August 20, 2015, Thursday, I was about to leave the house for work when I suddenly felt a sharp pain in the left side of my lower abdomen. I can’t exactly describe the pain but it was very painful I couldn’t move.
EJ looked at me, checking if I was okay but I can’t answer him well because of the pain. He immediately took leave that day to bring me into the hospital.
We went to Tan Tock Seng Hospital, the doctor gave me painkillers but that doesn’t help. I had a blood test and X-Ray in the morning, everything is normal. They suspected I have appendicitis and asked me to have a CT Scan.
The result came in the afternoon, the doctor told me that I have a good stomach, colon, etc. and that I don’t have appendicitis. Unfortunately, they found an ovarian cyst. I got relieved when I found out my tummy is okay but I really don’t know what is an ovarian cyst.
They transferred me to KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital. This was our first time to ride the emergency ambulance. It was around eight in the evening when we reached the hospital. The OB checked me and asked me to sign some papers I couldn’t read.
I was afraid, I don’t know what is the ovarian cyst. She always asked me if I am aware that I have a cyst, I said no.
I have a monthly regular period and I don’t experience painful menstruation or intercourse. I I didn’t take any birth control pills. I only noticed that I have a heavy period that lasts 3-4 days and that I gained weight (??) I really don’t know that there’s something wrong with my body.
I told the doctor that we were engaged and planning to get married next year. I noticed her eyes looked into my engagement ring.
She said that according to the scanned result I only have a problem with my left ovary and they need to do an emergency surgery to check what type of cyst it is. She assured me that I shouldn’t worry if in case they will need to take out my affected ovary because I still have an ovary in the right.
It was very painful to me when I heard it. But, I don’t lose hope. I know God will let my body heal and He will give us our bundle of joy in His time and that this will come to pass.
I prayed, “Our Father” and I always recite the phrase “for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, until death do us part.”
I really don’t know what will happen next.
On the emergency room, I saw one Filipina and asked her if they will put me in anesthesia and she said yes. I closed my eyes. She asked to inhaled through a breathing mask and I forget what happens next.
It was already 1 AM, I felt that they were moving me into the room. When I saw EJ, I cried. I thought I was about to die that time. I hold his hand too tightly and I can’t help but cry.
I message my mother and told them the news. They knew something happened to me because I was not reachable the whole day.
The next morning, I saw the room. EJ arranged a single room with attached bathroom, it was beautiful. The staff that prepared me the meal was a Filipina and she said she underwent a surgery before as well and she now have a baby boy.
It was the first time I hear stories about surgeries and how it went through. I read some post online and I researched about the ovarian cyst.
I posted an update on my Instagram. The next day, my friends visited me. My friend Jessica fetched Gadz from Changi airport. I was full of joy surrounded by my fiance, family, and friends.
I had laparoscopic surgery. We waited for the result of the cyst for few days to check whether the cyst is benign or malignant. I was still under medication after the operation. I vomited. I couldn’t eat well. No lifting heavy objects.
The doctor told me to walk. I took small steps at a time. I had a light fever they afraid I might get an infection, they don’t want me to discharge until the fever is gone. We spent a total of 4 days in the hospital and I was given 45 days of MC (medical leave).
The doctor advises me to take a bath and remove the small adhesive strip after 3 days. I was afraid to look at my tummy. I stayed at home with my sister, she assisted me while EJ was at work.
When EJ was around he would push me to walk outside the apartment. I was like a baby trying to walk. I was walking slowly, took only a few steps. I am especially thankful for my sister and EJ my fiance for their assistance during this time. And to all my friends who gives me encouragement.
I felt better after about two or three weeks but was really low energy. I’m happy I was able to watch The Return of Superman, a Korean show. I just love the triplets, Mingukie, Manse and Daehan.
After more than one month of recovering at home, I returned to work. The operation in Singapore is expensive, I don’t have insurance. Many people asked me I should have done the surgery in Manila than in Singapore but I kept on telling them it was an emergency surgery, that I don’t know that I have a cyst.
I learned to listen to your body, you may not have any painful symptoms like me but gaining weight might be a sign.
Wishing you all good health.
Leave a Reply