Friday, August 8, 2008

[Reflection] Food poisoning scare

14 teaching days to GP promo exam
and I actually did not teach for 2 days.
Apologies.

My significant other had severe food poisoning and was hospitalised so I had to take care of him.
He started vomitting around 3 am and by the time I discovered, it was already 4.30 am. He drank isotonic drinks and glucose but it didn't get any better.
We waited until 8.30 am to send him to the doctor because that was the time when the clinic opens. A few minutes after he got into the car, he broke into cold sweat and his fingers, legs started cramping. I have never seen a scarier sight than to see the life of a loved one slipping away from me and there is nothing I can do for him.

I was so calm earlier, telling myself that he was a big baby, seeking attention and care.

But I broke down when I saw him in pain.

Sometimes I hate myself for trying to be logical and objective, to the extent of coming across as bitchy or even stubborn. I wasn't always like that.

When I turned 21, my birthday request to my close friends was to answer these 3 questions,
"What is one thing you love about me? hate about me? hope that I will change?"

Quite weird huh? Not a wild party with lots of booze and hunks. (I don't mind too =P)

Anyway, my best guy friend said, "Your weakest point is you are too emotional. It will be your downfall as being too emotional will cloud your judgment."

I tried to learn how to look at issues objectively, without considering the emotions involved.

In a way, the decisions made seem to be better as they are 'logical'. However, they lack the human factor. Just like when my husband was in pain, I try to rationalise that he was kicking a big fuss over a stomachache.

What did I learn from this jarring experience?

  1. Treasure my family and friends more. (not at the expense of being irresponsible or immoral)
  2. Trust my husband that he can make the right choice.
  3. Balance objectivity with emotions.
  4. Make a will.
  5. Refresh driving skills.
  6. Advise people to see a doctor immediately if vomitting doesn't stop after 2 hours.
  7. Learn first aid and pick up medical knowledge.
  8. Warn students that they should not visit a doctor just to get an MC because they are late for school/ skip PE/ don't feel like it. It perpetuates irresponsibility.
  9. Submit a ESSS suggestion to reduce latecoming problem.
What other things do you think I can learn?

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