IPPT Silver!

Went to Maju Camp to take my first ever IPPT as an NSman yesterday, with Xiaoye. I had not done any serious exercise since June. My aim was to get silver and that 200 dollar that comes with it. Somehow I managed to achieve it, but barely. As usual, my worry was chin up and 2.4, and I just managed to bag 3 points for each of the station. Thanks to the support by Xiaoye, and maybe a little determination on my part. I don't sound excited at all, although it is something worth a small celebration. Let it take place in my mind.

parents coming

Finally my parents are coming to Singapore to visit me. They have talked a lot about coming here yet they delayed every time. They missed my POP and scholarship ceremony, and I really miss them and the delicious home cooked food. Although living alone guarantees ultimate freedom, I think some discipline and parental guidance are no harm either. I can finally see my toddler brother, too. I heard from my parents that he had changed a lot since I last saw him. Below are some pictures of him taken around his 2nd birthday in Shanghai.

He received a toy car for his birthday.

Not satisfied? (Mum was taking the picture there).

The stapler looks more interesting to him.

Officially A Singaporean

Last Sunday I attended the Citizenship Ceremony in Singapore Poly to receive a certificate of identity. Now I'm officially a Singaporean. However, I stiil cannot get my ic, which is supposed to be presented to me together with the certificate. Damn army.

Spinal disc herniation

Ever since the MO at Tekong recommended me for non-combat vocation in March following a X-ray scan, the subsequent three months were filled with medical appointments. It was a tiring burden as all of them were scheduled at Changi General Hospital, and I live at West Coast. On top of the physical distances I need to cover, there is this psychological discomfort I need to bear, always thinking that there is something seriously wrong with me.

My fear is not based just on the medical report by some doctor. My lower left back really gives me pain when I stand or sit for too long, or when I carry heavy stuff. Sometimes the simple act of walking will be a test for my endurance of pain. And the pain extends to my left thigh more often than not.

And so I went physiotherapy one time after another. He suspected that it was spinal disc herniation, or commonly known as slipped disc. The traction treatment I received was rather effective, but the pain never went away totally. I did MRI scan to confirm my problem, but the specialists were so busy that I could only see him for the second time today, to hear the verdict.

"MRI lumbar spine shows degenerative disease most significant at L3/4 and L4/5 level. At L3/4, there is generalised bulging of the disc with narrowing of the lateral recesses bilaterally. At L4/5, there is a large (L) paracentral disc protrusion which narrows the (L) side of the central canal as well as the ipsilateral lateral recess. The (L) descending L5 nervo root is compressed and displaced posteriorly."

The final diagnosis by the specialist is: I am perfectly normal. He said there is some degree of spinal bulge, but within the normal range. And everyone has some sort of spinal bulge, he added. I just can't believe what he said. Where the pain comes from? He attributed it to some probable back sprains.

Although I am not overjoyed as the pain still lingers, this session lifted a dark cloud that had shadowed over me, and somehow I felt much better without any physical reduction in the pain. The psychological burden, in this case, may have contributed greatly to my discomfort.

FFI

Today went to medical centre for my FFI for OCS in the afternoon. Supposed to go sometime last month but can't remember the exact date, and got a serious scolding from WSM. I waited more than an hour just to get my unrine and blood pressure tested, and when I finally met the MO, it's such an unpleasant experience. Extract of our conversation:

(I knocked the door before I opened it)

MO: Hurry up come in.

(I murmured something like "good morning sir", which I doubted he heard. Then I sat down. He was looking at my forms and the computer screen.)

MO: So you got any medical problem?

Yun: I'm waiting for my MRI scan result for my lower back.

MO: So?

Yun: ......(I was wondering how to reply.)

MO: Who recommended you for the MRI?

Yun: The specialist at Changi Hospital.

MO: Who recommended you for the specialist?

Yun: The MO at Tekong.

(A puase, during which he copied my eyesight and some other medical information from the computer screen onto the form.)

MO: So why are you here when you're supposed to go OCS?

Yun: Oh the time the MO misdiagnosed, said I fractured my back.

MO: So?

Yun: Eh...... (Not again.)

MO: So you're unfit lah. Ok go and give this to the clerk next door.

(He handed he pieces of paper and I walked off from there.)

trying to blog today

hope it does work

but most likely wont update that often