high fever

Joel developed a fever 2 days ago. He's still active and happy in the day, but he cant sleep well at night.

Last night, his fever didnt subside (even after taking the 6-hourly paracetamol). We tried to sponge him and eventually called Parkway Health 24-hour hotline at 4am. The telephone operator advised us to go down and see their family doctor (not paediatrician). We quickly woke up and changed. Fortunately, RuiJin hospital (where Parkway Health is housed) is only 5-minutes away by car.

All of us were wrapped like dumplings with an extra layer of clothing - complete with beanies and scarves. We even brought along a blanket to wrap Joel like the locals do. But we didnt use it becoz he was already too bulky to be carried comfortably (and we were very bulky too). Joel was still active and "talkative" throughout - at home and at the clinic. He was well-behaved except when the doctor wanted to check the insides of his mouth. Managed a quick look, and his tonsils was a little inflamed.

When we reached, Joel's temperature was 39.6˚C. He was given medication and we had to wait 30 minutes for the doctor to monitor him again. It went down to 39˚C and we could go home. The bill came up to ¥1900/approx S$400!!! (There was an additional charge of ¥1000 at night)

We were home by 5.30am and slept immediately - not soundly but with more peace-of-mind.

Here's pictures of Joel playing at the clinic during that 30-minutes wait for the medication to take effect. Joel was also given a sticker (pasted on his sweater) and the boy kinda looked like him! ;)



Unrelated Thoughts:
There were 4 people at the clinic (on duty that night) - 1 receptionist cum cashier, 1 nurse, 1 pharmacist and 1 doctor. 3 were Chinese except the doctor was Filipino.

Elvis was so convinced they were sleeping before we arrived (and that they were on standby). When i called the hotline to book an appointment, i was asked what time we will reach, and i replied, 'Within 30 minutes'. When we left, the receptionist/cashier locked the door immediately and Elvis said they're going back to sleep. If it's indeed true, it meant their sleeping quarters is inside the clinic. It sounds weird to me although it also doesnt make much sense that clinics here are opened 24-hours. Then, when i said, "No lah...the operator is Filipino leh...spoke Filipino-accent English." Then he said, "It must be that Recep lah!" ...or maybe the doctor! Hahaha... ;p

Anyway, i'm sure the operator manning the hotline is so NOT the doctor.