Therefore, this will be my most memorable and important moment in my life.
I was admitted in the Toho University Hospital on the 28th of June 2010 to prepare myself for the operation. The stay was enjoyable and memorable to me because of the hospital staff. Speaking medical term in Japanese was really tough for me, but I do agree that I learned many terms and words in Japanese because of the wonderful nurses. The nurse in charge of me was Yamashita-san. A kind and very hospitable lady. She was really kind to me and looked after me really well. She was always willing to go the extra mile to help me. For instance, once she prepared the English version of post-transplant book for me. That was the nicest thing :)
I got along well with other nurses too. Yamaguchi-san is another friendly nurse. I first met her during my dialysis session at Toho University Hospital. Although she speaks English very well; sometimes she converse to me in Japanese language in order to teach me. Some words can be tricky or hard to understand but I managed to learn them by seeing their hand gestures. They tend to speak with me with lots of hand gestures and that definitely helped me a lot! I didn't feel like a patient but was treated more like a friend.
I think that's the specialty and the nobility of the Japanese people. All the people that I met are very friendly, kind and very helpful. The are very concerned people and are really very dedicated to their work! I have never seen anyone as disciplined and humble like them. I consider myself very lucky to be treated here in Japan amidst the kindest people on earth.
The doctors are excellent too. Dr Ken Sakai consulted me in his clinic prior to my admission. Once admitted, I was under Dr Hyodo's supervision. A concerned, friendly and funny doctor. He originated from the Kansai region and therefore thought me a lot of Kansai slang. The head surgeon is Professor Dr Aikawa who usually visits his patients every Tuesday mornings. A powerful surgeon but yet very humble. A patient once told us that Dr Aikawa is referred to as the 'hands of God'.
The patients were like a family. We can relate to them so well although most of us can't converse to each other at all! This was because the patients are all kidney failure patients, either on dialysis or already had their transplant surgery. We could relate by understanding their pain and sufferings and vice-versa.
At the end of June, the doctors were still debating whether to give me a plasma exchange prior to the transplantation but finally agreed to perform it one time on a day before my operation. As of early of July, my family came over to Japan. My donor was admitted on 1st of July 2010 and underwent several tests as well. My donor and I had a good HLA matching and a small trouble at T-cell matching but it was OK. We had a matching test again 48 hours before the surgery and the results were not promising. My 'blood' was rejecting my donor's. We were slightly worried but the doctor convinced us not to worry as I will undergo a plasma exchange session. My last dialysis was scheduled on 6th of July 2010 and a plasma exchange was performed thereafter. Another matching test was conducted after the procedure and the results were good; which means that the operation is on :)
Finally, Wednesday came. It was the 7th of July 2010. I was all excited but there was a problem.My donor was having a fever and the doctors needed to discuss whether to proceed with the operation. It was necessary because, if operation was performed on a sick patient, he or she is highly prone to infections. My donor somehow got better and after several discussions with the doctors, the operation was not canceled. I wasn't so excited because I was worried about my donor. I really wanted the donor to be healthy, happy and prepared for the operation.
After everything seemed well, we had our operation :)
During the operation my family were asked to wait in the ward. My husband told me that it was Dr Ken Sakai that ran to the ward and informed them that the kidney is working :)
After the operation was over, we were transferred back to our respective wards. I somehow remembered being ushered to the ward and seeing my family. I asked about the donor and glad to hear that everything is OK. I even remembered Dr Ken Sakai holding my hand, telling us everything is OK. A doctor whom shall not be forgotten by me, ever.
The recovering period was quite painful and uncomfortable but I wasn't complaining. Somehow I felt lifted and everything seemed like a dream. I was able to walk on the third day after the operation and visited my donor first. I was sadden and felt guilty to hear and see that my donor had a little trouble handling the pain. It was so honorable of the donor to be doing all this for me. I hope that the donor gets better and leads a perfect, normal and happy life forever.
My donor was discharged a week later and I was discharged a month later. I stayed at home most of the time except for going to the hospital for weekly check ups. The creatinine was quite stable and I was scheduled for a kidney biopsy three months later.
My mother took care of me for three months and left for Malaysia at the end of September. I was pampered and well taken care of during her stay.
I was admitted in the hospital, three months later and a kidney biopsy was performed. This was the hospital's procedure to ensure no rejections occur to the graft. The results returned five days later and we were happy to learn that the kidney is functioning well and there were no signs of rejection. Before being discharged, Yamashita-san came running to my ward to wish me well. I was overwhelmed to see her so caring about her patient. She said that she was anxious about the results and now relieved that everything is fine. I was speechless. I couldn't ask for better doctors or nurses.
These were my experience throughout my stay at the hospital. I am truly very grateful for all the care and the love shown. Therefore, this will be my most memorable and important moment in my life.
Wednesday, November 24, 2010
Wondrous Fall
Although I have lived in a tropical-season country most of my life, I have always admired the season of fall through reading and observing pictures. Reason being; I was born in the month of October which falls in the aforementioned season :)Now, being in Japan and experiencing the season by myself, I can't stop pondering the beauty it portrays throughout the season. The weather is at its best and seeing the leaves changing its colour, thus preparing itself for winter is definitely an enjoyable experience and a breathtaking sight.
We were not lucky to enjoy the sight of the leaves changing colour in the countryside, where most trees and hills are available; but seeing the change in the city is fairly adequate. I didn't get the opportunity to capture many pictures; but only a few during our visit to Atsugi last weekend. But we had plenty of chances to observe the mesmerizing sight which confirms that some things are better be remembered and cherished in our memories forever :)
The Conqueror
It is not the mountain we conquer but ourselves. ~Edmund HillarySeptember 25th, 2010 : My mother was so kind to look after me (post-transplant) for three months. At the end of her stay, my dad came over to Japan to accompany my mom to return to Malaysia together. During the last week of their stay, we offered to bring them to Mount Fuji, since this was their first visit to Japan. Thus, visiting Japan's highest peak sounded appropriate. Besides it was doable because it was the end of summer and people were still allowed to hike the mountain. It was a memorable day. Moreover, our visit was blessed with a perfect weather. Neither was it raining nor cloudy, therefore the peak was clearly visible :)
It was an important day for me because my operation was over; just two months back and here I am almost conquering the highest peak of Japan(we didn't hike to the top). It meant a lot to me in many ways. I am now able to do things I wouldn't be able to do before due to my sickness and dialysis. I have gone through obstacles and sufferings in life; but now I feel normal and happy again. I hope to be as strong as today and continue to appreciate life and the given opportunity to live my life the fullest.
Dog Days of Summer
This may be one of the most interesting fact that I have learned thus far. It's about the brightest star in the sky, Sirius. I have been an avid, as well as a curious fan of the wonders of our universe. I have been doing a lot of reading about our very own planet, galaxy and universe. I have to say that I am mesmerized as well as astonished to learn new facts about its wonders everyday.
We have been taught about constellations at school and Orion being the most recognizable in the night sky. We have other constellations such as the Ursa Major, Ursa Minor, Canine Major and Canine minor. Likewise Sagittarius, Libra and Gemini are examples of constellations that falls under the Zodiac.
Our brightest star Sirius, is formed in the Canine Major; or the 'Big Dog'. Thus, Sirius is also named as the 'Dog Star'. The word 'Dog Days' was actually adapted by the Ancient Greek. However, it was often used by the Romans to indicate the hottest days of summer and associated the 'Dog Star' with the harsh weather. Therefore 'Dog Days' were derived from the ancient believe which associated the dog star to the hot weather because of its proximity to the sun. Today, we simply use 'Dog Days' to indicate very hot weather with dull and less activities.
Apart from the weather and the star, Sirius is also an important character portrayed in the Harry Potter series. Sirius Black was Harry's godfather. He is an Animagus which enables him to transform into a 'Big Dog' at his will. I truly respect and admire J.K.Rowling's brilliance about this matter. She must have thought about this and thus co-related Sirius Black's name and the 'Dog Star' to his dog animagi.
An interesting fact indeed :)
We have been taught about constellations at school and Orion being the most recognizable in the night sky. We have other constellations such as the Ursa Major, Ursa Minor, Canine Major and Canine minor. Likewise Sagittarius, Libra and Gemini are examples of constellations that falls under the Zodiac.
Our brightest star Sirius, is formed in the Canine Major; or the 'Big Dog'. Thus, Sirius is also named as the 'Dog Star'. The word 'Dog Days' was actually adapted by the Ancient Greek. However, it was often used by the Romans to indicate the hottest days of summer and associated the 'Dog Star' with the harsh weather. Therefore 'Dog Days' were derived from the ancient believe which associated the dog star to the hot weather because of its proximity to the sun. Today, we simply use 'Dog Days' to indicate very hot weather with dull and less activities.
Apart from the weather and the star, Sirius is also an important character portrayed in the Harry Potter series. Sirius Black was Harry's godfather. He is an Animagus which enables him to transform into a 'Big Dog' at his will. I truly respect and admire J.K.Rowling's brilliance about this matter. She must have thought about this and thus co-related Sirius Black's name and the 'Dog Star' to his dog animagi.
An interesting fact indeed :)
Tuesday, November 23, 2010
A Passion For Onigiri
I know it has been some time since I last blogged. I know that I was expected to write about my transplant and its related issues but I am not. Maybe not just yet. I am going to write about my passion for food instead. My passion for onigiri.
Onigiri is a japanese food. It is a rice ball covered with seaweed. The rice is usually filled with certain ingredients. My favorite filling is tuna with mayonnaise. It's very easy to prepare and can be served as a healthy snack. I have not tried making onigiri all by myself yet, but I will surely attempt to make one soon. For the time being, I am just enjoying the triangular rice ball readily available at various stores.
I have visited Japan twice in 2008 and have been living here in Yokohama since January 2010, but I should admit that I have not tried onigiri even once. My passion was for sushi then :)
We went to Atsugi last weekend and had a very simple lunch due to certain circumstances. My husband opted for onigiri while I ate a cake. I braved out and told my husband that I would like to have a bite, wanting to try the snack for the very first time. I did. It was marvelous until my brain buzzed with a passionate current.
So, that was it. It just took me a single bite. I have been relishing it since then.
My latest passion, onigiri.
At least for the time being :)
Onigiri is a japanese food. It is a rice ball covered with seaweed. The rice is usually filled with certain ingredients. My favorite filling is tuna with mayonnaise. It's very easy to prepare and can be served as a healthy snack. I have not tried making onigiri all by myself yet, but I will surely attempt to make one soon. For the time being, I am just enjoying the triangular rice ball readily available at various stores.
I have visited Japan twice in 2008 and have been living here in Yokohama since January 2010, but I should admit that I have not tried onigiri even once. My passion was for sushi then :)
We went to Atsugi last weekend and had a very simple lunch due to certain circumstances. My husband opted for onigiri while I ate a cake. I braved out and told my husband that I would like to have a bite, wanting to try the snack for the very first time. I did. It was marvelous until my brain buzzed with a passionate current.
So, that was it. It just took me a single bite. I have been relishing it since then.
My latest passion, onigiri.
At least for the time being :)
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