Not long ago, I decided to use my company’s medical benefits by opting to go for a surgery to remove lipomas in my forearm. It was administered under general anaesthesia and I got eight days of hospitalisation leave.

I did not need to stay in the hospital and I could spend it at home. I only had to make sure I don’t move my arm too much. I did meet up with friends during this period and I did not feel bad at all. I chose the time that is during Christmas season where there was literally no work to be done.

Hospitals is becoming a frequent place of visit for me nowadays. Previously, it was due to my own health. Most recent one was voluntary. Now, it is aging parents.

Since I met my husband, his parents (now in laws) has not been in the best of health. Every year and every few months, they would take turns to stay in one. Now that the father in law is gone after multiple organ failure, the mother in law has been going in and out numerous times in the past three months. Visitors are allowed anytime because doctors deemed her condition critical.

Stroke, high blood pressure, low potassium, not reacting to antibodies and too weak for dialysis etc… I am not sure if she can last till Lunar New Year.

Needless to say, the husband has been visiting her everyday after work. I am feeling a little burnt out handling the little one by myself (not entirely since I still have a helper). The little one did hit my forearm accidentally a couple of times which I couldn’t blame him. I only had to deal with a needy kid and ugly scars during this time.

Last week, I received a text in the middle of the night informing me that my dad was admitted to the hospital. His last stay was five months ago which he missed the family gathering. I think it will get more frequent in the future.

Depression, loss of hearing, enlarged heart, hydrocephalus were some of the ailments listed by the doctors. We have to wait for the doctors to recommend the different types of treatments.

The old man was annoyed with the constant measure of blood pressure and the frequent checks on him.

“I WANT TO SLEEP!”

“DON’T VISIT ME.” He exclaimed.

The pros and cons of staying in the hospital I guess…

I am worried because the lifespan of the paternal side of the family is around 75 and my dad is past this age. He does seem a little more frail nowadays.

I am not sure how it will be for me when I turn 75. Will I get to live till this age?

Will I get so weak and frail that I can only lie on bed?

Do I want my kid to neglect his own family and visit me everyday or do I want to go silently?

Hospitalisation. It is ironic that I voluntarily checked myself into the hospital while most people who visited are worried about themselves or their loved ones.