Another Recovery

I’ve been to the hospital yesterday. It was something that needed to be done and that I have been postponing for almost 8 months, ever since my GP gave me the referral. I’ve been postponing it because the complaints I have are the same as the ones I had whilst living in the UK. Back then it was the start of an excessive period of turmoil which caused nothing but grief, both mentally and physically. I don’t have happy memories of that time in my life thus I do not wish to see it repeated again.

But avoiding a situation is not going to make it disappear all of a sudden. I realise that I shouldn’t ignore my health and instead face my fear. So two weeks ago I finally rang the hospital and made an appointment that was scheduled yesterday. I went to the hospital which is within walking distance (20 min walk) and had a chat with the assistant, she explained the procedure to me. But once on the lithotomy operating table the specialist doctor changed his mind about the treatment because of certain complications.

I ended up having local anaesthesia (four injections) and four biopsies were taken. I had severe contractions caused by what they call the Ferguson reflex. Next week I’ll receive a phone call about the results and see if I need more surgery. If that is the case I will have to recover for another three weeks, whilst I’m not allowed to do heavy lifting, climb stairs etc. I’m trying to take one day at a time and not worry about what is going to be next. Today I’ll focus on getting better, ignore the pain and enjoy a beautiful spring day.

Pancakes, Noodle Soup and Bapao

I’m having serious food cravings lately and I think it’s because I’ve lost so much weight over the last two weeks having to deal with a stomach bug and ear infection. Antibiotics didn’t really work and I was told at the hospital that I need to consider more surgery [I’m so looking forward to that!] I’ll have to have a CT scan done before I’ll make a decision. I still have vivid memories of the last time when they removed part of the bone without my consent.

But jeez those cravings… whenever food is mentioned it’s instantly stuck in my head. Yesterday I was reminded of pancakes for the second time, I haven’t had a bacon/apple pancake ever since I left the Lowlands and I went through each kitchen cupboard to look for a bottle of Wester Stroop. I think I’ve chucked it in the bin, I had no bacon either, just apple so instead I melted some extremely macho chocolate which was a gift and so tasty.

Then Ismoyo mentioned ‘Indonesian Bapao’ on her blog and again I had this instant craving for the wonderful flavours and succulence meat of an authentic Bapao. I wish I hadn’t read those two words because it’s now haunting me and so I’ve decided to make them for lunch this week. Actually make a whole batch and put a few in the freezer. I wonder if I should experiment with shrimp and crab meat, not authentic really but my own recipe: could be very nice…

Guess what… I went to Tesco on Saturday and found out that they’ve started to sell Indonesian products: boemboes [Indonesian spice pastes], satay marinade, kroepoek [prawn crackers] etc. etc. all by my favourite ‘Dutch’ brand. I so hope they’ll get the complete assortment! Oh… and it’s about time I have a proper Mie Ayam this week… *hehe*

What is wrong with me? Please don’t mention any more food on your posts… :P

My mini pancakes: finger licking good! My all time favourite Pannekoekenhuis