Macam Sharifah Aini?

About three weeks ago, I went to the Peringgit Community Clinic because I had been coughing for over a month and also my wrists were hurting to the point that I sometimes could not hold a mug properly.

After a very long wait at the registration counter and another not-too-long wait at the waiting area, my number was called. The doctor was a young Indian lady. She looked quite fierce. Told her about the cough and wrist pains. She immediately started filling out forms for two types of tests - Sputum (to determine why the prolonged cough) and a blood test to test for rheumatoid arthritis. Because I occasionally suffer some pain in my knees, and other joints she said it was best to test for rheumatoid arthritis.

Now, I know one might think...arthritis? Doesn't that occur in older folks? Well, onset of rheumatoid arthritis is usually 40's to 50's but no age is immune.

So I went to the laboratory and they gave me three round containers to err...spit into. Wow....have to produce so much phlegm. I barely managed. Then it was on to the blood test. I was never afraid of the needle as a child, in my teens and as an adult. But strangely, these past few years, I find myself dreading blood tests and steeling myself for it.

So, there I was, a bit nervous. The nurse who was to draw my blood (heh! so dramatic) was a motherly Malay lady. She smiled and was friendly. As she tightened the elastic band on my arm, she said, "banyak juga tahi lalat di tangan awak". I smiled at her and said, "muka saya lagi banyak." She took a good look and, "eh ya la! banyak nya! Macam Sharifah Aini!" *chuckles*

I have no idea why I've so many moles. Its multiplied over the years. There are more than 15 on my face and neck alone. A friend who's a photographer said that she'd have a hard time taking photos of me because have to work hard to "erase the dots" afterwards. Ha!

Anyways, the sputum test would take 2 weeks and the blood test, six weeks. I went to collect the results for the sputum test last Thursday. The doc (a different one) took one look at the results and said that the prolonged cough was because of some "kuman." I asked what "kuman?" She just said "batuk berkuman". Duh! She prescribed an antibiotic that needed two doctor's signatures or the pharmacist would not release it. I am much better now though I have not finished the course.

Three more weeks to the blood test results. Hope its NOT rheumatoid arthritis.