“I am lucky to have my family by my side all these years. Whatever I need, they are more than happy to provide.” Mr Tan Poo Koon, 70 Retiree
I have two passions in life, - spending time with my family and travelling. Since 2000, I have been living with diabetes and partial blindness, but that does not stop me from enjoying the things that I love with my family and friends. When I was first diagnosed with diabetes in 1984, it was a wake-up call for me. My work as a deliveryman didn’t allow me to have regular meals. I did not eat healthily and had absolutely no knowledge of diabetes. The diagnosis changed that - I started watching my diet, exercising more and went for regular check-ups. In 1997, I started insulin injections, and made sure I took them regularly, even when I was travelling. Over time, my condition stabilised. My doctor was happy with my progress and encouraged me to keep going. However, three years later, I was diagnosed with diabetic proliferative retinopathy. The diabetes had damaged my retina and I lost sight in my left eye so I had to stop work. It was a scary experience because I felt I was close to becoming completely blind. I kept an even tighter watch on my diet and read up as much as I could to learn what more I could do to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Unfortunately, retinopathy can still affect people who have tried really hard to control their diabetes. In 2007, my left eye was so severely affected that doctors at the Singapore National Eye Centre (SNEC) had to remove it completely. The good thing was that I was fitted with a prosthetic eye which looks just like the real thing.
Ai Tee. Whenever I am at SNEC for follow up, I make sure to look for them to have a chat and find out how they are doing. I am lucky to have my family by my side all these years. Whatever I need, they are more than happy to provide. They take turns to accompany me when I leave the house and keep the house clear of clutter so that I can get around safely. I get to see my three-year-old granddaughter every week and she really brightens up my day. As a family, we go on holidays and staycations every year. My favourite destination so far is Kota Kinabalu. My daughter always reminds me to take care of my health and keep my condition under control so that I can continue to travel with them. I would like to encourage others who are living with diabetes to take medication and go for check-ups regularly. You can still enjoy life if you keep your condition under control.
“Mr Tan is one of the most resilient patients I have encountered. It is admirable how he continues to fight against all odds after each setback.”
Aw Ai Tee I have been a patient of SNEC for 18 years. The doctors Deputy Director of Nursing and nurses take very good care of me and I get along well Day Ward with them, especially the nurses, Ms June Tan and Ms Aw Singapore National Eye Centre
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