When I started seeing some spotting, I was alarmed. Who wouldn't be? My pregnancy with Rafa was very clean, pain-free and uneventful except for the four-month morning sickness. I consulted an OB-Gyne who charges HKD800 per consultation plus another HKD 800 for the scan. Not to mention that it's 1 hour away by train. I consulted with her three or four times. When the bleeding got heavier, I had to go to the AED (ER) and would be charged HKD100 per visit. I went to the AED three times. I got admitted to the ward of the public hospital and got charged another HKD150. The stay wasn't a pleasant experience as well. The hospital isn't really that bad, it's the bedside manners of the doctors and nurses that's poor. I understand that there's language barrier for one and patient-staff ratio is not really that well balanced. But still, one would expect some compassion for patients especially terrified foreigners. I shudder to think about how one doctor performed the scan and was quickly out of the door before I could open my mouth to ask something. But you just have to get past it and think that he's just another soul trying to survive and finish his work. I forgave him when I saw him still running back and forth the ultrasound room two hours later. I was still bleeding heavily and in a lot of pain. We wouldn't have minded the cost if they just diagnosed me properly. I shuttled between the public system and the private doctor. All telling me that what I was experiencing was normal. I was insisting it was't normal and all I get are patronizing smiles as if telling me that I read too much and they know better than I do.
A concerned call from my mom prompted me to fly back home and consult with my OB-Gyne. So the decision was made to fly out as soon as I have prepared everything. I was anticipating on a long holiday and I will feel guilty leaving Naddy just like that. We prepared weeks worth of food and made sure all his clothes have been washed and pressed. Two days before we left, I was doubled in pain. I couldn't move, couldn't talk and had to sleep in another room. I didn't want to go back to the AED because I'm sure they wouldn't let me go home. And I didn't want to be stuck there when I'm two days away from seeing my own doctor back home. I did make it. I was able to endure two 2-hour flights and waiting time at the airport with my son and helper. I saw my doctor the following day, and I checked in the hospital that night for surgery the following morning but didn't make it on schedule and was rushed to the theater for emergency surgery. I had ectopic pregnancy and it ruptured. It ruptured just in time. I was home and a doctor I trusted who levels with me performed it. I was safe. The doctors here in Hong Kong misdiagnosed me. Simultaneous abortion/miscarriage? The scans showed a mass outside the uterus. The pathology results showed nothing but blood and endometrial lining. Either I wasn't convincing enough when I told them of the pain or they were just too busy to see the signs. I had all the symptoms yet they missed it. I could have avoided surgery but instead almost had complications.
I'm not sure if I could trust the system here again. But would I still try to get pregnant? Definitely! I have experienced being a mum and I want the joy doubled. I am alive and well, I have fully recovered everything seems to be in the distant past. I have recovered both physically and emotionally.
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