Journey at the end of a dark tunnel in daylight begins!

Woke up at 6am for my first day of treatment for TMJ Disorder. This time, left the house a little late than the last time because I had to spend too much time waiting as I reached the dentist early. Unfortunately, the only breakfast available at IMU today was nasi lemak so I guess I have no choice. Wasn't that bad and took with some orange juice.

I like the dental clinic in the sense for their friendly and staff who explain and discuss with you the treatment plan and show you around their facility answering your questions and concern. Dr Nobu came on time and he went through a series of tests and questions then explained what the problem was and how the treatment is going to be. So it started with some physiotherapy and home physio lessons. Unfortunately, I misheard him when he said mastication thinking he said masturbation lol but hey, I have hearing problems. Previous visit he said "I am going to splay your face with something cold". It took me a while to figure out that what he meant was spray. Before I left, he took an impression of my maxilla and a sample of my saliva.

Today's weather wasn't good for swimming plus Han Zhang wasn't feeling too well. We still met for lunch and badminton. Came home and started home physio and went to bed early.

The light at the end of the tunnel

Yep, today's the day to find out my options for this TMJ disorder and my treatment. Woke up at around 6am and my dad sent me to Taman Bahagia. I just got up to the platform and saw my friends; Han Zhang and Jason on their way to college and jumped in just as the train doors were closing. Well, at least I had people to talk to half of my journey and with those two, you never know what can happen lol (in a good way guys) ;). We went our separate ways at Masjid Jamek where I got off and they carried on. It seems like the journey was short probably because I had people to talk with. Next, STAR LRT and unfortunately, I didn't see anyone I know so the journey was quiet.

Got off at Sri Petaling some buns just to fill my tummy a little as I wasn't sure where to get food. Unfortunately, I slipped and fell down the steps of the overhead bridge just as I was going down on IMU's side. Fortunately, a young gentleman saw me in pain and helped pick up my stuff and put them into the folder and 1 staff and 1 student of IMU gave me a hand and guided me around IMU. It is nice to know such people still exist in today's world. Found the cafeteria and bought meehoon which was really expensive; RM3.50!!! I can get it for RM2.00 at work.

Registered myself at the dentist and was called in. He introduced himself as Dr. Nobu and so the tests began and my BP wasn't too bad but I cannot remember the exact figures. He asked a series of questions and checks. He then checked my jaw opening and found I could open only 44.55mm wide. When he sprayed something cold around my face, this went up to 55.10mm. He then said this is due to the facial muscles being affected by the TMJ Disorder. The X-Ray clearly shows the joints are fine and no gaps. Treatment? Wear a splint at night, cold treatment, medication, physiotherapy and self discipline. Cost? RM500++!!! He said no surgery or anything invasive at this time and not to worry and to go back and discuss with my dad. After calling my dad and UM Oral Surgery department and my GP, we agreed with the treatment and will commence this Saturday. Got to the LRT and my dad picked me up and sent the car to the workshop for a while. Got home and zzzz. Dinner at Giant with my neighbour and that was it.

I would like to take this time to thank my dad, teachers, managers/officemates, BSM members and friends for their support and understanding. At least I know that there are people who care for you in time of need.

Mayday! Mayday!

Well, ended up on duty in Subang Jaya and believe me, it was hard at first managing alone but fortunately I was joined later with Puvanes aka Miss Physio. The duty went well, no serious casualties. Many kids did not have their breakfast and fainted so for kids or parents who are reading my blog (also, courtesy of E Wei, I'll mention his name since credit should go to him), please have your breakfast which is the most important meal of the day. This was brought to you by VAD Kelana Jaya and E Wei :D

Anyway, jolly picked us up later and dropped us off at Tesco where blood donation organized by the Malaysian Red Crescent (MRC) was held. Imran was on duty there. Nothing much to do except help where needed, carry labels and stand at entrances. I met an ex-MRC member whom I've known since I was in secondary school and left. She didn't recognise me at first and she never changed much. We had a little talk and caught up with the old times. To add to our joy, VAD 100 joined us e.g. Govinda, Dino and some I don't know their names (sorry). After donation, most of them played around in the game arcade and I think we were the big kids there LOL!

At almost 4pm, we received a distress signal advising there was a landslide at Hulu Langat and the members from VAD 100 had to run back. As for VAD Petaling, jolly advised us to wait for further instructions. Got home and I knew I wasn't going there since I have work the next day, I received a message from Amir asking for members who wish to go to report to their Commandants. Believe it or not, the first person to volunteer was Imran. I guess he has the enthusiasm despite the fact he had about 7 hours of duty, he still wanted to. Ok fine and Ezrul said he would go too. WOW!!! So I just informed my assistant Deepak and called TJ (Aiyaah) to inform them of the situation. Imran's dad came over just to ask how was the situation and also so I can pass the necessary to them. Ezrul and Imran followed Amir in the car and I trust him. After an exhausting day, I went to bed right after they left.

Painful yet hope is not lost

Woke up at 7am and of course! MouseHunting at Derr Dunes!!! Got ready for my followup with the dentist. Today, Dr. Aung checked on my progress and decided that it was best he referred me to a specialist in IMU (International Medical University) for a second review giving me the TMJ and OPG X-Rays. Arranged with Reuben to look into my leave on Tuesday since the specific specialist is only available on Tuesdays.

In the evening, met up with E Wei and his parents to discuss the medical issue at hand I am facing. I believe E Wei and his parents may be God sent to answer my questions. Sometimes, we take our health for granted and his parents and aunt have reminded me what I learnt in BSM. Sadly, I guess I don't walk the talk some would say but that's human nature. E Wei gave a presentation and shocked me in the sense, I cannot find teenagers at his age who can come up and speak up confidently. I think he deserves a pat on his back (sorry pal, forgot to do that). His dad who was also present and talked to me from the medical point of view seriously took me quite by surprise. To add further, I am glad to have met them and considering what they've told me.

The above X-Ray shows my TMJ but I am not into dentistry or ENT to really explain it so... I'll leave it to the experts to look into that. Back to MouseHunting!

N.B.: I did say in my previous post I will not go back to UM dental or medical faculties right? Well I guess I'll be for the dental part of it for now.

Tears of someone in pain but unknown to others

I have come to a point I don't know what to do next and I don't want to worry my dad. Despite 3 months in pain and being sent to various medical and dental departments, no one has been able to identify the actual problem. People can tell me they know the pain I am going through but how can they if they don't experience it?

To make matters worse, my hearing had diminished and pain increasing. Now I am told I have an inflamed eardrum? ENT was the one who transferred me to oral surgery claiming it to be TMJ disorder. I don't know what to do or who to believe but I am NEVER going back to UMMC or even the dental faculty of UM if I can. I am not a guinea pig and don't wish to be made one. Went to the GP to be told I have an inflamed eardrum and was told he needed to give me a shot. Well, at least I thought in the arm and rolled up my sleeve but I was wrong. He told me get on the bed and lower my pants and boxers. Well, he saw the horrific look on my face and assured me with fine needles these days, it almost painless. Well he was right. Just a tiny bit of pain. He said I was worse than his female patients younger than I am lol. I told him I am sure he has male patients who are like me too apart from kids. He just grinned LOL! Unfortunately, I now have a joy of taking bitter medication too (yuck). I don't know which is worse; the shot in the butt or bitter tasting medicine.

Came home to an empty house and my dad asked how I was and said he'll be hone late so I had to make my own dinner, stayed online abit and zzzzz.

Prayers have been answered.

Woke up this morning feeling worried about Delip and decided to pay him a visit in hospital. Dad arranged for his friend to pick me up from the Teluk Gadong Komutter station and send me to HTAR. The ride from Subang Jaya there took about approximately 25 minutes. Since I like train rides as a kid, wasn't a bad experience.

Unfortunately, they wheeled him into the OT just as I reached the hospital. Spent time with his mom talking to her. Reuben called for updates. At around 1pm, the nurses for Delip's ward brought the trolley bed into the OT and I held my breath. 4 minutes later, out came Delip on it looking dazed (not sure if it was sedation or GA). He managed to smile at me. He was feeling numb probably due to the medication. Immediately, I contacted Reuben with the good news which was a relief. Thank you God for answering my prayers. Spent about 30 minutes in the ward with him and decided to leave him to rest.

I wanted to do something with Han Zhang today e.g. badminton or mcd but he didn't feel like it so I had to figure how to fill my time for the remainder of the day. My dad's friend picked me up and we went for mcd and later he had to do something but he dropped me back home. Reached home almost 4pm and took a nap. Nothing really exciting in the evening. Just being online, MouseHunt and that's about it.

In response to Han Zhang's recent blog post about him being sorry he couldn't meet up with me, friends shouldn't be afraid to tell "NO" if they have to to their friends. And the other person should respect his or her wishes. Only then friendships last. When we don't give each other the space and privacy or time they wish to be left alone or just to be by themselves, you are invading someone's privacy indirectly and that can ruin a friendship. Han Zhang and I have a good friendship going and we understand each other so I respect his wishes and I still treat him as my friend. That's real friendship and I am sure he agrees with me. In other words pal, I understand the space and time you need for yourself at times :)

Friday the 13th??? OMG

Ok so being Friday the 13th, morning started well with jokes and laughter in SEM. Despite Reuben and Nisha not being around everything went smoothly with 6 of us working (Prasad woke up late).

At least I thought the day would go well until we received a call at 9.50am from Delip. He said he met with an accident with double fracture and HTAR, Klang and requires surgery. Oh dear. Of course, I called Reuben immediately and informed him what happened and said I'll visit him tomorrow if I can. Since Delip's surgery was today, wouldn't be a good idea to visit him after the surgery so he can come out of the anesthesia.

Visited Deepak's mom and had a chat with her and headed for home. In the evening, I went for my followup at the clinic with Deepak and doctor was happy with my progress and said I should be well in no time. Went to Giant to have a drink and Deepak's mom took us out for dinner at KFC though I felt bad she paid for it. Came home at 9.20pm missing my favourite TV programme but your friends are more important so... yeah. No news in MouseHunt apart from catching the Reaper Mouse. That's all folks!

Living with TMJ Disorder and finally caught Triple B

Well, no known treatment or solution for TMJ Disorder except for jaw exercise and painkillers where it cannot be tolerated. In worst scenarios, surgery using a scope is required but is no guarantee the problem can be solved and will also make it worse according to my dentist. She suggested I continue with the exercise seeing I have slight reduction in pain. Visited my GP who placed me on a course of antibiotics and pain medication and may refer me to another ENT for a second opinion on the pain since it's close to the ear. For now, the pain isn't too bad.

My luck after the Eclipse Mouse wasn't good but I finally caught the mouse required to complete the "Digby Dirt Dwellers" Group:

9:45 pm - Town of Digby
I checked my trap and found that I had caught a mouse! I caught a 3 lb. 3 oz. Big Bad Burroughs Mouse worth 22,700 points and 24,500 gold.

The mouse also dropped the following loot:
1 Monolith Base and 1 Satchel of Gold (5,000 gold)

Tribute to Mom

When I was born, you first looked into my eyes,
Tears of joy filled yours as I cried,
Although I didn't know why,
But you brought me to this world, that's no lie


I remember the time I started to crawl,
You were there with me to help when I fall,
Even when I did and I cried,
It wasn't long before my tears turned into a smile


As I grew up I knew it was hard,
Times I gave you trouble but you never took it to heart,
For one thing I will always remember about thee
You taught me to forgive others the same way you did with me


Time passed by and I knew it wouldn't be long,
Time to say goodbye to mom,
Though I know you're gone from earth to your Maker,
Till we meet again, Thank you mom, you were my Creator

By: Adrian Netto on 22 March 2011

The Curse of the Eclipse Mouse

Work was hectic today but somehow it wasn't too bad. Reuben and Nisha were becoming worried about the pain in the jaw I have been having for sometime and suggested I do something about it e.g. get a second opinion or ask the doctor/dentist for options. Sigh why is my life full of unanswered questions?

As the title of this post implies, despite having 24 Tier 7 cheeses, none of the mice dropped the pot for tier 8. To make matters worse, the last cheese was a FTA (fail to attract). Well, at least I caught the Necromancer Mouse but it looks like I have to start all over again. Now hunting at Digby for Triple B.

Mother's Day Without Mom?

Yeah, 3rd year without mom and I still remember her words "You won't know how important someone is in your life until they're gone". Well, I actually smsed Han Zhang since we claim each other as our brothers to wish his mom for me lol XD. Why not? She's his mom and still a mother. I sent smses to all my aunts who have children.

My aunt Karen joined us since my grandmother was with us and we had lunch at Asian Rice Pot in SS5A. Food was delicious and worth the money. Came home and you can guess what I did. Yep, MouseHunt! Still in Tier 5 collecting Tier 6 pots. I went as far as Tier 7 and only caught the Fiend Mouse but hardly attracted the Necromancer Mouse or even got the pot for Tier 8. I guess that's gonna take up alot of my patience.

Jaw tension is still there but not as bad as what it was. The medication really makes me drowsy so I have to counter that by going to bed early at night but wobble abit during the day. No wonder my badminton was dreadful yesterday heh.

It also happens that today is World Red Cross Day where the founder of this international humanitarian movement; Jean Henry Dunant was born on 8 May 1828. Nothing much really on this side but there was an event going on at Tasik Titiwangsa.

Mother's Day ended with the cutting of the cake by my grandmother. My cousins; Cesca and Fabi joined us. Nobody knew what to sing for Mother's Day until my cousins started singing "Ibu, Ibu, engkaulah ratu hatiku"" lol. I guess that's better than some other weird song. Overall, the day went well.

An unusual day

Woke up at 5am this morning forgetting I have no work and decided to logon and play MouseHunt. Had breakfast with grandmother and talked with her abit and dozed off. Woke up to get lunch for both of us and just when I thought of mouse hunting, there was a problem with the game.

Well headed for badminton and swimming at Han Zhang's place with Jason joining us. No idea why my badminton was terrible today. Poor HZ got "bullied" in the water but no harm done. Since HZ had to leave as he was going out with his mom for mother's day (which is actually tomorrow), both Jason and I headed for mcd joined by Hafiz later. Well, I must say Hafiz is really kind and helpful despite me bullying him a little. Jason came to my rescue today just when I was in trouble. We had dinner at Asian Cafe and headed back at 12.

Well, tension in the jaw is still there but not as bad as what it was previously. Just hope it goes off soon. Time for me to retire to bed.

MouseHunt Progress and TMJ Disorder Relieve

After several failed attempts in catching the Paladin Mouse in Tier 6, I finally caught the rodent. Well, I guess patience is a virtue. Not 1 but 2 within 10 minutes apart from each other lol.

12:35 pm - King's Gauntlet
I sounded the Hunter's Horn and was successful in the hunt! I caught a 11 oz. Paladin Mouse worth 25,200 points and 2,500 gold.

12:45 pm - King's Gauntlet
I checked my trap and found that I had caught a mouse! I caught a 1 lb. 12 oz. Paladin Mouse worth 25,200 points and 2,500 gold.

To add further, I also got my first Gauntlet Potion for Tier 7 and caught 3 Fiend Mice with that! I was hoping for one to be the Necromancer and the other with the potion to tier 8 but oh well. Can't have it all.

1:43 pm - King's Gauntlet
I sounded the Hunter's Horn and was successful in the hunt! I caught a 6 oz. Sacred Shrine Mouse worth 19,500 points and 9,000 gold.

The mouse also dropped the following loot:
1 Gauntlet Potion Tier 7


2:14 pm - King's Gauntlet
I sounded the Hunter's Horn and was successful in the hunt! I caught a 14 oz. Fiend Mouse worth 72,000 points and 50,000 gold.

The TMJ pain has somewhat reduced but the pain in the ear is still there but the doctor said that'll go off soon. Still get the tight feeling around te jaw but not as bad as what it used to be. Well, let's hope I recover without having to go for further tests or the go under the dreaded surgeon's knife.

Progress

Pain has somewhat reduced but had nausea from the medication so the med was changed. Thanks to everyone for their well wishes and support. I am on the road to recovery. No more paranormal movements of my jaw from now on. However, let's see what happens when the medication completes next week if I can stop relying on them.

Yay me! I have moved up to Tier 5 in the King's Gauntlet and kind of stable armed with Clockapult of Time and Tiki Base since Tier 5 is Shadow. So far, 1 FTC but that's okay. Let's see if I can catch the Eclipse Mouse this time around.

Problem resolved? Or do we have to continue searching?

Already a week since I last posted? Been too weak to sit and type and now I am slowly recovering. Last week, met up with Jason at Berjaya Times Square for lunch. Saturday was CPR demo in SMKKJ and lunch with HZ.

Well, after going to ENT with the jaw mobility and TMJ check, I have been sent back to the dental team in regards to my problem. I just wish these people would do their job properly and stop chasing me around. This time, I was referred to Professor Shanmugam from the oral surgery team and Dr. Aung and another person attended to me discussing my problem. Something I never thought of was I had this habit of moving my mandible to the left and right aka paranormal jaw movement which is not good since it's supposed to move up and down only. He threatened to wire my jaw if I continued to do that lol. Also, to take small bites when eating. Followup next week. Forgot to mention that a cute mouse was at the ENT department sitting in a hole of a chair leg looking all round lol. I called it out and the little rodent came out but before I could catch it, it ran into one of the consultation rooms lol. I hope it didn't frighten the doctor :P

Pain has somewhat reduced and hopefully we will see the end of this saga too. Been 2 months I have been suffering. Nothing exciting otherwise except for being in the King's Gauntlet in MH and World Red Cross Day coming up on Sunday.