At 53, Mr Oh Ah Kiat’s life took an unexpected turn when he was diagnosed with end-stage heart failure affecting both sides of his heart.
As the sole breadwinner in his family, the diagnosis deeply impacted their livelihood. Yet, with unwavering support from his wife, who is also his primary caregiver, Mr Oh remains hopeful as he awaits a heart transplant.
A Life-Changing Diagnosis
For over 30 years, Mr Oh dedicated himself to his hawker stall, tirelessly cooking fried hokkien mee. However, in 2008, he began experiencing chest pain and breathlessness while working. He was later diagnosed with Non-ischaemic Cardiomyopathy, a condition where the heart muscle becomes enlarged or stiff without existing coronary artery disease.
Despite the daily pain and fatigue, Mr Oh continued working at his stall to provide for his family. “Even when he was experiencing heart and chest pain, he stood at the stall cooking every day. I know it was very hard for him. Many times, he felt like giving up, but I reminded him that our family depends on him,” shared Mrs Oh.
In December 2023, as his left heart ventricle began failing, Mr Oh underwent surgery to be fitted with a Left Ventricular Assist Device (LVAD). The device helps the heart to pump blood to his lungs and body. However, after a fall, further tests revealed that his right heart ventricle was also deteriorating. By January 2024, he required a second surgery for a Right Ventricular Assist Device (RVAD).
A New Chapter with a 6-kg Companion
Following his surgery, Mr Oh found himself frail and wheelchair-bound—a stark contrast to the energetic hawker he once was. As a Biventricular Assist Device (BiVAD) patient, Mr Oh had to carry two 3kg backpacks containing batteries to keep his artificial heart pumping. Living with the BiVAD comes with challenges as it requires constant monitoring to ensure an adequate power supply, protection from water, and careful handling to prevent infection and device malfunctions.
With the BiVAD, Mr Oh was able to regain some independence—he can cook simple meals, attend his medical appointments, and assist with simple tasks. While he can no longer return to his hawker duties, his daughter and son-in-law have taken over the stall, allowing him more time to rest and recuperate.
At home, he finds joy in caring for his granddaughter, though Mrs Oh admits it is bittersweet. "I am grateful that he is still by my side and able to perform simple tasks on his own. But seeing him cook with the device’s batteries attached to him worries me every day," she said.
For the Oh family, the BiVAD is a temporary solution. Their hope remains pinned on a heart transplant. “A transplant would change everything for us,” Mr Oh shared, filled with determination.
Finding Strength in Community
To find support and solidarity, the Ohs attends gatherings organised by the NHCS LVAD Team Patient Support Group. These sessions connect them with other patients facing similar struggles and offer a vital source of hope and encouragement.
The couple also extends their gratitude towards the dedicated NHCS healthcare team for their unwavering care and support. "We are extremely grateful to the healthcare professionals at NHCS for taking really good care of us through this journey. They made us feel at ease and supported us every step of the way," Mrs Oh expressed warmly.
The Power of Your Gift
Mr Oh's journey is a testament to the power of resilience, love, and community. However, his battle is far from over. A heart transplant represents the promise of a better life—a chance to reclaim his former vitality and perhaps, returning to his hawker stall eventually.
You can make a difference today. With a donation of SGD30 and above to the NHCS Heart To Heart Fund, you will be able to provide financial aid to our needy heart patients and defray their medical fees or living expenses.
Eligible donations will be entitled to 250% tax deduction.
As a token of appreciation, you will receive a NHCS Commemorative Coin (while stocks last)! To contribute, please visit https://for.sg/nhcs-needy-patients.
Together, we can offer hope to heart patients like Mr Oh and give them a second chance at life.
This article is from Murmurs Issue 48. Click here to read other articles or issues.
