Today, as we were walking towards home, I saw a lady pointing to an old lady who was lying on the ground next to the road. Within seconds, I hurried (Chloe was on the baby carrier attached to me having a full view) to the old lady and see if she is ok. Apparently she fell and hit her head on the kerb. There was some blood on the kerb and the back of her head was bleeding.

Remembering some SOPs learnt from the medic course during army days, I asked her if she knows where she lives, she did not response to me very well, so I suspect she was in “shock”. So I called the ambulance and continued to ask her more questions, while Daisy went upstairs to get a drink and some napkin. After about 5 minutes, someone approached us and claimed that she is the neighbour, and she then contacted the old lady’s mother.

The ambulance came about 10 minutes later, and after giving the paramedic some brief information, we left the scene and let them carry on their bandaging.

Things I learnt from this incident are:
i) Most people just gather and watch on. Probably 10% of the people asked and tried to help call ambulance, but that is about it.
ii) The 995 operator is not very friendly. When I asked him how long would it take the ambulance to arrive, he said in a hurried and patronising manner, “The ambulance will arrive as soon as possible.” Maybe I asked the wrong question.
iii) One of the lady who seems to be a relative of the old lady, upon seeing her said “How come you fell down? Why did you fall down?” and she just stood there and made a phone call. No sympathy from her at all. I mean, she could be more caring and took over the neighbour who was holding the napkin on the old lady’s head.

Throughout the whole incident, Chloe had the whole view of what was going on, and I hope she will be that 10% who would help someone in need when she grows up.

Oh yea, also today, after being inspired by a fellow resident, we went to sign up to become volunteers for our resident’s commitee group. Well Daisy wanted to do that since many months ago, and I always wanted to join the grass root in the future, so I guess this is a good start.

Today, Mama and I came across a “fish spa” thingy in a shopping centre…

I’ve seen this type of thing numerous times – but my Hupps would never join me, as he has super duper sensitive feet and because I’m scared of these things (live fish, even dead fish and slimy stuff) and I find it intensely gross – I always chickened out!

Well, Mama was up for it – so I thought why not!

I tell you what – It’s super duper scary!! I put my feet in the water with all these nibbling fishes… It was SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO gross!!! Firstly, it feels like pin and needles when the fish all rush to your feet and nibble away, then it feels like bubbles from a spa touching your feet… I only had a 10 min treatment, but for the whole time I was on edge… so tense!!! I couldn’t even look at my feet cos there was so many attached to my feet/legs (more than Mamas!) – the whole idea of it just made me feel all itchy and goosebumpy – I mean, do I really have that much dead skin?!?!?!

They are supposed to nibble on dead skin compared to healthier skin giving softer and smoother skin… (I must admit, my feet did look fab after the treatment!! Would I go again?!?! Maybe… but only for feet vanity!!! Although very entertaining, but for me, very scary!!! I recommend going as a group cos it’s real funny watching your frens squirm and squeal!!

Do I need a GPS tracking watch?

GPS tracking watches can help you to track your distance and your speed when you are training to run a marathon, doing a triathlon or even just for a casual hike.

The advantages of having a GPS tracking function on a watch allows you to track your performance and feedback to you whether your training is effective or not.

So now, as you might have found out that I am trying to train for my IPPT, and I am trying to get Gold award for the cash reward (to give to my wife), I have been thinking of getting a digital watch that does heart rate, countdown timer. With just these 2 functions, I can train better for my IPPT 2.4km run, and I can get a Timex for about $60. But I also have intentions of running a mini triathlon and maybe half marathon in the future, so I was thinking, do I need GPS function on my watch?

What do you think?

The answer to that is Yes!

Huppy fell ill starting yesterday… fever, joint pains and now a sore throat… He made a trip to the doc and was given antibiotics, and other tablets. In addition, he was also advised no contact with Chloe and to not sleep in the same room cos the infection is airborne! Chloe is sleeping in the same room as us until 6 months… So, as a result, he is sleeping in the bed in the study!

With his pillow and our duvet – off he went to the study! I felt a bit sorry for him, as though I kicked him out of his own bedroom!!! You know, like the films where the husband has done something wrong and he is sent out of the bedroom to sleep on the sofa!!! But in this case, he’s done nothing wrong except be ill!!

Oh well, looking at the brighter side of things… looks like its more bed space for myself for the next few days!!!

Could Chloe be suffering from breast milk jaundice?

Midwife came yesterday and today to our place for a routine check, and feels that it is better for doctors to have a more professional opinion on Chloe’s prolonged jaundice. Hence we went to the hospital for a blood test and chat with the doctor.

Updates as at Friday, 13 Feb (friday the 13th), 8pm:

Senior consultant at children’s hospital feels that the slight increase from 315 to 343 micro moles/ litre over 2 days is not alarming. He believes that it is very much related to breastfeeding jaundice, and at this moment he doubt the bilirubin level will suddenly shoot up sky high, hence told us to give it another 2 days, and see how Chloe’s body react to the bilirubin. On Sunday, we will go to hospital to do another blood test to see the bilirubin level, and he will then be able to make a better decision whether to go for next procedure.

Also, using his SOP chart, Chloe is in the low risk level, hence very comfortable for him to tell us to go home and wait for sunday, as he believes the bilirubin level will plateau and come down soon… And if it continues to go up, he will want to do photo therapy on Chloe and further investigate the root of the jaundice (thorough investigations).

The jaundice on Chloe is back on, and the level is pretty high I feel, at 343 micromol/l for the bilirubin (at 350, advanced treatment should be applied). There are so many possible reasons that could have caused it to happen. I am concerned. But I know that as long as the level is maintained, it would be good for now, until we identify the root of the problem. I just hope Chloe will be a good girl and stay inside the incubator and get some UV rays on her effectively.

This evening we (my mum and daze’s mum) went to a performance at CIA, it was called Holiday On Ice. Not too bad a performance, but the venue degraded it a bit i feel. Went because of the 2 grandmothers, make them happy to go for a show.

Tomorrow if the bilirubin level will go down, and maybe Chloe’s liver is functioning better to beat the jaundice, then maybe they can be discharged tomorrow!! I really hope so.

Chloe and Daisy are both still in the hospital. Apparently the high chance of discharge became an absolute no no…

Reason being, Chloe’s blood culture test shows that she also has got a growth (infection) in her blood culture. So she needs to continue the anti-bodies for another 3 days and another 24 hours observation.

I also found her to be yellowish on the skin, and told the midwife and they did a blood test, and found her jaundice level to be a bit high, hence she went into a incubator and have to undergo photo therapy.

She hated it in there (maybe because she needs to be topless) and she has to wear sunshades on her eyes.

So even though we really want to get both mother and baby home, it is definitely be better to stay in hospital for proper care and treatment.

Today, Huppy told me some information that I really didn’t want nor expected to hear!!! When I realised that I was preggers, I had informed Huppy of what foods I should avoid during the pregnancy and breastfeeding… Peanuts was one of them! We didn’t realise that there was peanut oil in the cooking oil that was used at home! It was only when Huppy cooked today that he noticed the small print!!!!

I appreciate that peanut allergy is not common in asia, however, it is common in UK, Europe and USA…. I have been told by some elders here in Singapore that there’s no need to worry and that it’s safe cos they ate peanuts when they were pregnant!! There is just so many foods here that contains peanuts/nuts…. I was born and brought up in UK and my lifestyle, diet and surroundings are generally that of a caucasian… In addition, in UK we are also trained to advise mothers to be to avoid this potential allergen if there is a family history of asthma, hay fever, eczema, or nut allergies. So I was extremely gutted to be told that I have been exposing my unborn child to this allergen since day one!!!

I so didn’t want my child to have any allergies because I have suffered from a body full of eczema since I was young – and it’s horrible…. What’s even worse is that it may have a peanut allergy – which can lead to anaphylaxis – and that would be a nightmare!!!

“Some experts believe that avoiding known allergens, such as peanuts during pregnancy, can reduce the risk of allergic reactions developing in your child. However, there is little evidence that this approach actually works and until more research is carried out, there are no strict guidelines. You may want to avoid eating peanuts while you are pregnant if you, your baby’s father, or one of your previous children has had an allergic condition.

Allergic conditions include:
• eczema
• asthma
• hayfever
• any allergic response (rashes, itches, bumps) if you’ve eaten food such as strawberries, shellfish, or peanuts

An allergic reaction is when the body over-responds to a particular substance: this can cause breathing problems, wheezing, skin conditions, and other symptoms. Peanut allergy is a growing problem in the UK. Approximately one in 70 children in the UK has a peanut allergy; most children will develop the problem before their third birthday. Peanut allergy can cause a severe reaction called anaphylactic shock in which the allergic person has such trouble breathing that they die without treatment.

Before an allergy can develop, a child first has to come into contact with small traces of peanut. This initial contact sensitises the child so that she later has a severe allergic reaction when she eats peanuts or foods containing peanuts. Some experts think that this initial sensitisation may occur during pregnancy, when a tiny amount of the peanut protein crosses the placenta.

Breastfeeding gives your baby protection against many infections; exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of your baby’s life helps decrease her risk of allergies in the early years of life. If you eat peanuts, there is a small chance that your baby will come into contact with traces of peanut through your milk.

If you decide to avoid peanuts while pregnant or breastfeeding, you need to avoid not only peanuts themselves (which are also sometimes called monkey nuts or groundnuts), but also products which may contain them. These include:
• peanut butter
• cereals, cakes, muesli, biscuits, some salad dressings, ice cream, and breads – always read the packaging label carefully for information on the ingredients
• dishes in restaurants – either ask if peanuts have been included or choose a simple meal which contains no ‘hidden’ ingredients

Other nuts, such as Brazil nuts, hazelnuts, walnuts or cashew nuts have not been identified as a potential problem.