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Tell us about the last thing you got excited about.
I still remember it clearly.
On the 14th of August 2024, I fell down while wearing a pair of 4-inch wedges on my off day, walking out of the emergency department after taking my medications after a follow-up and missing a step and falling down with my right foot inverted.
I picked myself up and limped all the way back and rested only to find myself unable to ambulate much less bear weight over my right leg which was completely swollen, erythematous and oedematous.
The following day, I went to the Emergency Department and was discharged without referral to Orthopaedics team by the ETD Medical Officer at Green Zone with a medical leave for one day.
Luckily enough, I have talked to a medical officer in the Orthopaedics Department prior to going to the emergency department and went to him for a second opinion.
It turns out I had injured my anterior talo-fibular ligament (ATFL) over my right foot and I was not allowed to bear weight over my right foot till the next follow up.
Thus, I was given a week off. That sparked the joy in my heart and it clearly showed on my face as I was rolled out of the emergency department towards home with the widest grin on my face.
Having off meant that I would be able to return back to my hometown, Johor Bahru and spend time with my loved ones.
The following week, I went for follow-up at the Orthopaedic Clinic and was given another two weeks of which I ambulated with an air-cast boot.
After two weeks, which flew by rather quickly, I came back for my follow-up again and was surprised with another 3 weeks of leave, well, almost four weeks actually, since I was given 25 days of medical leave.
This took me by surprise as I was sure that I might be called back to work considering that I am able to ambulate with air-cast boot.
Accepting this blessing in disguise and the price of extension that came with it, I dutifully sent my proof of medical leave to the department’s superior and flew back home again.
Thus, exactly a year into my housemanship, I was given a break which I felt I very much needed as I could see the signs it was giving, the constant fatigue and need for medical leaves.
I was sent home to rest and spend time with loved ones.
After such a long time, I finally felt what was close to a “school holiday”.
Honestly, I’m thankful for it as well.
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The Theoretical Doctor 