When Vera was warded for Pneumonia last January, in the bed adjacent to hers was Little D. A puny little girl whom we learnt had problems gaining weight. She was 3 years older than Vera, but smaller than her.
Time time, Vera is warded for Pneumonia again. Coincidentally, in the bed opposite hers is Little D again. Only that she ain't little no more. In just a year, she's overtaken Vera in size. She even has chubby cheeks now. I'm not sure what she's in for, but one thing hasn't changed.
Little D does not have any visitors.
I hear that she has a condition that causes water retention and needs to walk and exercise to help clear the fluids. Without someone around for her, the task falls on the nurses, who are already so busy with their duties.
Over the last 7 days, I've watched her eyelids increasingly swell till they're bulging, threatening to purse her eyes shut.
At first she could still peep through one eye. I brought her a board book. She smiled and flipped the pages delightedly.
Today, she could barely track. So I gave her a tactile musical toy, and she clung to it, pressing the buttons.
The nurses, cleaners, and other parents come to her and do what little they can to engage her. But when all are busy, she slumps in her stroller, the darkness closing in on her.
It makes me so sad. Here we are doing complete 24-hour shifts for Vera, and opposite her is the exact opposite.
WHERE ARE HER NEXT OF KIN? Not a single one? An uncle, aunt, grandparent?
What's the point of doctors and nurses trying so hard to help her, when her loved ones don't even pay a visit?
If they don't come see her quick, I'm afraid she'll soon not be able to see them either.
6 comments:
Oh May, that is so sad. It reminds me of when Zane was in the NICU. We would visit with him once or twice a day. Some of the babies have no one. I simply do not understand how she can have no family there. Bless you for taking things to her to keep her engaged.
It is so funny you write of this. I have been so troubled with 3 babies in room all around Annabel's room and no one came to see them. The only attention they received was from nurses. Well same story as they were so busy with other patients. I still can't stop thinking of them and the lonely painful cries. Why? I just don't understand. Thank goodness you show Little D attention. Praying Vera will be better soon.
If they care enough to bring Little D to the hospital, why not make the trip? This is truly sad. Hope Vera is feeling better already!
Okay, I finally saw the mom visit today. With 3 of her other young kids. So I guess it's a tough situation.
hey may... i was oso furious wen i encountered 1 such case. i even chided the nurses cos wen i realised no one has changed the child's diapers in >6hrs! then i felt pity wen the mum visited, w 2 young kids in tow. tis child is GDD, so she juz lay asleep all day, which is why no one worries abt her. frm then, i vow nvr to leave rac alone in hospital unless in ICU, & i am glad we've been able to manage tat. w no other help except for maid, tis is oso the main reason why we chose not to hv another child.
hope vera goes hm real soon!!
Hey May, little D passed away on 24th March 2011. The nurses cried buckets. I was told it was a sudden death but she did passed on without all the swelling and was also told that she had a little smile on her face.
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