Abah had his first hair cut in almost three months

This morning started with Abah went to Damansara Specialist Hospital, right after breakfast, like every morning, by the Koi pond. We arrived at 10.00am to find cardiothoracic surgeon Mr. Syed Mohamed Adib already waiting for him. Tan Sri Mr. Yahya wanted Mr. Syed Adib to look at Abah's wound and give an independent assessment on the progress.

So he did exactly that. The young surgeon was satisfied with the progress and he is of the opinion that in a few days time, the use of antibiotic gel Elase should be changed.

Right after that, he popped by to see my sister, who is supposed to go and do MRI, for her facial pains, due to Bell's Palsy. It is a nerve ailment.

After I settled the bill for this morning, I offered to take Abah to Rahman's in Section 16 Petaling Jaya, for a hair cut. He gladly accepted. Its his first haircut in almost three months (since Ramadhan). As far as I can remember, this barber shop has been cutting my hair ever since I had hair (since the late sixties!).

Aishah had her hair shaven after the "cukur jambul", when she was three months old here, here at this shop. The barber then, Pakcik Rahman, the same guy who have been cutting Abah's and my hair, is no longer with us. He died few years ago, because of stroke.

Christmas surprise.....

Today is Christmas Day. For us, its the routine trip to Damansara Specialist Hospital. Abah and Mak had some quacker oats by the Koi pond, as usual every morning. Then its off to the cardiac HDU ward on the fourth floor, for the antibiotics injection and wound dressing, by Tan Sri Mr. Yahya Awang.

Before Tan Sri Mr. Yahya came, hepabilotary surgeon Dato' Dr. Haron Ahmad dropped in to say 'Hi'. We chatted for quite a bit.

Then cardiothoracic surgeon Tan Sri Mr. Yahya Awang came and attended to Abah, just like any other mornings. He encouraged Abah to go for a drive and not being couped up, at home.

In the late afternoon, my sister went to A & E Department to complain about her unbearable pain in the face. Instead, she was admitted. So after the evening antibiotics injection, we popped by to see her. We bumped into her ENT surgeon Mr. Awal Hassan and consulted him. Apparently, he just arrived straight from Penang for a holiday.

After dinner, we did exactly what Tan Sri Mr. Yahya suggested Abah do. We went for a drive, into the Golden Triangle area, on "The Enterprise". It was exciting for him at first, when we arrived at the KLCC Park from the East approach but the moment we waddle along Jalan Bukit Bintang and got caught into a massive Christmas Day traffic jam, then I knew he wasn't too happy, even though he did not say it.

Home care visitation

This morning started like any other day, post surgery. After breakfast, I drove Abah and Mak to Damansara Specialist Hospital, for cardiothoracic surgeon Tan Sri Mr. Yahya Awang to do his daily inspection and dressing of the open wound. The only difference this morning was my sister Nur Hafizah Mohamed tagged along, because she was ill. She's have difficulty to move certain part of her face/head and made an appointment to see neurologists Dr. Azmi Abdul Rashid.

Left: A silhouette shot of the eminent cardiothoracic surgeon and Abah

So I took Abah to fourth floor, where Tan Sri Mr. Yahya always meet him and Mak took Nur to Dr. Azmi's office on the consultants row at the first floor.

I took shots of the open wound, for the first time. Even Abah has no idea how his wound look like. Tan Sri Mr. Yahya is happy with the progress. However, he would want another cardiothoracic surgeon Mr. Mohamed Adib to look at it on Wednesday morning, for an independent evaluation.

Right: The open wound that requires daily 'gause pack' dressing, first time on camera

While Tan Sri Mr. Yahya attends to Abah, there is the usual small talk. I asked him whether has he read Singapore ISIS researcher Dr. Ooi Ban Kean's book on his uncle, former Deputy Prime Minister Tun Dr. Ismail Abdul Rahman "The reluctant politician".

Apparently, he shared my opinion that some of the private things mentioned in the book have no relevance to the gist of the story, to portray a man of dedication, principles and decisiveness. I told him at the book review in Valentine Wiley Gallery in Bangsar, I raised the point to the author and Mohd. Tawfik Tun Ismail.

When Abah is done, Nur has not done with her physiotherapy yet, as per ordered by Dr. Azmi. So I sent them back first and came back for Nur.

Left: SRN Paru dropping by

Later, in the midst of Christmas Eve heavy rain in the evening, we received a pleasant surprise. SRN Paru from DSH Home Care Unit dropped by at quarter past five to check on Abah.

Abah discharged and takziah to Dr. Daud

I woke this morning with not so pleasant news in the phone. At 6.26am, cardiologist Dr. Mohd. Daud Sulaiman smsed to say that his 88 year old mother, Hj. Aminah Said had passed away at 5.30am in Cheras. The remains would be brought to the HUKM Surau to be bathed, covered in kapan burial shroud and prayer service will be conducted at 9.30am, before be brought back to Alor Gajah for burial after Zuhur prayers.

She was infirmed in CICU since Tuesday and later transfered to Ceria Ward at third floor.

I was at the hospital by 10.00am. I offered Abah to get some mid-morning snacks. However, he refused. I guess he was to eager to go home.

Left: Linda and Ajib helping Abah to put on the 'Binder'

Cardiothoracic surgeon Tan Sri Mr. Yahya Awang popped by just before noon and did the dressing. As expected, he was pleased enough with the progress. So Tan Sri Mr. Yahya signed the discharge papers and he was allowed home under the conditions that he has to come back for wound dressing and antibiotics injections, daily.

Of course, that brought a lot of joy and relieve to everyone. We packed the whole load of stuff, which included an Ogawa air purifier and an Elba microwave (wifey purposely bought it for this trip). I sent Abah and Mak back with Ajib and Markati at quarter to one and wanted them to have lunch at home (Abah needed the change of environment, badly!).

Right: Tan Sri Mr. Yahya giving last minute instructions

I was the last to leave the hospital. I did not leave until 4.00pm, after settling the bill and taking home the medicines.

Left: Abah walking away as Mak thanked SRN Nurul Afizah. Note the baggage trolley carrying the stuff from the room.

The hospital provided great and impeccable healthcare services, especially by the surgeons, physicians, radiologists, pathologists, nurses, radiographers, physiotherapists, F & Bers etc. They had always done their best made the recovery of patients as comfortable as they possibly can. However, the administrative people have a lot to be desired.

Back to Dr. Daud's bereavement. We would to express our deepest Takziah condolences to him and his family, in these most trying times.

A painless open wound dressing

This morning, Abah was relieved. Cardiothoracic surgeon Mr. Mohamed Adib stood in for Tan Sri Mr. Yahya Awang and did the dressing on Abah. Although anesthethists Dato' Dr. Kathiresan was present, Abah was not sedated and fully conscious of the treatment. There was little pain.

Left: A pain-free wound dressing

He was utterly pleased!

The minimal pain means the wound has 'granulated' and has started healing. Soon, it will closed in. Soon afterwards, he enjoyed some steak-&-cheese 'sub' sandwich from Subway.

Soon afterwards, just before I went for Friday prayers, I encouraged Abah to do his 'walk-about', especially when he complained that he did not get good night's sleep. The blood circulation would do him good.

Aishah accompanied him and they went to the kiosk. Abah bought the latest edition of 'The Edge' while Aishah got some Disney comics.

Right: Casual reading at the main lobby

Then after the home-cooked curry fish and beef rendang lunch, Abah had a short nap.

After a successful CABG and heart valve surgery, cardiothoracic surgeon Tan Sri Mr. Yahya asked the SRN to take Abah to the cardiac HDU ward, where the wound dressings have been treated. That was almost eight.

He was happy with the progress and hope to discharge Abah by tomorrow morning.

Left: An experienced surgeon's personal touch, over small talk about 'speed reading'

That certainly called for a celebrations. I was dispatched to San Francisco Steakhouse, again to get another 300gm New York cut 'Rib eye'. In the haste of getting back to the hospital early, plus weaving through heavy Friday evening traffic in rain and the usual busy Friday evening crowd at any eatery, I accidentally left the mushroom sauce.

I know Abah was a bit disappointed without the sauce. Anyhow, he chewed down the whole 300 gm of prime beef cut!

We talked about reading and books again, for the third time. Yesterday, Tan Sri Mr. Yahya Awang passed me the Lt. Jen. (B) Jaafar Onn's book. This evening, was the third time I encouraged him to write his memoirs. His wealth of experience in cardiothoracic surgery in Malaysia is undoubtedly too valuable to not be documented. Most likely, Tan Sri Mr. Yahya have had the most cardiothoracic surgery patients in this country, since his days in the Kuala Lumpur General Hospital beginning 1983.

Right: Catching Tan Sri Mr. Yahya in the corridor

Of course, his most famous patient was then Prime Minister Dato' Seri Dr. Mahathir Mohamad, who had his CABG done in KLGH on 24 January 1989. Again, he performed another CABG on now former Prime Minister Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohamad on 4 September 2007, in the purpose built hospital, IJN.

So many young and aspiring doctors shall benefit from the memoir. So many historian buff too. Personally, I hope Tan Sri Mr. Yahya Awang will make an attempt and complete his memoir. Today, the memoir on its own will be a first, in Malaysian history.

Selamat Hari Raya Aidhil Adha, 1428H

This morning, is the Hari Raya Aidil Adha for Malaysia. I woke up and went straight to the hospital, withput having the most important meal of day. This is because my wife and maid of seven years, Markati, were out doing grocery shopping and they only decided to have the traditional Hari Raya meal of nasi himpit, sayur lodeh, sambal sotong and sambal kacang, late last night. The household was not prepared for the feast as Abah was still infirmed in Damansara Specialist Hospital, after his third surgery on Monday morning within four weeks.

Left: From left, Dato' Dr. Kathiresan, Mr. Mohamed Adib and Tan Sri Mr. Yahya just before this morning's wound dressing

This morning also brought new meaning of 'joy' to Abah, after experiencing two painful mornings doing dressing on the open wound on the chest.

This morning, eminent cardiothoracic surgeon Tan Sri Mr. Yahya Awang was joined by another cardiothoracic surgeon Mr. Mohamed Adib and cardiothoracic anaesthethists Dato' Dr. V. Kathiresan. Mr. Adib worked with Tan Sri Mr. Yahya when they were in IJN.

Right: The learned gentlemen just about to 'knock'him out and dress the wound

Tan Sri Mr. Yahya decided that Abah should be under some sedative whilst he change and clean the wound. Hence his team was there. And so for fifteen minutes, he was put under mild sedative and slept. Tan Sri Mr. Yahya added a new antibiotic gel, "Elase", in the "Eusol gauze packing" to the open chest wound.

Of course, he was very happy indeed! He felt nothing. Unlike the mornings before, he was in unbearable extreme pain when the open wound was dressed, despite painkiller shots were given half an hour earlier. The painful experience actually took a toll on his moral and motivation.

Tan Sri Mr. Yahya was equally 'demoralised' when Abah had the downturn mood swing. Being an experienced medical practicioner, he would do everything possible to ensure that his patients are not bogged down with adverse psychological pressures, in the crucial period of healing. In his evening visit yesterday after attending the Lt. Jen. (B) Dato' Jaafar Onn's new book on Dato' Onn Jaafar and the struggle to galvanise the Malay support against Malayan Union, he even suggested that Abah had some steak.

Left: Tan Sri Mr. Yahya told Abah that Dato' Dr. Kathiresan would help him tomorrow morning to make the dressing 'painless'

In a flash, as soon as Tan Sri Mr. Yahya left the room, I zoomed to the San Francisco Steakhouse, which was a stone's throw from the hospital. I got Abah a 300gm well-marbled 'Rib eye' steak, with all the trimmings and embelishments not spared. In 45 minutes later (I had the weather the ultra heavy Hari Raya Korban eve traffic!), I was cutting his steak into small bites and drenching it rich mushroom sauce while Abah was enjoying it.

Earlier yesterday, when Tan Sri Mr. Yahya consulted Abah just before the dressing, it was clear that Abah was very unhappy and uncomfortable with the pain that he had to endure in the daily ritual.

Right: Abah complaining about the no longer 'bearable' pain to Tan Sri Mr. Yahya

This evening, Tan Sri Mr. Yahya and Dato' Dr. Kathiresan came by again and he was put through another dressing treatment withoit any pain. I am glad all the 'pain' issues have been 'resolved' this morning and Abah is no longer demoralised to carry on the treatment.

On behalf of my family, I would like to wish all the readers and well wishers on this blog , Tan Sri Mr. Yahya Awang, Dato' Dr. V. Kathiresan, Dr. Mohd. Daud Sulaiman, Dr. M. Tamil Selvan, Dr. Zainuddin Md. Zin, Mr. Mohamed Adib, OT, CICU, CVL and fourth floor nursing staff, A & E nursing staff, the people at 'Rehab' and 'Imaging', administrative, support and F & B staff and the customer service people of Damansara Specialist Hospital and last but never the least, family and friends for their effort, well wishes, kind thoughts and prayers to make Abah better again, my utmost sincere and deep gratitude:

THANKS A MILLION

&

SELAMAT HARI RAYA AIDIL ADHA 1428H

Abah under debridement surgery this morning

I took Abah to his appointment with eminent cardiothoracic surgeon Tan Sri Mr. Yahya Awang yesterday evening (Sunday, 16 November 2007), at Damansara Specialist Hospital Accident and Emergency Department.

Left: The SRN doing the SOP upon re-admission, for the planned procedure first thing tomorrow morning

When he took a look at the chest wound, he decided that Abah needed a small debridement surgery, to clean the superficial wound which starting to be infected. This is despite that the wound is dressed twice daily and antibiotics used, initially through IV and now orally.

He also ordered that the antibiotic be adminstered through IV from now on.

Right: The posse is here, again

Like it or not, Abah has to undergo a simple and short surgery first thing in the morning. So I checked him in and after dinner, he was wheeled to his room, on the fourth floor. We kept him company till eleven, to relieve a little pressure and discomfort he had. Sunday also marked his exact four weeks since first admitted by cardiologist Dr. M. Tamil Selvan with angina pains and two days later, he did the CABG.

This morning, cardiothoracic anesthetists Dato' Dr. V. Kathiresan came early to prepare him. Then Tan Sri Mr. Yahya joined him and the promised that the surgery will be a short and painless one.

Left: Tan Sri Mr.Yahya and Dato' Dr. Kathiresan getting a consent

He was wheeled into the OT by 8.35am and by 9.25am, he was already back in the wards, wide awake.



He was allowed to have lunch and I got him 'fish-head mee hoon soup' from KGNS. Both him and Mak enjoyed the lunch.

Right: SRNs Malar and Chong giving him a jab, just before being wheeled to OT, again

At lunch, the ward staff nurse came in to tell that Tan Sri Mr. Yahya would be expecting to see me in his office at 4.00pm. So I went with Aishah and my sister Nur Hafizah tagged along. Tan Sri Mr. Yahya explained on the surgery and the treatment to drain out the puss from the under the skin infection. He said that it was a similar problem and treatment that former Prime Minister Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohamad had in October, but with lesser magnitude.

He also told us to break the news to Abah that he might spent another day or two in the wards and Tan Sri Mr. Yahya would allow him to go home and get daily treatment after the wound turn 'healthy red' again.

Right: Tan Sri Mr. Yahya and Dato' Dr. Kathiresan for a joint visit

So at a little past five, Tan Sri Mr. Yahya and Dato' Dr. Kathiresan did a joint visit on their patient. Abah was given the exact same expalantion that I had in Tan Sri Mr. Yahya's office and hour earlier.

Then at seven, cardiologist Dr. Daud Sulaiman, who had been away for the week in Taiwan to attend a heart conference, popped by. Abah had a bit of interaction with him and reviewed his medications, to suit his current stay in hospital.

Left: Dr. Daud checking in on his patient

I think Abah was glad he could see Dr. Daud's face and he thrashed a lot of issues with him. I must say his explanation gave Abah some comfort in his over a month predicament.

The twenty first day of CABG and discharged

I started the day, answering the phone from my wife, who slept over with Aishah. Abah wanted some Restoran Ismail roti canai for breakfast. There was this unusual traffic jam from the roundabout near our place right to Taman Tun Dr. Ismail (I can see the traffic jam going straight to the city). Later I found out that there was an illegal assembly infront of the Parliament and of course, people working in Selangor taking this opportunity to go out on the HRH Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah Ibni Almarhum Sultan Salahuddin Abdul Aziz Shah, Sultan of Selangor 62nd birthday public holiday.

Later his buddies from MARA Abdul Wahab Saidi Tahir and Hj. Hussain dropped by to see and old friend. Its Hj. Hussain's third and Wahab's first visit. They had a lot to chat about and everytime they excused themselves, Abah insisted they stayed on.
Left: The three amigos engaging in a chat
During this visit, cardiologist Dr. Tamil Selvan made his rounds (taking over from Dr. Daud, who is away in Taiwan).



He was happy with my father's progress and said that he will talk to cardiothoracic surgeon Tan Sri Mr. Yahya Awang, who is the lead consultant in my father's case, about allowing him to be discharged. However, he is required to return twice daily for dressing and antibiotics injection, until Tan Sri Mr. Yahya decide otherwise on Saturday.
Right: Dr. Selvan engaging his patient



Of course, that made him very happy. Dr. Selvan asked the SRNs to change the dressing on my father's chest. And they did exactly that. They even put waterproofing, so that Abah could have his shower.
Left: Another dressing
They are the finest set of SRNs I have seen. The same set of people took care of me, for sixteen days in July.

Whilst waiting for Tan Sri Mr. Yahya, ADUN Damansara Utama YB Dato' C K Lim dropped by to see the former Damansara Utama Residents' Association President. He brought a big basket of fruits. It was very kind of him, to make time for my father, despite his busy schedule serving the rakyat. Unfortunately, while this visit, I was taking a nap. Therefore, no photo was captured.

Then Tan Sri Mr. Yahya made his rounds at four something. He was happy to let Abah home and it was well received. However, he still insist the dressing and antibiotics to continue until he is satisfied.
Right: Tan Sri Mr. Yahya with his infectous smile




The SRNs prepared the medicines to be taken home and also the appointments. The administrative people instead prepared the final bill.
Left: Leaving on the 'taxi'
So Abah eventually left the suite 421 at six thirteen pm.








So it was another slow and ultra gentle drive again, from Damansara Specialist Hospital to home. I was a little careful with the 6.15pm extra heavy traffic along LDP highway.
Right: Mounting in, carefully





Then again, it was the Koi pond and water feature therapy, first. I and the missus is actually amazed with Aishah's dedication, reliability and compassion in taking care and helping her Atuk, although she is only eleven.
Left: Atuk and his lieutenant, inspecting the water feature


Then, after that, he is more settled.


Now lets recap the whole episode, from IJN to DSH. I accompanied Abah who checked in at IJN on 11 Nov. I accompanied Abah to-and-fro, Melati suite to the CVL in IJN for the angioplasty on the evening of 12 Nov, where cardiologists Dato' Dr. Robaayah Zambahari and Dato' Dr. Bala jointly concurred that angioplasty is risky and thus aborted. A list of IJN surgeons was offered.

Instead, I brought Abah to see cardioligist Dr. Daud Sulaiman in DSH, on 14 Nov and confirmed and concurred that angioplasty was risky and CABG was then is the solution. I brought Abah to see cardiothoracic surgeon Tan Sri Mr. Yahya Awang in DSH Heart Centre, on 16 Nov and confirmed CABG is the solution, with a 1% risk and Abah should not wait too long. So Friday 23 Nov was the date chosen.

Then over the weekend, he had angina pains where he took 3 GTN pills. On Monday morning, 19 Nov I called Dr. Daud but he was away in Indonesia. Instead, I brought Abah to see cardiologist Dr. Tamil Selvan instead. He said situation is not to good and recommended that Abah do his CABG surgery, soonest as possible; possibly tomorrow. The risk was higher to wait rather than the surgery itself. When Tan Sri Mr. Yahya reviewed his case that day, he decided reschedule it to Wednesday morning, 21 Nov, where it happened. Cardiothoracic anesthesiologist Dato' Dr. V. Kathiresan reviewed Abah on 20 Nov.

The rest is history. The 30 day drama of this CABG surgery episode can be chronologically referred in this blog.

On behalf of my family, I'd like to express our utmost sincere gratitude and appreciation for the kindness, thoughtfulness and compassion expressed and shown, prayers made and support and encouragement to us by families, friends, associates and even strangers. May Allah s.w.t., God al Mighty repay and reward all the great deeds done here, for our husband, father and Atuk.

The last but not least, I would like to express our utmost sincere gratitude and appreciation to Tan Sri Mr. Yahya Awang, Dato' Dr. V. Kathiresan, Dr. Mohd. Daud Sulaiman, Dr. Tamil Selvan, Dr. Zainuddin Md. Zin, OT and CICU staff, the SRNs and nurse aides at the fourth floor ward. Tribute also to the physiotherapists at 'Rehab', the radiographers, kitchen staff, customer service and cleaners.

This is Zakhir Mohamed, signing of for this CABG surgery episode.

An ANSARA member meeting the ANSARAwan and a second day of 'leave'

I started rather early today. I was at the hospital by 7.30am. Abah was reading the morning papers, right after breakfast.
Left: Abah reading the morning papers
I need to check on my old man before going down to credit control when the office is open for business, at 8.30am. There is a new bill needed to be settled and also, clarified. My niece, Alia was already in the suite, although she was still in her 'jim-jams'.




Then, off to Putrajaya International Convention Centre. I am attending the Anugerah Belia Felda Malaysia. I was seated with a few YBs and YB Senator Tan Sri Dato' Jins Shamsuddin.
Right: Being seated next to a veteran movie maker
We chatted about the current issues, especially with a lot of marchers and street demonstrations, almost weekly now. It is clear they are not happy and satisfied how things have been handled.


When I arrived, the Minister of Innovative, Science and Technology YB Dato' Dr. Jamaluddin Jarjis and Angkasawan Negara Dr. Sheikh Muszaphar Shukor, who is also the ANSARAwan were seated on stage and in a forum, with the 3,000 odd youths representing the various FELDA schemes from all corners of the nation. It was a very good motivation for these youths to interact with him.
Left: With Angkasawan Negara aka ANSARAwan
Next to our table, was the VVIP table. As soon as their session is over, Dr. Sheikh went to seat at the VVIP table. Being an Ex-Muo, I immediately connected with him. I talked about how my daughter Aishah has her own blog and she blogged about his journey to space. He cordially gave my daughter an autograph.
Right: The Angkasawan Negara writting a note to Aishah
It was very sweet of him.


The moment lunch is served and Mawi started singing, I excused myself and hurried back to the hospital. But not before I sounded out to Dr. Sheikh that ANSARA Deputy President Roslan Bani Amin (representing Dato' Mukhriz Mahathir), Secretary General Ahmad Bazlan Che Kasim and ANSARA Muo Chapter Head Sallehuddin Hj. Ahmad Khalid was in the crowd, few tables behind us. Salahuddin Hj. Hisham was with them too. He instantly went up to look for these guys.
Left: The note
When I rushed back to the hospital, I called in and Tan Sri Mr. Yahya had not done his ward rounds yet. The moment I got there, I showed Girl-Girl the 'surprise'. The was thrilled and flabbergasted, in mixed emotions!

I'd be too, when I was eleven and my father suddenly came back with an autograph for Mokhtar "Super Mokh" Dahari (He was the hero of every nine, ten, eleven and twelve year olds boys, then!). Unfortunately, my father did not get the opportunity to be acquainted with the great footballer. In fact, all his friends then are either civil servants or politicians. So no autograph from a national hero for me, in the seventies.
Right: Calling Chu and telling her the 'surprise'. She can't call Mama as Mama was in a class
Then at 2.30pm, the eminent cardiothoracic surgeon Tan Sri Mr. Yahya Awang eventually arrived for his ward visits. He looked at the wound and happy that it has much improved. He would want Abah to stay on this tomorrow evening. To make Abah happy and his moral boosted further, Tan Sri Mr. Yahya allowed him to have another couple of hours 'leave'.
Left: The unmistakable happy face with the 'surprise'


So Abah left the hospital again, for a short while in two days and supposed to comeback by 6.30 pm.
Right: Tan Sri Mr. Yahya looking at the wound






The first thing he did, when he arrived home was to look at his Koi pond.
Right: Closely looking at the plants within the water feature
Then everything else was okay for him.








Another good neighbour, Toi See Yan, dropped in with his wife later in the evening. Toi, a Chartered Accountant and former Company Secretary of Abah's company is the elder brother of renowned Malaysian designer in New York, Zang Toi.
Right: They shared their experience in Dubai recently with Abah whilst having his dinner

The twenty first day in hospital and Abah gets a 'leave'

I started late this morning. I was about to call it quits at two early this morning when Steven Spielberg's highly acclaimed monster movie of the mid seventies, "Jaws" was shown on TV. So I can't resist to watch the one single horrific beast that got me very weary when I am around a mass body of water, for years. I don't actually remember when exactly I fell asleep but I woke up at 5.30pm on the wrong side of the bed with the TV and half of the lights in bedroom on (my wife is at the hospital, with Aishah, accompanying my mother).

So I finally got out of bed at 8.30am. As I was still reading the Sunday morning papers online, the missus called from hospital at 9.20am saying that both cardiothoracic surgeon Tan Sri Mr. Yahya Awang and cardiologist Dr. Mohd. Daud Sulaiman agreed on a joint visit to allow my father to take leave and go home, for a few hours. They very well understood the termendous physical, psychological and emotional pressure that Abah had to endure these past three weeks, being 'couped' in hospital.

After the dressing and nebulizer treatment, he signed the leave papers and allowed to go home.
Left: The smiley face as they reached the lobby
It was indeed a surprise for him and to us too. The happiness is so apparent in his face. Instead of taking the "Enterprise", which give him difficulty to mount, I drove his Mercedes to he hospital.







I took the most careful and slowest drive I ever did in my life on the five minute drive home. It was even much 'gentler' than when I was driving a few brides and grooms to their wedding dinners.
Right: The careful and ultra gentle drive home






The moment he reached home, his focus was at his Koi pond. He walked to the pond and looked at the fishes. Then only he sat down whilst the two girls had McDonald's pancakes for breakfast.
Left: Turning the head towards the Koi pond as soon as he alighted from the car






The two minute stare at the fishes was therapeutic enough for him. He had invested so much time, attention and passion for the Koi pond.
Right: Feeling relieved and satisfied
It can clearly be shown that his motivation and discomfort has gone to the lowest level imaginable.



He also toured around the slight modification made in his absence, to the iron grill on the windows and sliding doors. I also took the opportunity to update him on the alarm system needed to be fixed after the contractors installed the new iron grills and the house was without alarm for a few nights because the alarm was in Johor for a few days. The maid served his some orange juice while he spent sometime on the breakfast table, next to the Koi pond and read the usually thick Sunday morning papers.
Left: Abah enjoying the chat while Aishah is making faces to her cousin


Later, he went to use the bathroom and had his letters sent up. I had an oxygen machine installed in his bedroom and made him use it, for a little extra precaution. It helps to make sure his oxygen level is near maximum, if not 100% in the blood. Aishah also periodically takes the measurement of his pulse and blood pressure.
Right: Resting on his bed and going through his mails. Note is using the oxygen machine
This is the first time he lied on the bed in twenty one days, although he had only been one KM away from home.

*An update, twelve hours later

In the afternoon, Abah's gardener and handyman Hafiz dropped in. So he went down again, talked about his garden and plants, of course his Koi pond. He personally supervised Hafiz maintain the pond.

At five-ish, after a nap, I took the missus grocery shopping at the nearby hypermarket. By quarter past six, I was already home as the old man was ready to go back to the infirmary. His wound needed dressing and its time for his antibiotics injection, on top of the pre-dinner medications he has to take. The moment I docked the "Enterprise", I went into his Mercedes and fire it up.

Then I helped him into the front seat of his car.
Left: Mounting in
Again, it was slow and ultra gentle drive back to Damansara Specialist Hospital. On the way, I told him my childhood buddy and Ex Koleq friend Assoc. Prof. Dr. Haizal Haron Kamar called to ask about my father. In his ultra busy schedule, he made time to find out about our predicaments. Dr. Haizal teaches cardiology at University Malaya/University Hospital Medical Centre.

As soon as I reached there, I helped him alight from the car, walked him to a wheel chair and then sped of, to pick the missus at home. Then to Taman Tun Dr. Ismail pasar malam to buy some fruits and dinner for the two girls. It was Restoran Ismail Nasi Beriyani, again.

Then off to Mutiara Damansara Burger King as Abah wanted a double cheese burger-Swiss mushroom for dinner. After dinner, while relaxing and watching the news on TV, about some lawyers who marched from Sogo to the Bar Council (which include some of my friends like Rocky and Zorro), I made him wear the oxygen. I am thinking it will help a little, to enrich his blood with oxygen, in this recovery process.
Right: Abah watching TV while having some desserts
I expect a rather busy and hectic day tomorrow. We hope that Tan Sri Mr. Yahya and Dr. Tamil Selvan (who will stand in for Dr. Daud, who will be away for a conference in Taiwan), will allow him to be discharged tomorrow. Of course, with a condition that he must do the dressing at the hospital, daily. I need to settle the bill first thing in the morning at the hospital, as more charges have accumulated since the last time I signed a checque. On top f that, I have to be at Putrajaya International Convention Centre by 10.00am. Should he is allowed to go home, I must rush immediately after Deputy Prime Minister Dato' Seri Mohamed Najib Tun Razak officiate the event.

The eighteenth day of surgery

The day started with I am having to 'fast' since late last night and leaving home without even a mug of tea. I need to get a blood and urine test done and later show it to Dr. Daud. I have been doing this rather religiously every early of the month, since my bariatric gastric by-pass surgery in early July.

I find this is very important because the drastic weight loss process that I went through is rather a little to taxing for my system. There has been evidence of lack of minerals and of course, personally I'd like the doctor to keep track of how that would affect my kidney and liver function and of course, glucose level.

However, when I arrived at the blood lab, there were already thirty one people ahead of me. So I had to wait. In the middle of that, Abah was brought down to x-ray again and 'Rehab' afterwards. So I left my 'position' in the queue, to be with him. Just when physiotherapy about to begin, word from upstairs said the Tan Sri Mr. Yahya was on his way to the wards. So we abandoned physiotherapy and wheeled him back to the wards.

At before noon Tan Sri Mr. Yahya appeared. He asked to check the chest wound and find it still oozing, although it was much lesser compared to yesterday. He was not to happy with that but after we interacted with him on the problem, he said he would just let the ooze out and dry on its own.

I explained to him that the past two nights, when the sun sets, Abah became restless. Yesterday was particularly terrible. Not only Abah was exhausted when he came up from 'Rehab' (which never happened before), he started to have chest and back pains in the early part of the evening.

The eminent cardiothoracic surgeon said not to worry about that. The more important task at hand is to see that no more oozing and the chest wound is all dried up, like the 90% of it. Going into another invasive procedure to address the problem has not be considered, at this point of time. He also explained that more antibiotics was deployed to take care of the wound.

He also said that he would want Abah to leave and regain the normalcy of his life, at the comfort and pace from his own home. He realised that Abah's uneasiness and restlessness, being infirmed this long, has almost gone to its limit. Patience is a virtue that everyone must possess, in these trying times. However, it is very much easier said than done.

Later, my cousin Nasser Ismail and family came over for a surprised visit. He has been in town for IDRA official business. Nasser drove up to KL the night before my father's surgery, to show support. I have been updating him with progress periodically and he is one of those who follow Abah's progress from this blog.

Today wasn't a particularly good day to me. I spent a lot of time from queueing for my blood test and eventually rather late in consultation with Dr. Daud. So I missed my obesity surgery survivors support group meeting orgainsed by DSH. Later at 3.00 pm, when I wanted to pay for the three hundred RM odd bill for the day, the clerk insisted that I settle a RM 26.00 bill first (which I forgot to pay when I had a B12 vitamin jab the day my father went for surgery), instead of paying the bill together, in one credit card charge. That unnecessary argument cost me 25 minutes!

I simply refuse to barge on a very rigid administrative and accounting policy and system, which is not customer friendly. This is a hospital, not a bank. Patient care and hospitality should be utmost prominence, not petty receivables and cash management rigid system!

I am already stressed out with so many things and issues like this is really not helping. Later I went to my tailor, only to find that he had not made any alterations to any of the eight trousers I sent him since two months ago, which include the two suit trousers. I need them as I was supposed to attend an opening ceremony of a national level convention in Putrajaya on Monday morning.

Tonight, Aishah spent her fifth night straight in a row, on 'duty'. Though she is only eleven, she is getting more alert on Abah's needs and predicament. I and missus felt very sorry that her school holidays was not so for fun for her and instead, had to bear a huge responsibility. For that, I am very proud of her!

More visitation and workout

The day started with Abah's twice daily physiotherapy workout at the 'Rehab'. Then another good immediate neighbour, Deputy Speaker Dewan Rakyat YB Dato' Lim Si Cheng came over to see how he was doing. He was busy these past few weeks with Parliamentary sitting and on weekends, he will be back at the 'kawasan'.
Left: Abah and Dato' Lim catching up
They talked about politics in general and communal issues, specifically. Abah was the resident's association president for a few years and Dato' Lim has been a strong supporter of our activities, even though in his ultra busy schedule. After this visit, he shoot off straight to Segamat and Muo, where the Prime Minister is making a working visit today.

Then another 'zippers' veteran, Hj. Zainal Long dropped by. A course, more tips and comparison of notes and experiences. Hj. Zainal had his CABG in IJN seven years ago. I am particularly touched by the number of 'zippers' veteran buddies who have dropped in, to show support and encouragement on Abah.
Right: Tan Sri Mr. Yahya's visit for the day
In the middle of that visit, cardiothoracic surgeon Tan Sri Mr. Yahya did his rounds. He is happy with the progress and targeting Monday for Abah's discharge, provided the chest wound is all dried up by then.

By then, it was lunch time and I was despatched to buy some rojak at his favourite stall for the past 20 years or so; from Taman Bahagia, SS 2, Petaling Jaya. I brought the two girls with me and they enjoyed the experience of rojak preparation and having cendol by the roadside.

In the late afternoon, another Muo childhood buddy Hj. Tajuddin Nasir and wife Hjh. Umi, came to visit. Abah had just came back from physiotherapy workout and he was unusually tired. So had his rest immediately and was not able to entertain Hj. Tajuddin. So, like always, I had to play host.

Hj. Tajuddin is first cousin to Tan Sri Mr. Yahya. He is no stranger to me. I have known him all my life and I still remember tagging along Abah and him, when I was hardly three. When I was eleven, I had my first round of golf with both of them. Of course, I was Abah's caddy that day at KGNS. I was a good and memorable experience. Being a High School Muo sportsman, Hj. Tajuddin is an excellent golfer.

Then another neighbour, former Chief Secretary to the Health Ministry Dato' Mohamed Zam and Datin also dropped in. Of course, he had more to say as policy for a national heart centre aka IJN for the benefit of growing number of cardiac patients, young and old was incepted and operationalised during his tenure in office.

Slightly later, Dr. Daud did his second rounds of the day. He was on his way to install a pacemaker into a patient when he reviewed Abah, when he complained of tiredness and pain.

Left: Dr. Daud listening in on the breathing and heart

After dinner, Abah had specifically asked Aishah to stay for the night again.

More achievements on physiotherapy

My father started his 16th day of CABG surgery with the physiotherapy at the 'Rehab'. Right after he concluded the morning workout session, two of his kariah members joined him for breakfast at the cafe. As usual, Hj. Aris and Hj. Khalil gave more support and encouragement and ask him to be more patient in this trying times.
Left: At the cafe with Abah and friends. This one of a rare photo of me in these series on Abah's CABG episode





As soon as he went up to the wards, Tan Sri Mr. Yahya and Dato' Dr. Kathiresan did a joint visit, as his wound was still oozing. So Tan Sri Mr. Yahya insisted that Abah keep the 'binder' on and also ordered another antibiotics to be added into his medication.
Right: Tan Sri Mr. Yahya and Dato Dr. Kathiresan helping him up during the ward visit.



Later, I took the girls downstairs for some wifi-ing, at the cafe. I pity them, having to endure all these. They have grown bored with all the toys they have, so cyber games is the only way.
Left: Alia and Aishah, with their ice-blended chocolate smoothies.Note the blog on the notebook screen

They also love the omelette there at the cafe.




Late afternoon, Abah did another session of workout with the physiotherapist at the 'Rehab'. It was more encouraging achievements, as he is able to do the "six minute up and down the stairs" and "six minute on the threadmill" and the pulse did not shoot up above 120rpm.
Right: The six minute second threadmill workout for the day and Aishah trying out the cross trainer





Left: Dr. Daud unbuckling the 'binder' to check on the chest wound
Dr. Daud Sulaiman came for a visit just after six, on his way to another case. He reviewed the chest wound and concurred with Tan Sri Mr. Yahya's earlier instructions. My father implied his impatience on the his recovery process with some mild insinuation. I guess he was just plainly 'restless'.


Later, Dato' Junid Yusof and Datin Safiyah came again for his third visit. He gave a lot of support and encouragement for Abah to patiently continue treatment until all the wounds are clean and the surgeon is happy with his progress for a discharge and continue recuperation at home. Dato' Junid also impressed upon him of further challenges he had to endured, based on his experience. Of course, more dos and don'ts.
Right: Dato' Junid giving more encouragement and support




Just before eight, Abah called the SRNs to specifically get in touch with Tan Sri Mr. Yahya. He was feeling worried about the slight pain in the topmost part of the chest wound.
Right: Tan Sri Mr. Yahya reviewing the chest wound with a led torchlight
So Tan Sri Mr. Yahya came over at nine thrity and explained that the slight pain is part of the healing process and he should not worry. He is anticipating that there would be less if not no more oozes by tomorrow. He also explained to me in private that Abah's sternum is "unsually thin and brittle", which made the process of the chest wound healing much slower and complicated.

Abah determined to regain his normalcy and started physiotherapy, again

The day started with cardiothoracic surgeon Tan Sri Mr. Yahya Awang doing his ward rounds. He reviewed my father's case and allowed him to start the physiotherapy in the Rehabilitation, after it was suspended due to the bleeding last Tuesday's evening and readmission to CICU, which lead to the surgery to correct the switchers on the sternum, few days ago.
Left: Tan Sri Mr. Yahya just about to listen to his chest. Note the 'binder' he was wearing
The physiotherapy would just be exercises involving the leg and he should not be doing any extensive hand movements nor lift anything. He insist that Abah still wear the 'binder', so that the sternum does not move about.
Right: Abah listening to some tips from Zulkarnain
During the ward visit, a childhood friend from Muo Zulkarnain Hassan dropped in to show support, for the third time. Zulkarnain was also a 'zippers' veteran, having to do his CABG at KL General Hospital some 18 years ago. Some people may remember him as a sports commentator in RTM, with a distinctive voice.

After a Curry Mee lunch, at 3.00pm, he was taken down to 'Rehab' for a supervised workout by trained physiotherapists. He started with being asked to move up and down (till eye level) an exercise stick. That is for allowing movement on the shoulder and arm muscles, so that they be stiff, after few days of readmission in CICU and another surgery.
Left: The first itinerary on the workout list. Note; a rare shot of me in the upper left hand corner of the photo




Right: Abah doing his six minute walk. Note, Mak is catching a shut-eye while waiting
Then it was the bicycle again. After that, he was made to walk across the exercise floor, for six minutes non stop. He achieved that. Actually, that is the minimum level of fitness before a CABG patient is allowed to be discharged from the hospital.





Then he did the second achievement for the day, since his CABG surgery on 21 November 2007. He walked up and down the 'Rehab' staircase, twice end-to-end. That was a very encouraging feat, since 48 hours ago this time, he was still under the breathing machine in CICU, recovering from a second open chest surgery.
Left: Abah doing the steps, another achievement since 21 Nov






After all that exercise, physiotherapist Hazimatul Akmal will still check on his pulse rate and blood pressure, which were within desirable and acceptable range for a recovering CABG patient. She was very careful to make sure that his vital statistics are recorded after each exercise activity.
Right: Checks on vital statistics after each activity




After maghrib, Dr. Daud showed up for his rounds. He gave some tips and dos and don'ts, in anticipation of Abah's expected discharge from the hospital this Friday. The questions he asked, it clearly show how eager he wants his life to be normal again.
Left: Dr. Daud patiently explain to an old man the adjustments that he got to make

Abah is out from CICU and starting to walk, again

This morning my system partly surrendered. After 17 days under all sorts of stress, my back simply refused to co-operate. So I arrived at the hospital a little after nine forty five.

Tan Sri Mr. Yahya Awang already reviewed Abah's case and he is allowed to be discharged from the CICU. Most probably, by evening time, he should be walking around the room, to regain his fitness level and also maintain blood circulation.
Left: Being wheeled out of the CICU for the third time in 17 days
So at 11.00 am, the CICU SRNs moved him out, along the longish corridor on the fourth floor ward towards the east most end of the floor.

Mean while, at the ranch, the two girls who are permanent features of suite 421, are doing their best to kill their boredom and get on each other's throats. So they started to play all sorts of things and games, especially the interests on the new Barbie set have faded away.
Right: Trying their best to hide from Papa/Pak Long!
The suite is so far end of the building that the wifi signal is irreliable and not stable. So I decided to take them downstairs to the cafe, so that the can do 'their thingy'.


I asked the missus to go and do her thing while my parents take their afternoon rest. I actually have lost count how many days she actually missed work, even though she had classes to do and attend.
Left: A peck on Mama/Mak Long's cheeks, before their trip to the cafe
So there we were, at the cafe. We were seated next to Tan Sri Mr. Yahya Awang, who was enjoying his tuna sandwich lunch (there was no other table near a power socket).

After I logged on to the Streamyx, I invited Tan Sri Mr. Yahya to briefly browse my blog. I explained to him that I have kept a daily log online, to document the experiences that we had to endure, since Abah was infirmed in IJN 24 days ago, for the planned angioplasty, which was aborted. He said it was alright for me to share this experience and as long as this is not construed as 'advertising his services', online.

I also explained that I wanted to accord and document their good work, in giving someone like my father a 'new lease of life', which is rarely understood by the average populi.
Right: The girls so engrossed on their portals
Soon enough, the girls were on their favourite portal, playing games against each other. That actually took three bloody hours!





When we went up after a couple of round of snacks, Dr. Daud was about to do his round. This is his first interaction with his cardiologists, since the second surgery and not under the influence large dosage of sedatives and pain killers.
Left: Dr. Daud illustrating on the procedure which was necessary




My mother's close personal friends also called on her and of course, my father. Since Abah was infirmed in the DSH Heart Centre ward, she has not left the ward.
Right: Mak's closest friends around the neighbourhood called on the both of them

At circa 6.00pm, Abah went to do for his 'walkabout' around the ward. From the looks of it, he is so determined to 'regain' his life back, especially after some 'setback' to the recovery process that was doing rather progressively well; at least the early part of last week.
Left: His first walks since the second surgery
So Aishah, my brother Najib and his daughter, Balqis, walked him to the nurses station and back. He did the circuit, twice.

Second surgery successful

We were at DSH as early as 6.00am. My brother picked my aunty up at Sri Damansara, on his way from Gombak.
Left: Leaving for the OT, first thing in the morning
The SRNs collected Abah from his suite at 7.30am and wheeled straight into the OT, for Tan Sri Mr. Yahya Awang to correct the switchers that held the both sides of the sternum. It was sawn apart for the coronary arterial by-pass graft surgery (CABG) on 21 November but because of 'violent coughing', the switcher in the middle was dislodged.


By 10.15am, he was wheeled back into CICU after a successful surgery. Tan Sri Mr. Yahya Awang explained that all was fine. Dato' Dr. V. Kathiresan wanted him to rest without any pain, so he was given sedative and put under the breathing machine. He promised to review the case again by 2.00pm and allow my father to breathe on his own, without the machine from 3.00pm onwards.
Right: The CICU staff busy receiving Abah straight from the Cardiac OT


Aishah went to see him at 1.26pm and he was aware of the surrounding. So when Aishah held his hand, he gripped back, almost trying to find comfort.
Left: A girl trying to comfort her grandfather
Moments later Tan Sri Mr. Yahya Awang came to review his patient's case. He saw that Abah was in a little discomfort. So he called up Dato' Dr. Kathiresan and painkillers were ordered for him, in preparation to take him of the breathing machine and breathe on his own.



He would be allowed to have some sips of water, an hour after the that.
Right: Tan Sri Mr. Yahya making his rounds
Tan Sri Mr. Yahya assured us that he would make Abah's recovery post this second open chest surgery more comfortable.








Tan Sri Mr. Yahya showed me the x-ray of the switchers in placed, after the surgery. I think more were added.
Left: Aishah looking at the x-rays, six day apart, before and after









As again, Abah has an incurable headache and nausea, due to the doses of morphine given to him for the chest wounds. So the remedy that we can offer him is mentholated ointment or minyak angin.
Right: A traditional remedy for headache; minyak angin and TLC



By dinner time, we was spoon fed by Mak with some porridge and some steamed salmon and haruan. He had an encouraging portion, for someone who had his chest opened, twice, within 12 days. He also asked for some freshly squeezed orange juice; to get rid of the nausea feeling.
Left: Dinner, just after maghrib
He looked he like was comfortable. As we were leaving the ward for home, just before 10.00pm, he asked for this morning's paper. I guess, he was plainly bored.

The day before second surgery

Today is Abah's fourteenth day being infirmed in Damansara Specialists Hospital.

Tan Sri Mr. Yahya Awang came to check on his patient at 9.30pm. Although there was still oozing, he was generally satisfied. A new consent was obtained for the surgery, scheduled tomorrow morning at 7.00am.

Left: Dr. Daud illustrating the formation of the stenum, post surgery
Later Dr. Daud came to check on Abah. We basically interracted with him and his explanation was as convincing as Tan Sri Mr. Yahya's, yesterday. The formation of the sternum was crucial for him to heal well. Hence, the decision cut open again and correct the situation.

In the middle of the interactive consultation, my cousin Datuk Dr. Mahmood A Kadir and wife Datin Teh Zaiton brought his mother Habsah Abdul Ghani, my father's only surviving elder sister to visit. Her worries is clearly visible on the 77 year old woman. Datuk Dr. Mahmood also had a little time to interact with Dr. Daud on my father's case.
Right: Datuk Dr. Mahmood listening closely on Dr. Daud's explanation




Left: The worry of an elder sister
Datuk Dr. Mahmood said ever since she learnt about Abah's heart by-pass surgery, she has been worried and sometime, that pushed her bloodpressure up. So they decided to bring her over to see her only surviving brother for herself and diminished some of her worries.




In the middle of that, cardiothoracic anaesthethist Dato' Dr. V. Kathiresan appeared to check on Abah. He also obtained another consent for the surgery, first thing tomorrow morning. As usual, Dato Dr. Kathiresan said nothing should be out of the ordinary and everything would be fine.
Right: Dato' Dr. Kathiresan sought another consent





Later in the late afternoon, his childhood buddy Hj. Mohd. Farid and wife, Hjh. Maznah popped by. Its been fourteen days since we last saw them. although they have came over to the house to hand over some snake-head fishes (haruan), to be cooked for my father.
Left: Hj. Farid showing support for a friend of over 50 years




In the evening, our immediate neighbours, former MITI Deputy Secretary General Dato' Kalsom Abdul Rahman and former MARDI researcher Dr. Mohamed Senawi, came to visit. They came separately but coincidentally arrived together. Both shown termendous support for Abah's courage and patience to weather through these trying times.
Right: Neighbours in the show of compassion and care


After Isya' and dinner, two Mujahiddeen mosque kariah members, Hj. Shamsiri and Hj. Mohd. Nahar dropped in, to see how someone in the neighbourhood was doing. They offered a lot kind words; solace for Abah. The want him to see the silver lining through this rough weather. Hj. Shamsiri dissected a verse from the Quran to explain why God test His servants and there is a solution or opportunity, in every misdeeds. He even was kind enough to offer prayer, for Abah's surgery tomorrow.
Left: Hj. Shamshiri led a short but meaningful prayer

To family and friends who have offered prayers in my father's moments of trials, I would like to express my utmost sincere appreciation and gratitude, for these very thoughtful deeds. My Allah s.w.t., God al Mighty, the Merciful repay the goodness and kindness of your heart, where ever you may be.

Amin.

More MARA contemporary visitations and confirmation of surgery

I arrived at a little over 8.30am with Aishah to see the SRN putting a fresh dressing on Abah. He just had his morning shower and it is the right time to change the soiled overnight dressing. There was still oozing from the chest wound.

Left: The dressing after the chest wound still oozed throughout the night. Note he is still wearing the towel
Moments later cardiologist Dr. Daud made his rounds. He noted that there was still ooze coming from the chest wound. Abah and us interacted with Dr. Daud about his new found predicaments and Dr. Daud explained what he knows about the problem and how it will be corrected. He also said that it will be Tan Sri Mr. Yahya's decision.
Right: Dr. Daud explaining to Abah and clarification sought
Today, I too had my own problems. I woke up with excruciating and throbbing pains on my left ankle. Most probably it is gout. Ever since I did my gastric by-pass bariatric surgery here at DSH on 4 July 2007, my uric acid level have shot up to out-of-this-world level. The physicians and some of the surgeons explained that the process of breaking down fat and protein in my body, will result in increased uric acid in the blood. So I complained to Dr. Daud in his ward visitation and he gave me a voltaren injection. It subsided the pain to tolerable level and I actually managed to catch some nap on Mak's bed in the suite.

Then more visitations by Abah's MARA contemporaries. This time, another former Director General Dato' Zamani Md. Noor. He popped around at ten-ish. He talked about issues with regards to MARA when he first took over from Dato' Mydin Sheriff in 2003 till his retirement this time last year. He described Abah has his 'teacher' as it was Abah who recruited him into MARA in the mid seventies, it was still called the "Training Division".
Left: Dato' Zamani happily talking about his DG days


They had a lot to chat about. I was listening in and was particular touched by his modestness to call in on his old 'Boss', even though he himself rose to be the Boss of MARA, years after my father threw in the towel. I can see that Abah was impressed with his professionalism, largely formed from his Old Putra days.
Right: An old friend excusing himself after a visit
On another note, Dato' Zamani was close to ANSARA and actually supported some of our projects and activities. I remembered at the ceremony to officiate the breaking ground of MRSM Kubang Pasu in Jitra, Kedah, June 2005, he actually asked about Abah infront of dignitaries when I stepped up to shake his hand upon his arrival at the ceremony. I was touched by his casualness to show respect for a retired old MARA contemporary.

At 5.00pm, the SRN-in-charge came to tell my father that Tan Sri Mr. Yahya Awang called and instructed my father to fast (nil by mouth). This was in preparation for any surgery, when the eminent cardiothoracic surgeon come to make his rounds and review Abah's case.
Left: Tan Sri Mr. Yahya reviewing the case
He did come at 7.30pm. He checked on Abah's wound and also listened to his heart and chest. He explained that a surgery is necessary to correct out one of the stainless steel switcher that held the sternum was dislodged, due to the 'violent coughs' Abah had earlier in the week. That also contributed to the gash on the chest wound. It was noted to him that new ooze from the chest wound is actually fresh blood, no longer stale blood as it was when Dr. Daud made the emergency patch-up on Tuesday evening, which landed him in CICU for the second time.

Right: Tan Sri Mr. Yahya carefully explain and interacted with everyone about the procedure planned on Monday
According to Tan Sri Mr. Yahya that the switcher-being-dislodged condition could happen, although the chances are slim. The surgery will take less than an hour and the risk is 80% lesser than the CABG. This corrective surgery will help the healing process better and faster. Again, Tan Sri Mr. Yahya explained in simple terms and relieved some of our worries, especially when Abah need to under general anesthetic and management of pain for the second time.

Tan Sri Mr. Yahya also said it was not necessary for him to do the surgery tonight (earlier, the team was ready to be mobilised for an 11.00pm surgery), although he was making provision to do so since the SRN-in-charge reported to him earlier in the afternoon, the ooze was fresh blood. His final decision was the surgery will be done at first thing Monday morning.

I know Abah is reluctant, more than when he decided for the CABG three Fridays ago but he had not much choice. I immediately updated some people within the extended family and really close friends.