I probably won’t be blogging for the next 2 days (because I have to go for a meeting some where to discuss some things), so here:
To all my Muslim friends and readers, Eid Mubarak or Selamat Hari Raya!
Fri, 121007 @ 1215; it’s been a good day so far…
I wanted to say ‘Young and Stupid’ but that would be harsh. Over the last 2 weeks, I have seen 3 young ladies in the clinic.
Lady No: 1 is merely 19 years old, the mother of a child who died of severe pneumonia before he even turned one. The doctors were baffled and decided to do a HIV test on the child and it was positive, and his mum was subsequently diagnosed to be HIV+ as well. (Actually I am puzzled how she could have delivered without being screened, unless some one fouled up or she delivered at home; I didn’t ask).
Since her child’s death more than a year ago, she has defaulted coming to the ID clinic. She finally turned up last week because “today I have time and transport”. She was all bubbly but was totally clueless as to what she has. She did not come for her meds because “I have already been given some tablets for it when I was pregnant” (she obviously think HIV is like a headache which can be cured by 2 tablets of panadol).
Asked why she did not come for her blood tests, she said “it was already done one year ago, why need to repeat?”
I almost vomited blood.
Anyway, I took the time to explain to her about HIV and the need for proper follow-up. Her only lament after I finished was “My husband refuses to touch me anymore”.
Sigh…, now that’s sad.
Lady No: 2 is a little older. Like Lady No:1, she is HIV+ and was started on treatment, however, she stopped her medications midway because she “felt well already and see no reason why I should continue to take them”!
Lady No: 3 is like Lady No: 2; HIV+ on treatment..not once but twice, thrice, four times and counting because she defaulted her treatment numerous times and forgets her medications 2 – 3 times a week even when she remembers to take them! That I could accept because afterall, it’s her choice and her life; what I could not accept was that she even ‘forgot’ to take her child who is also HIV+ for followup and treatment!
I have no words to say. I feel too angry when I think about it.
Gaargh!!
Fri, 121007 @ 0724
The Buzz