A lesson to learn

Many of you thought I went for a scan due to my tennis elbow. Actually, that’s not entirely accurate. While I was at the doc, I also complained about a persistent back pain, which strangely only attacking my left back. An urine screening was performed that the result showed I had haematuria; which means there’s blood in my urine. Haematuria is segregated into 4 scales, from 1+ to 4+ with 4+ being the worst. Mine was 4+.

I was referred to an urologist and Jules went with me the next day. They took my urine again for screening and again, there was blood. The initial diagnosis was kidney stone and an ultrasound scan was performed and subsequently, a CT scan on my abdomen was done. I was given all clear and the urologist I should do another urine test 2 days later to see if the haematuria still persists.

2 days later (Friday), I went to the GP’s clinic to do another urine screening and haematuria still persisted at 4+ and I was again referred to the urologist. When I was at the urologist, another urine sample was taken again and this is when I say God performed a miracle. The haematuria dropped from 4+ to… negative! Just to confirm the new findings, my urine sample was sent for microscopic study and my blood sample was taken to test my kidney function.

Just as I was about to leave the clinic, I was told that the nurse will called if the results are normal while the doctor will call if there are any anomalies.

While waiting for the call, there were many prayers said for me by my friends and also by my fellow mates in the blogosphere and I must say I am very thankful for that. Most of all, I am thankful for Jules who has been very positive and being very strong. All these certain helped cause I must admit, I was beginning to freak out.

Waiting for the call (hopefully from the nurse) was an absolute mental torture. It was also a very good time to reflect upon my life. All the ‘what-if’ and morbid thoughts were making my mind their playground. One thing for sure, I was in no mood to work. I just dropped all I was asked to do in the office and went home to rest.

At about 12pm on Saturday, my phone rang and the caller ID showed the number from the urologist clinic…

“Hello”
“Hello Mr. Zewt. This is Dr. Loh”

My heart stopped at that moment, it’s the doc and not the nurse. In a split second, I mentally prepared myself for the worse.

“Mr. Zewt, it’s confirmed that there is no excessive red blood cells in your urine and your blood test showed your kidney function is normal”

At that moment, I truly believe that doctor has a great sense of humour. Before I can say thank you, he hung up. I called Jules immediately and told her the news.

I think I learnt a few things from last week’s ordeal. The first is of course, one must never take one’s health for granted. It is something which we do not want to lose and yet, it is something we always put at risk in our other pursuits; be it career or any other thing. Seriously, we always underestimate this, I cannot stress enough.

Another thing which I learnt is that we all need medical insurance. I am not an insurance agent but I must say medical expenses are so expensive now that if you do not have insurance coverage, the additional pressure should there be an unfortunate incident is just not worth it. Get a medical card today, it’s not that expensive. My medical expenses last week was all paid by my company. For all the complaints I made about it, I am glad the medical policy is quite wide. I understand that a CT scan can cost thousands. I guess I just got paid for all the overtime I put in; not to mention I had mine in one of the most expensive hospital in town.

Last but not least, I have learnt that no matter how bleak the situation is; God is always in control and he is always merciful to us. I claimed from him the promise that He has a plan for me, a plan not to harm me but proper me. And of course, I cannot forget all the wonderful thoughts and prayer warrior friends I have a round me; both inside and outside the blogosphere.