The Life Changing Story of Charlie

On Your Side | Real Life Story: Often times, we hear stories of people with health-related problem and their successful journey of healing. This time, Parents Avenue brings you the life-changing story of Charlie from Kota Marudu, Sabah.

Written by Sylviannie Jreneus 
Parents Avenue Magazine Issue No.11 April to June 2018

Charlie with his parents in the ward on the day of discharge.

Charlie bin Magawa is a 9-year-old boy from Kampung Mantus, Kota Marudu. He is the fifth and the youngest child of Magawa bin Malugot, 55 and Roining binti Kulamau, 49. Charlie has two older brothers and two older sisters. The first two siblings, aged 28 and 25, are currently working with a private agricultural company in Australia. The third sibling, aged 21, is currently unemployed, whilst the fourth sibling is studying in Form One in SMK Tandek, Kota Marudu. As for Charlie, he goes to SK Tanjung Batu, Kota Marudu as a Year 3 student. With a big passion for badminton and art, Charlie leads a normal life just like every other boy at his age. But, little do we know, that Charlie was previously diagnosed with a serious health condition that, had he been left untreated, could have cost him his life.

It all started when Charlie, who was then only 5 years old, was down with fever and later begun to experience breathing difficulties. As every concerned parent would do, his parents brought him to a Kota Marudu Hospital to seek for further help. The doctor on duty did an X-ray on the little boy, which led to the first diagnosis – Charlie had heart issues. The same day that he was diagnosed, Charlie was sent into emergency and was straightaway transferred to Sabah Women and Children Hospital, Likas, Kota Kinabalu.

He received more detailed tests in Sabah Women and Children Hospital. A blood test was performed and the results came in positive that he was suffering from Rheumatic Heart Disease (RHD). A paediatric cardiologist from Sabah Women and Children Hospital, Likas did an X-ray on Charlie. He had found that one of Charlie’s four heart valves was infected.

After detection, Charlie was given antibiotics to fight off against his valve infection, and that treatment lasted for a year. Unfortunately, the valve was still infected, so Charlie had no other choice than to receive a monthly injection during the second year until proper treatment could be done; which is to undergo a heart surgery.

Charlie’s scar 3 months after the surgery.

Rheumatic Heart Disease (RHD) suffered by Charlie is a condition of permanent damage to one or more heart valves. It is caused by rheumatic fever, which is a complication of an untreated bacterial infection with Streptococcus, or “strep”. Like in Charlie’s case, it is all started when he was down with fever but at the same time, he experienced breathing difficulties. Rheumatic fever, which symptoms are shown by Charlie during the early detection, is an inflammatory disease that follows a strep infection. If it is left untreated, it can affect many tissues, especially the heart, joints, skin, or brain. The infection may cause heart damage, particularly scarring of the heart valves. This forces the heart to work harder than usual to pump blood. In some cases, the damage may resolve on its own. However, there are also cases where the damage is permanent, which eventually causes heart failure. Heart-related complications of rheumatic fever may develop months or even years after the initial strep infection.

The doctor who handled Charlie’s case in Sabah Women and Children Hospital, Likas made an effort to ease out the family’s application to get funds from Sabah Council of Social Service (SCSS) as little Charlie needed to undergo a heart surgery as soon as possible. They waited for less than a year before the application was finally approved by YB Datuk Hajjah Jainab DSP Hj Ahmad Ayid, the Ministry of Community Development and Consumer Affairs. That was the first good news received by the family for Charlie’s case. In the meantime, Charlie still depended on the monthly injection until he turned 8.

At first, Charlie’s parents were informed about their available options on where the surgery can be performed, which was at a hospital in India, or Gleneagles Kota Kinabalu Hospital. Due to distance, going to India was not the family’s first option, so they opted for Gleneagles Kota Kinabalu Hospital as they were able to perform the heart surgery for Charlie there. That was indeed the second good news for the family.

Dr. Abu checking Charlie’s heart.

Dr. Abu Bakar, Cardiothoracic Surgeon of Gleneagles Kota Kinabalu Hospital finally handled Charlie’s case. Before surgery, Charlie’s condition worsened up until the point where he turned terribly weak. His skin turned pale, he lost a lot of weight and he was down with swollen chest. He also experienced abdominal and chest pain which made his condition even worse. He was still facing difficulties in breathing due to the worsening of his heart condition. His parents were very heartbroken to see their youngest child being in that condition and have been praying hard to be able to see Charlie’s health back on track again. The strong parents refused to give up on their son.

So the heart surgery was done and there comes the third good news and the biggest blessings for the family. Charlie’s heart surgery was a success! Thanks to all doctors who did their parts throughout his journey as a Rheumatic Heart Disease patient, from a very weak and thin little boy, Charlie is now an active boy and he gained weight as his appetite increased. His parents’ prayers have been answered. Just like typical adventurous boys of his age, he is always with his outdoor activities, especially cycling and playing badminton. The surgery done by Dr. Abu Bakar from Gleneagles Kota Kinabalu Hospital is indeed life changing. Charlie’s case is a living proof of that.

The operation cost is approximately RM60,000 to RM80,000 and was fully funded by Sabah Council of Social Service (SCSS). SCSS, or also known as Majlis Perkhidmatan Masyarakat Sabah (MPMS) is established under the Chairmanship of the Commissioner Labour and Welfare with the main purpose of assisting voluntary welfare work and it includes for health-related cases like Charlie’s. SCSS is later became the constituent partner of The National Council of Social Welfare, Malaysia alongside with the Sarawak Social Welfare Council.

Charlie with his parents at Gleneagles Kota Kinabalu Hospital

As parents, Magawa and Roining were over the moon and were very thankful to be able to receive full funding from SCSS to cover Charlie’s heart surgery cost at Gleneagles Kota Kinabalu Hospital. It was a blessing for the family who are desperate to see their beloved child to live a normal life again. And Charlie just did!

As a father, Magawa has a message for every family who are facing similar situation like theirs. To him, patience is the key. There must be a cure for all diseases, as long as we follow what the doctor’s advice. Doctors are specialised in their own fields and of course the suggestions made by them are the best. As for Charlie’s mother, Roining, she said that it is important for us to act fast for treatments and don’t be afraid to do the surgery because it does change our life. Like her husband, she also encourages each of us to listen to the doctor’s advice.

Gleneagles Kota Kinabalu Hospital, where Charlie’s life-changing heart surgery was performed, is a tertiary level hospital bringing Sabah a Healthcare facility of International standards that shall work towards enhancing care in the state of Sabah. It is assimilated with regionally well-established premium Gleneagles brand inculcating a facility with high quality amenities / comforts, service levels to match, infused with cutting edge technology and have a highly trained team of consultants and staffs.

Gleneagles Kota Kinabalu Cardiac Centre is bolstered by prevention program, diagnosis and treatment directly to the patients, both adults and children. The cardiac team consists of Interventional Cardiologist, Cardiothoracic Surgeon, Cardiac Anaesthetist, Perfusionist, Peadiatric Cardiologist & Cardiac Technicians. They have a standby cardiac catheterization laboratory that would operate for 24 hours. Thanks to the professionalism of the Gleneagles Kota Kinabalu Hospital, many lives were saved, that including Charlie’s.

HAND FOOT MOUTH DISEASE

What Parents Must Know About Hand Foot Mouth Disease (HFMD)

DR. ANG SIANG CHIE | CONSULTANT PAEDIATRICIAN | JESSELTON MEDICAL CENTRE

“My Kid’s school was recently instructed to close temporarily for 2 weeks as there is currently an outbreak of HFMD. He has had fever for the last 2 days and now is drooling saliva and refuses orally. I have just noticed a few red dots on his palms… May I know whether my kid has HFMD?”

Often parents get worried about kids contracting hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD), unfortunately basic hygienic care in our community is still largely neglected hence leading to the spread of bugs.

What is hand, foot and mouth disease? 

Hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD) is a common infectious disease of infants and children. It is a very contagious illness caused by viruses from the enterovirus family, most commonly caused by Coxsackie virus A16 which usually results in a mild self-limiting disease with few complications. However, HFMD can also be caused by Enteroviruses, including Enterovirus 71 (EV71) which has been associated with serious complications, and may be fatal.

How does it spread? 

These viruses live in the patient’s digestive tract and spread from person to person usually through unwashed hands and surfaces contaminated by stool of the infected person. Transmission also occurs by direct contact with nose and throat discharges, saliva or fluid from blisters.

How soon after exposure do symptoms appear? 

The usual period from exposure to onset of symptoms (Incubation period) is about 3–7 days. During this period, a child can remain well and asymptomatic.

Who is at risk for HFMD? 

EVERYONE who has not already been infected is at risk of infection, but not everyone who is infected becomes ill. HFMD occurs most commonly in children younger than 5 -6 years of age. Younger children tend to have worse symptoms. Children who attend daycare centers, schools, shopping centers or even playgrounds are at risk of contracting HFMD. Intra-family spread is also another means of transmission.

Can you be infected with HFMD more than once? 

Yes, infection only results in immunity to one specific virus, another infection may occur with another different virus type.

WHAT are the classical signs and symptoms and HOW serious is HFMD?

Fever : Lasting 24- 48 hours, is often the first symptom of HFMD. Children also experience malaise, poor appetite, and frequently have a sore throat.

Oral Ulcers : One or two days after fever onset, painful sores develop in the mouth. They begin as small red spots that blister and then often become ulcers. They are usually located on the gums, tongue, and inside of the cheeks. That leads to drooling of saliva and often, children will have very poor oral intake, especially solids and semisolids.

Vesicle/Rashes : A non-itchy skin rash develops over 1–2 days with flat or raised red spots, some with vesicles typically with a red halo. The rash is usually located on the palms of the hands and soles of the feet; it may also appear on the buttocks.

A child with HFMD may not have symptoms, or some may have only the rash or only mouth ulcers which is also known as HERPANGINA.

How is HFMD treated? 

Presently, there is no proven treatment available for HFMD. It usually goes away on its own within a few days to a week. Acetaminophen (Paracetamol) can be given to help a child who is achy or irritable, or to ease painful mouth ulcers or discomfort from fever. 

A child who refuses solid food can be offered milk or even cold foods like ice cream and popsicles which help by numbing the area, and will be a welcome treat for kids who have trouble swallowing.

Besides, make sure children drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated ( e.g: coconut water, barley water e.t.c). Discourage sour drinks as they contain mild acid which can cause more pain to the ulcers. Seek help if your child continues to be irritable, can’t be comforted, or seems to be getting worse or even looks dehydrated, with signs like a dry tongue, sunken eyes, or decreased urine output.

Children with blisters on their hands or feet should keep the areas clean and uncovered. Wash the skin with lukewarm soap and water, and pat dry.

Can HFMD be prevented? 

There are no specific antiviral drugs or vaccines available against HFMD. Fortunately, the risk of infection can be lowered by good, hygiene practices and prompt medical attention for children showing severe symptoms.

Hand washing is the best protection. Remind everyone in your family to wash their hands often. Frequent handwashing with soap and water especially after touching any blister or sore, before preparing food and eating, before feeding young infants, after using the toilet and after changing diapers is very important.

Regular cleaning of contaminated surfaces and soiled items, including toys, first with soap and water, and then disinfecting them using a dilute solution of chlorine-containing bleach would help.

Avoiding close contact (kissing, hugging, sharing utensils) with children with HFMD may also help to reduce of the risk of transmission.

Keep infants and sick children away from kindergarten, nursery, school or gatherings until they are well (at least 1-2 weeks). Maintain good cough etiquette (covering mouth and nose when sneezing and coughing) disposing properly of used tissues and nappies into waste bins that close properly; maintaining cleanliness of the home, child care center, kindergartens or schools are steps to reduce the spread of HFMD

Even after kids recover, they can pass the virus in their stool for several weeks, so the infection still can spread to others.

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For more information, please contact Jesselton Medical Centre at 088-366 333 or for Emergency at 088-366 399. Find them at Metrow Town, Off Jalan Lintas. Website: www.jmc.my

For the complete article about this subject can be read on this July to September issue of Parents Avenue Magazine. *Disclaimer: All information is for your general reference only. We do not accept any responsibility whatsoever in respect of such information. 

Kota Kinabalu's Ballerina Seeks To Inspire More Young Dancers

Interview & Photos by Stella Matilda

Charlotte Chan Kota Kinabalu’s Favourite Ballerina Seeks to Inspire More Young Dancers.

How long have you been dancing and when did you start?

At the age of 10 when my mother put me and my sister in our first ballet class. I just thought that it would be for fun, not knowing what it would turn into. I met another dance teacher when I was 16, and I learnt more about dancing. Besides ballet, I’ve learnt contemporary dance and choreography as well. I’ve decided to pursue my dream to study a bachelors degree in Dance when I was 20. Well, age is not an excuse, I did everything I could to learn as much as I could during university time.

How often would you dance in a day/week?

My university life was entirely dedicated to dancing. I spend 6 to 8 hours in a day when I in university. Sometimes, we spend more than that if there’s a performance coming. However, I am focusing on teaching here, so I dance once a week to maintain my form.

What was your favourite performance to see/be in?

My university graduation show: Art, Memory, Dream in 2011.

What shows have you been in?

Taiwan: Performed in Wa Dance (2009)

-Taipei, Wu Yun Feng Hua (2010)

-Taipei, Art, Memory, Dream (2011)

-Taipei & Tai Zhong

Kota Kinabalu: Joined Synergy Dance

Studio since 2006. Performed in Pandora’s

Box (2006), Snow in my Heart

(2008), No-Love-Story (2012), Marking

Our Life (2013), Exodus (2012) and

Halloween Chap Pa Lang (2012).

Do you have any secrets for dancing?

Dancing is my life and I only hope that there are many more young ballerinas out there feel the same way. Every correction you receive is a gift from a dance teacher who sees greater potential in you. Appreciate every correction and never give up! You have to love dancing to stick to it. It gives you nothing back, no manuscripts to store away, no paintings to show on walls, no poems to be printed and sold, nothing but that single fleeting moment when you feel alive.

What do you have to do to prepare for a show?

Hard work and dedication are needed for a show. Besides those, the most important thing to have is a positive attitude. 

As an instructor, besides dance choreography, dancers’ technique & trainings, I have to prepare and deal with advertising, ticket selling, lighting, photography, videography & backstage crew flows. Extra dance practises and rehearsals are needed and all these require cooperation from parents.

What do people not know about the world of ballet?

In this industry, if you don’t put the work in yourself, no one is going to do it for you. There’s a huge part that comes from having talent, but without hard work, one will never make it.

Why do you think people see Ballet as an easy thing that anyone can do?

This, perhaps; dancers have the ability to make what they are doing look graceful instead of grueling and, at times, painful. The beauty is that they have the ability to make it look completely effortless.

What is the hardest thing about ballet?

I think ballet is one of the most demanding things to do. It hurts. It takes time. It requires dedication and will power. You will need to make healthy decisions. It requires sacrifice. You will need to push your body to the maximum. There will be temptation. But when you reach your goal, its WORTH IT.

Address: Unit 5, 1st Floor, Block K, Metro Town, Jalan Bunga Ulam Raja, 88300 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah.

Facebook: Charlotte Dance Studio

Contact: 011-1601 4909


Offering a complete program for the young dancer from age 4 years old and above. The studio uses a professional sprung dance floor structure and dance floor mats imported from Taiwan to prevent sport injuries. Fees: Pre-Ballet RM80 per month, Primary RM90 per month, Adult Ballet RM100 per month, Advance Class RM100 per month and Special Individual Class RM70 per hour.

Pets in Family

By Dr. Cecilia Boklin | Doctor of Veterinary Medicine | Kinabalu Animal Clinic

The Benefits of Pets in a Family Institution

Children love animals - their pets especially, and for good reasons. Animals offer a special kind of bond with them, with companionship and often delights. Caring for animals teaches children responsibility and empathy. Along with these, presence of animals in and around the house helps foster children’s emotional, cognitive, social and physical development.

Animals can be a great sense of comfort. Children often turn to their pets when they feel sad, angry, afraid or when they have a secret to share. An animal also gives a child something to talk about and a shared interest with other kids.

Having pets can help build family bonds. Most children and parents consider their pets as part of the family. Animal often becomes the focus of activities that families do together and this helps families grow stronger and closer. Taking a dog for a walk, grooming and feeding them, or getting down on the floor and playing with a cat offer the wonderful potential of slowing down the pace of modern life.

If you have a child with allergies, it is beneficial to get allergy testing done to determine the substances that might trigger an allergic response in your child, and it will help to rule out additional allergies which could be caused by a pet’s diet or bedding. This will also help a family to make an informed decision about what type of pet to have.

Responsible Pet Ownership

The benefits of pet ownership come with responsibilities. To be a responsible pet owner, a family must be able to give a full commitment. When selecting a pet, choose a pet that is suited to your home and lifestyle. Keep only the type and number of pets for which you can provide appropriate food, water, shelter, health care and most importantly, companionship.

All family members should commit to the relationship for the life of the pet. Appropriate exercise and mental stimulation (enrichment activities) should be provided. It is important to also properly socialize and train your pet to encourage bonding.

Hygiene is of utmost importance when owning a pet. Always clean up after your pet and do not allow your pet to stray or become feral. Limit your pet’s reproduction through neuterization, containment or managed breeding. Pet owners must also obey local ordinances, including licensing, leash requirements and noise control.

Pet ownership requires an investment of time, energy and also money. It is very important to ensure that a pet receives preventive health care (vaccinations, parasite control, etc.) as well as care for any illnesses or injuries. Always set aside a budget for potential emergencies. Pet owners should prepare alternate arrangements if they can no longer provide care for the pet.

Last but not least, as responsible pet owners, family members must be attentive to any decline in the pet’s quality of life and be able to make timely decisions in consultation with a qualified veterinarian.

Vaccination Plan

Dog Vaccination (10 in 1)

1) Canine Adenovirus 1
2) Canine Adenovirus 2
3) Canine Coronavirus Enteritis
4) Canine Distemper
5) Canine Parainfluenza
6) Canine Parvovirus
7) Canine Leptospirosis (L.canicola)
8) Canine Leptospirosis (L.grippotyphosa)
9) Canine Leptospirosis (L.icterohaemorrhagiae)
10) Canine Leptospirosis (L.pomona)

Cat Vaccination (4 in 1)

1) Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis (FVR) caused by Feline Herpesvirus-1
2) Respiratory disease caused by Feline Calicivirus (FCV)
3) Feline Panleukopenia (FPL) caused by Feline Parvovirus (FPV)
4) Feline Chlamydiosis caused by Chlamydia psittaci.

Address:
Lot 6, Lorong Durian 3, Kian Yap Industrial Estate, 88450 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah.

Contact: 088-385 804

Website: www.kinabaluvet.com

Facebook: Kinabalu Animal Clinic

Mommy, my tummy hurts!!! Abdominal Pain in Children

By Dr. Alvin Khoh | Consultant Paediatric Gastroenterologist | Gleneagles Kota Kinabalu Hospital

Abdominal pain in children is a common occurrence. Thankfully, in most cases, it is not caused by a serious condition. Irregardless, it does cause a lot of discomfort and distress to both the child and the family. It tends to interfere with the child’s daily activities, including schooling and other play activities.

Abdominal pain can happen suddenly or developed slowly over time. Most often, it is associated with other symptoms e.g.. vomiting, diarrhoea or fever.

The causes of abdominal pain in children are quite diverse. Among the more common cause may be food related (too much food, fizzy drinks or food poisoning), constipation or even viral infection (including gastroenteritis, causing vomiting and diarrhoea).

Other causes includes:
• Gastritis
• Heartburn
• Food allergy
• Appendicitis
• Urine infection
• Period pain in girls

In some children, the cause of abdominal pain may not be easily diagnosed at the onset. Over time, as more symptoms appear, it becomes more obvious. Thus it is very important for the child to be closely followed-up by their regular doctor in these instances.

Diagnosis and Treatment

Depending on the signs and symptoms that your child has, your doctor may order some tests: e.g.. blood, urine, x-ray or ultrasound. However, in most cases, investigations are not needed.

Similarly, treatment depends on the cause of the abdominal pain. Pain relief such as paracetamol are commonly used if needed. Antibiotics and gastric medications are used when necessary. If appendicitis is suspected, then your child may require surgery.

My child has been having abdominal pain for a long time!!

Some children have recurrent abdominal pains for months without any obvious cause. These children are usually healthy looking and growing well. This phenomenon is usually described as functional abdominal pain” and is not caused by any serious disease.

However, the pain tends to interfere with their daily activities, including school. It is usually triggered by stress or significant emotional events in life. These can cause the brain to send “excessive signals” to the nerves in the gut- thus causing the pain.It is important to recognise that the pain is real to the child, and not to brush it away by calling it “attention-seeking” behaviour.

These children should be assessed and managed by a specialist doctor thoroughly to ensure that they are not suffering from any significant disease.

When to seek help from a doctor?

If the pain or problem persists more than 1 day, it is best to seek medical advice. Seek help urgently if your child has the following:

• Has severe pain, frequent pain or the pain has moved
• Does not want to move
• Becomes pale, sweaty, lethargic or has high fever
• Refuses to drink fluids
• Vomiting > 24 hours and unable to keep fluids down
• Blood in the vomit or stools
• Recent injury to the abdomen (eg. falling down from bicycle, sports-related etc)

What can you do if your child develops abdominal pain?

Many children with abdominal pain get better quickly without any specific treatment. It is advisable for them to get lots of rest. The following may also help your child:

• Encourage your child to drink fluids
• If hungry, let your child eat what they want, or offer bland food - eg. biscuit, banana, porridge
• Do not force feed
• Encourage sitting on the toilet - passing motion may help
• Rubbing a child’s tummy gently and distract them (eg story telling)
• Paracetamol may be used (in the correct dosing)

Conclusion

Many children get abdominal pain, and most get better by themselves. Often, no cause can be found and at other times, the cause only becomes more obvious with time. Seeking timely help is important in managing these children, especially if they are unwell.


For more information, please contact Gleneagles Kota Kinabalu Hospital at 088-518 888.
Address: Riverson@Sembulan, Block A-1, Lorong Riverson@Sembulan, 88100 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah. For Emergency, please call 088-518 911

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