Tuesday, January 8, 2019
Monday, June 18, 2018
Perianal Abscess Surgery
Hello!
I never knew I'm going to ever post about this because I never thought it will happen to me in the first place. Basically I had a surgery recently due to Perianal Abscess and damm, it was a painful but funny experience.
Perianal Abscess
Definition: A perianal abscess is a shallow collection of pus under the skin surrounding the anus.
Disclaimer: All photos used are google image which are almost 80% accurate to how it really looks like in real life. Just not comfortable with showing real pictures since it's quite a private area.
How did I found out?
Well, I had this pimple like pop out near my anus area for a few times and I didn't bother until the recent one gotten too painful. For the first 2 times, it grow to about the size of 1cm by 1cm max, slightly painful, not red and it kind of went away after a week. I did google on all the possible reasons for it but didn't think much since it was not that painful, just a little uncomfortable.
But the recent one, it grew really huge to about 3cm by 3cm, gotten super red and affects how I walk and sits.
I totally max-ed out my google skills and find all the possible "illness" I had. To be honest, the most difficult process is actually for me to SEE how it actually looks like before I can google image similar "illness".
With my Samsung Note 8 super good front camera, I sat on my bed with my panties down and legs spread apart, I placed the front camera right in front of my anus and took a glimpse of it through my camera lenses. Eventually, I decided to snap a photo of it with my another hand covering my private parts. Okay, I was disgusted at myself doing that but the focus here is the DAMM HUGE AND PAINFUL ABSCESS!! PS: I didn't know it was call abscess at the point of time.
Seeking treatment
With my google skills, I concluded myself to have external hemorrhoids since I kind of felt like I fit those symptoms stated online. So I went CGH A&E and loudly proclaimed to all nurses "hey, I have hemorrhoids so I'm seeking treatment here.". Google also states that it could be treated with over the counter medication. And yes, that was my intention of visiting the hospital - getting effective medication that can stop my pain.
Lo and Behold, I was told that I need to go through an operation to cut open that 3CM BY 3CM PIMPLE LIKE THING. I swear I was laughing at myself. This also means I need to be admitted, take hospitalization leave etc... I was thinking hard how to explain the medical condition to my boss man.
Admission Process
So I was immediately hospitalized the night I went to seek treatment. It was quite a long process because I got to wait for empty bed. I was damm fortunate because I just gotten myself hospitalization insurance activated like 2 weeks before this happens.
But I got to say, the services and food in CGH were superb.
Managed to get a B1 ward bed at about 2.30am. I thought I could sleep. But hell no. Nurses and doctors started coming in to check on my anus from time to time.
The full process of checking includes me crouching like a ball on my side, take out my pants and panties and act like I'm all fine with a opposite gender doctor looking at my half shaved private area, doctor touching my abscess with me saying "ouch pain" at least once and poking into my anus to check for other potential complications. (Note: I'm not complaining at all, just sharing my true feelings. No where near feeling offended due to the medical needs of checking.)
Next moment, the doctor explained to be the operation process and shared with me potential complications. I swear the complications scare the hell out of me. I'm not gonna explain further but just google "Anus Fistula and Incontinence". I was put in queue for emergency operating theater and was told I will need to wait as there may always be more urgent case cutting my queue. Definitely agreeable to the process since I'm not in a dying state. hahahaha.
Operation
Surprisingly, I get the operation slot at about 9am the same day.
So I was asked to change to my operation outfit, laid me on the operation bed and pushed me to the operation theater. It was my first time going through a surgery and I had wild imagination how it would be. I have been seeing A LOT of Korean drama operation room scene and I swear I thought it will be like that. But well, the real experience does not differ much.
Pushed to the waiting area with an old experienced motherly nurse explaining to two young nurses on things to look out for in patient. I was no where near irritated and I'm happy that they are producing more nurses with hands on experience. They placed some things onto my chest (I think is to read my heart beat and so on.)
Next moment, I was pushed into the operation theater and that is when it was like an action packed movie. There is this middle aged nurse who is damm super experienced and seems like she had control of the whole operation theater. She know EXACTLY what to do, delegated and explained to all other assistant nurses. I swear I was damm impressed. I really thought K Drama operating theater scene are just off the script kind of speech but DAMM IT WAS HAPPENING RIGHT IN MY FACE.
I was given General Anesthesia first which caused me to be like half asleep. When I was half asleep, they did Spinal Anesthesia to numb my lower part of the body. I could not feel the pain at all. With my half asleep self, the only few process I remember were them bring me from the portable operation bed to their fixed operation table, them rising my both legs up (totally same as how pregnant women deliver their babies), operating doctor drawing or cutting my wound and me saying "ouch pain" before going 100% unconscious.
When I was awake, I was already at the holding area with a big medical screen on top of me showing me all my heart beat, blood pressure and all. I also remember the nurses asking me if I'm feeling okay or if there's any discomfort.
Okay, overall the experience was really good.
Post surgery
I was sent back to my ward and I continued to sleep for the next few hours due to the GA administered. Needed to pee but was asked to pee in a portable bowl on my bed as I can't shift around. I had some trouble peeing even though the feeling was there. Took me awhile to get it out.
As it is an infected area, it was left as an open wound instead of stitch wound. After the operation, the open wound was heavily padded. I only felt the little pain almost 12 hours after the surgery. For the whole day, I was only administered some drip, antibiotic and pain killer and got to rest for the whole day, in my bed.
Discharge
The doctor and the medical team visited me the next day to check on my wound. I was told that it was quite superficial abscess and therefore I don't require daily dressing by GP. In fact, I was advised to wear pad on daily basis to prevent the blood and pus from staining my panties.
Today is my 5th day after the surgery and the wound is still hurting, discharging pus and blood. I remember I was told that it's normal but I'm afraid of any complications and will be visiting a GP to take a look at my wound to confirm that it's on the road to recover.
I was also asked to abstain from swimming and yoga for about 4 to 6 weeks, depending on how fast my wound heal.
THAT'S ALL.
btw, I googled and it mentioned that it is very common to get Anus Fistula after Perianal Abscess and there were also people who are suffering badly due to these condition :( I'm really praying hard I won't end up suffering this to this :(
I never knew I'm going to ever post about this because I never thought it will happen to me in the first place. Basically I had a surgery recently due to Perianal Abscess and damm, it was a painful but funny experience.
Perianal Abscess
Definition: A perianal abscess is a shallow collection of pus under the skin surrounding the anus.
Disclaimer: All photos used are google image which are almost 80% accurate to how it really looks like in real life. Just not comfortable with showing real pictures since it's quite a private area.
Source: https://abdominalkey.com/anorectal-abscess-2/
Above picture is simple graphic to show you where exactly is the abscess.
Well, I had this pimple like pop out near my anus area for a few times and I didn't bother until the recent one gotten too painful. For the first 2 times, it grow to about the size of 1cm by 1cm max, slightly painful, not red and it kind of went away after a week. I did google on all the possible reasons for it but didn't think much since it was not that painful, just a little uncomfortable.
But the recent one, it grew really huge to about 3cm by 3cm, gotten super red and affects how I walk and sits.
I totally max-ed out my google skills and find all the possible "illness" I had. To be honest, the most difficult process is actually for me to SEE how it actually looks like before I can google image similar "illness".
With my Samsung Note 8 super good front camera, I sat on my bed with my panties down and legs spread apart, I placed the front camera right in front of my anus and took a glimpse of it through my camera lenses. Eventually, I decided to snap a photo of it with my another hand covering my private parts. Okay, I was disgusted at myself doing that but the focus here is the DAMM HUGE AND PAINFUL ABSCESS!! PS: I didn't know it was call abscess at the point of time.
Source: https://www.slideshare.net/swornimgyawali/anorectal-abscess
This image shows how my abscess looks like. Similarity level is 99% but might was more protruding like it was really bursting.
Seeking treatment
With my google skills, I concluded myself to have external hemorrhoids since I kind of felt like I fit those symptoms stated online. So I went CGH A&E and loudly proclaimed to all nurses "hey, I have hemorrhoids so I'm seeking treatment here.". Google also states that it could be treated with over the counter medication. And yes, that was my intention of visiting the hospital - getting effective medication that can stop my pain.
Lo and Behold, I was told that I need to go through an operation to cut open that 3CM BY 3CM PIMPLE LIKE THING. I swear I was laughing at myself. This also means I need to be admitted, take hospitalization leave etc... I was thinking hard how to explain the medical condition to my boss man.
Admission Process
So I was immediately hospitalized the night I went to seek treatment. It was quite a long process because I got to wait for empty bed. I was damm fortunate because I just gotten myself hospitalization insurance activated like 2 weeks before this happens.
But I got to say, the services and food in CGH were superb.
Managed to get a B1 ward bed at about 2.30am. I thought I could sleep. But hell no. Nurses and doctors started coming in to check on my anus from time to time.
The full process of checking includes me crouching like a ball on my side, take out my pants and panties and act like I'm all fine with a opposite gender doctor looking at my half shaved private area, doctor touching my abscess with me saying "ouch pain" at least once and poking into my anus to check for other potential complications. (Note: I'm not complaining at all, just sharing my true feelings. No where near feeling offended due to the medical needs of checking.)
Next moment, the doctor explained to be the operation process and shared with me potential complications. I swear the complications scare the hell out of me. I'm not gonna explain further but just google "Anus Fistula and Incontinence". I was put in queue for emergency operating theater and was told I will need to wait as there may always be more urgent case cutting my queue. Definitely agreeable to the process since I'm not in a dying state. hahahaha.
Source: https://accessemergencymedicine.mhmedical.com/content.aspx?bookid=683§ionid=45343752
I'm not sure this this was how it was cut for mine, but it seems to be similar based on my current wound.
Operation
Surprisingly, I get the operation slot at about 9am the same day.
So I was asked to change to my operation outfit, laid me on the operation bed and pushed me to the operation theater. It was my first time going through a surgery and I had wild imagination how it would be. I have been seeing A LOT of Korean drama operation room scene and I swear I thought it will be like that. But well, the real experience does not differ much.
Pushed to the waiting area with an old experienced motherly nurse explaining to two young nurses on things to look out for in patient. I was no where near irritated and I'm happy that they are producing more nurses with hands on experience. They placed some things onto my chest (I think is to read my heart beat and so on.)
Next moment, I was pushed into the operation theater and that is when it was like an action packed movie. There is this middle aged nurse who is damm super experienced and seems like she had control of the whole operation theater. She know EXACTLY what to do, delegated and explained to all other assistant nurses. I swear I was damm impressed. I really thought K Drama operating theater scene are just off the script kind of speech but DAMM IT WAS HAPPENING RIGHT IN MY FACE.
I was given General Anesthesia first which caused me to be like half asleep. When I was half asleep, they did Spinal Anesthesia to numb my lower part of the body. I could not feel the pain at all. With my half asleep self, the only few process I remember were them bring me from the portable operation bed to their fixed operation table, them rising my both legs up (totally same as how pregnant women deliver their babies), operating doctor drawing or cutting my wound and me saying "ouch pain" before going 100% unconscious.
When I was awake, I was already at the holding area with a big medical screen on top of me showing me all my heart beat, blood pressure and all. I also remember the nurses asking me if I'm feeling okay or if there's any discomfort.
Okay, overall the experience was really good.
Post surgery
I was sent back to my ward and I continued to sleep for the next few hours due to the GA administered. Needed to pee but was asked to pee in a portable bowl on my bed as I can't shift around. I had some trouble peeing even though the feeling was there. Took me awhile to get it out.
As it is an infected area, it was left as an open wound instead of stitch wound. After the operation, the open wound was heavily padded. I only felt the little pain almost 12 hours after the surgery. For the whole day, I was only administered some drip, antibiotic and pain killer and got to rest for the whole day, in my bed.
THE NEXT PHOTO IS SUPER DISTURBING. SEE AT YOUR OWN RISK.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
..
.
.
.
.
.
..
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-vRwGa9pRG8
Basically it looks exactly the same and it is damm freaking painful when in contact. There's also like a hole similar as above and that area is currently producing a lot of pus while the other side (lower part) is still producing part. In the hole area, I can see like something "black" which I have no idea what is it...
Discharge
The doctor and the medical team visited me the next day to check on my wound. I was told that it was quite superficial abscess and therefore I don't require daily dressing by GP. In fact, I was advised to wear pad on daily basis to prevent the blood and pus from staining my panties.
Today is my 5th day after the surgery and the wound is still hurting, discharging pus and blood. I remember I was told that it's normal but I'm afraid of any complications and will be visiting a GP to take a look at my wound to confirm that it's on the road to recover.
I was also asked to abstain from swimming and yoga for about 4 to 6 weeks, depending on how fast my wound heal.
THAT'S ALL.
btw, I googled and it mentioned that it is very common to get Anus Fistula after Perianal Abscess and there were also people who are suffering badly due to these condition :( I'm really praying hard I won't end up suffering this to this :(
Sunday, April 15, 2018
Private Instructor for Driving Lessons
[DRAFT]
So I just passed my TP test yesterday with my first try with 12 demerit points!
Taking a driving license (in fact I wanted a bike license initially) was one of my new year goal and I started my journey at the start of Feb this year and gotten my pass on 14 April! That's about 2.5 months journey and it was not as draggy as I thought it would be.
BTT AND FTT
To me, it was pretty easy since I went through being a secondary school student, polytechnic student as well as uni students. So I had my own tactic of reading the BTT an FTT books and find the key points. I also googled to find other people expereince on how they pass the tests so I will know what are the key pointers to look out for.
I bought the books on Carousell and manage to sell it immediately after I passed my FTT with $1 profit. haha.
Below are some tips when completing FTT (I forgotten about BTT because I took that 7 years ago):
- Remember those numbers (eg. 1m away from on coming pedestrian)
- Instead of remembering what to do with clutch at what point of time, remember what's the purpose of clutch to make sense out of the question - I remember it as it provide more power but less speech.
- After you pass BTT, straight away start with practical before FTT, Driving experience helps you to answer a lot of questions, instead of hard core memorisig.
- If you don't want to do e-trial, go and download whatever online FTT questions you can find. I used sgdriving web.
- Remember the key terms that were bold such as aquaplaning and some central force one.
- Read your book right before the test again so othe information will be fresh in your mind. But I think reading it once at the start of the day might be good enough.
- When doing the test, count thenumber of questions you are not confident with. If it is 5 or less, just submit once you reach the last question. If not, better to review those questions which you were unsure.
After passing your FTT, BOOK YOUR TP TEST DATE!!
I passed my FTT at the end of Feb and my private instructor managed to get a TP test date that will happen 1.5 months later.
CHOOSING AN INSTRUCTOR
I looked around for private instructors and my friends recommend Uncle Tan Kee Tong Denny but did mention that he is slightly pricier. Ultimately, paying a little more for a good teacher to let me pass my first time is better than paying cheaper for someone who won't let me pass. Also, I don't have any family members who drive.. so I only can learn my 100% knowledge from Uncle Tan and no one else.
He is about 60 to 70 years old and only speaks Chinese. His car in Nissan Sunny and stays at Ubi.
For the first few lesson, I always try to "explain" myself when he said that I did something wrong. One sentence at makes me irritated was "If you are going to say I am wrong, then what's the point of me teaching you?". But I start to realise that's quite true. Ultimately everyone has their own teaching method and when I chose him, I should respect him and his teaching method. He also allow me to ask as many questions as I want. The second sentence he will say is "Okay lor.. if you want to continue to say you are right.. just go ahead.. The most I get to earn more money from you.. I don't mind". HAHAHA. The first time I heard I was irritated but afterwards it started to get funny and cute. He was no where near being "serious" about what he said because he just don't want his students to fail so he say this kind of things. haha.
I took CDC school lessons in 2011 before and I kind of didn't continue because I just dont get a single thing that was taught. I guess I gave up too easily. Because the instructors change for every lesson and they will always double check if I done this and that. Well, I got to admit I don't have driving talent and that's why having one instructor will be so much easier.
Overall, I am very glad that I made the right choice to get Uncle Tan. He was extremely patient and kind and funny and cute. He was NEVER late for every single lesson I attended.
I took about 2 lessons per week. For me who works office hours from Monday to Friday, I was damm fortunately that he was able to put schedules like 8.30pm to 10.00pm for me.
COSTING
Overall, below is how much I spent to get a driving license. It will different from person to person because it depends on how fast you learn.
Registration with CDC: $53.50
Eye sight test: $1.82
BTT: $6.50
FTT: $6.50
PDL: $25
Private Lessons x 20 (1.5 per lesson): $38 x 20 x 1.5 = 1,140
Circuit: $32 x 20 lessons: $640
TP Test with Warm up: $390
Total: $2,263.32
I have this feeling that I spent more than the above amount but just forgotten to add some misc fees incurred.
I saw another student of his who took probably 15 lessons only and he mentioned that the student probably learn a lot from her family and friends that she is already filled with driving knowledge before every lesson. Well, I wasnt as fortunate as her I guess.
TRAFFIC POLICE TEST
I got the shock out of my life.
Basically I started my warm up with Uncle Tan at 10.30am and ended about an hour later. I went in the room to wait for someone to call me. TP tester C, an old uncle, called me. He took my IC and looked at me and asked me to read out my NRIC. At first I find him quite cute and I thought I'm gonna have an easy test. BUT NO!!!
Went to my car, he sat down and explained if I didn't do well in circuit, it will be immediate failure and I will not get to go out on the road. I swear I was already nervous.
The moment my car left the parking lot, IT WAS ONE HELLA OF A RIDE. Whatever safety my Uncle taught me... I got to just forget it and drives like how all my friends normally drive on the road. HAHAHHAAHAHAA.
I completed the test in 15 min, which is faster than a boy who started the same time as me and gotten an immediate failure from circuit test. But from what I google about him. He seems to be a nice tester la. But that he sounds quite impatient and angsty throughout the ride.
So I just passed my TP test yesterday with my first try with 12 demerit points!
Taking a driving license (in fact I wanted a bike license initially) was one of my new year goal and I started my journey at the start of Feb this year and gotten my pass on 14 April! That's about 2.5 months journey and it was not as draggy as I thought it would be.
BTT AND FTT
To me, it was pretty easy since I went through being a secondary school student, polytechnic student as well as uni students. So I had my own tactic of reading the BTT an FTT books and find the key points. I also googled to find other people expereince on how they pass the tests so I will know what are the key pointers to look out for.
I bought the books on Carousell and manage to sell it immediately after I passed my FTT with $1 profit. haha.
Below are some tips when completing FTT (I forgotten about BTT because I took that 7 years ago):
- Remember those numbers (eg. 1m away from on coming pedestrian)
- Instead of remembering what to do with clutch at what point of time, remember what's the purpose of clutch to make sense out of the question - I remember it as it provide more power but less speech.
- After you pass BTT, straight away start with practical before FTT, Driving experience helps you to answer a lot of questions, instead of hard core memorisig.
- If you don't want to do e-trial, go and download whatever online FTT questions you can find. I used sgdriving web.
- Remember the key terms that were bold such as aquaplaning and some central force one.
- Read your book right before the test again so othe information will be fresh in your mind. But I think reading it once at the start of the day might be good enough.
- When doing the test, count thenumber of questions you are not confident with. If it is 5 or less, just submit once you reach the last question. If not, better to review those questions which you were unsure.
After passing your FTT, BOOK YOUR TP TEST DATE!!
I passed my FTT at the end of Feb and my private instructor managed to get a TP test date that will happen 1.5 months later.
CHOOSING AN INSTRUCTOR
I looked around for private instructors and my friends recommend Uncle Tan Kee Tong Denny but did mention that he is slightly pricier. Ultimately, paying a little more for a good teacher to let me pass my first time is better than paying cheaper for someone who won't let me pass. Also, I don't have any family members who drive.. so I only can learn my 100% knowledge from Uncle Tan and no one else.
He is about 60 to 70 years old and only speaks Chinese. His car in Nissan Sunny and stays at Ubi.
For the first few lesson, I always try to "explain" myself when he said that I did something wrong. One sentence at makes me irritated was "If you are going to say I am wrong, then what's the point of me teaching you?". But I start to realise that's quite true. Ultimately everyone has their own teaching method and when I chose him, I should respect him and his teaching method. He also allow me to ask as many questions as I want. The second sentence he will say is "Okay lor.. if you want to continue to say you are right.. just go ahead.. The most I get to earn more money from you.. I don't mind". HAHAHA. The first time I heard I was irritated but afterwards it started to get funny and cute. He was no where near being "serious" about what he said because he just don't want his students to fail so he say this kind of things. haha.
I took CDC school lessons in 2011 before and I kind of didn't continue because I just dont get a single thing that was taught. I guess I gave up too easily. Because the instructors change for every lesson and they will always double check if I done this and that. Well, I got to admit I don't have driving talent and that's why having one instructor will be so much easier.
Overall, I am very glad that I made the right choice to get Uncle Tan. He was extremely patient and kind and funny and cute. He was NEVER late for every single lesson I attended.
I took about 2 lessons per week. For me who works office hours from Monday to Friday, I was damm fortunately that he was able to put schedules like 8.30pm to 10.00pm for me.
COSTING
Overall, below is how much I spent to get a driving license. It will different from person to person because it depends on how fast you learn.
Registration with CDC: $53.50
Eye sight test: $1.82
BTT: $6.50
FTT: $6.50
PDL: $25
Private Lessons x 20 (1.5 per lesson): $38 x 20 x 1.5 = 1,140
Circuit: $32 x 20 lessons: $640
TP Test with Warm up: $390
Total: $2,263.32
I have this feeling that I spent more than the above amount but just forgotten to add some misc fees incurred.
I saw another student of his who took probably 15 lessons only and he mentioned that the student probably learn a lot from her family and friends that she is already filled with driving knowledge before every lesson. Well, I wasnt as fortunate as her I guess.
TRAFFIC POLICE TEST
I got the shock out of my life.
Basically I started my warm up with Uncle Tan at 10.30am and ended about an hour later. I went in the room to wait for someone to call me. TP tester C, an old uncle, called me. He took my IC and looked at me and asked me to read out my NRIC. At first I find him quite cute and I thought I'm gonna have an easy test. BUT NO!!!
Went to my car, he sat down and explained if I didn't do well in circuit, it will be immediate failure and I will not get to go out on the road. I swear I was already nervous.
The moment my car left the parking lot, IT WAS ONE HELLA OF A RIDE. Whatever safety my Uncle taught me... I got to just forget it and drives like how all my friends normally drive on the road. HAHAHHAAHAHAA.
I completed the test in 15 min, which is faster than a boy who started the same time as me and gotten an immediate failure from circuit test. But from what I google about him. He seems to be a nice tester la. But that he sounds quite impatient and angsty throughout the ride.
Saturday, March 31, 2018
Home Lice Treatment
Hello!
This blog used to be for me to update about my tattoo removal process. However, it has come to a stop since I no longer go for the removal. Over time, I also had some new experiences in life that I would like to share.
LICE ON SCALP/HAIR
[NOTE: This post is meant for me to share my experience of removing lice and not an official medical advise]
I had lice in January this year and it was a really terrible experience. Visited GP but they are of no help and I got to google on solutions to remove the lice from my scalp. After going through this, I realise many people who faced the same challenge as me probably also not able to find the right solution to solve the issue. The process of removing lice is also quite a long and tedious process and I also almost run out of patience. So if you have lice and unsure what to do, feel free to read on to find out what I did to remove lice within 2 weeks.
How I found out about the Lice
My scalp started to feel really itchy after I went on an overseas trip and rented a bike with helmet. It was a bad decision because rented helmets are shared with A LOT OF PEOPLE. It started to get so itchy that I scratched and felt like as if I was tearing my scalp. There's a lot a few areas that are obviously more itchy/painful than the rest. I honestly thought it was just an itchy scalp and never thought of lice. So I bought a scalp cleaning package on Fave app and went for consultation before treatment.
During the consultation, I shared my concerns on itchy scalp and they proceed to do the the zoomed in scans. I TOTALLY FREAKED OUT WHEN I WAS THE LICE. Pictures below.
*GRAPHIC WARNING*
Your scalp may feel itchy after seeing the pictures
The thing is, I was able to point out all my itchy areas and Tadah! Lice were really there.
The treatment place, Trichokare, rejected me for scalp treatment as they do not want their customer to be infected with lice too. I was not angry and I was extremely thankful that they helped me find out the reason why my scalp was so itchy. Their advise was for me to see a doctor (GP) and Raffles Medical clinic was right beside their center. So I went immediately.
SEEING A GP
For my personal experience, seeing a GP is totally useless as whatever he said can be found online. I guess I visited as I thought the GP might be able to provide me proper proven advise rather than reading online unproven sources. But well, it was disappointing.
I went him and told him I had lice. He wore a pair of glove, flip flip my hair and told me to get this particular lotion from pharmacy as they do not carry it. He gave me the direction of using the lotion. That's all. At that point of time, I really thought that using that lotion will solve everything and was thankful for the advise. But well, that advise can be found online and online has even more information.
So, if you would like to see GP, probably see to get MC so you don't need to go to work and infect others with lice.
MALATHION LOTION
This is the lotion that the GP asked me to purchase.
Direction from the doctor: After washing and drying your hair, put the lotion on your scalp and leave it for at least 12 hours before washing. If there's still lice, you can only use the lotion 1 week later as if may harm your scalp.
What I read online (summarised):
1. As per doctor advise.
2. It does not kill lice eggs that's stucked on the hair and those extremely strong lice that has been on scalp for long.
And the second advise I found online is extremely important!! If I never knew about that and only rely on the lotion to get rid of lice, it will be IMPOSSIBLE for me to remove lice within such a short time.
After researching, I also found the BEST WAY to remove lice totally.
LICE COMB
This is the most effective way yet the most tedious way to remove lice. Basically use it to comb your hair and the lice and eggs will get combed out by the metal teeth. Yup, this is the summary of how this comb work but it's not that straight forward. Below is what I did:
Go in the toilet and prepare the following items:
a. Lice Comb
b. Conditioner (any brand)
c. A bowl of hot water
d. Normal hair brush
Directions
- Wet your hair as per normal. You can also choose to shampoo your hair first so it will be easier for you to comb later.
- With the wet hair, use your normal hair bruch to comb your hair until it is not tangled.
- Use your conditioner and put it ALL OVER your scalp. Don't bother saving your conditoner at all. Try to let the conditioner reach your scalp, especially those extremely itchy area. The purpose of the conditioner is to let the live lice and lice eggs "slip" of your scalp and your hair.
- Similar to how salon cut your hair when you request for layer hair cut, you will need to part your hair a little by a little. With the first parted hair, use your lice comb to comb your hair, starting from scalp area. See below for better illustration with online google pictures.
- Comb in one direction. After you comb once, take your lice comb and soak in the hot water until the comb is clearn again. You should see a lot of white lotion on your comb because of the conditioner. Chances are, some live lice and lice eggs were caught by the lice comb and being removed together with the conditioner. Below google picture for illustration.
- Repeat the combing (including the soaking in hot water) until all parts of your scalp with hair are covered. This includes areas that are not itchy.
- Once you are done with combing with partings, feel free to comb over again, especially those extremely itchy parts Below is a picture of the lice that was caught on my lice comb. (it's extremely huge!!)
- Rinse your hair with shampoo and leave it to dry.
- Once your hair is dried, you can use the malathion lotion on your scalp and leave it on for 12 hours. (this part only happens once a week, depending on the itchiness level)
- Rinse your hair with shampoo 12 hours later. During the shampoo session, repeat the lice combing process again.
2 WEEKS OF COMBING
There's no standard answer to how much you should comb because it really depends on how you comb and how infested is your scalp. My personal experience felt like the lice are gone after my first combing session but I wasnt sure if there might be some eggs left over. Those eggs will eventually become lice if I don't comb away.
Therefore, I use lice comb EVERYTIME when I bath before I go to work and/or go to bed. During the process, I only used the malathion lotion ONCE and did not use anymore as I felt that the itchiness start to be lesser.
I never stopped combing until I am very sure that my scalp does not itch anymore as I do not want to take the risk of having eggs turning into live lice.
TEA TREE OIL SHAMPOO
The process of removing lice actually harms your scalp. The continued itchiness might be due to harmed scalp and not lice anymore. Therefore, it is recommended to use tea tree oil shampoo to help soothen the harm you have created on your scalp due to the lotion and the combing.
I can't find them in watson or guardian. Instead, It was easy to find in those shampoo specialised shop that sells non-common brands. I don't have a brand to recommend but I used Paul Mitchell brand and it was good.
For the whole lice process, it took me about 2 weeks for me to feel that my scalp is free from lice.
I managed to get my scalp treatment from my Fave coupon but I only went to go about 1month plus later as I want to ensure I was totally lice free before using their services.
REMOVING ALL FABRICS THAT WAS IN CONTACT WITH MY SCALP
During the process, I also took a lot of my regularly used fabric (clothes, bed sheet) and soak them in hot water over night. I also took this opportunity to dispose my old pillow and bolster and purchased new ones. In fact, I have not removed the plastic cover yet was I was so afraid that lice might go on it.
During this period, there were people who were very negative about me having lice and spoke bad about it. It was terrible and kind of affected my emotions a bit because they felt like I'm bringing harm to them. Lice DO NOT pass that easily unless you have very close contact with the lice infected person (eg. touching head to head regularly, using the same clothing/bed). But there were also nice souls who tell me things like "it's okay if I get it, it will be a lesson for me to learn how to manage it."
I actually had a summarised post on my carousell and a lot of people has read and even asked me for advise. I'm really happy to be able to share my experience with people and help them overcome this.
This blog used to be for me to update about my tattoo removal process. However, it has come to a stop since I no longer go for the removal. Over time, I also had some new experiences in life that I would like to share.
LICE ON SCALP/HAIR
[NOTE: This post is meant for me to share my experience of removing lice and not an official medical advise]
I had lice in January this year and it was a really terrible experience. Visited GP but they are of no help and I got to google on solutions to remove the lice from my scalp. After going through this, I realise many people who faced the same challenge as me probably also not able to find the right solution to solve the issue. The process of removing lice is also quite a long and tedious process and I also almost run out of patience. So if you have lice and unsure what to do, feel free to read on to find out what I did to remove lice within 2 weeks.
How I found out about the Lice
My scalp started to feel really itchy after I went on an overseas trip and rented a bike with helmet. It was a bad decision because rented helmets are shared with A LOT OF PEOPLE. It started to get so itchy that I scratched and felt like as if I was tearing my scalp. There's a lot a few areas that are obviously more itchy/painful than the rest. I honestly thought it was just an itchy scalp and never thought of lice. So I bought a scalp cleaning package on Fave app and went for consultation before treatment.
During the consultation, I shared my concerns on itchy scalp and they proceed to do the the zoomed in scans. I TOTALLY FREAKED OUT WHEN I WAS THE LICE. Pictures below.
*GRAPHIC WARNING*
Your scalp may feel itchy after seeing the pictures
 |
| Lice found on my top right side of the scalp. One of the most itchy part. |
 | |||
| Lice found on my bottom right side of the scalp. Another itchy area. |
The treatment place, Trichokare, rejected me for scalp treatment as they do not want their customer to be infected with lice too. I was not angry and I was extremely thankful that they helped me find out the reason why my scalp was so itchy. Their advise was for me to see a doctor (GP) and Raffles Medical clinic was right beside their center. So I went immediately.
SEEING A GP
For my personal experience, seeing a GP is totally useless as whatever he said can be found online. I guess I visited as I thought the GP might be able to provide me proper proven advise rather than reading online unproven sources. But well, it was disappointing.
I went him and told him I had lice. He wore a pair of glove, flip flip my hair and told me to get this particular lotion from pharmacy as they do not carry it. He gave me the direction of using the lotion. That's all. At that point of time, I really thought that using that lotion will solve everything and was thankful for the advise. But well, that advise can be found online and online has even more information.
So, if you would like to see GP, probably see to get MC so you don't need to go to work and infect others with lice.
MALATHION LOTION
 |
| Malathion Lotion - can be found in Guardian or Watson pharmacy. |
This is the lotion that the GP asked me to purchase.
Direction from the doctor: After washing and drying your hair, put the lotion on your scalp and leave it for at least 12 hours before washing. If there's still lice, you can only use the lotion 1 week later as if may harm your scalp.
What I read online (summarised):
1. As per doctor advise.
2. It does not kill lice eggs that's stucked on the hair and those extremely strong lice that has been on scalp for long.
And the second advise I found online is extremely important!! If I never knew about that and only rely on the lotion to get rid of lice, it will be IMPOSSIBLE for me to remove lice within such a short time.
After researching, I also found the BEST WAY to remove lice totally.
LICE COMB
 | |
| Lice comb - can be found in Guardian or Watson too. It comes in different design but the comb teeth should be metal. |
This is the most effective way yet the most tedious way to remove lice. Basically use it to comb your hair and the lice and eggs will get combed out by the metal teeth. Yup, this is the summary of how this comb work but it's not that straight forward. Below is what I did:
Go in the toilet and prepare the following items:
a. Lice Comb
b. Conditioner (any brand)
c. A bowl of hot water
d. Normal hair brush
Directions
- Wet your hair as per normal. You can also choose to shampoo your hair first so it will be easier for you to comb later.
- With the wet hair, use your normal hair bruch to comb your hair until it is not tangled.
- Use your conditioner and put it ALL OVER your scalp. Don't bother saving your conditoner at all. Try to let the conditioner reach your scalp, especially those extremely itchy area. The purpose of the conditioner is to let the live lice and lice eggs "slip" of your scalp and your hair.
- Similar to how salon cut your hair when you request for layer hair cut, you will need to part your hair a little by a little. With the first parted hair, use your lice comb to comb your hair, starting from scalp area. See below for better illustration with online google pictures.
 |
| Parting hair. Feel free to get more accessories to help. Otherwise, with the amount of conditioner on your hair, it will just slap the heavy weight on your head when you part. Try to part a little by a little to be more effective. |
- Comb in one direction. After you comb once, take your lice comb and soak in the hot water until the comb is clearn again. You should see a lot of white lotion on your comb because of the conditioner. Chances are, some live lice and lice eggs were caught by the lice comb and being removed together with the conditioner. Below google picture for illustration.
 |
| Conditoner on lice comb |
- Once you are done with combing with partings, feel free to comb over again, especially those extremely itchy parts Below is a picture of the lice that was caught on my lice comb. (it's extremely huge!!)
 |
| The two other small black dots are actually lice as well. |
- Once your hair is dried, you can use the malathion lotion on your scalp and leave it on for 12 hours. (this part only happens once a week, depending on the itchiness level)
- Rinse your hair with shampoo 12 hours later. During the shampoo session, repeat the lice combing process again.
2 WEEKS OF COMBING
There's no standard answer to how much you should comb because it really depends on how you comb and how infested is your scalp. My personal experience felt like the lice are gone after my first combing session but I wasnt sure if there might be some eggs left over. Those eggs will eventually become lice if I don't comb away.
Therefore, I use lice comb EVERYTIME when I bath before I go to work and/or go to bed. During the process, I only used the malathion lotion ONCE and did not use anymore as I felt that the itchiness start to be lesser.
I never stopped combing until I am very sure that my scalp does not itch anymore as I do not want to take the risk of having eggs turning into live lice.
TEA TREE OIL SHAMPOO
The process of removing lice actually harms your scalp. The continued itchiness might be due to harmed scalp and not lice anymore. Therefore, it is recommended to use tea tree oil shampoo to help soothen the harm you have created on your scalp due to the lotion and the combing.
I can't find them in watson or guardian. Instead, It was easy to find in those shampoo specialised shop that sells non-common brands. I don't have a brand to recommend but I used Paul Mitchell brand and it was good.
 |
| Bought at at about $16.00 a bottle. |
I managed to get my scalp treatment from my Fave coupon but I only went to go about 1month plus later as I want to ensure I was totally lice free before using their services.
REMOVING ALL FABRICS THAT WAS IN CONTACT WITH MY SCALP
During the process, I also took a lot of my regularly used fabric (clothes, bed sheet) and soak them in hot water over night. I also took this opportunity to dispose my old pillow and bolster and purchased new ones. In fact, I have not removed the plastic cover yet was I was so afraid that lice might go on it.
During this period, there were people who were very negative about me having lice and spoke bad about it. It was terrible and kind of affected my emotions a bit because they felt like I'm bringing harm to them. Lice DO NOT pass that easily unless you have very close contact with the lice infected person (eg. touching head to head regularly, using the same clothing/bed). But there were also nice souls who tell me things like "it's okay if I get it, it will be a lesson for me to learn how to manage it."
I actually had a summarised post on my carousell and a lot of people has read and even asked me for advise. I'm really happy to be able to share my experience with people and help them overcome this.
Wednesday, March 1, 2017
Japan 21 Days Solo Backpacking (18 Dec 2016 - 08 Jan 2017)
Hello
Had 21 days solo backpacking trip to Japan in end 2016.
Spent my Christmas, New Year and Birthday in that beautiful country :)
Will try to do more solo travel backpack video for future trips.
Thursday, July 9, 2015
Current status
And again, to refresh your memory, old photo prior to any removal sessions:
This is after 7 removal sessions and I did not continue due to cost. There was a change in doctor and when the new doctor requote me, she quoted me same price even though I didn't want to continue with the removal of tattoo on my arm. Also, the new doctor is not as good as the previous one, which can be seen from the previous few posts. The first 6 sessions done was good and the healing process is without any bleeding or blisters. But the last session which the new doctor performed for me was quite bad and ended up with quite a bit of blisters.
Therefore, for those who would like to do removal, do note that the image I've posted throughout the removal process does not necessary show the definite outcome of your tattoo removal as it is really dependent on the type of technique used and the skill of the doctor.
Thanks! (:
Friday, February 20, 2015
Current status (9 days after session)
My arm:
My arm actually had rashes for a few days right after the sessions that it was so so so itchy. I literally scratched till I bleed. Now I don't feel any itchiness or pain on my arm. Just again, hopefully there won't be scar on my arm. Looks like once it heal, it will be really like 10% or less ink left.
My neck:
Have been removing my dead skin for past few days and this is the state now. A little itchy and I have the tendency to scratch it. So most of the time I will end up slapping my neck a few times. Yea the feeling sucks. Again, at this point of time, from past few sessions' experience, it should already be 80% heal :( now it looks pretty disgusting though :(
Will update maybe two to three days later!
Thursday, February 19, 2015
Current status..
February 11, 2015 (After ONE day)
The images show how my removed tattoo looks like after I removed my bandage in order to play some soccer games with students..
My Arm:
My neck:
Apparently for the first time in all my tattoo removal session, I had blisters growing. The position is where my green/yellow/blue colour part is. I'm not sure but the doctor did increase the degree of laser for my this session. By the way, did I mention that the previous doctor who have been assisting me with the removal have left? Now I'm with a new doctor, which gave me such result :( I hope it wont end up having any scars on me.
February 12, 2015 (TWO days after session)
This is how it looks like for my neck. Apparently when I sleep at night, my blister burst and the liquid was absorbed by my pillow. Kind of disgusting actually. Haha. But it looks really dry and my meat looks like it's "popping out".. it feels like I'm gonna have scars soon though T.T
February 15, 2015 (FIVE days after session)
My skin starts to peel very badly. And I really have got a really itchy hand. I keep peeling away my dead skin because the skins are like snow flakes.
I just can't help touching it from time to time. However, whenever I touch it, it's actually quite painful :(
Oh yes, the colour looks kind of really light now. Shall wait my skin to full heal before I take another photo of it and compare to how it looks like originally. Haha.
I know nobody is reading anymore since I didnt update it for a year but It's probably the best way I can note down my process and see the progress and act as a warning to all kids out there - DO NOT PUT TATTOO IF YOU'RE GONNA REGRET IT SOME DAY, SOME HOW.
Happy Chinese New Year!
Tuesday, February 10, 2015
10 Feb 2015: after removal session
Scroll at your own risk!!
Pictures taken right after removal, therefore it is not that red yet as it is all blister.
Today's removal session was done at a higher energy and frequency (120mph). Surprisingly it is not that painful DURING the session but the pain kicked in the moment I leave the clinic.. I can't turn my neck and my right hand feels really restless. Like there's no energy in my right arm.
Hopefully the black ink are gone soon :(
Monday, February 9, 2015
10 Feb 2015 - 7th tattoo removal session
After a year plus of hiatus from removing my 'left over' from my body, a friend of mine somehow reminded me of this blog, which eventually led me to make an appointment with NeuGlow again for my last paid session.
Total sum spent up to date: $1,800 + 7%
Current status, after 6 session: 
My neck
Numerous new friends have asked be about having some red color patch on my neck from time to time, which some thought that it was a birth mark or even just a small red impact after I wake up from a sleep.
My arm
Apparently no one realise the existence of this tattoo anymore!
I'm currently in the room of the clinic waiting for my numbing cream to take effect before I can start with the session. I really can't remember HOW painful was it but I somehow remembered it was REALLY painful from the last session.
Shall update with my right after laser images and also my healing images for the next few days. Still considering if I should continue to get a package of 6 sessions to fully get rid of it...........:
Tuesday, January 14, 2014
14 January 2014: Current status
I'm sorry for the long hiatus. I did not go for another session (last was 6th session, which was not updated due to my exam period) mainly because 1) I was way to busy with my school and work 2) My doctor is on maternity leave now 3) I will need to start saving money to buy another package, which I really intend to continue it after my graduate and get a full time job.
Well, to have a brief sum up of my current status, this is the picture I took just 5 minutes ago:
and to refresh your memory, this is how it used to look like before any removal session takes place:
Total sessions to date: SIX (6)
Amount spent so far: SGD$1605
Before the removal, normally when I go to a new environment and meet new people (eg. work having new colleagues), they will definitely start asking me about my having a big tattoo on my neck as it is way too obvious when I tie my hair, even though I wore collar tee. Now, probably 1 out of 30 will ask me what's the "red patch" on my neck rather than assuming it is tattoo and I will gladly say that "Oh, it's my birth mark" and their curiosity stops there.
I think removing is worth it but the cost is definitely way to much for a self-survive student like me to handle.
SO,
I really hope that there are people who are still considering about putting tattoo will chance upon this blog.
I can't be an advisor nor a counsellor. But I only can say what makes me do all these:
I inked because I believe that the meaning behind it is going to be a life time purpose. When the purpose is gone, what should we do to the tattoo? Should we look at it and cry over it? laugh about it? constantly be reminded about it?
Let me give you a very vague example:
I want to tattoo a picture related to "Hate" because I believe that I will always hate A and will never forgive A for life.
Next, I tattoo.
One day, I grew up, i grew out of my comfort zone, I had incidents which knocks me hard.
Last, I regret.
* Above scenario is for illustration purpose only.
If you have any more questions, please feel free to ask in the dropbox. I will try my best to reply asap. hmm. Should I create an email for this? Do let me know! :)
Edited:
The following pictures are my arm tattoo removal status.
Black ink only and also went through 6 sessions,
price is already included in the above mentioned.
Current (16/1/14)
Before removal:
By the way, the doctor did mention that black inks are easier and can be totally removed. I THINK mine should be all cleared by the 10th session :)
Friday, July 19, 2013
19 July 2013 - 5th Session
And today is my Fifth tattoo removal session. It took me a while to go back for session because I was waiting for my BF to be back and accompany me there (he has been there for all sessions actually). Yup.. so this update is slightly later.
Went in, numb my tattoo and I was feeling extremely tired. I'm not sure if it is because of the numbing cream/lighter black tattoo or what, but I actually fell asleep during the session!! I was shocked when I was awake too. Anyway, the pain is almost the same as those I described for past few sessions.
I'm happy that I finally confessed to my current BF mum about my tattoo and she accepted it !!
Image time!
Picture taken before the session (lotus)
I think this is REALLY very light now. such pictures always make me look forward to next session and can't wait for it to be gone ~
My arm tattoo.. even though it is still obvious, but a lot better compared to last sessions' colour.
After Lasering!
Now I feel numb towards the pain already.. I think the best way to endure the tattoo removal sessions is to motivate yourself and find a good reason to endure the pain. Eg. "when the tattoo is removed, I will get more sleeveless shirt to wear out!!"
Good night!
Friday, June 7, 2013
4th Session - June 4th, 2013
Back with a new post for this month for my 4th tattoo removal session. Trust me, I dread to go and for removal now, not because I don't want to complete it, but because it is really painful! But well, the determination overwhelm the pain I guess. Look and yet not looking forward for the next session though. Hahaha.
Well, last month removal did not see much of a difference.
Below are the pictures for this month:
Placed on numbing cream as usual and this time round about 30 minutes because I feedback that it was quite painful the previous time. Maybe is psychological effect but this time round, the pain is not as painful as the previous one. haha.
This two pictures are the status of my tattoo before the session starts.
and this 2 are the pictures of the removal right after the session. Apparently, my BF (who has been accompanying me for all sessions) said that this session is a lot a lot a lot more "bloody" looking after the removal. Also, the after session "burning sensation" can said to be one of the worst throughout my four sessions.
But I think this is due to the ink differences of the tattoo. My doctor mentioned to me that some of them are darker and some of them are lighter, which I think is the inner petal of lotus (light) and outer petal of lotus (dark). My light ink are reacting well to the laser but the darker one is not reacting well/at all. So she have increased the strength of the laser.
This is how my lotus look like after 1 day (after removing the bandage). I will take one more clearer picture today ! (my BF is not in Singapore so I can't get him to help me take photo already :( )
This is how my words on my arm look like today ( after 4 days) and it is very very obvious that the colour fade a lot and look a lot more "blur" now. those darker red thing are actually dried blood. Don't want to scrub off in case I accidentally tear off anything and bleed.
Yup. That's all for now!
I am looking forward for next session (one step nearer) and not looking forward to the pain ! :(
Saturday, May 4, 2013
Third Session - March 2, 2013
Finally my 3rd session today :) Have always been looking forward to go for the next session ever since I started with my first session because I just can't wait for it to be gone. Well, the progress has been good so far :) hehe. For the previous one, the healing took only about less than a week for me..
This picture is the status of my tattoo BEFROE the 3rd session removal. Apparently it faded quite a lot.
I guess the difference is very obvious in the comparison photo above :)
So after the 3rd session, it is actually more bloody than the previous session which I have no idea why. Again, it was really painful. Not so much when lasering the black outline, but mainly those coloured part. Especially when she laser the area towards the side of my neck, it really hurts quite a bit. But well, I told myself to endure because I'm one step nearer to what I wish for :)
How my neck tattoo looks like right after the lasering session.
How my arm looks like right after lasering session
The words on my arm had became "skinnier" and also looks a little like faded words now. Hopefully this can be gone by next few sessions :)
Already took out my bandage and this time the healing is faster than previous one actually. But it is still really itchy that I feel like scratching it.
Will update a "healed" pictures a few days later!
PS: I only update once or twice a month, when there are updates required :)
Thursday, April 4, 2013
Second Session - April 1, 2013
Finally had my next tattoo removal session on April 1, 2013. Initially I thought that my Doctor is going to be away but luckily, she was there. So proceed to do the numbing and laser.
This picture is taken before tattoo session. Can see from the previous post, this is already healed tattoo after my first session.
This is the instant outcome of after the session.
Apparently, this session is different from the first session.
The first session mainly used spread out laser which is less painful. But for this session, they are actually using a more focused laser treatment for my tattoo and THIS TIME IT IS REALLY PAINFUL. The previous time I can say it's like using the back of the needle to poke on me without poking it through but this time it feels like it is poking through my skin!! :(
That is why my skin is so red and there are some pin point blood as well.
The after effect is as bad as the first time, burning sensation only last for an hour or so. Probably a little stiff neck. A lot of people actually mentioned it look.. disgusting. LOL
This is the look right after I removed the bandage the next day (day 2)
This is the look of it on the next day morning after removing the bandage (Day 3)
This is the look on Day 4 (just took it) and apparently the black ink really faded a lot...
Now below pictures are my quote tattoo on my arm which is just purely black ink. I'm not sure why but it seems like it is more difficult to remove compared to my neck one even though the black ink are suppose to fade faster.
This is the instant look of it after the lasering session
This is on Day 3
And this is on day 4. Those "colours" around the words are not any oilment and medication but it is just my skin colour. It's like those "blue black" skin colour but of course, it does not hurt.
Looks like the words are getting "slimmer" as compared to the original tattoo.
Overall, this session's after effect is not as bad as the first session. Not as itchy or burning and it doesn't hurt when touched.
Can't wait for the next session on April 30 :)
Will post more pictures when it heals to see the difference from the Original and after first session.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)