Day: May 21, 2024

My Tumultuous Relationship with the Month of May

The month of May has always been a challenging time for me. Though I’m not superstitious, the coincidences surrounding this month are becoming increasingly hard to ignore. Each May seems to bring a new set of difficulties, and this year has been no exception.

The Nightmare of 2009

The saga began in May 2009 when my youngest daughter Cass who was 13 months old then underwent major surgery on her urinary tract to treat a Grade 3 Kidney Reflux and duplex kidney issue.  What should have been a straightforward recovery turned into a nightmare. On the second day post-surgery, a power failure happened. Then, Cass kept throwing up green stuff the moment she drank anything. Two harrowing weeks later and after a battery of invasive and non-invasive scans that couldn’t show where the problem was, her surgeon pushed her into the OT and opened up her abdomen to perform an emergency surgery.  There was a kink at the end of her intestines, that was causing all the vomiting, a post-surgery complication that is not unusual for an abdomen surgery. My three-week nightmarish stay at Gleneagles Medical Centre in Penang with Cass was one of the most harrowing experiences of my life. The constant anxiety and the emotional toll of watching my daughter suffer were unbearable.

My Own Health Struggles

May continues to be a challenging month for me in subsequent years. In May 2017, I underwent a laparoscopic myomectomy to remove a fibroid in my uterus. The following year, also in the month of May, I faced another medical issue when I had to have a tooth removed, which came with its own set of complications.

This May, I’m battling a painful callus on the side of my left foot. Despite using topical medication for over two months, the pain persists, and I may have to see a doctor if it doesn’t improve soon. The discomfort it causes while walking is a constant reminder of my tumultuous relationship with this month.

The PC Cable Incident

Just last week, as if to add to my woes, the cable connecting my PC snapped unexpectedly, with sparks of fire flying. This incident left me unable to use my PC for a day. Thankfully, the damage was limited to the cable, and the internal electrical parts of my motherboard were unharmed. But the suddenness of the event was a stark reminder of how unpredictable May can be.

The part circled in red is where sparks of fire flew off all of a sudden. A similar issue happened last May. Can you believe how creepy this is?!

A Shocking Email from Alycia’s University

Today, I was jolted awake at 5:45 AM by an alarming email from Alycia’s university titled “Unsatisfactory Attendance Report.” The email stated that Alycia’s attendance had fallen below the minimum requirement and that an Unsatisfactory Attendance Report (UAR) had been issued. It mentioned that the university is required to report its activities to the Ministry of Education Malaysia (MOE), the Immigration Department of Malaysia (IDM), validating partners, and professional bodies that accredit its programs and graduates. The tone of the email made it sound as if my daughter had committed a serious offense.

Knowing Alycia to be an obedient and diligent student since young, I was deeply concerned. My first thought was whether the university might rescind her scholarship. I quickly forwarded the email to Alycia, seeking an explanation. Alycia was as shocked as I was and assured me that she had not missed any classes. She also mentioned that a friend of hers had received a similar email yesterday despite having perfect attendance. This led me to suspect a technical glitch.

Indeed, the information in the email was contradictory. It stated that Alycia had been absent from class, yet the provided table showed zero sessions missed. Finally, after a tense morning, Alycia received a message from her university informing her of a technical glitch in the system. I also received an apology email from the university, confirming the error. What a relief! 

Hoping for Brighter Days Ahead

As I navigate through the challenges that May brings, I can’t help but hope for better days ahead. Despite the rocky start, I remain optimistic that the remainder of the month will bring peace and positive experiences for me and my family.

Here’s to turning the tide and making the rest of May a month of resilience and triumph.

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How to Transform a Conservatory into a Children’s Playroom

Converting your conservatory into a children’s playroom is a great way to create a fun space for kids to play and learn. With some creative planning and child-friendly decor, the conservatory can become a whimsical play zone. Follow these key steps to transform the space safely and functionally.

Assess the Space

The first step in transforming your conservatory into a children’s playroom is to assess the space. Take measurements of the room and sketch out a floor plan. Consider which areas will be best for different types of play like building/construction, imaginative play, arts and crafts, etc. Think about the flow of the space and where you might place furniture like storage, a table, chairs, and shelving. Also, assess the flooring, wall colours, lighting, and heating/cooling requirements to make the space child-friendly. 

Make It Safe

Safety should be a top priority when creating a playroom for children. Check for any potential hazards like sharp edges on furniture or fixtures, exposed plug sockets, cords, or unsafe window coverings. Use safety products like corner guards, edge bumpers, outlet covers, cord tidies, and window blind cord cleats as needed. Also, consider installing impact-resistant laminate flooring or plush carpeting to cushion falls. Proper lighting is key – make sure the playroom is well-lit with no dark corners or shadows.

Add Storage

Children’s playrooms inevitably end up with lots of toys, games, art supplies, dress-up clothes and more, so ample storage is a must. Add shelving units, baskets, storage ottomans, toy boxes and cabinets to neatly organise all the playroom paraphernalia when not in use. Label storage containers so kids can put toys away properly. Mount storage up high to keep floors clear and make the most of vertical space. If you have blank walls, use hanging fabric cubbies for storage too. 

Furnish Appropriately

Furnish the playroom with pieces suitable for children. Look for furniture with rounded edges and made from durable, easy-to-clean materials. Plastic tables and chairs that can be wiped clean are ideal. Washable rugs are better than carpets. Have a mix of seating options like beanbags, cushions and small chairs or sofas at child height. Sturdy shelving will hold books, games and toys. An art/craft table or easel encourages creativity.

Add Play Areas

Designate specific areas for different types of play. For example, use foam mats and soft climbing blocks in an active play area. Set up a reading nook with a comfy kid-sized chair or beanbag and accessible book storage. Create a ‘stage’ area with play curtains and dress-up clothes for pretend play. Build in plenty of floor space for building blocks, train tracks or playing with toy cars. You could also dedicate part of the room to arts, crafts and sensory play if space allows.

Look at conservatories in Yorkshire if your old one isn’t big enough or is dated. Energy-efficient conservatories in Yorkshire make great playrooms for all-year-round use. 

With some strategic planning and child-centred design choices, your conservatory can be magically transformed into a playful kids’ domain. Just be prepared for the playroom to become a second home for your little ones!

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The Essential Tool Kit: 7 Must-Haves for Managing IBS Flare-Ups

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a chronic condition affecting the large intestine. Symptoms include abdominal pain, bloating, diarrhoea, and constipation. IBS flare-ups can be frustrating and disrupt daily life. Having the right tools on hand can help you better manage symptoms when they occur. This article outlines 7 must-have items for your IBS flare-up toolkit. Being prepared is key to handling flare-ups when they strike.

Monitor Your Diet

Diet plays a big role in IBS. Certain foods like dairy, beans, cabbage, and broccoli contain FODMAPs that can trigger IBS symptoms. Keeping a food diary during a flare-up helps identify problem foods. Eliminating those foods through a gluten free diet plan for IBS can provide relief. Pay attention to how your body responds after eating and make note of any foods that seem to make your symptoms worse.

Try Digestive Teas

Sipping on tea for IBS can help ease abdominal cramping during an IBS flare up due to its antispasmodic properties. Peppermint, ginger, and fennel teas are soothing choices. Drink these teas 30 minutes before or after meals for best results. Keep a variety on hand so you can choose a flavour you enjoy when a flare-up occurs.

Take Probiotics

Probiotics help restore balance to the gut microbiome, which often gets disrupted in IBS. Look for a multi-strain probiotic with at least 10 billion CFUs. Take one capsule daily, even when symptoms subside, to maintain digestive health. Talk to your doctor to determine which specific strains might help your IBS symptoms.

Use Heating Pads

A heating pad can provide relief when IBS pain strikes. The gentle heat helps relax abdominal muscles and alleviate cramping, bloating, and gas. Use a heating pad on your abdomen for 15-20 minutes as needed to soothe discomfort. Placing a heating pad on the area of pain can provide quick, soothing relief during a flare-up.

Try Antispasmodics

Over-the-counter antispasmodics like hyoscyamine can prevent or reduce intestinal spasms. These medications relax the smooth muscles in the digestive tract. Take them as soon as cramps start for fast-acting relief. Discuss with your doctor if prescription antispasmodics could also help manage your symptoms.

Reduce Stress

Stress significantly exacerbates IBS symptoms. Practicing relaxation techniques like deep breathing, meditation, yoga, or Tai Chi helps lower stress so the mind-gut connection isn’t amplified during a flare-up. Even 10 minutes per day can make a difference. Identify healthy stress management habits you can turn to when you feel a flare-up coming on.

Adjust Your Lifestyle

Making healthy lifestyle changes can improve gut health over time. Follow a regular sleep schedule, exercise moderately, drink plenty of water, and use body recomposition strategies to achieve a healthy weight. These habits support the digestive system. Developing an exercise routine you enjoy can help improve gut function over time.

IBS flare-ups can be managed with the right treatments on hand. These essential tools will help you minimise the frequency and severity of flare-ups. With a properly equipped toolkit, you can gain more control over IBS symptoms. 

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HEALTH FREAK MOMMY