Private or Government Hospital?

Assalamualaikum;

Hello everyone:
I have been having problem with my internet connection. That should somehow explain why I haven't updated my blog for sometime.

Whenever you are asked for an opinion as to which hospital to go to when you have to go for treatment, most people including me, would quickly say that you should go to a private hospital if you can afford or if you have an insurance coverage. We have such a negative impression towards government hospitals for some reason. When I had my three children, I made sure that I got to go to a private clinic knowing fully well that it would cost me thousands of ringgit!

So, when I found out that I had to undergo a major operation, my husband and I quickly consulted some friends (two of them are doctors at a private hospital) as to which private hospital I should go to. To our surprise, none of the hospitals have the expertise to perform such operation because of the high cost involved and they do not have enough specialist doctors to do it. Even the two private hospital doctors could not give accurate information on which hospital is able to do it. Feeling disappointed and worried, I had no choice but to go to a government hospital. I was then referred to the Hospital Sultanah Bahiyah in Alor Star. I later found out that this hospital has the best facilities and expertise in Malaysia in diseases involving Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT).

After having my operation and getting treatment there, I have to change my opinion on government doctors because they are indeed very good. Dr Zulkifli Yusof, an ENT specialist who performed the operation on me has handled about a hundred oral cancer operations in the hospital since 2002. I breezed through my recovery period without any problem. I was taken care of by several other ENT doctors such as Dr. Yusfarina, Dr Ida Sadja'ah, Dr Yusri, Dr Azlina, Dr Syifa, Dr Ngoo and not to mention the wonderful nurses when I was warded. A million thanks to all of them and congratulations for doing such a splendid job. Now, I am able to eat and speak (eventhough with some difficulty with certain words). The only thing that is bothering me is the possibility of a recurrence. Dr Zul has been reminding me to watch out for the symptoms of a recurrence which could be some bleeding or white patches at the end of the artificial tongue and to adhere closely to the follow up appointments. So, from now on, if anyone were to ask me I would not hesitate to suggest going to the government hospital. They are the best and the best part is you don't have to pay through your nose!

This past week, I have noticed a swelling on my gum. When I went for my follow up last Monday, I pointed that out to Dr Zul. He suggested a biopsy. So, I agreed to do it. The results of the biopsy are not out yet. He, nevertheless scheduled a ct scan this Sunday. Well, one can never be too careful where cancer is concerned. Hopefully, it is just due to an infection or the scar of the operation. Anyway, we will find out next week. In the meantime, lets keep our fingers crossed and hope for the best. I will keep you updated. Whatever happens, it happens for the best!

Wassalam. Bye!

Sharifah

"Life is too short"