The recovery continues...
After spending nearly three weeks in Bangkok navigating the hospital visits, procedures, and recovery, I’m finally back in Melaka—settling into a cozy new routine. It’s been a whirlwind of PEG operations, speech therapy sessions, nutritionist consultations, blood tests, and X-rays. Bangkok was my health boot camp, ensuring my feeding tube (PEG) was working smoothly and that my stomach wasn’t staging a silent rebellion every time I fed myself.
The final week in Bangkok was eye-opening (and, honestly, exhausting). My days were filled with appointments to ensure my wounds were healing properly, the PEG was functioning as it should, and all the boxes were checked for a smooth recovery.
Between stocking up the milk replacement meals, and medical supplies for my transition in Melaka, and trying not to grimace during wound-cleaning sessions, I realized something important: this whole “keeping the body running” thing is no small task.
In true stubborn fashion, I initially brushed off the idea of hiring a caretaker. Me? A caretaker? I'm only 45! I’ve got this! But after fumbling with gauze, saline, and the chores that come after feeding (think washing the dishes for 6 times in a day), I had to admit defeat. As much as I cherish my independence, taking care of this body is a full-time job.
A Little Corner of My Own
I'm slowly transitioning from Bangkok and settling down into the house my sister rented last year for our family get together, life feels a little lighter—well, except for the fact that I now have two mouths. Yes, you read that right: one for talking (which I use plenty but not often now till to the echoing of my own voice) and another, conveniently located on my stomach, solely for feeding. It’s like my body decided it needed an upgrade, and here I am, learning to live with my new dual-port functionality.
I’ve claimed a little corner as my personal HQ. It’s a multi-purpose sanctuary where I can write, self-feed, and store what the doctors call “equipment.” To me, it feels more like an alien spaceship toolkit: gauze, cleaning solutions, feeding tubes, syringes—everything I need to keep the new stomach-mouth happy and functional.
I’ve even got a chair cushion for my skinny butt to rest and that’s quickly becoming my favorite spot. Picture me sitting in my command center, feeding myself through my stomach while tapping away at the keyboard— creating fabulous design and writing up a storm.
I made my first attempt at cleaning my wounds on my own since, for the past few weeks, my sister has been taking care of me as my personal "nurse" and handling the task for me.
The weather has been surprisingly pleasant, which is a nice bonus. As I work and “eat” in my corner, I can’t help but marvel at this new rhythm. Sure, recovery is slower than I’d like (turns out, patience isn’t included in this two-mouth package deal), but hey—progress is progress. And I’m here for it.
Now, let’s talk about my sister’s campaign to hire me a private nurse or caretaker—a battle she fought with relentless determination. At first, I was adamantly against it. Why would I need someone? I can handle this myself! I’ve got two mouths now; how hard can it be?
Spoiler alert: after one week of post-op reality in Bangkok, I had to eat my words (well, metaphorically, because stomach-mouth doesn’t take solid food). The wound-cleaning process? Not the glamorous self-care montage I had envisioned. Awkward angles, discomfort, and a few too many “oops, I dropped the gauze” moments made me realize that having a professional on board isn’t just about convenience—it’s about doing things properly and sparing myself the risk of a DIY disaster zone.
Unfortunately, my search for a caretaker in Melaka has been more challenging than expected. Thankfully, I reached out to one of my trusted Melaka friends, and there’s a glimmer of hope! Fingers crossed, I may have someone soon to lend a hand—or at least keep me from turning my recovery corner into a slapstick comedy set.
Self-Care Isn’t Exactly Glamorous
Let People Help—It’s a Sanity Saver
I used to think I could do it all on my own (cue the superhero theme music), but let’s face it—having someone else lend a hand makes life so much easier. Independence is great, but so is avoiding a meltdown over a dropped gauze pad.
Small Joys Are Big Wins
Sometimes it’s the little things that keep you going: setting up a cozy corner that feels like your own, catching a breeze on a good weather day, or mastering the art of multi-tasking (stomach-feeding while working, anyone?). These tiny victories add up, and they’re worth celebrating.
Looking Ahead
As I continue recovering, I’m learning to embrace this chapter with humor, patience, and gratitude. Bangkok was intense, but it prepared me for the transition back to Melaka, where I could focus on healing at my own pace. With a little help from my sister, mum, and caretaker, I’m slowly but surely finding my groove.
Here’s to progress—one feeding session, one cleaned wound, and one step at a time. 😊
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