All geared up for the surgery

This morning, Dr. Tamil Selvan reviewed my father's case in the cardiac high dependency unit. He no longer had anymore chest pains, so he was transfered back to his room. He was much happier in the room, where people are more freely to move about and interact with him, especially the children.

Later, Tan Sri Mr. Yahya Awang informed that he scheduled my father for surgery at 6.30am, Wednesday, 21 November 2007. Hence, the rest of day was geared towards that. The cardiothoracic anaesthetists, Dato' Dr. V. Kathiresan ordered a chest x-ray on him. He was taken to the Rehabiliation Centre and given some pre-Op breathing therapy, along a breathing exercise apparatus. The breathing therapists also briefed him on the breathing and therapy program that they will do on him post surgery. He was even taken for an orientation and familiarisation around the Cardiac Intensive Care Unit (CICU) and the Cardiac Operation Theatre (OT), where he will be spending the next couple of days, all at the DSH Heart Centre on fourth floor.

Two of my aunties from Johor Bahru rushed over to meet their only surviving brother. My cousin, who was in Singapore for work, flew in also. He later caught the 9.10pm flight back to Changi.

Later in the evening, the cardiothoracic surgeon who will be performing the task, Tan Sri Mr. Yahya, went up to see him and 'prepared' him for his BIG SURGERY tomorrow.
Left: Tan Sri Mr. Yahya reassuring my father, for the last time
Tan Sri Mr. Yahya explained on the process and procedure of the cardiac arterial by-pass graft (CABG) surgery.







He was kind enough to ask everyone, including my aunties and their families, to listen in on the short briefing about what he will do tomorrow and allowed us to ask questions. Everyone was mesmerised with his soft spoken and simplified approach.
Right. Tan Sri Mr. Yahya getting consent for the surgery, after the interaction with the family
Dato' Dr. V. Kathiresan also popped by and briefed and interacted with my father, for a generous half an hour. He talked about the level of pain that my father will be experiencing and how it will be managed.

That gave everyone a lot of comfort and confidence, especially the patient. My father has been avoiding this the past nine years, ever since he was diagnosed of these tripple coronary blockages.

Two of his closest buddies, Hj. Hassanuddin Ghaffar and Hj. Aris Maarof were came over, to give support. Both will be organising special prayer sessions (sembahyang hajat) tonight at their respective mosques.
Left: Childhood friend Hj. Hassanudin showing support








His long time friend and survivor of the surgery also called in, for the same reason. Some of my aunties' friends (who are aslo my father's teenage friends from Muo) also popped by later early in the night.
Right: Sisters and close friends congregate to show support
We have to retire early tonight. We have to be there by 6.00am, to see him wheeled into the OT.