The world of Tzu Chi January 2020 (Vol.118)

TZU CHI 118 45 stamina at peak level, hence most of us follow an exercise regime, even if we are unable to fully adhere to a healthy lifestyle. Whenever I share with others about life after illness, I often illustrate the contrast in my physical conditions with my past and present experiences of scaling Mount Duli in Chiayi, Taiwan. Prior to my hepatitis C diagnosis, I would have already trekked my way up and down the mountain twice in the time my fellow hikers took to reach the halfway mark up the mountain. But ever since I fell ill, my legs seemed to have lost their dexterity. All I could do was gaze longingly at the hiking trail, counting the steps with my feet rooted firmly to the spot. On another occasion, my body had been weakened by the side effects of the medication when I was conducting lectures in Hualien, Taiwan. I was riding on an escalator, which came to an abrupt halt due to an unexpected power outage. I lost my balance and could not react in time to stop myself from tumbling down the escalator steps. Upon regaining consciousness, I opened my eyes to bruises and bloodied wounds all over my body. I was still reeling from the shock of seeing the extent of my injuries when I realized that my self-preservation instincts were activated in my mind, but my body was powerless to respond accordingly. Since that incident, I would return home to rest as soon as I have completed my treatment sessions and refrain from travelling long distances. The treatment drugs achieved optimum effect after six months. I believe that the combination of a high degree of cooperation and timeliness is the key to effective treatment, in parallel to the administration of treatment to patients following an organ transplant operation, who are required to adhere to a fixed medication schedule to ensure a balanced concentration of medication in the body. I contemplated the fragility of life and the inevitability of death as I grappled with life as a patient. I had also discovered that a patient’s road to recovery is paved with the unconditional support and encouragement by family, friends and colleagues, in addition to an accommodating work environment that allows for rest and recuperation. These forms of emotional and environmental support are more crucial than ever in times of personal crisis. Medical professionals, no matter how well-versed or knowledgeable in the prevention of diseases, are equally vulnerable to untoward accidents and illnesses. Life is unpredictable, but if we strive to minimize harmful health hazards and stay positive in the face of illness, we are capable of overcoming the odds. Now, I am equipped with an improved awareness of the importance of caring for my own well- being whilst caring for others, for a healthy body grants me physical and mental strength to serve my patients. Dr YinWen-yao Director of Transplant Surgery, Dalin Tzu Chi Hospital