18 - Finding Comfort @Hospital Putrajaya

15 April 2025 | Putrajaya Hospital

Finding Comfort in Care: A Grateful Reflection on My Stay at Hospital Putrajaya

 My recent experience at Hospital Putrajaya began with an intense, 8-hour stint in the Emergency Ward – a period filled with understandable anxiety and discomfort. While the wait was undeniably long, it marked the beginning of a journey where the quality of care truly shone. Following observation, I was admitted to the ward, and it was during this time that Hospital Putrajaya revealed its strengths, leaving me profoundly grateful.

From the moment I transitioned from the bustling emergency area to the ward, one aspect became overwhelmingly clear: the hospital staff were exceptional. Their professionalism was evident in every interaction, but it was their consistent friendliness and genuine empathy that truly made a difference. Whether it was doctors explaining procedures, healthcare assistants ensuring comfort, or administrators managing details, each person approached their duties with a kindness that alleviated the inherent stress of being a patient. They didn't just treat the condition; they cared for the person.

Another aspect that significantly contributed to my well-being was the food service. Meals were consistently well-packed, hygienic, and, importantly, carefully tailored to my specific dietary needs as a patient. This attention to detail wasn't just about sustenance; it demonstrated a holistic approach to recovery, ensuring nutrition supported the medical care. Knowing my dietary requirements were understood and met provided both physical comfort and peace of mind.

Beyond the excellent clinical care, the warmth of human connection played a vital role in my recovery. I am deeply indebted to my family and friends who took the time to visit me during my stay. Their presence was a powerful tonic, lifting my spirits and reminding me of the world outside the hospital walls. This support network meant everything.

The lengths some went to were particularly touching. Special mention must go to family members who travelled a significant distance – all the way from Lawas, Sarawak – Cikgu Nurai and her husband, Cikgu Sinin.  Bro Reduan Hamdan from Kuching. Your journey were  a remarkable gesture of love and support that I will never forget. Closer to home, family friends across the Lembah Klang area also made the effort to visit, bringing cheer and reassurance during those days. To each and every one of you who came, called, or sent messages – thank you. Your kindness was a crucial part of my healing.

Finally, while the entire medical team deserves praise, the nurses on the ward were my constant pillars of support. Their tireless dedication, gentle care, and reassuring presence were a daily comfort. Though I couldn't possibly remember every name among the many wonderful nurses who attended to me, a few stand out: Chyrill Sherra, Linda, Jiwin, Subir, Fatin and Juhisah. To these individuals, and to all the nurses whose names escape me now but whose care I vividly remember – thank you very much. You embody the compassion and skill that make nursing such a noble profession. You were the calming, capable hands guiding me through each day and night.


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Please refer to attachment below 

Bachalor's Pad


Love to see this model for homestay unit - cute and cool. Thanks to the designer and hope this will inspire me to stop seeking and thinking the type of design that I needed most. The room design maybe just normal but facade must be attractive. Many friends proposed the traditional kampung model of houses, however thinking that the site is nearer to the capital city, I prefer the contemporary design and probably having just 1 or 2 units of traditional design.

Fruit tress like Sour Soup, Crystal Tree, Asam Jawa and Jackfruit will be planted around the units.

The features and amenities are:-
  • Size: 24x20ft
  • Elevated Floor - 2 feet from the ground
  • One bed room - however can be designed into 2 bedrooms without altering the original floor plan size.
  • One bathroom - as per given design
  • One living Room/ Extended to balcony if designed for 2 rooms model
  • Kitchen and dining place
  • 2- units of aircon- Ready the pipes
  • Rain Water Harvesting System (RWHS) 
  • CCTV (for external only)
  • External floodlight
  • Garden light
The tanks for RWHS will be centralised, which will give alternative supply of water to the plants and swimming pool by way of auto-pump. The pipes from each house will be going underground. 

Balcony to be covered with skylight/metal roofing/polycarbonate as the place can be used for dining or resting.

What are the likely challenge for the archi
1. Designing of gutter around the roof to coordinate with the RWHS and the skylight roofing.
2. TNB Meter to all units

Pelan Sendiri







Designed by Ulrich
Ref: Banglo
Ref: 2 Rooms

The Relic House

17-19 May 2023 | Mersing Johor | Kpg Air Merah 

This house was inherited and had remained unoccupied for the past ten years until someone offered to take care of it in exchange for a small token rental. The property is quite run-down and requires repairs, particularly to the asbestos roofing and the wooden walling.

 

15 | Getting My Life Simpler



Try to make my life simpler during the recovery period by doing things such as paying bills ahead of time and getting my wife to assist me in the days ahead (as siblings are not around in Kuching) It is also important I plan for any complications that could arise. Install CCTV for my sibling to watch my movement at home via their handpone.

Doctor advised me to avoid driving during my 6-month restraining order and I had no qualms about it. Mama was driving me around if I need to go elsewhere. Or else it's fine to stay home. Promised myself to hang my golfing shoes till December 2022 i.e. after the completion of my therapy.

I have my in-house 'bicycle' and basketball's ball to continue my self-scheduled therapy.

  • March 23, 2022 - My BMI recorded 85.7 kgs.
  • April 7, 2022 - My BMI recorded 85.0 Kgs

  • Post-CABG 3rd Appointment with PJS- Attended by Dr Pariksit Rao. Blood test showed my Creatine was 130 umool/L, which was outside the range of 6-120. 

    Next year onward- I am free to visit any Klinik Kesihatan in town. Met nice people like Dr Sharifah. But Dr Nurul was not seen around. Made courtesy visit to Rehabs Office and met Nurse Maria at the counter. They are indeed all very nice people. 

    BM recorded 87.3 kgs

    My Bicycle, Basketball ball, Golf Puting Green hehehe

    15 - The Bypass of the past

    >>15 January 2023 | Demak Convention Centre | Kuching

    Terjumpa kawan sekampus di Majlis Persandingan Anak Haji Malik. Mereka terlebih dahulu melakukan bypass


     Standing were the survivors of the CABG. Standing on my left Haji JJ did his on June 1999 and Haji AIAM on December 2012.. HH did his stent in Jan 2005

    14 | Cardiac Rehabs Programme

    Since October 4th - November 10th


    Undergoing Cardiac Rehabs Programme at Pusat Jantung since 4 October 2022. The programme includes Circuit Exercises training and lectures after every circuit.  It consisted of 8 sessions spread over twice weekly

    The lectures includes Low Cholestrol Diet, Exercising as Cardiac patient, Cardiac Medication, Sexual Activities, Stress Management, Quit Smoking Programme, Living as cardiac Patient and lastly Relaxation Techniques.

    August 12 - Attended a Stress Test and detected there were some form of PVC. However there weren't any single symptom. Doctor promised to come back to me after analysing the result.

    October 27 - Graduated today but I have to continue the circuit after missing 3 sessions. Thanks Physiotherapist Puan Hajar and Encik David


    (Pic above:Hj Affendy, Derek, Carter, Zam, OM, Wahi, Rajif Merjuki, Jef. My 2 Batch- Session)

    sesi 7/8: Wan Habib Daud, Haji Awang Ahmad, Wahi Gani, Omarali Matjais and Law Kok Yong


    Law Kok Yong, Suip Olik, David (Physiotherapist), Haji Awang Ahmad, Wan Habib Daud (belakang), Siaw Siew Chi, Omarali Matjais, Razif Merjuki,  Kee Chu Fatt, Wahi Bin Gani
    (!st Batch Group)


    13 | Room 420 to 417 and Discharged



    After 4 days stint, I was discharged from ICU to Room 420.  According to the nurse I was suppose to move out yesterday if it wasn't due to the ward was infected by Covid19.

    Meantimes, siblings were arrived in stages from various locations. Nadia and Justin flew from KL. Along from Bintulu. Nadia came with Apple Laptop which was to be my toy. Thanks Nadia! Nadia assisted me to walk around the ward as part of the recovery exercise.

    My body weight: 87.9 kgs against my BMI for January of 93 kgs

     

    [March 12] 

    Manifestation of caugh which hinders my sleep. Managed to get through 3 hours of sleep last nite.  Today all  'wire' disconnected, hence no more close monitoring. HR, O2 and BP were all ok.

    Started full-bathing with the assistant of Mama. Wound at the right leg duly unbandaged

    My girl Nadia came with Eggdrop soup with Mushroom, Corn, Carrot and Seaweed. Sedap! Thanks Nadia for the food and exercise/walking


    [March 13]

    01.30 pm - Angah Coming to the ward.

    10.45 pm - Transferred back to Room 417 where I used to stay during my procedures.


    [March 14]

    3.00 pm - Going X-Ray and Echo. Told by HA my heart was ok but detected the presence of small amount of water. 


    [March 15]

    Good News - Nurse conveyed the message that I will be check-out sometimes in the afternoon. By 3.00 pm I exited the 'campus'. Staing in the ward had been very interesting. Nurses were very nice and very extra helpful.

    March 23@Body Weight :-  85.7


    12 | ICU , Double Vision



    12.35 am - Bro Bujang and Sis Norhan came for their first visit bring with them grapes, porridge and 'Ampap' respectively. The grapes gave more hopes than the Ampap. I gain no pain due morphine eficacy

    4.40 pm - My first Message to family informing them of my double vision and not able to sleep for the reason I did not know. My guessing was due to the pain killer. I informed the nurses that I wasnt comfortable with the effect of the pain killer. For the above reason, I appealed to the doctor not to give me anymore pain killer- to which the doctor agreed.

    Every morning around 4.30 - 5.00 am  I woke up and washed by the nurses. Contrary to what most people said about the government hospitals, I am giving PJS 9/10.

    Nurses advised me to wear Chest Binder to enhance faster healing and reduce pain especially especially when the patient cough or sneezing. To me the bracing (bengkong) gave more comfort


    [For the rating from 1 to 10, where 10 is the best. I will rate PJS rating 9]





    11 | Back to Life

    ICU - March 07- 11, 2022

     "Asalamualaikum Uncle, Alhamdulillah uncle dah sedar........ uncle sekarang berada di Bilik ICU dan bukan lagi di bilik pembedahan. Sekarang jam pukul 6..... Tadi jam 5 ada bini dan anak Uncle datang melawat......" I opened my eyes for a moment and back to slumber.

    Later, I learned the nurse was Yon (Nur Sadrina). She was the daughter of my former classmate. During my 4 days at ICU I was taken care by very friendly and very professional ladies. Few other names I could still remember were Siti Fatimah, Saptuyah, Wani and Teo. They are great people indeed.

    I woke up the 2nd time and pointed to my wrist. 'Its 9.oo pm, Uncle'- Later I was told Nurse Siti Fatimah took over from Nurse Yon. My body was wired and I was on ventilator.  The 3rd time I awoke was at 11.00 pm.


    [March 08, 2022]

    Woke-up fully at around 4.00 am but not able to communicate (verbally) due to the ventilator tube tucked into my mouth which later in the day was replaced with mask-type.

    10.00 am - First picture released to family members from ICU. Thanks to family friend, NA

    12.55 pm - Mama was already in the ward.

    4.00 pm - Requested to sit on the Chair- to the delight of Surgeon Dr Jong. I told him I was too tired of lying

    I started to refuse food intake other than warm water. The smell of the food made me almost vomited. Managed to chew some biscuits with small amount of oat. My real food was the pills.



    Footnotes:-
    Mechanical ventilators are machines that act as bellows to move air in and out of your lungs. Your respiratory therapist and doctor set the ventilator to control how often it pushes air into your lungs and how much air you get. You may be fitted with a mask to get air from the ventilator into your lungs


    10 | Under the Knife

    7 March 2022

    5.00 am - bandaging my both leg after cleaning with iodine and given to wear the green gown.  

    8.15 am - Transported in a stretcher from Room 417 towards the Operation Room. At the entrance of the OT Mama recited the doa as recommended by the staff.  I had  done every effort to address my heart problem at my level and the rest I leave to Allah. At this juncture, I was 100% ready! Kun fayakun!

    Upon reaching the OT I was transfered to the Operating Table- They took off my surgical gown, connecting all the 'pipes and wire'. 

    Inserted the needles in my left forearm, my right neck for medicines, oxygen and pacers and something I have yet to know their surgical names.

    The last time I remember was the doctor puting the anasthesia mask to my face while I continue my shalawat.

    What happened after that ......09.00am... 10.00am... 11.00am... 12.00am... 01.00pm... 02.00pm... 03.00pm ...4.00pm..(time-off).  Look-like 8 hours of ordeal.

    According to eyewitness - En Chalum- I was rushed-out to ICU around 4.00pm. One of the staff asked him if he was the next-of-kin to Omarali. According to him, the manner they rushed me to ICU indicated something was serious and urgent. Till now I do not know the reason and I never bother to know. Chalum who was from Ulu Niah, stayed outside the OT waiting for his mun, Tida Anak Seli who was in the next room for lung operation.




    Footnotes:

    1. Oxygen will be connected- oxygen (O(2) ) is given during the surgery to reduce the risk of hypoxemia. However, oxygen is rapidly adsorbed behind closed airways, causing lung collapse (atelectasis) and shunt. If Oxygen is insufficient- will cause increased risks of surgical wound infections, reduced immune functioning, and increased incidences of postoperative vomiting and nausea.

    2. After  unconscious, the anesthesiologist places a breathing tube in your mouth and nose to make sure I  maintain proper breathing during the procedure

     Source: Note 

    Video CABG Video

    Entering the lift to Ops Theatre.
    x

    09 | My Mixed Feeling

      March 06, 2022

    Doctor came and told me of the Ops the next day. I had still having mixed feeling having the ops. All I could say was 'leave everything to Allah'. Rate of my willingness to be at the OP was 70/30 ratio. 70% wasn't keen to go through the Ops.

    My weight recorded: 87.80 kgs- a reduction of 4.2 kgs prior to admission in January 28

    Preparation includes:-

    1. Signing surgical consent which includes the risk involved and the alternatives (blood intake) when necessary.

    2. Taking of Stool Softener to avoid constipation after the surgery. Constipation is a common post-surgery complain.

    3. In the evening, nurse came to cleans my body (skin) with an antiseptic to help prevent infections. My hairs had been remove from my torso and both legs. And placing a sterile drape over both my legs.

    3. Respiratory Exercise for my lung using Spirometer.

    4. Briefing includes - 

    i. Oxygen will be connected- oxygen (O2) is given during the surgery to reduce the risk of hypoxemia. However, oxygen is rapidly adsorbed behind closed airways, causing lung collapse (atelectasis) and shunt.If Oxygen is insufficient- will cause increased risks of surgical wound infections, reduced immune functioning, and increased incidences of postoperative vomiting and nausea. 
    ii. Briefing - After  unconscious, the anesthesiologist places a breathing tube in your mouth and nose to make sure I  maintain proper breathing during the procedure.


    Footnotes:

    Spirometer - This device can be used for breathing exercises, increasing oxygen concentration and lung capacity by inhaling. It helps in achieving lung expansion and in maintaining clear airways. The entire unit can be dismantled for cleaning and disinfecting purposes

    08 | Re-Warded For Procedures

     08 | 28 February 2022

    After 26 days of discharged, today admitted for preoperative preparation. A minimum of 7 days required for the preparation which involves procedures, preoperative assessment, evaluation, preparation, mitigation of preoperative risk and anesthetic risk. However, exact date yet to be told.

    Came with 3 cars including all my Cucus. Exactly the 4th Month (Birthday) of Eiman. 

    We were given single Room 417- very much to the comfort for Mama.



    07 | NMC vs KPJ vs PJS

    07 | 18 February 2022 | Friday

    Today NMC phoned me to see their Cardiologist Dr Tan for consultation prior to my admission and starting procedures on Saturday @19 February. At the same time, Surgeon Jong requested me to come to the PJS informing me about the availiblity of slot for my immediate operation. 

    This time I have to choose between Normah Medical vs PJS. Earlier I rejected KPJ for the reason the Cardiologist was rather 'unethical' during my first visit.After thorough discussion with Mama, I abandoned our stint to-be with Normah Medical Centre.

    I was told PJS's medical equipments were one of the best in South East Asia, if not the best! And cost-wise NMC and KPJ were my last choice.

    9.00 am -  Meet both Cardiologist Dr Dareel and Sergeon Dr Jong. They both advised me that surgery can only be done in early March for the reasons many doctors are still on CNY leave, too many patients in the queue and moreover I was improving well. Instead Dr Jong requested me to check-in on 28 February. Exactly one month after my first visit.

    What do you mean by I’m improving well? Dr Jong told us that they studied my case and found out that my body developed 'jalan tikus' i.e the growth of small tributaries (arteries) bypassing the blockage. Hence, I was surviving without any attack of strokes. That was one of the biggest gift of Allah.

    Dr Jong, however demanded me to reduce my body weight to another 3 kilos (86 kgs)


    Footnotes: 

    A stroke is your brain’s equivalent of a heart attack, happening when there’s an issue with blood flow to part of your brain. This can happen when blood vessels are blocked or because of bleeding in your brain. Strokes are a life-threatening emergency, and immediate medical attention is critical to prevent permanent damage or death.

    06 | Shopping for my CABG

    February 03, 2022- Day 1- 15 @Home

    Staying home was quite challenging when you know your were having heart problems. Sleeping were occasionally interrupted for fear of an attack. Every movement was calculated as risky and I don't really love the 'less-mobile' life. 

    [7 February]

    Came back to PJS for CT Scan and Review Session with Surgeon Dr Jong Yuan Hsun. He told me my case was 'simple' to fix because I dont have other related problems like BP, Kencing Manis. My only underlying problem, yet not related, was my gout.

    Ohh gosh..handed with 9 types of pills after the appointment.


    [9 February ]

    Came again for Lung Function Test. The same day I negotiated with Normah Medical Centre (NMC) to arrange for my CABG. My special request was for fly-in Surgeon from IJN, KL to which NMC agreed to comply. Thanks Ms Latifah Ahmad.


    [11 February]

    At 10.00 am I went to KPJ for another 'service' enquiry. According to Dr Ang I could start the procedure in a week-time (7 Feb) for RM85k. At the same times NMC fixed my ops on 27 February and to start the procedure on the 20th Feb. 

    What I realised during my conversation with Dr Ang, I could see that he wasn't interested to hear when I said, I was just shopping around before I made decision. The hospital charged me RM800 for 4 units (vials) of Fondaparinux. I felt that I was 'forced' to buy their offer.

    Sis Nurai and hubby, bro Alihan dan Dahlan flew in from Lawas and Bintulu respectively. They came for courtesy visit.


    KPG- Forced to buy their offer.


    Footnotes:

    1. Blood vessels circulate blood throughout your body. They help deliver oxygen to vital organs and tissues, and also remove waste products. Blood vessels include veins, arteries and capillaries.
    2. A coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) is a surgical procedure used to treat coronary heart disease. It diverts blood around narrowed or clogged parts of the major arteries to improve blood flow and oxygen supply to the heart
    3. A heart attack occurs when the flow of blood to the heart is severely reduced or blocked. The blockage is usually due to a buildup of fat, cholesterol and other substances in the heart (coronary) arteries. The fatty, cholesterol-containing deposits are called plaques. The process of plaque buildup is called atherosclerosis.
    4. CT Scan is a computed tomography (CT) angiogram is a test to view blood vessels and tissues. Due to strict compliance with Covid19's SOP, swab test was mandatory prior to meeting the doctors. 
    9 types of medicine...

    05 | Day of Temporary Discharge

    February 02, 2022 - Day 5

    Surgeon Dr Jong came around 9.00 am giving me an option whether to be discharged or stay put under the care of nurses. I chose to stay home for change of environment. I had been admitted for the last 5 days and staying in ward with strict Covid SOP was quite a life changing situation. Medicines are already my rice and tasteless meal are forcibly taken to reduce my weight. 

    Likewise, Life wasn't easy for Mama

    However we cannot deny that we love the service given by the nurses, not to mention the room size and its cleanliness. The nurses were professional in their  undertaking, genuinely caring, engagingly empathetic, very responsible and highly responsive to our queries. I excused them for the outdated/malfunction TV set. @Room 518

    2.00 pm - My hospital Wrist-band was released 

    Subject to coming back on the 7th and 9th February for CT Scan and Lung Function Test respectively.


    Mama - 2.30 am

    04 | New Year on Hospital Bed

    04 | February 01,  2022- Day 4

    Spending New Year in the hospital bed and live as a patient. Yesterday Josephine from HUS presented us the Limau Mandarin. Josephine worked as a senior Nurse at ICU Section Hospital Umun Sarawak. His dad was together with me in Room 518.

    9.00 am - Cardiologist Dr Nurul Hafizah came to discuss about my CABG. She could not move forward the date as the queue was too long. I gave her feelers that I may do my bypass at the private hospital down town. Meanwhile my health was improving and a little bit adjusted to the live in hospital.

    Another round of Echo (Echocardiogram). (An echocardiogram, or "echo", is a scan used to look at the heart and nearby blood vessels)

    4.00 pm - They moved me to Room 517 from 518 for the reason I was not interested to know. One of my strategy to reduce stress was 'just be obedient''



     





    Pushed for Echo


    03 | Shocking Result

    Monday | January 31,  2022 - Day 3

    To my surprise I was the first picked-up to go for (cardiac)  Catheterization. The nurses rolled me to the theatre at 8.00 am. It was freezing cold especially during the scrubbing. At the end of the session, cardiologist Dr Alan Fong indicated to me something was quite serious. He was saying something like 'severe 3 vessel coronary artery disease..'

    Around 10.00 am - The Dr Chung came and convey the result that I was having 3 blockages with 99% severity and recommended the Bypass surgery, not stent! Both news came like bricks falling on my head. 

    3.00 pm - I was wheeled for Echo (Echocardiogram) to evaluate the LV function of my heart. The result was- my heart was still normal and  strong. I didn't feel anything during the procedure except feeling of coolness from the gel. Thanks to SMAO - David Manggie.

    4.00 pm- I gotten sick for the reason I did not know. The only reason I could imagine was  the 'bad news' after learning the severity of my blockages and anxiety about pending 'open heart' surgery. Earlier we were told my surgery will be in 3 or 4 days time. 

    Cardiologist Dr Nurul Hafizah came in the afternoon and clarify that the operation was long way down the road in view of the long queue. According to her the earliest will be in the middle of August. 

    Not until I heard the fire-crakers cracking the night, I realise the next day was CNY. The whole nite my slept was intermittently interrupted.

    Within 48 hours my Body Mass Index (BMI) dropped by 2 kgs from initially 93. Thanks for the tasteless food provided by matron. 

    Footnotes:-

    1. Bypass surgery redirects blood around a section of a blocked or partially blocked artery in your heart. The procedure involves taking a healthy blood vessel from your leg, arm or chest and connecting it below and above the blocked arteries in our heart
    2. An echocardiogram is a test that uses ultrasound to show how your heart muscle and valves are working. The sound waves make moving pictures of your heart so your doctor can get a good look at its size and shape. You might hear them call it “echo” for short.

    02 | Room 518

    Sunday | 30 January 2022 | Admitted at PJS

    1. I was placed in Room 518, situated at the end of the North Wing and designed for two patients. I was alone, accompanied only by my mother. Other family members were not permitted to visit due to strict compliance with Covid-19 restrictions.

    2. Nurses came on schedule to administer various medications, including Acetylsalicylic acid (a blood thinner), Atorvastatin Calcium (to manage cholesterol), Pantoprazole (to prevent gastric issues), and Bisoprolol Fumarate (to treat high blood pressure). Pantoprazole and Bisoprolol were prescribed as preventive measures, as I had been cleared of the corresponding symptoms.

    3. At 9:00 a.m., Doctor Soon Sing Yang informed me that my case was not serious and that my coronary angiogram procedure was scheduled only after Chinese New Year. However, upon my request and insistence, he agreed to send me for the procedure the following day, i.e., 31 January 2022.

    4. I was placed on a drip throughout the night in preparation for the angiogram.

    5. "Don't argue with the doctor" is what friends always advise via WhatsApp. In any case, I did not come to argue; after all, the staff at PJS are all nice and professional. They speak softly, are diplomatic, and above all, caring towards their patients.

    6. Surgeon Dr Jong advised me to reduce my weight, which at the time of check-in was 93 kg. I took his advice and consumed whatever food was provided by the hospital—porridge in the morning and lunch served with egg, bean sprouts, and rice. For goodness' sake, they were tasteless.


    Footnotes:-
    In a coronary angiogram, a catheter is inserted into an artery in the groin, arm or neck and threaded through the blood vessels to the heart. A coronary angiogram can show blocked or narrowed blood vessels in the heart. A coronary angiogram is a procedure that uses X-ray imaging to see your heart's blood vessels
    Salt
    Lunch

    01 | The Day Everything Changed

    @Emergency Ward

    I was at the edge of my seat. I did not know what would happen next. With my fingers crossed, the anticipation was so intense that I felt I could smell it, taste it, and touch it.

    I am talking about my first experience in an Emergency Room. The date was 29 January 2022 — a day that was supposed to be simple and joyful, as I had planned to buy a birthday cake for my wife.

    The Morning

    8.00 a.m.
    Mama rushed me to Pusat Jantung Samarahan (PJS) after I experienced shortness of breath while taking my morning shower. Fortunately, my breathing improved while we were on our way to Samarahan.

    8.30 a.m.
    I was admitted to the Emergency Department, where strict COVID-19 standard operating procedures (SOPs) were still in place.

    Over the next several hours, I underwent no fewer than four Electrocardiogram (ECG) tests, together with continuous monitoring of my heart rate, pulse rate (PR), and oxygen saturation (SpO₂).

    The doctors and medical officers repeatedly asked the same questions:

    1. Is there any history of heart disease in your family?

    2. Do you smoke?

    3. Do you consume alcohol?

    4. Do you have diabetes?

    4.00 p.m.
    I was moved to Room 520 in the Acute Ward for closer observation.

    6.00 p.m.
    I was later transferred to Room 518, a normal ward.

    Instead of celebrating her birthday at home, Mama spent the night beside me in the hospital. It was, in fact, her second birthday spent in a hospital setting. Two years earlier, she had stayed at Subang Hospital while accompanying our daughter, Nadia.

    Earlier that same morning, Haji Bob and I had enjoyed breakfast at Bombay Masala, Taman Sukma. Much of our conversation revolved around the new floating mosque we had constructed in Kampung Punang.

    Little did I know that, by the end of that day, my life would begin to take a different path.

    Looking Back

    Reflecting on the weeks leading up to that day, perhaps there had been signs all along.

    6–20 December 2021

    During the State Election campaign in Lawas, I began experiencing mild symptoms that, in hindsight, may have been related to my heart. Chest discomfort often appeared at night, particularly after heavy dinners. Staying alone in a hotel room made the experience unsettling, and eventually I asked my brother to accompany me.

    1 January 2022

    I joined the Golf Ballsweep Tournament and even managed to win the Nett Event.

    6 January 2022

    I received my COVID-19 booster vaccination at Normah Medical Centre.

    10 January 2022

    I underwent home quarantine as a close contact case under KKM Serial No. 253660.

    16 January 2022

    I participated in the PGABS Monthly Leg 1 Tournament. Although I experienced intermittent shortness of breath, I was still able to complete the round.

    22 January 2022

    I played another friendly round of golf but was unable to finish the game. That would become my last game before seeking medical attention.

    24 January 2022

    I visited Klinik Kesihatan Petra Jaya, where Dr. Neelanastassia Yusuf identified a condition that required further investigation at PJS. An appointment was arranged for 24 March 2022.

    However, four days later, my journey took an unexpected turn.

    And so began a new chapter in my life.



    Footnotes:

    HEART ATTACK occurs when the flow of blood to the heart is severely reduced or blocked. The blockage is usually due to a buildup of fat, cholesterol and other substances in the heart (coronary) arteries. The fatty, cholesterol-containing deposits are called plaques. The process of plaque buildup is called atherosclerosis.

    ECG, small electrodes are put on your arms, legs and chest to record the electrical signals produced by your heart.

     Pulse oximetry is a test used to measure the oxygen level (oxygen saturation) of the blood.


    Around 10 am at Emergency ward



    Room 520 - Acute Ward for 2 hours