jasminetwy's Xanga

A Dream Come True

Wed, 18 Mar 2009 09:03:13 GMT

Quick document whenever a milestone in life approaches.

A dream come true in many ways

Obs and Gynae

London

North West

7 year job

I couldnt have asked for more.

Sunday, March 30, 2008

Sun, 30 Mar 2008 20:04:02 GMT

One Year On.....

Papparazzi Photo in Dubrovnik

Every girl's dream...

Posing picture

It's been a good year, walking hand in hand...

A glimpse, into the future?

Wed, 27 Jun 2007 16:27:24 GMT

I have almost come to the end of my 2 week shadowing period, doing the job that I will be doing starting 1st August!

I realise I have it easy, compared to some other people. Kind and gentle easing into working life. Then again, I might not think so in August when I lose the support of Matt, the fantastic F1 I am shadowing at the moment.

Somehow, it doesnt change the fact that I am super exhausted every night. Sleep early and get up early. I have begun to cook for myself, cos we stopped sharing food due to erractic timetables. Salmon steaks = my favourite at the moment. Spinach for veg.

I started slowly packing up my life as a student in Nottingham University. Almost cant believe I will join the working world very soon. Live a more comfortable life. Throw away a lot of baggage so that I can add new things in the future. And I dont just mean physical stuff - memories, experiences, hopes and aspirations.

I am sure, like my working friends at the moment, I will look forward to every single weekend. For me, even more so - London beckons! Somehow, I feel a bit anxious about how life will turn out. But having had a glimpse, I feel much more comfortable now.

Annual leave = God send. Just like this Friday, where I am flying off to Istanbul. For a carefree week of pampering and enjoying, and spending quality time with him. Cant wait, is the understatement of the YEAR! One more day enduring unpaid junior doctor life, and I'm off!

Till then..... let's just say thank God for all my blessings, big and small, significant or not. I promise to do my best for all my patients.

Living the Life

Sun, 24 Jun 2007 08:15:56 GMT

A friend commented to me yesterday, that I have a very exciting life. Maybe she's right. I have never thought about it that way before. I crave for mundane life sometimes. For calm, for security, for comfort. They say the grass on the other side is always greener. Who knows.

But one of the more exciting things in the past week has been this :

After a long and hard wait - 5 years of toil in Medical school - here it is!

The first step of many many steps, a long long way to go in the medical career's world.

First, you have to get used to nurses calling out - "doctor can you do this for me please"
Then there're the patients "Doctor help I want to go home now!"
Then there're the red tape people like medical council " doctor you have to pay 100 pounds to register"
And there's the Bleep - which was novelty at first, but harrowing when you are on call.

And so on so forth. You come on the ward, and you feel RESPONSIBILITY. No longer care free students.
You are actually the patients first point of contact (acc to my consultant and registrar - who are lovely, lucky me!)

But I am loving my first job. Loving the sisters, nurses, receptionist, physios who are kind and smiley. Loving my team (tho most of them will change in August) Loving QMC and the doctor's mess and the coffee and toast in there. Looking forward to the accomodation and decorating my flat.

I passed my pre-employment test last week. And so, all that is left is awaiting contract. I am already looking forward to annual leave before starting work. haha..

There are many reasons I keep on going, despite the "to do" list still lengthy, the need to pack up my life. Somehow, I am dealing with things slowly. I am sure I will get there. I have a lot of motivation to keep going nowadays. Istanbul, Parents, Graduation, Malaysia (roz and reza's wedding). There's a lot to look forward to.
No to mention, my first ever salary in August!

I've been inaundiated with questions about the more private aspect of my life. Just want to say thanks to those who share my happiness and have been sending their congrats. This month is a new start in many aspects. I am just getting used to my new life. Life is always full of changes. The ability to adapt is the key to survival, or maybe, indeed, a life that's full of happiness. That, I am sure you will agree, is well worth looking forward to and working hard for.

The Winds of Change

Tue, 19 Jun 2007 19:03:29 GMT

It's amazing how things change over time. How a chance encounter shapes your life. How small occurances change the way you live your life. How trivial things can alter your perspective.

Then there is the change that you need to deal with. Always presents itself as a challenge. Never impossible, but then again, never easy.

I have been back to UK, the hospital and medicine - for more than two weeks now. Learning to be a real doctor. Working hard and long hours. Getting used to the toil associated with it. Dealing with exhaustion. Sorting out the nitty gritty things that an upcoming transition dictates. And at the same time, sharing my life with another person.

I can't say things have been smooth sailing. But I am working towards getting there, and I hope I will get there eventually. I had my share of fun with the gals on my first weekend back. And then subsequently a joyful weekend in London with brother, friends and him. I wish I can enjoy myself more, but there're always committments and work to think of! At least I can console myself that my first job will be with nice people and working on a nice ward with nice staff.

I now have a million and one forms to sort out. My "to do" list keeps getting longer and longer and longer. I am flying off to Istanbul next Friday. Looking forward to a blissful week there. Then back to Notts for a night, followed by meeting mum and dad in London. Another week of family holiday in Spain. Graduation. Moving house. Back to Malaysia for the "wedding of the year". Then back to Nottingham. Start work. July 2007 will fly by in a blink of an eye.

Am I prepared for the change? Who knows! All I know is, I have to get on with it. Cross my fingers, hope for the best. And be thankful that I have someone with me to weather the challenges and stormy roads ahead, and of course, share my joy and give me abundance of happiness.

End of KL Stint

Wed, 16 May 2007 04:35:17 GMT

As I sit here, in the room I've come to call "home" for the past 6 weeks... I realise I will miss KL loads, especially the people that made my past 6 weeks extra special. I am leaving for Melaka today. Home for the last 2.5 weeks before I fly back to UK and back to the daily grind.

Besides all the little comforts like not having to cook and daddy giving me a car to drive around, I have been privileged to be accepted into Roz's family. To say that Roz's mum treats me like her own daughter is definitely the truth. I had many family dinners, teas, lunches, chats, shopping trips..... It's been so nice living next door to Roz again after 5 years. Just like KTJ days. Having Roz to chat with is something I've missed for the past 5 years when we were studying in different unis. Fast forward to today, even though Roz is now a busy banker working crazy hours, we still find time to do things together, like going for massage, go kart, playing paint ball, shopping, making dim sum and cooking up a feast. I will miss this woman, as I always do, when I leave for UK. Oh, I have been seeing a lot of a certain someone as well, Mr R hehe.... The would be groom to my best friend in about 1.5 month's time! *grin* Thanks for going out of the way so many times to make my stay a fun one.

And my many friends that have been taking me out for dinners and lunches and meet ups throughout the 6 weeks. Especially CS. Heh... I think we can tick off most of the food we wanted to try together? I will miss the nice time we had in KL, and u still owe me Skybar? hehe... Hope to see you in Melaka soon. Can't list the many other people that I have had a chance to meet and dine with. But I guess a special mention should go out to my KTJ friends, who are, as always, my good friends till today. Danial for organising the paintballing and no thanks to Fariz for the huge bruise as a result of that outing (haha joking - it's almost gone now fariz!) Angie whose short trip back to Malaysia made my week a very eventful one. From go karting to manicure to Little Penang Cafe and Surprise mother's day trip to Melaka, Bridge and Snooker (thanks to Shen and Ting Luen who patiently taught me) the list goes on.

In terms of UM hospital, I am glad that the elective is now done. I've seen lots and done lots. Opened my eyes to the Malaysian medical world as well. I had Julie and Sara to thank for being my partners during both attachments. We kept each other company so much, I darent imagine what I would be doing during the bored spells if it weren't for both of u. I lived the life as UM student, just like my parents did more than 25 years ago. And I am glad I chose to do my elective here. All things considered.

"All my bags are packed I'm ready to go..." I can't believe how much stuff I've actually accumulated! Aunty Rohani had to give me a new bag, and everything just barely fit into all the bags! In a way, I am glad I am leaving for home to spend time with mum and dad, but it's a bitter sweet feeling having to leave my present comfortable and fun environment. I bet I will be feeling the same come June 3rd, when I have to fly back. When it will be even harder to leave Malaysia for UK, though I do have some things to look forward to back in the UK. C'est La Vie, eh?

Pictures Update!

Sat, 28 Apr 2007 01:55:13 GMT

Pictures!

From the past few weeks...

Lots and lots of Coconuts - Only in Malaysia!

Scene of hawker stalls @ Jln Kuchai Lama - HUGE and lots of stalls...nyummy

Nyonya Tofu - Sweet and Sour sauce - so good....*droolz*

Kim Gary's Cocktail Drink with shaved ice and lychee juice

Kim Gary's Mango and Sago drink - very refreshing...

And it gets more exciting!

Tue, 24 Apr 2007 09:44:48 GMT

Coming to the end of my 3 weeks stint in O&G @ UMMC

Cool and interesting things so far:

1) Delivered a baby girl last friday. I waited for a long time, but it was worth it. Episiotomy (cutting the vagina opening to make space for the baby's head) *ouch* and the repair was cool. I looked at the mummy - so happy, younger than me, and I feel the wonderful nice feeling permeating the labour room. And you remind youself how precious a birth is - and I remind myself why I am doing O&G

2) In UM, dads are not allowed into the labour ward. So the wifes gotta do it all on their own. The midwife will go out of the ward and announce - Puan xx sudahpun lahirkan anak lelaki/ perempuan dengan selamat . OMG so impersonal hahaha... Also - there are 2 ladies sharing the same room, seperated by curtains. Considering it can get quite lonely without husband etc, maybe it's good consolation. But the lack of privacy, is quite unnerving. For me anyway.

3) Been enjoying myself with many cool consultants. They are all very good teachers, and ever willing to teach you if you appear keen. Also, the junior drs look overworked and jaded, but they sure did enjoy the company of yours truly elective student chilling with them and doing things together. I am lucky to meet many of them who share both their knowledge and experiences - and give good advise. Right down to Dr Raihana who even took me to theatre to change, and Dr Fong who stayed back in labour ward just to supervise my delivery (thanks to strict midwifery erm, guidelines? heh! - UK and Msia same la - midwives erm...u need to be very nice to them :P)

4) Attended Caesarian Section with senior MO Dr Ravi who kindly answered my many questions. Baby girl born with 3x cord around neck sadly. Needed to be resuscitated. Hope she is fine now. She looked ever so small. Probably Intrauterine Growth Retadrdation for some reason or another. Plus the placenta was super shruken. Quite worrying. The LSCS itself was quite tough due to previous surgery, so it was a classical C Section, with an up down cut. Mm...lots of medical jargon heh... Basically- sick baby and tough surgery due to mum. Double whammy

5) Attended M&M (mortality and morbidity) meeting - which is essentially a meeting to discuss mis-management and any further room for improvement. Sad to say, the tone was quite accusory. Unlike in the UK, where constructive comments are generally given. I felt afraid for the drs! They were all very senior Drs as well. Getting blasted left right and centre. Oh gosh. I can only hope I will not be on the receiving end of that one day.

6) Free drug rep lunch - same across the world. Haha. Poor med students and junior drs obviously take full advantage! :P Free pen, folder bla bla...as usual....

7) My written English standard has deteriorated due to widespread Manglish use. I am writing the way i speak now. I think I need to revert soon. The English standard, esp spoken, is quite appaling at times. I feel ashamed that the Chinese school educated people cant speak properly, the Malays tend to stumble and insert Malay words. Sigh - Malaysia for u. And we are talking med students - the top echleon of education system, supposedly anyway. They all have like fantastic STPM grades and CGPAs. But well.. As we all know- that's not everything.

Hmm...Gotta go to get ready. Been eating like crazy person - stuffing all the nyummy food everyday. Last night had steamboat with CS and his cousin at Damansara Jaya Steamboat. Very nice. Fresh jumping prawns!! Slightly pricey but well - u get wat u pay for i guess. Tonight going out with KTJ gang to Bangsar Seafood buffet. Muahahaha... Shd be a good night - company and food wise. TOmorrow meeting dad and then going Klang -for - you gueess it - more good food! Craving for my Klang Bah Kut Teh already! (very very much!) Sooooon.....

Jasmine need to start swimming soon. Gosh! heh!
Shall update more soon.... Toodles!

Jasmine's Elective Adventures

Wed, 18 Apr 2007 10:51:16 GMT

I reckon it's about time I write an update. At least it will serve as a reminder when my elective period is finally done and dusted!

I am currently doing week 2 of my 3 week stint in Obstetrics and Gynaecology @ University Malaya Medical Centre in PJ, Kuala Lumpur.

A few interesting notes:
1) Flagyl is Metronidazole. Can't blame me for not knowing. People in Malaysia use trade names for drugs instead of generic names. Can get confusing at times. Miss the British system and the BNF!

2) UM students are smart. But they generally hum when asked a question. No one steps up to volunteer answers! And a nurse commented to Julie and I that she thought we're definitely not Um students, cos we ask our consultants so many questions!!

3) Patients here dont know as much. Drs are God. They do what they are told.

4) Lots and lots of cervical cancer. Probably due to a lack of screening programme nationally. And maybe the late presentation due to lack of awareness.

5) Ward rounds consists of EVERYONE gathering around the patient. So much so that I feel uncomfortable for the patient. Godness. No sense of privacy also. Sometimes curtains are not drawn properly

6) Facilities = actually good! Tho I think the UK patient beds are cool heh... And more patients spoke English than I expected. Most things are conducted in English too. Tho I think the standard can be improved upon still.

7) I need to learn cantonese. Though to be fair, I got away with Mandarin multiple times hehe... Phew! Acted as translator a few times already

8) Saw a case of Uterus Didelphi with a viable 18 week pregnancy on one side! Cool! Can visualise most part of the fetus, even 3D images!

9) Note filling is appaling. There's no subsection division for different specialities at all. So imagine trying to find the gynae notes of a 60 year old post menopausal women with COPD, Hyptertension, Diabetes, etc etc - nightmare!!

10) Saw a couple currently taking clomiphene for infertility. And guess wat - they didnt know when the best time to have sexual intercourse was. Totally no clue about the fertile period and menstrual cycle! Luckily this cool Dr finally asked them and explained everything. *gasp* Maybe that was all they needed! (sex education)

Had our first formal teaching today. Had to do QUIZ!!! Having not done O&G for SO long - I am amazed I actually remembered a bit. wahahaha.... Proud of myself. Tonight it's back to Ten teachers. Shall update more later

With regards to other adventures:
1) Jasmine drove from Sek 12 PJ to TTDI! Woohoooo!! Roti Canai with Reza hmmmm
2) Jasmine actually can now send Julie home and pump her own petrol and do parallel parking in UMMC
3) Had good food with Chee Siang - thanks for driving us around!
4) Met some NICE UM med students, esp Soo Ling and Ernest - who so kindly went out of their way to help
5) Having a nice time with Roz (and surrogate host, Reza) who have been superb hosts.
6) Enjoying my chats with Roz's mum - and following her to The Curve and Ikano heh
7) Met lots of other elective students working in different dept in UM
8) Went back to Melaka last weekend, travelled with Sara - and then chilled with mum, dad and sis - all together a relaxing weekend!
9) Good food with Uncle Wai Teck, Aunty Seow Hwa and Ru Shen - and feeling at home in their house
10) Fulfilling my sister's jest of chatting online for many hours of the day. And enjoying it too hahaha.. Oh..listening to "Stolen" by Dashboard confessional until my sis groans whenever it comes on
" You have....Stolen...My Heart..." (This is for u Jo!)

All right - more pics and updates to come....

Saturday @ Home

Sun, 08 Apr 2007 15:28:58 GMT

Am loving my relaxing life and the nyummy food at home.

This is wat I was up to last Sat

First up - Facial and Detox with mummy
(Jo insisted on taking this picture!)

Night time - Dinner with Uncle Kenny and family

NINE course Chinese meal @ Kingdom restaurant...sigh....

Amongst the food........ CHicken Pie

Sea Cucumber with other nyummy sea food

Stewed Pork with Man Tou buns

Pork Thigh with chestnuts etc

Steamed Fish                                                                Crispy Pork Cutlet

Dad posing for the camera



Jo enjoying her Man Tou

Jo in her Camwhoring mood as usual...With me...

Chivas Whisky with Coke, Premium Chinese Tea



Moo Moo being a celebrity cow....Cute!

p/s Sorry to those not in Malaysia - kekekeke *grin*

Am now sitting in Rozanna's guest room in KL. She and her parents are kindly hosting me for the next 6 weeks. Starting my elective in University Malaya Medical Centre tomorrow. Reza is coming over to pick me up with his mum at 8am. Lucky me. Hopefully all will go well. I'm still not quite into the working mood yet. But I guess it'll come... It should be an interesting stint.

Thanks to Reza and Roz - I actually have internet connection on my own laptop - awesome! =)
As my sis says, I'm spending a lot of my life chatting on MSN on my laptop..sigh...
Not so for the last few days. Perhaps I am missing my routine...hehehhehee..... Should be back up tomorrow or the day after!

Time to head to bed. Need to get up early. I'm almost out of my jet lag-ness. (is there such a word?)
Moo Moo cow is waiting for me - sighhh.....